/analyze-artist

Purpose

The /analyze-artist command performs comprehensive discography research for a musical artist, producing a structured YAML profile that identifies creative eras, recommends catalog organization, and guides collection development. This command is the entry point for the Media Curator framework's artist-centric workflow.

Parameters

Required

<artist_name>

The artist or band name to analyze
Supports aliases and common alternate names
Example: "Twenty One Pilots", "Radiohead", "Kendrick Lamar"

Optional

--scope <scope_type>

Controls the breadth of analysis
Default: complete
Options:
- complete - Full discography across all eras
- era:<era_name> - Focus on specific creative period (e.g., era:Blurryface)
- style:<style_name> - Focus on releases matching style tag (e.g., style:acoustic)

--depth <depth_level>

Controls research thoroughness and time investment
Default: thorough
Options:
- quick - MusicBrainz canonical releases only, basic era detection (2-5 min)
- moderate - MusicBrainz + Discogs cross-reference, standard era analysis (5-15 min)
- thorough - Full multi-source research, narrative analysis, gap identification (15-45 min)

--output <file_path>

Specify custom output location for YAML profile
Default: .aiwg/media-curator/profiles/<artist-slug>.yaml
Example: --output ~/music/analysis/radiohead.yaml

--format <format_type>

Output format for artist profile
Default: yaml
Options:
- yaml - Structured YAML profile (default, machine-readable)
- markdown - Human-readable Markdown report with embedded YAML
- json - JSON format for programmatic integration

--include-unofficial

Include bootlegs, demos, and unofficial releases in analysis
Default: false (official releases only)
When enabled, adds unofficial section to YAML output

--interactive

Enable interactive mode for era boundary decisions
Default: false (automated analysis)
Prompts user at ambiguous era transitions for input

Workflow

Phase 1: Artist Identification

Query MusicBrainz for artist MBID using provided name
Resolve aliases and display disambiguation options if multiple matches
Retrieve artist metadata (active years, genres, relationships)

Example Query:

curl "https://musicbrainz.org/ws/2/artist/?query=artist:Twenty%20One%20Pilots&fmt=json"

Phase 2: Release Discovery

Fetch complete release groups from MusicBrainz
Cross-reference Discogs for variant pressings and bootlegs (if --include-unofficial)
Filter by release type (album, EP, single, live, compilation)
Sort chronologically by earliest release date

Data Points Collected:

Release title and MBID
Release date (year-month-day)
Release type and status (official, promotion, bootleg)
Label and catalog number
Track count and total duration
Associated credits (producers, featured artists)

Phase 3: Era Detection

Analyze temporal clustering of releases
Identify lineup changes, label transitions, genre shifts
Review Wikipedia and AllMusic for contextual markers
Detect narrative arcs and concept album sequences
Establish era boundaries with supporting evidence

Detection Signals (see @$AIWG_ROOT/agentic/code/frameworks/media-curator/agents/discography-analyst.md for complete signal taxonomy):

Musical evolution (genre tags, production style)
Contextual changes (label, location, collaborators)
Narrative markers (artist statements, concept albums)
Temporal patterns (recording gaps, intensive output periods)

Phase 4: Special Collections Identification

Identify narrative arcs (concept album sequences, trilogy structures)
Detect acoustic sessions, live recordings, remix projects
Map collaborations and featuring appearances
Highlight demo collections and pre-label material

Phase 5: Catalog Structure Recommendation

Design directory hierarchy reflecting eras and special collections
Define organization principles (chronological, thematic, hybrid)
Recommend segregation of unofficial material
Provide implementation-ready file system structure

Phase 6: Gap Analysis

Compare collection against canonical discography
Identify missing releases by priority (essential, recommended, optional)
Note availability status (in-print, out-of-print, digital-only, unreleased)
Flag high-value acquisitions for collection completion

Phase 7: Output Generation

Structure findings into YAML schema (see Output Format section)
Write to specified output location or default path
Display summary report with key findings
Provide next-step recommendations

