How to Feature a Singer on an Album

Featuring a singer on your album is a great way to add diversity to your music and attract a broader audience. It’s important to credit your featured artists properly to ensure they receive the recognition they deserve. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of listing a featured singer on an album, and also touch upon the DistroKid album art size requirements to ensure your album looks visually appealing on various platforms.

Listing a Featured Singer on an Album

Crediting a featured singer involves properly displaying their contribution on your album. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Credit in the Track Title

The most common practice is to feature the singer’s name in the track title. For instance, if the song is called "Summer Vibes" and it features an artist named Jane Doe, you should title it "Summer Vibes (feat. Jane Doe)". This way, listeners know who contributed to the track right from the title itself.

2. Credit in the Album Liner Notes

If your album includes a digital or physical booklet, ensure that you mention the featured singer's name and contribution in the liner notes. This area provides more space to give detailed credits and acknowledgments.

3. Metadata in Distribution Platforms

When you distribute your music through platforms like SoundOn, DistroKid, Tunecore, or others, there are fields specifically for listing featured artists. Make sure you fill these out correctly to ensure the featured singer is officially recognized on streaming platforms.

DistroKid Album Art Size Requirements

Album artwork is crucial for capturing the attention of potential listeners. It’s the visual representation of your music and can significantly impact first impressions. DistroKid, like many other distribution platforms, has specific requirements for album art size and format.

1. Dimensions

DistroKid requires album art to be at least 3000 x 3000 pixels. This resolution ensures that the artwork is clear and crisp, even when scaled down for different displays on streaming platforms.

2. Format

The preferred formats for album art are JPEG and PNG. These formats support high quality images without taking up excessive space, making them ideal for digital distribution.

3. Color Mode

The artwork should be in RGB color mode. Printing art often uses CMYK, but digital screens display colors in RGB, which includes a broader range of colors.

4. File Size

Ensure the file size is under 25MB. Larger files can cause issues when uploading and might slow down the distribution process.

Creating Compelling Album Art

Now that you know the technical requirements, here are some tips for designing compelling album art that stands out:

1. Reflect Your Music

Your album art should reflect the style and mood of your music. It should give potential listeners an idea of what to expect from your album.

2. Keep It Simple

A cluttered design can be overwhelming. Focus on a single concept or image that represents your music efficiently and looks good even as a thumbnail.

3. Use High-Quality Images

Ensure any photos or graphics you use are of high quality. Pixelated or blurry images can detract from your album’s professionalism.

4. Hire a Professional

If graphic design isn’t your forte, consider hiring a professional designer. A well-designed album cover can be a worthwhile investment in your music career.

Conclusion

Properly listing a featured singer on your album and ensuring your album art meets DistroKid’s requirements are essential steps in music distribution. Crediting your collaborators correctly and having professional, compliant album artwork can enhance your music’s appeal and reach. Don’t forget to explore platforms like SoundOn for comprehensive music distribution and marketing support, helping you build your career and find new fans.

FAQs

What are the benefits of featuring a singer on your album?

Featuring a singer can broaden your music's appeal by introducing their fan base to your work. It also adds variety and depth to your album.

What if my album art does not meet DistroKid's criteria?

Album art that doesn’t meet the criteria might get rejected during the distribution process. Ensure you follow the guidelines strictly to avoid delays.

Does SoundOn have specific requirements for album art?

SoundOn has its own requirements for album artwork. Be sure to check their guidelines to ensure your art meets their standards as well.