Deciding to change your artist name on DistroKid is no joke.
As artists, we have to make decisions about our names, songs, visuals, album titles, and everything else under the sun.
However, what happens when a few years down the line, we realize our stage name/streaming name doesn’t represent our brand properly?
Well. Some people go into full panic mode, and others come up with a game plan. (Or a healthy mix of the two)
Can you change your artist name through your distributor, such as DistroKid? How long does this process take? How do you break the news to your fans?
These are all things we’ll cover in this article. Let’s get right into it!
Why Do Musicians Rebrand? (Should They?)
When an artist starts fresh, this can be for various reasons. First, changing your artist name is one of the most significant changes you can make: so this is a serious one.
Regardless of how many songs you have, switching from name one to name two is a lot to manage.
Generally, artists avoid doing this at all costs because of how bothersome the entire process can be.
DistroKid does make changing an artist’s name somewhat simple, although other streaming platforms sometimes need help understanding the update.
Don’t expect this process to be easy, like at all.
Rebranding can sometimes be the best decision someone makes, so this argument has two sides.
If you have thought about changing your name/brand and truly believe it is worth it, then do it.
Related: Why Did DistroKid Delete My Music? [& How To Get It Back On Streaming]
How Do You Change Your Artist Name On DistroKid?
To officially change your artist name through DistroKid, navigate to your ‘Artist Settings’ page, select the ‘Change Artist Name’ option, enter the new name, and submit it.
Moreover, you can go into your releases and change the artist name for one of the singles/albums and then use that new name to update the remaining releases.
Either way, there is a chance doing this will wreak havoc on your Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and all other music profiles.
As simple as this seems: it can get very messy.
That’s why we recommend thoroughly considering your name when creating it, so you don’t have to end up on this post in a year or two (although we would love to have you).
An alternative way to change your artist name without this mess would be to remove your catalog, re-upload everything once DK processes your name change, and go from there.
Both options will take a week or so to fully process, so do not expect this to all be magically okay tomorrow morning. Give DistroKid some time to change your artist name.
Step-By-Step Guide
- Log in to your DistroKid account.
- Go to the ‘Artist Settings’ page.
- Select ‘Change Artist Name.’
- Enter your new name and submit.
Related: Does DistroKid Have An App? [iOS & Android Downloads]
What Happens When You Change Your Artist Name?
The universe shifts when you change your artist name through DistroKid or your distribution platform. Well, more for you than anyone else, but this is a seriously permanent decision.
As we covered, when you decide to change your artist name or “rebrand,” you must handle the big update on all streaming platforms your music is on.
Luckily, DistroKid should give everyone a heads-up.
Once your music has the correct artist name and your Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Pandora, etc. update, you have to tell your fans what happened.
We recommend a dramatic photoshoot with all-new visuals for your loyal supporters to enjoy.
Nobody likes a big change, so try to let everyone be dazzled by your new, shiny brand rather than reflect on what once was.
*Longingly stares out window*
The best thing to do in a situation like this is to make the change big, bold, and worth the hassle.
A fun video explaining the change on TikTok or Instagram Reels would be worth considering.
Related: How Long For New Apple Music Artist Profile Picture To Update?
Can I Change My Spotify Name Through DistroKid?
Yes! One of the nice parts about having a distributor is that they do everything for you.
When you change your artist name through DistroKid and update each release to match, streaming platforms will be sent that new information.
Most times, they will have a day or two of weirdness, with some songs showing the correct new name and the old one remaining for a couple.
Luckily, within seven days or so, this should be smoothed out.
DistroKid will work more for future releases while going through each existing release and updating the name is the best way to get this done.
Spotify is one of the slower services to update, whether it’s a new song cover, name, or artist information.
Apple Music is faster, so expect these changes to happen first there (and on YouTube). Spotify typically takes 2-3 days to reflect major changes, while the others may take 24 hours.
Services like Deezer, Napster, Pandora, Tidal, and all the other B-Class streaming providers (sorry) will take their sweet time, so that is another factor to remember.
Ah, the waiting game we all know and love.
Related: Record Labels Accepting Demos In 2023 [Our Top 15 Picks]
Why Can’t I Change My Artist Name On DistroKid?
If you try to update your artist name on DistroKid to no avail, it is likely because you are doing this to an unreleased/upcoming project.
One of the rules of changing an artist’s name is that you have to have music live somewhere in the streaming universe, making this tricky for some people.
If you have not released anything and want to change your artist name, it would be far easier to delete that DK account and start over.
That will allow the new name to be registered and delivered to streaming far before any of your music comes out.
However, most people reading will not be in this situation, hence why we’ve rambled on for so long.
According to DistroKid:
“If you have deleted your work in an effort to edit or rebrand your Artist Name, note that the only way to do so, is to re-upload your work with the original metadata, and then request an edit on that re-uploaded work once it has been resubmitted to streaming services.”
Right from the horses’ mouth: whatever that means.
Related: What Can Musicians Write Off On Their Taxes?
Is It Worth It To Change Your Artist Name?
Most times, NO. Changing your artist name, especially as an established musician, is a lousy idea 9/10 times.
Unless your name is offensive (like Mulatto, which she now has as Latto), you shouldn’t mess with it.
As we covered, changing your name and brand requires a lot of work, both online and in real life.
Many music-makers don’t realize that when they change their names on streaming, some people won’t understand what happened and will stop being able to find their music.
Of course, that’s not figuring in that if they are fans, they would have existing music anyway: but if you remove it from streaming, they may lose it in their playlists.
Overall, we only recommend doing this if it is essential.
We know you didn’t think the name Bloody Panda would come back to haunt you in 2014, but now that’s a part of your identity.
Bloody Panda is cool but also horrifying; feel free to steal that.
Here are some other related posts we know you’ll love:
Should Musicians Post A Canvas On Spotify?
Is DistroKid A Record Label? [Should Artists Use Them?]
How Long Does It Take A New Artist Profile Photo To Show Up On Spotify?
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