What Is The Wikipedia Notability Policy for Music
The Wikipedia Notability Policy for Music outlines the criteria for determining whether a musician or other topics related to music are notable enough for a standalone article on Wikipedia.
These guidelines laid out in this policy are critical for ensuring that the content on Wikipedia remains reliable, encyclopedic, and neutral. The guidelines also help prevent the inclusion of obscure or insignificant music topics that fail to meet Wikipedia’s standards.
The policy entails specific criteria for various aspects of music, such as musicians, ensembles, composers, lyricists, recordings, songs, and concert tours. It aims to provide clear guidance for contributors on what constitutes notability topics related to music.
What types of sources are considered valid for establishing notability for music?
Valid sources for establishing notability for music include a variety of published works. The list includes newspaper articles, books, magazine articles, online versions of print media, and television documentaries. Primary sources, however, including self-published sources, press releases, advertising materials, and trivial coverage (e.g., performance dates, release information) do not count toward establishing notability on Wikipedia.
Can music topics that don’t meet the general notability guideline still be included in Wikipedia?
While it is generally discouraged, music topics that do not meet the general notability guideline may still be included in Wikipedia under certain conditions. For example, information about a non-notable musician or band can be merged into a larger article about a notable group they perform with. Songs that don’t meet the notability threshold can be mentioned in a discography or list of songs. Inclusion must be relevant, verifiable, and free from self-promotion.
Are there specific notability guidelines for different categories of music?
Yes, there are specific notability guidelines for various categories within music, such as musicians and ensembles, composers and lyricists, recordings, songs, and concert tours. These guidelines provide criteria to address the particular challenges of establishing notability in each category.
What are the specific notability criteria for songs in music on Wikipedia?
Songs are considered notable if they have been the subject of multiple, non-trivial, published works in independent and reliable sources; have been ranked on national or significant music or sales charts; have won or been nominated for significant awards or honors; or have been independently released as a recording by several notable artists, bands, or groups.
What are some common challenges in establishing notability for songs?
Challenges in establishing notability for songs include finding reliable, independent sources that provide non-trivial coverage of the song; distinguishing between coverage of a song in the context of an album review and coverage that establishes notability for the song itself; and determining notability for songs that have not achieved chart success or received awards but may still be significant within a particular genre or cultural context.
What are the specific notability criteria for albums and recordings in music on Wikipedia?
Albums and recordings are considered notable if they have been the subject of multiple, non-trivial, published works in independent and reliable sources; have appeared on any country’s national music chart; have been certified gold or higher in at least one country; have won or been nominated for a major music award; have been performed in a notable medium (e.g., a theme for a network television show, inclusion on a notable compilation album); or have been in rotation nationally by a major radio or music television network.
What are some common challenges in establishing notability for albums and recordings?
Challenges in establishing notability for albums and recordings include finding reliable, independent sources that provide non-trivial coverage of the album or recording; distinguishing between coverage that merely mentions the album or recording and coverage that establishes notability; and determining notability for albums or recordings that have not achieved chart success, received awards, or been featured in notable media but may still be significant within a particular genre or cultural context.
What are the specific notability criteria for concert tours in music on Wikipedia?
Concert tours are considered notable if they have received significant coverage in multiple independent reliable sources, demonstrating notability in terms of artistic approach, financial success, relationship to audience, or other relevant terms.
What are some common challenges in establishing notability for concert tours?
Challenges in establishing notability for concert tours include finding reliable, independent sources that provide significant coverage of the tour; distinguishing between coverage that merely mentions the tour and coverage that establishes notability; and determining notability for tours that may not have achieved widespread recognition or success but are still significant within a particular genre, cultural context, or for a specific artist.
