The Subgenre is the secondary level of SongScore's genre detection hierarchy — a more specific classification within the primary genre that provides finer-grained stylistic positioning. For example, a track with a primary genre of Pop might have a subgenre of "bedroom pop," "synth pop," "art pop," or "power pop." A track with a primary genre of Rock might have a subgenre of "indie rock," "alternative rock," "post-rock," or "garage rock."
Subgenre detection gives SongScore's analysis much more precision than primary genre alone. A bedroom pop track and a synth pop track may both be Pop, but they fit completely different editorial playlists, appeal to different listener segments, and require different pitching strategies. The subgenre bridges the gap between broad genre category and specific playlist fit.
Subgenre detection is particularly important for independent artists whose music often sits at the intersection of genres. Bedroom pop, for example, is a subgenre that has specific production characteristics — lo-fi aesthetics, intimate vocals, minimal arrangements — that editorial curators specifically look for. Being classified into the correct subgenre means being matched with the right curators and the right playlists. SongScore can identify multiple subgenres if the track has stylistic elements from several sub-categories.