How to Change Artist Name on DistroKid?

Rebranding can be an exciting but challenging phase in an artist's career. Changing your artist name on a platform like DistroKid and listing a featured singer on your album cover requires careful strategy and attention to details.

Steps to Change Your Artist Name on DistroKid

Changing your artist name on DistroKid is a straightforward process if you follow these steps:

1. Login to Your DistroKid Account: Access your account using your credentials.
2. Navigate to “Fixer”: From the dashboard, go to the “Fixer” section. This is where you can make corrections and updates to your releases.
3. Select the Release: Find the specific release you want to change. Click on the release to view its details.
4. Submit a Request: In the release details, look for the option to change your artist name. Submit your request through the appropriate fields.
5. Wait for Approval: After submitting your request, you will need to wait for DistroKid’s support team to review and approve the change. This can take a few days.

Note: If you already have music distributed under your previous artist name, you may need to request changes for each release separately. This ensures your entire catalog reflects the new artist name.

Considerations When Changing Your Artist Name

Before you finalize your new artist name, consider the following aspects:

• Brand Consistency: Ensure your new artist name aligns with your overall brand and audience perception.
• Legal Implications: Check for any trademark issues or conflicts with other artists using a similar name.
• Social Media and Platforms: Update your name across all social media platforms and digital streaming services for consistency.
• Fan Communication: Inform your fans about the name change to avoid confusion and maintain your follower base.

Listing a Featured Singer on Your Album Cover

Featuring another artist on your album cover is a great way to highlight collaborations and give credit to other musicians. Here are the steps to properly list a featured singer on your album cover:

1. Get Consent: Ensure that the featured artist has given their formal consent to have their name and likeness displayed on your album cover.
2. Design Considerations: Work with your graphic designer to incorporate the featured singer's name prominently yet aesthetically on the cover. Options include “with,” “featuring,” or simply adding their name alongside yours.
3. Proper Attribution: Make sure the featured artist’s name is displayed in a readable and professional manner. Avoid confusing fonts or placements that make it hard to identify their contribution.
4. Compliance with Platforms: Ensure the design complies with the album cover art guidelines of digital streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Incorrect listings can lead to delays in approval.
5. Metadata Updates: Update the album's metadata to include the featured artist's information. This is crucial for accurate crediting and royalty distribution.

Why These Steps Matter

Ignoring any of these steps when changing your artist name or listing a featured artist can have significant repercussions. Potential issues include:

• Confusion among Fans: Abrupt changes can lead to confusion and might result in losing a portion of your follower base.
• Streaming Platform Issues: Non-compliance with digital platform guidelines can result in the rejection of your album or single.
• Legal Challenges: Overlooking legal aspects can lead to trademark disputes and the need for further rebranding or legal defense.
• Royalty Distribution Problems: Misattribution of artists can result in incorrect royalty distributions, impacting your revenue and the featured artist’s earnings.

Utilizing SoundOn for Seamless Music Distribution

If you’re thinking about rebranding or highlighting features in your music, consider distributing your music with SoundOn. SoundOn offers a comprehensive platform for distributing and promoting your music across various digital streaming platforms. With exclusive partnerships and a robust global distribution service, SoundOn can help you build a career and expand your fan base efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're updating your artist name or featuring other singers on your album, these processes require thorough planning and execution. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a smooth transition and maintain a professional image in the music industry. Don’t forget to update your fans and leverage platforms like SoundOn for optimal music distribution and visibility.