What Do Featured Artists Do with DistroKid?
In today's digital age, music distribution platforms like DistroKid have become vital for artists aiming to share their music with a global audience. Whether you're a primary artist or a featured artist, understanding the roles and responsibilities can make a significant difference in how your music is received and promoted. In this article, we'll explore what featured artists are supposed to do with DistroKid and delve into the importance of ISRC codes in the music distribution process.
The Role of a Featured Artist
A featured artist is typically a guest performer on a track. Their role can range from contributing vocals, playing an instrument, or even providing a verse or two in a song. Being a featured artist can significantly boost an artist's exposure by reaching new audiences and collaborating with other talented musicians. But what specific responsibilities do featured artists have when using a platform like DistroKid?
Setting Up and Managing Releases
One of the primary tasks for a featured artist is ensuring their contributions are properly acknowledged in the release metadata. When a song is distributed through DistroKid, it's crucial to accurately list all contributing artists. Failure to do so can lead to missed opportunities for exposure and royalties. Here’s a step-by-step process:
- Collaboration Agreement: Before anything is released, ensure there is a formal collaboration agreement that outlines the specifics of the contribution, revenue sharing, and credit allocation.
- Metadata Submission: Work closely with the primary artist to ensure your name is correctly included as a featured artist in the metadata when the track is submitted to DistroKid for distribution.
Promoting the Track
Once the track is released, it's vital for featured artists to actively promote it. This includes sharing the track on social media, including it in personal playlists, and engaging with fans to create buzz. The more you promote the track, the greater the chances it will reach a larger audience, benefiting both you and the primary artist.
Understanding the ISRC Code
An International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is a unique identifier for sound and music video recordings. It's essential for tracking and managing recordings, especially in terms of royalties and rights management. For featured artists working with DistroKid, understanding the ISRC code and its significance is crucial for a few reasons:
- Royalty Collection: The ISRC code ensures that all streams and sales of the track are accurately tracked, ensuring you receive the appropriate royalties for your contribution.
- Recognition: Properly assigning an ISRC code to your contributions helps in recognizing the work across various platforms, ensuring your role as a featured artist is documented and acknowledged.
How DistroKid Manages ISRC Codes
DistroKid automatically assigns an ISRC code to every track distributed through its platform. This means that as a featured artist, you don’t need to worry about manually creating or providing an ISRC code. However, it's essential to verify that the assigned ISRC code is correctly linked to all metadata associated with the track, ensuring proper tracking and royalty collection.
Ensuring Proper Credit and Royalties
Featured artists should ensure they’re receiving proper credit and royalties for their contributions. On platforms like DistroKid, earnings are typically shared based on the pre-agreed terms outlined in the collaboration agreement. As a featured artist, it’s crucial to monitor your earnings and ensure they align with the agreed terms. If any discrepancies arise, addressing them quickly with the primary artist or the distribution platform is essential.
Registering as a SoundOn Artist
If you are a featured artist looking for a comprehensive solution for music distribution, promoting your tracks, and reaching new fans through platforms like TikTok, consider registering as a SoundOn artist. SoundOn offers an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution, helping you grow your career effectively.
Conclusion
Being a featured artist offers numerous opportunities to expand your reach and collaborate with other talented musicians. When using platforms like DistroKid, it’s crucial to understand your responsibilities, the importance of ISRC codes, and the steps necessary to ensure proper credit and royalty collection. Actively promoting your collaborative tracks and keeping transparent communication with the primary artist are key practices for success in the music industry.
By staying informed and proactive, featured artists can maximize their contributions and enjoy the benefits of collaborative successes.
