How do I change my artist name?

Why can't the artist name be changed after distribution?

When a release is delivered to streaming and download partners, your artist name is registered in their systems alongside your ISRCs and track metadata. These are locked together. Changing the artist name after delivery would create conflicts across partner databases and can cause a release to be flagged, hidden, or rejected.

What should I do if I want to release music under a new name?

Many artists successfully maintain more than one artist name across streaming platforms. The key is that the new name should come with new recordings. For example, Snoop Dogg rebranded as Snoop Lion but released new music under that name rather than re-distributing existing Snoop Dogg recordings. Over time, streaming platforms group related artist names so fans can find all of an artist's work.

Steps to move forward:

1. Create a new CD Baby submission with the correct artist name from the start. Do not reuse the same audio recordings if you can avoid it.
2. Optionally, take down the old release if you no longer want it available. See: How do I cancel a release? Note: cancelling does not guarantee partners will accept the same audio under a new name.
3. Direct fans to your new releases using the Artist's Pick feature in Spotify for Artists. See: Spotify for Artists.

Other common scenarios

I have a typo in my artist name

A genuine spelling error may be correctable without starting from scratch — but only under specific conditions:

• You must have purchased FastForward
• The request must be made within one year of approval
• This covers true spelling errors only — not casing changes, punctuation preferences, or rebrand requests

Contact CD Baby support with details of the error and they can advise whether a correction is possible for your release.

I need to change a featured artist credit

Featured artist credits can be adjusted in limited circumstances:

• You must have purchased FastForward
• The request must be made within one month of approval
• A maximum of three featured artists can be added or removed
• This is not available for standard (non-FastForward) releases

My music is showing up mixed with another artist's music

This is a common issue as music distribution grows globally. Changing your artist name is not the solution — it won't fix the mix-up and may create new problems. In most cases, CD Baby can file an Artist Separation request with the relevant partners to correct this. Contact CD Baby support to initiate the process.

I want to keep my old releases available and release new music under a new name

This is possible. Submit the new music under the new artist name. Your existing releases remain live under the original name. Partners will typically link related artist names together over time so fans can find your full catalogue.

I want to change songwriter names or credits

Songwriter names and credits cannot be changed after a release has been approved and distributed. To make these changes you'll need to cancel the submission and re-submit with the correct credits. See: How do I cancel a release?