Output Format

YAML Artist Profile

artist:
  name: "Artist Name"
  mbid: "xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx"
  discogs_id: "123456"
  active_years: "YYYY-YYYY"
  genres:
    - "Primary Genre"
    - "Secondary Genre"

analysis_metadata:
  generated: "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS"
  depth: "thorough"
  scope: "complete"
  sources:
    - "MusicBrainz"
    - "Discogs"
    - "Wikipedia"
    - "AllMusic"

eras:
  - name: "Era Name"
    period: "YYYY-YYYY"
    description: |
      Multi-line narrative description of the creative period,
      including key characteristics, influences, and significance.
    key_characteristics:
      - "Musical trait or innovation"
      - "Thematic or lyrical focus"
      - "Production or collaboration pattern"
    boundary_markers:
      start: "Event or release marking era beginning"
      end: "Event or release marking era conclusion"
    releases:
      - title: "Release Title"
        year: YYYY
        type: "studio" | "live" | "compilation" | "ep" | "single"
        mbid: "xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx"
        discogs_id: "123456"
        label: "Label Name"
        significance: "Major album" | "Transitional work" | "Definitive statement" | "Minor release"
        tracks: 12
        duration: "45:30"

special_collections:
  - name: "Collection Name"
    type: "narrative_arc" | "acoustic_sessions" | "live_recordings" | "remixes" | "demos" | "collaborations"
    description: |
      Purpose and scope of the special collection,
      including curatorial rationale.
    releases:
      - "Release Title (Year)"
    recommended_location: "catalog/special/collection-slug/"
    curation_notes: |
      Additional context for organizing this collection,
      such as playback order or thematic grouping.

collaborations:
  - artist: "Collaborator Name"
    mbid: "xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx"
    releases:
      - title: "Release Title"
        year: YYYY
        nature: "featuring" | "production" | "side_project" | "remix" | "tribute"

related_content:
  - type: "solo_projects"
    description: "Band member solo work or side projects"
    items:
      - name: "Project Name"
        artist: "Artist Name"
        mbid: "xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx"
  - type: "affiliated_artists"
    description: "Frequent collaborators or label mates"
    items:
      - name: "Artist Name"
        mbid: "xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx"

catalog_structure:
  recommended_hierarchy: |
    artist-name/
      01-early-era/
        YYYY-release-title/
      02-breakthrough-era/
        YYYY-release-title/
      03-mature-era/
        YYYY-release-title/
      special/
        narrative-projects/
          trilogy-name/
            part-1/
            part-2/
            part-3/
        acoustic-sessions/
        live-recordings/
      collaborations/
        artist-name/
      unofficial/
        demos/
        bootlegs/

  organization_principles:
    - "Primary hierarchy: chronological eras"
    - "Secondary hierarchy: release type and significance"
    - "Special collections isolated for thematic coherence"
    - "Unofficial material clearly segregated"
    - "Directory names: YYYY-kebab-case-title"

  implementation_notes: |
    Specific guidance for applying the catalog structure,
    including edge cases and naming conventions.

gaps:
  - description: "Missing release or material"
    release_title: "Release Title"
    year: YYYY
    type: "studio" | "live" | "compilation" | "ep" | "single"
    priority: "essential" | "recommended" | "optional"
    availability: "in-print" | "out-of-print" | "digital-only" | "unreleased"
    acquisition_notes: |
      Guidance on obtaining this release, such as
      reissue availability, streaming platforms, or secondary market.

summary:
  total_releases: 42
  eras_identified: 5
  special_collections: 3
  gaps_essential: 2
  gaps_recommended: 5
  gaps_optional: 8
  collection_completion: "85%"

recommendations:
  next_steps:
    - "Acquire essential gaps: Release A, Release B"
    - "Organize existing collection into era-based directory structure"
    - "Research bootlegs for Era Name to assess quality and historical value"
  curatorial_focus:
    - "DEMA narrative arc is core to artist identity - prioritize complete trilogy"
    - "Early regional material has high fan value but limited commercial availability"

Markdown Report Format

When --format markdown is specified:

# Artist Name - Discography Analysis

**Generated**: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS
**Scope**: Complete discography
**Depth**: Thorough research

## Artist Overview

- **Active Years**: YYYY-YYYY
- **Genres**: Genre A, Genre B, Genre C
- **MusicBrainz ID**: `xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx`
- **Discogs ID**: `123456`

## Creative Eras

### Era Name (YYYY-YYYY)

Multi-line narrative description...

