# Research Artist for Suno > This skill should be used when the user asks to "research an artist", "analyze [artist] style", "study [song]", "look up [artist] patterns", or wants to explore musical patterns before creating a Suno song. Automatically launches song-researcher sub-agent for comprehensive pattern analysis from web sources. - Skill: `nwp/research-artist-for-suno` (Agent Skill) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add nwp/research-artist-for-suno` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/nwp/research-artist-for-suno/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: AI & ML - Author: nwp (https://skillmd.com/u/nwp) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/nwp/research-artist-for-suno --- # Research Artist for Suno Independently research artist styles and song patterns to inform Suno prompt creation. Get comprehensive analysis of lyrical structure, musical patterns, and production characteristics before writing a song. ## Purpose This skill provides standalone artist/song research capabilities using the same automated research sub-agent used in the main Suno Song Creator workflow. Use it when you want to understand an artist's style before creating a song, or when you're exploring musical patterns for inspiration. ## When to Use This Skill Use this skill when: - Exploring an artist's style before song creation - Studying specific song patterns for inspiration - Researching multiple artists to compare styles - Gathering pattern data for later use - Learning about lyrical structures and techniques - Understanding genre-specific production approaches **Example triggers:** - "Research Phoebe Bridgers' style" - "Analyze Sabrina Carpenter's Manchild" - "Study Taylor Swift's folklore era patterns" - "Look up The National's lyrical patterns" - "What are Bon Iver's signature characteristics?" ## Usage ### Research an Artist (General Style) ```bash /research-artist Phoebe Bridgers /research-artist The National /research-artist boygenius ``` **What happens:** 1. Skill extracts artist name from your request 2. Launches song-researcher sub-agent automatically 3. Sub-agent performs web research (Genius, HookTheory, Spotify) 4. Sub-agent analyzes 3-4 representative songs 5. Returns structured research report with patterns ### Research a Specific Song ```bash /research-artist Sabrina Carpenter - Manchild /research-artist Phoebe Bridgers - Motion Sickness /research-artist Taylor Swift - All Too Well ``` **What happens:** 1. Skill extracts artist name AND specific song 2. Launches song-researcher sub-agent 3. Sub-agent performs deep analysis of that specific song 4. Sub-agent also analyzes 2-3 other songs from same artist for context 5. Returns comprehensive report with song-specific patterns plus artist context ## Research Workflow ### Automated Web Research The song-researcher sub-agent automatically: **From Genius.com:** - Fetches complete lyrics - Extracts song structure markers (Verse, Chorus, Bridge) - Collects annotations and context **From HookTheory.com / Chord Sites:** - Searches for chord progressions - Extracts key signatures if available - Notes musical theory elements **From Spotify / Music Sites:** - Identifies genre tags - Finds similar artists - Gathers production context ### Pattern Extraction **Lyrical Patterns Analyzed:** - **Syllable counts:** Lines per section, consistency patterns - **Rhyme scheme:** AABB, ABAB, ABCB, loose/tight rhyming - **Structure:** Verse/chorus/bridge line counts, repetition - **Metaphors:** Central metaphor systems, imagery patterns - **Vocabulary:** Characteristic word choices, formality level - **Emotional arc:** Progression through song sections **Musical Context:** - **Chord progressions:** Common patterns, key signatures - **Production style:** Recording techniques, instrumentation - **Vocal delivery:** Range, dynamics, characteristic techniques ### Multi-Song Synthesis When researching a specific song: - **Primary analysis:** Deep dive into that specific song - **Context songs:** Analyze 2-3 other representative tracks - **Pattern synthesis:** Identify what's consistent (artist signature) vs. variable (song-specific) When researching an artist generally: - Analyzes 3-4 representative popular songs - Identifies consistent patterns across catalog - Notes variations and evolution ## Research Report Format Receive a structured markdown report with: ```markdown # Research Report: [Artist] - [Song if specified] ## Research Quality - **Confidence Score:** [90-100% / 70-89% / 50-69% / <50%] - **Sources Used:** Genius ✓/✗, Chords ✓/✗, Spotify/Context ✓/✗ - **Songs Analyzed:** [count] total - **Primary Song:** [song name if specific] - **Context Songs:** [other songs analyzed] ## Primary Song Analysis (if specific song) ### Lyrical Structure - Syllable patterns: [X-Y per line, consistency notes] - Rhyme scheme: [AABB/ABAB/ABCB/etc.] - Verse structure: [lines, pattern] - Chorus structure: [lines, pattern] ### Thematic Elements - Central metaphor: [description] - Emotional arc: [progression] - Characteristic vocabulary: [word choices] - Tone: [intimate/playful/melancholic/etc.] ### Musical Context - Chord progression: [if available] - Key: [if available] - Production notes: [style, instrumentation] ## Artist