How to Change Artist Name: DistroKid vs CD Baby
In the ever-evolving music industry, an artist's name is as crucial as their sound. It represents their brand, identity, and how fans recognize them. However, there might come a time when an artist feels the need to change their name. Whether it's due to rebranding, personal reasons, or simply a change in style, changing an artist name can be a necessary step. In this article, we’ll explore how to change your artist name on DistroKid and compare the services of DistroKid and CD Baby.
Changing Your Artist Name on DistroKid
DistroKid is a popular music distribution platform that allows artists to get their music on various digital streaming platforms. Changing your artist name on DistroKid is straightforward but requires some steps to ensure everything is updated correctly.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Log In to Your Account: Start by logging into your DistroKid account.
- Navigate to the "Edit" Tab: On the main dashboard, find and click on the "Edit" tab next to the release you want to change.
- Update Artist Name: In the release information, update your artist name to the new one.
- Review and Submit: Double-check all the information to ensure everything is correct, then submit the changes.
- Follow Up: It may take some time for the changes to be reflected on all platforms. Monitor your profiles to ensure the update is processed.
DistroKid does not charge extra fees for changing your artist name. However, it's essential to note that the changes might not be instantaneous and could take a few days to reflect across all platforms.
DistroKid vs CD Baby: A Comparison
When considering music distribution services, DistroKid and CD Baby are prominent names that often come up. Each has its own set of features, benefits, and limitations. Here, we'll compare them based on several factors to help you make an informed decision.
Pricing
DistroKid: DistroKid operates on a subscription model. Artists pay an annual fee to upload and distribute unlimited songs and albums. This model is excellent for prolific artists who release a lot of music.
CD Baby: CD Baby charges a one-time fee per release, with additional charges for optional services like physical distribution. This might be more suited for artists who release music less frequently.
Distribution Channels
Both DistroKid and CD Baby distribute music to major digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and more. They also provide options for artists to get their music into niche markets and stores.
Additional Features
DistroKid: Offers features like instant Spotify verification, cross-platform linking, hyperfollow pages, and more. Their user-friendly interface is designed to make the distribution process as seamless as possible.
CD Baby: Known for its robust artist services, CD Baby offers tools for physical distribution, sync licensing, and publishing administration. They also have a partnership with YouTube for monetizing user-generated content featuring an artist's music.
Customer Support
Customer support is critical, especially when dealing with changes like an artist name update.
DistroKid: While DistroKid aims to provide quick responses, some users have reported varying experiences with their support team.
CD Baby: CD Baby is known for its comprehensive support resources, including a detailed help center and responsive customer service.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between DistroKid and CD Baby often comes down to an artist’s specific needs and frequency of releases. Here are some scenarios to help you decide:
- If you’re a prolific artist who releases music frequently and needs unlimited uploads, DistroKid might be the better option due to its subscription model.
- If you release music less frequently and could benefit from additional services like physical distribution and sync licensing, CD Baby might be more suitable.
Conclusion
Changing your artist name can be an important step in your music career, and both DistroKid and CD Baby provide the tools to support this change. By understanding the processes involved and the differences between these platforms, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals. Remember, whatever platform you choose, having a well-thought-out artist name and brand is crucial for your success.
Leverage platforms like TikTok, SoundOn to further promote your music and connect with a wider audience. With these tools at your disposal, navigating the music industry becomes just a bit easier.
Join the many artists who’ve found success with SoundOn by registering here.