**Key Characteristics**:
- Characteristic 1
- Characteristic 2

**Releases**:
1. **Release Title** (YYYY) - studio - Significance note
2. **Release Title** (YYYY) - ep - Significance note

---

### Era Name (YYYY-YYYY)

...

## Special Collections

### Collection Name

**Type**: narrative_arc
**Description**: Purpose and scope...

**Releases**:
- Release Title (YYYY)
- Release Title (YYYY)

**Recommended Location**: `catalog/special/collection-slug/`

---

## Catalog Structure

artist-name/ 01-early-era/ 02-breakthrough-era/ ...


**Organization Principles**:
- Chronological eras
- Special collections isolated
- Unofficial material segregated

## Collection Gaps

### Essential
1. **Release Title** (YYYY) - Out of print - Acquisition notes...

### Recommended
1. **Release Title** (YYYY) - Digital only - Acquisition notes...

## Summary

- **Total Releases**: 42
- **Eras Identified**: 5
- **Collection Completion**: 85%

## Next Steps

1. Acquire essential gaps: Release A, Release B
2. Organize existing collection into era-based structure
3. Research bootlegs for quality assessment

---

## YAML Profile

```yaml
artist:
  name: "Artist Name"
  ...

(Full YAML embedded at end of Markdown report)


## Examples

### Example 1: Basic Complete Analysis

```bash
/analyze-artist "Radiohead"

Output: Thorough analysis of Radiohead's complete discography with eras (Pablo Honey, The Bends, OK Computer era, Kid A/Amnesiac era, In Rainbows era, etc.), special collections (In Rainbows/King of Limbs narrative arc), and catalog structure.

Saved to: .aiwg/media-curator/profiles/radiohead.yaml

Example 2: Quick Single-Era Analysis

/analyze-artist "Kendrick Lamar" --scope era:DAMN --depth quick

Output: Rapid analysis focusing only on the DAMN era (2017), including the album, related singles, and immediate context. Minimal external research beyond MusicBrainz canonical data.

Saved to: .aiwg/media-curator/profiles/kendrick-lamar-damn-era.yaml

Example 3: Thorough Analysis with Unofficial Material

/analyze-artist "Nirvana" --include-unofficial --depth thorough

Output: Complete Nirvana discography including official studio albums (Bleach, Nevermind, In Utero), live albums, compilations, AND bootlegs, demos, radio sessions. Unofficial material segregated in YAML output.

Saved to: .aiwg/media-curator/profiles/nirvana.yaml

Example 4: Custom Output Location and Format

/analyze-artist "Pink Floyd" --format markdown --output ~/Documents/pink-floyd-analysis.md

Output: Human-readable Markdown report with embedded YAML, saved to specified location outside AIWG default directory.

Saved to: ~/Documents/pink-floyd-analysis.md

Example 5: Interactive Era Boundary Decisions

/analyze-artist "The Beatles" --interactive

Output: Standard analysis with interactive prompts at ambiguous era transitions:

Era boundary detected: 1965-1966

Possible interpretations:
1. "Rubber Soul / Revolver" as single psychedelic transition era
2. "Rubber Soul" as final pop era, "Revolver" as first experimental era
3. Combined "Mid-Period Beatles" (1965-1967) including Sgt. Pepper's

Enter selection (1-3) or provide custom era name:

User input guides final era structure in YAML output.

Example 6: Style-Focused Analysis

/analyze-artist "Bon Iver" --scope style:acoustic --depth moderate

Output: Analysis focusing only on acoustic or folk-oriented releases, filtering out electronic experiments like "22, A Million". Useful for genre-specific collection curation.

