How to List Featured Singers on an Album?

Listing featured singers on an album is a crucial aspect of music production and promotion. Whether you are an independent artist or part of a band, acknowledging the contributions of featured singers can enhance your album's overall appeal. In this article, we will discuss the best practices for listing featured singers on an album. Additionally, we will highlight the key differences between music distribution platforms TuneCore and DistroKid for those who are considering distributing their music.

Listing Featured Singers on an Album

The practice of listing featured singers on an album dates back to the era of vinyl records. It is not only a way of giving credit where it is due but also an essential part of the marketing strategy. Here are some key points to consider when listing featured singers:

1. Placement of Credits

Featured singers should be credited on the album cover, booklet, and within the metadata of digital releases. It's customary to place their names alongside the track titles. Ensure that their contribution is visible both in physical and digital formats to give them proper recognition.

2. Style and Format

When listing featured singers, maintain consistency in style and formatting. Typically, the format is "Song Title (feat. Singer Name)". This makes it clear to listeners who is being featured and on which track. Consistency in font size and style is equally important for a professional appearance.

3. Documentation and Agreements

Ensure that agreements with featured singers are documented. This includes royalty splits, promotional obligations, and the extent of their involvement. Clear agreements help in avoiding potential disputes and ensure that all parties are fairly credited.

4. Metadata and Digital Platforms

When uploading your album to digital distribution platforms, correctly input the metadata. This includes accurately spelling the names of featured artists and correctly assigning them to the respective tracks. Digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and others rely heavily on accurate metadata for search results and playlist placements.

5. Marketing and Promotion

Leverage the popularity of your featured singers in your marketing strategy. Promote these collaborations in press releases, social media posts, and through your website. Featuring recognized artists can attract their fanbase to your music, thereby expanding your reach.

TuneCore vs DistroKid

Choosing the right distribution platform is crucial for getting your music out to the world. TuneCore and DistroKid are two of the most popular options for independent artists. Let's briefly compare these two platforms:

Pricing

TuneCore charges an annual fee for each release, which can be costly if you release multiple albums or singles each year. On the other hand, DistroKid offers a flat annual fee, allowing unlimited uploads at no extra cost, making it a more budget-friendly option for prolific artists.

Revenue and Royalties

Both platforms offer artists 100% of their royalties. However, the way they handle revenue can differ. TuneCore distributes earnings weekly, while DistroKid processes payments immediately once the revenue is available, providing faster access to your earnings.

Additional Features

TuneCore provides additional services such as publishing administration and sync licensing, which could be beneficial for artists looking to monetize their music further. DistroKid offers features like YouTube Content ID and Shazam & iPhone Siri integration, enhancing your music's discoverability and protection.

User Interface

DistroKid is known for its user-friendly and straightforward interface, which can be a plus for artists who prefer simplicity. TuneCore's platform is more comprehensive, offering a range of detailed analytics and marketing tools, which can be appealing for artists looking to delve deeper into their performance metrics.

Conclusion

Listing featured singers on your album correctly and choosing the right distribution platform are both vital steps in the music production process. Whether you opt for TuneCore or DistroKid, make sure the choice aligns with your distribution needs and budget. If you're looking for a comprehensive solution that also offers unique promotional opportunities through platforms like TikTok and CapCut, consider registering as a SoundOn artist. Whatever platform you choose, ensure your metadata is accurately input, agreements with featured singers are well-documented, and promotional efforts are maximized to reach a broader audience.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be on a path to producing a professionally presented album while also optimizing your music’s reach through effective distribution strategies.