Grooveshark have launched a new music research tool, Beluga.

For the uninitiated, Grooveshark is an online streaming service that – unlike Spotify – doesn’t require a subscription. It’s also currently being sued by all four major labels (EMI, Universal, Sony, Warner) to the tune of $17 billion.

Beluga is being aimed at independent artists interested in knowing where their fanbase lies, allowing “anyone in the world to easily view extensive data about an artist and their fanbase … giv[ing] artists invaluable fan understanding and career-launching knowledge—for free.”

“We want to benefit artists and equip the music industry with transparent”, Beluga’s press blurb continues, “actionable data for confidently building artists’ careers and connecting with fans. By combining extensive market research with listening activity from Grooveshark’s 20 million monthly users all over the world, Beluga produces a comprehensive picture of any artist’s fanbase. Easily see where an artist’s music is trending as well as fans’ demographics and interests, which can help with routing tours, developing show lineups, choosing merch, finding ideal promotion areas, and connecting with fans on an in-depth level.”

Grooveshark senior director of public relations Danika Azzarelli claims Beluga to be “the next-tier of music insights. Basically, it allows anyone in the entire world to view data about any artist and market research based on surveys on the Grooveshark platform.”

Interested parties can request a beta invite here.