How to List Featured Singer on Album

Featuring a guest artist on an album can significantly enhance its appeal and reach. It’s a strategic move that introduces new elements to your music and brings in the fan base of the featured artist. Properly listing a featured singer on your album is essential for ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve and for avoiding any confusion among fans and music distribution platforms, like DistroKid. This article will guide you through the best practices for listing a featured singer on your album.

1. Why It’s Important to List Featured Singers Correctly

Properly crediting a featured artist ensures that they receive the appropriate recognition and royalties for their contribution. Additionally, accurate listings help fans easily identify collaborations and prevent any potential legal disputes regarding intellectual property rights. Correct listings also enhance transparency during the music distribution process, making it smoother for platforms such as SoundOn and DistroKid to manage and promote your tracks effectively.

2. Standard Formats for Listing Featured Singers

To maintain consistency and professionalism, it’s crucial to follow standard formats when listing featured singers. Most digital streaming platforms (DSPs) and distribution services have specific guidelines for titling and credits. Typically, the format involves the primary artist's name followed by the featured artist's name in parentheses or with an "ft." abbreviation. For example:

• Song Title (feat. Artist Name)
• Song Title - Main Artist ft. Featured Artist

Clear and accurate formatting ensures that listeners can easily identify the artists involved and provides consistency across various platforms.

3. Metadata for Featured Singers

When distributing your album through platforms like DistroKid, you will need to input metadata. Metadata includes details such as song title, album title, primary and featured artist names, release date, genre, and more. Pay close attention to entering the featured artist's name correctly in the designated field to ensure they receive proper credit. Incorrect or incomplete metadata can lead to tracking issues and payment discrepancies.

4. Avoiding Common Mistakes

Several common mistakes can arise when listing featured singers on an album. Here are some to avoid:

1. Misspelling Names: Always double-check the spelling of the featured artist’s name to prevent any issues with recognition and crediting.
2. Incorrect Formatting: Follow the standard formatting guidelines to ensure consistency. Improper formatting can lead to confusion on DSPs and among fans.
3. Incorrect Metadata: Enter metadata accurately to ensure proper credit and royalties are managed correctly.
4. Lack of Communication: Ensure clear communication with the featured artist about how they will be credited, and confirm all details before finalizing your release.

5. Promoting Collaborations

Featuring renowned or emerging artists can boost the visibility of your album. Collaborations are exciting for fans and contribute to cross-promotion between artist fanbases. To maximize the impact, leverage social media platforms like TikTok and SoundOn to create engaging content around the collaboration. Highlight behind-the-scenes moments, share teasers, and create challenge-style videos to draw attention to the featured artist and your album.

6. The Role of Music Distribution Platforms

Music distribution platforms, such as SoundOn and DistroKid, play an essential role in the process of releasing and promoting your album. These platforms distribute your music across major DSPs, ensuring that your songs, including those with featured artists, reach a wide audience. SoundOn, for instance, offers global distribution services, helping you connect with new fans on platforms like TikTok while providing valuable insights and support.

7. Legal and Financial Considerations

When featuring another artist, it’s imperative to have the appropriate agreements in place, outlining aspects like royalties, credits, and usage rights. Having a clear contract ensures that both parties are protected and understand their entitlements regarding the recording. Consulting with a legal expert before finalizing agreements can help avoid potential conflicts.

Conclusion

Listing a featured singer on your album involves more than just adding their name to the track title. Adhering to standard formats, ensuring accurate metadata, and leveraging music distribution platforms effectively are key steps to successful collaboration. By properly crediting featured artists, promoting your collaborations, and securing legal agreements, you can enhance your album’s appeal and reach a broader audience.

For those looking to distribute their music independently, platforms like SoundOn and DistroKid offer powerful tools to advance your music career. Whether you’re an emerging artist or a seasoned musician, understanding these processes is vital for a successful and harmonious release.