Is DistroKid a Publisher and How to List Featured Singer?

In the ever-evolving music industry, understanding the roles that different platforms play can be essential for artists looking to gain maximum exposure and revenue from their work. DistroKid is one such platform that has become popular for its straightforward distribution services. However, many artists wonder whether DistroKid acts as a publisher and how to properly list a featured singer on their album. In this article, we will explore these questions in detail.

Understanding the Role of a Publisher

To begin with, it's important to understand what a music publisher does. A music publisher is responsible for managing the rights to compositions. They collect royalties on behalf of the songwriters and composers from various sources, including performance royalties (from radio, live performances, etc.), mechanical royalties (from physical and digital sales), and synchronization royalties (from TV, films, ads, etc.). Additionally, they also take care of licensing and ensuring that the compositions are being used legally.

Is DistroKid a Publisher?

No, DistroKid is not a publisher. DistroKid provides distribution services, meaning that they help artists get their music onto various digital streaming platforms (DSPs) like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. However, DistroKid does not handle music publishing. This means they do not manage songwriters' and composers' rights, nor do they collect publishing royalties on behalf of the artists.

If you're an artist looking to manage your publishing rights and collect all the royalties you are entitled to, you would need to partner with a music publishing administrator or a dedicated music publisher.

Listing a Featured Singer on Your Album

Featuring other artists on your tracks can be a great way to add variety to your music and reach new audiences. When it comes to crediting featured artists, it’s important to do it correctly to ensure they receive the proper recognition and royalties.

Steps to List a Featured Singer

Here is how you can list a featured singer on platforms like SoundOn and DistroKid:

1. When uploading: During the upload process on these platforms, there is usually an option to add featured artists. Make sure to spell their names correctly and include the "feat." or "featuring" prefix.
2. Metadata: Include the featured artist information in the track metadata. This is crucial for ensuring that the artist's name appears correctly on all distribution platforms.
3. Artwork: If possible, make sure that the album cover or single artwork includes the featured artist's name.
4. Credits: On some platforms, there are additional fields for credits. Make sure you include the featured singer in these fields.

Ensuring Proper Recognition

Properly listing your featured artist ensures that they get the credit they deserve and are properly acknowledged on streaming platforms. When done correctly, this also ensures that they receive their rightful share of royalties from the track.

Final Thoughts

While DistroKid provides excellent distribution services to get your music onto various platforms, it does not serve as a music publisher. Therefore, it does not manage your composition rights or collect publishing royalties. On the other hand, crediting a featured singer correctly is essential to give them the deserved recognition and to ensure they get paid for their contribution. By following the outlined steps, you can make sure that all featured artists are properly listed and acknowledged.

As an artist looking to expand your reach and manage your music career effectively, choosing the right distribution and publishing services is crucial. Platforms like SoundOn offer comprehensive tools and support to help you achieve your goals. Register as a SoundOn artist today and take control of your music distribution and promotion.

Register as a SoundOn artist