Frequently asked questions

Does Release Sonar upload my music?

No. It reads the names of folders and files, never their contents, and everything is processed in your browser. When you pick a folder your browser may say "upload": nothing is sent. You can check it in your browser's network panel.

What does leave my device?

Only artist names and MusicBrainz identifiers, sent to MusicBrainz to find the artists and their releases. Your folder structure, album names and file names stay on your device.

How does it know an artist is the right one?

It compares the folder name with MusicBrainz names and aliases, ignoring accents, "The" and punctuation. When several artists share a name it looks at which one has the albums you have in your folders. If it is still unsure, the artist goes to the Check list so you can pick the right one, search with another spelling or paste a MusicBrainz link.

Why does the first import take so long?

MusicBrainz is a free, community-run database that allows about one request per second. Each artist needs one search and one discography request, so 500 artists take about 20 minutes. It runs in the background, you can keep using the app, and if you close the tab it continues next time. Checking for new releases afterwards is much faster, because one request covers about 30 artists.

How often does it check for new releases?

When you open it (if the last check was more than a few hours ago) and every few hours while the tab is open. You can also press "Check now". Optional push alerts with the app closed are planned for a next version.

What counts as "new"?

A release that appeared in MusicBrainz since your last visit, dated in the last 60 days, upcoming or not dated yet. Albums from an artist's back catalogue never show up as new, and by default albums you already have (by folder name) are hidden.

Can I choose albums only, or include singles?

Yes, in Settings. By default it shows albums and EPs and hides live albums, compilations and remixes.

A release is missing or has the wrong date

The data comes from MusicBrainz, which anyone can edit. If something is missing, you can add it there and it will show up in Release Sonar on the next check.

Can I use it on my phone and my computer?

Yes: turn on Google Drive sync in Settings and link the other device by scanning a QR. Everything is encrypted on your device before it reaches Drive, and changes made on both devices are merged. Without Drive, use Settings → Download a backup, and Restore it in the other browser.

Is it free?

Yes. It is supported by a small, clearly labelled ad, and there is no account or subscription.