Saved to: .aiwg/media-curator/profiles/bon-iver-acoustic.yaml

Integration with Media Curator Workflow

The /analyze-artist command outputs YAML that feeds downstream Media Curator agents and commands:

Collection Planner (/plan-collection): Uses gap analysis and priority rankings to build acquisition roadmap
Metadata Enricher (/enrich-metadata): Applies MBIDs, Discogs IDs, and era tags to existing music files
Quality Assessor (/assess-quality): Prioritizes high-significance releases for quality upgrades (lossless, remaster, vinyl rip)
Catalog Organizer (/organize-catalog): Implements recommended directory hierarchy, moves files into era-based structure
Listening Queue Generator (/queue-listening): Creates chronological or thematic playlists based on era structure

Invocation by Discography Analyst Agent

When the Discography Analyst agent is active, /analyze-artist can be invoked implicitly through natural language:

User: "Analyze Twenty One Pilots discography"

Agent Response: Executes /analyze-artist "Twenty One Pilots" --depth thorough and returns YAML profile with summary.

User: "Focus on the DEMA era"

Agent Response: Executes /analyze-artist "Twenty One Pilots" --scope era:DEMA and provides detailed breakdown of Blurryface/Trench/Clancy trilogy.

Error Handling

Artist Not Found

Error: No artist found matching "Artst Name"

Did you mean:
  1. Artist Name (MBID: xxxxxxxx...)
  2. Artist Name Jr. (MBID: yyyyyyyy...)

Enter selection (1-2) or refine search:

Ambiguous Artist Name

Multiple artists found for "John Williams":

  1. John Williams (film composer) - MBID: xxxxxxxx...
  2. John Williams (classical guitarist) - MBID: yyyyyyyy...
  3. John Williams (jazz pianist) - MBID: zzzzzzzz...

Enter selection (1-3):

MusicBrainz API Unavailable

Error: MusicBrainz API unavailable (HTTP 503)

Retry options:
  1. Retry immediately
  2. Retry after 60 seconds
  3. Skip MusicBrainz, use Discogs only (degraded analysis)
  4. Abort command

Enter selection (1-4):

Insufficient Data for Era Detection

Warning: Artist has only 2 studio albums, insufficient for era detection.

Analysis will use simplified structure:
  - Complete Works (YYYY-YYYY)

Proceed? (y/n):

Performance Characteristics

Depth Level	Data Sources	Avg Time	Output Size
Quick	MusicBrainz only	2-5 min	5-15 KB
Moderate	MusicBrainz + Discogs	5-15 min	15-40 KB
Thorough	MusicBrainz + Discogs + Wikipedia + AllMusic	15-45 min	40-150 KB

Factors affecting duration:

Discography size (10 releases vs. 100+ releases)
Era complexity (single-era artist vs. 6+ distinct periods)
Unofficial material inclusion (bootlegs require extensive cross-referencing)
API rate limits (MusicBrainz: 1 req/sec, Discogs: 60 req/min)

Quality Standards

Completeness: All officially released material identified (studio albums, EPs, singles, live albums, compilations)
Accuracy: MBIDs and Discogs IDs verified against canonical sources
Coherence: Era boundaries justified with multiple detection signals (musical, contextual, narrative, temporal)
Actionability: Catalog structure directly implementable in file systems (valid directory names, logical hierarchy)
Transparency: Classification decisions documented with rationale (why this release is "studio" not "demo", why this era boundary here)

Limitations

Requires internet access for MusicBrainz, Discogs, Wikipedia, AllMusic queries
Era identification is interpretive; command provides evidence-based recommendations, not absolute truth
Bootleg and unofficial material may have incomplete, conflicting, or absent metadata
Very recent releases (< 6 months) may lack sufficient critical or historical context for era placement
MusicBrainz and Discogs may have incomplete data for regional or non-Western artists

References

@$AIWG_ROOT/agentic/code/addons/aiwg-utils/rules/research-before-decision.md — Research canonical sources (MusicBrainz, Discogs) before making era boundary decisions
@$AIWG_ROOT/agentic/code/frameworks/media-curator/skills/find-sources/SKILL.md — Source discovery skill that consumes the artist profile produced here
@$AIWG_ROOT/agentic/code/frameworks/media-curator/skills/gap-documentation/SKILL.md — Gap documentation skill used to record missing catalog items
@$AIWG_ROOT/agentic/code/frameworks/media-curator/skills/check-completeness/SKILL.md — Completeness checking skill that builds on artist analysis output

Part of the AIWG Media Curator Framework Command category: media-curator Model: sonnet (Claude Sonnet 4.5)