Context ### Consistent Patterns (Artist Signature) - Syllable tendencies: [consistent across songs] - Rhyme preferences: [typical schemes] - Metaphor approach: [concrete vs. abstract] - Production style: [lo-fi/polished/etc.] ### Variations Across Songs - [what changes song to song] - [stylistic range] ## Recommendations for Suno Prompt **Genre Section:** ``` genre: "[specific genre descriptors from research]" ``` **Vocal Section:** ``` vocal: "[delivery style, range, characteristics from research]" ``` **Lyrical Guidance:** - Syllable targets: [X-Y verses, X-Y chorus] - Rhyme scheme: [recommended pattern] - Metaphor approach: [concrete/abstract balance] - Tone: [recommended emotional register] **Production Notes:** ``` instrumentation: "[from research]" production: "[from research]" recording: "[realism descriptors if applicable]" ``` ## Research Limitations - [What data was unavailable] - [Sources that didn't have information] - [Caveats about analysis] ``` ## Confidence Scoring **90-100% (Comprehensive):** - All 3 sources provided data - Multiple songs analyzed successfully - Complete pattern extraction possible - High certainty in recommendations **70-89% (Good):** - 2/3 sources provided data - At least one complete song analyzed - Patterns identified with reasonable confidence - Recommendations solid but with some gaps **50-69% (Basic):** - 1/3 sources provided partial data - Limited song analysis - Patterns tentative - Recommendations cautious **<50% (Insufficient):** - Very limited data available - Artist/song not found or minimal info - Proceed with caution - Manual research may be needed ## Usage Examples ### Example 1: Research Artist Before Creating Song ``` User: /research-artist Phoebe Bridgers Main Agent: "I'll research Phoebe Bridgers' style to understand her patterns..." Main Agent: [Launches song-researcher sub-agent] Song Researcher: [Fetches data from Genius (Motion Sickness, Scott Street, Kyoto)] Song Researcher: [Searches for chord progressions on HookTheory] Song Researcher: [Gathers genre context from Spotify/AllMusic] Song Researcher: [Analyzes syllable patterns, rhyme schemes, metaphors] Song Researcher: [Returns structured report] Main Agent: "Research complete! Analyzed 3 songs: 'Motion Sickness', 'Scott Street', 'Kyoto'." Main Agent: [Displays research report with patterns] Key findings: - Syllables: 8-10 per line in verses, 6-9 in chorus - Rhyme: Loose ABCB, prefers slant rhymes over exact - Metaphors: Concrete imagery (car crashes, specific places) - Tone: Confessional, intimate, lo-fi aesthetic - Production: Bedroom pop, minimal, soft dynamics ``` **User can then:** Use findings to inform Suno song creation, save report for reference, or continue main workflow with research context ### Example 2: Research Specific Song ``` User: /research-artist Sabrina Carpenter - Manchild Main Agent: "I'll research Sabrina Carpenter's 'Manchild' in depth..." Main Agent: [Launches song-researcher sub-agent] Song Researcher: [Primary: Deep analysis of 'Manchild'] Song Researcher: [Context: Analyzes 'Nonsense', 'Feather' for patterns] Song Researcher: [Synthesizes song-specific vs. artist-consistent patterns] Song Researcher: [Returns structured report] Main Agent: "Research complete! Primary song: 'Manchild' + context from 2 other tracks." Main Agent: [Displays comprehensive report] Key findings for 'Manchild': - Syllables: 7-9 per line, very consistent - Rhyme: AABB couplets, exact rhymes - Metaphor: Extended "manchild" metaphor throughout - Tone: Playful sarcasm, witty observations - Production: Modern pop, bright, punchy Artist context (from other songs): - Consistent: Witty wordplay, relationship commentary - Variable: 'Manchild' more sarcastic than usual romantic tracks ``` **User can then:** Understand specific song's unique qualities vs. artist's general style ### Example 3: Compare Multiple Artists ``` User: I want to understand the difference between Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker's styles Main Agent: "I'll research both artists separately..." [Researches Phoebe Bridgers] [Researches Julien Baker] Main Agent: "Here's the comparison based on research: **Phoebe Bridgers:** - Syllables: 8-10, looser - Rhyme: Slant rhymes, loose ABCB - Metaphors: Concrete imagery (places, objects) - Production: Bedroom pop, soft **Julien Baker:** - Syllables: 9-11, tighter - Rhyme: More exact rhymes, ABAB - Metaphors: Religious imagery, abstract concepts - Production: Lo-fi indie rock, emotional dynamics" ``` ## Integration with Main Workflow **Standalone usage:** Use `/research-artist` independently when exploring styles before creating a song. **Automatic usage in main workflow:** When you use the main Suno Song Creator skill and mention an artist reference, the song-researcher sub-agent launches automatically—you don't need to call this skill manually. **Example workflow:** 1. Use `/research-artist Phoebe Bridgers` to study style 2. Review research report 3. Later: "Create a sad indie folk song" (main Suno workflow) 4. Reference findings from earlier research when building prompt **Note:** Research is NOT cached across sessions. Each invocation performs fresh web research. ## Error Handling ### Artist Not Found If the artist is not found or has minimal data: - Sub-agent tries alternative spellings - Searches for similar artists - Returns partial results with low confidence score - Recommends manual research **Example output:** ``` ## Research Limitations - Artist "XYZ" not found on Genius or Spotify - Attempted alternative spellings with no results - Confidence: <50% (Insufficient) - Recommendation: Verify artist name spelling or try related artists ``` ### Limited Data Available If some sources provide data but others don't: - Uses available sources - Notes which sources failed - Provides partial analysis - Flags confidence score accordingly **Example output:** ``` ## Research Quality - Sources Used: Genius ✓, Chords ✗ (not available), Spotify ✓ - Confidence: 65% (Basic) - Note: Chord progressions not available for this artist ``` ### Specific Song Not Found If researching specific song that can't be located: - Falls back to artist's popular songs - Analyzes general style instead - Notes in report that specific song unavailable **Example output:** ``` ## Research Limitations - Specific song "XYZ" not found - Analyzed 3 other popular songs instead: [list] - General artist patterns provided ``` ## Best Practices **Before using:** - Have artist name and/or song title ready - Consider if you want general style or specific song analysis - Be prepared to review structured report **When reviewing results:** - Check confidence score (>70% is good, <50% needs caution) - Note which sources provided data - Identify patterns vs. limitations - Use recommendations as starting point, not rigid rules **After research:** - Save report if needed for later reference - Use findings to inform Suno prompt sections - Adapt patterns to your song's unique needs - Don't copy verbatim—use as inspiration ## Technical Details ### Sub-Agent Architecture This skill uses the Task tool to launch the song-researcher sub-agent: ``` Task tool: subagent_type: "song-researcher" description: "Research artist patterns" prompt: "Research [Artist] - [Song if mentioned]. User wants to understand style patterns." ``` **Sub-agent tools:** - **Read:** Access reference materials in `references/` directory - **Grep:** Search reference materials for patterns - **WebFetch:** Fetch content from Genius, HookTheory, Spotify - **WebSearch:** Find artist pages, song pages, context **Sub-agent context:** - Independent context (no shared conversation history) - No knowledge of skill invocation method - Receives only artist/song names and research request - Returns structured markdown report ### Reference Materials Sub-agent can access: - `../references/artist-research-guide.md` - Research techniques and analysis methods - `../references/meta-tags-reference.md` - Meta tag patterns for Suno - `../references/realism-descriptors.md` - Production vocabulary - `../references/genre-clouds.md` - Genre characteristic patterns These references inform analysis but are not included in report output. ## Limitations **What this skill does NOT do:** - Does not cache research across sessions - Does not create Suno prompts (use main Suno Song Creator for that) - Does not access paid/subscription music theory sites - Does not analyze audio files directly - Does not provide chord progressions if unavailable on web **What it DOES do:** - Automated web research from free sources - Structured pattern extraction - Multi-song comparative analysis - Confidence-scored recommendations - Graceful degradation when data limited ## Related Skills **Main Suno Song Creator (`/suno-song-creator`):** Use when you want to create a complete Suno prompt. Includes automated research when artist mentioned, plus prompt building, lyric writing, and file export. **Review Suno Song (`/review-song`):** Use after creating a prompt to get quality assessment from independent reviewer. Checks for AI-slop, clichés, rhyme quality, style-lyric fit. ## Skill Workflow Summary 1. **Extract:** Parse artist name and optional song from user request 2. **Launch:** Use Task tool to invoke song-researcher sub-agent 3. **Research:** Sub-agent performs automated web fetching from 3 sources 4. **Analyze:** Sub-agent extracts patterns (syllables, rhyme, metaphors, etc.) 5. **Synthesize:** Sub-agent compares across multiple songs if applicable 6. **Score:** Sub-agent rates confidence based on data quality 7. **Report:** Sub-agent returns structured markdown report 8. **Display:** Main agent presents findings to user 9. **Save (optional):** User can save report or use findings immediately ## Implementation Notes **When invoked:** - Parse user input for artist name and optional song - Construct research request for sub-agent - Launch via Task tool - Wait for structured report - Display results to user **Input variations handled:** - "Phoebe Bridgers" → artist-only research - "Phoebe Bridgers - Motion Sickness" → specific song + context - "Phoebe Bridgers Motion Sickness" (no dash) → parse correctly - "Research Taylor Swift folklore" → artist + era hint **Output handling:** - Display full structured report - Highlight confidence score prominently - Note any limitations or missing data - Provide actionable next steps **No user input required:** Artist/song name provided in initial skill invocation. Sub-agent performs research automatically and returns complete report.