Changing Your Artist Name: A Comprehensive Guide to Rebranding, Releasing, and Remaining True to Your Artistic Vision

Choosing an artist name is a pivotal decision that is as important as determining your musical style. However, there may come a time when you need to change your artist name for reasons such as rebranding, starting fresh, or dealing with name clashes on platforms like Spotify. Don't worry though, because I've got you covered with a comprehensive guide on how to change your artist name, work with third-party distributors, and remain true to your artistic vision.

There are several valid reasons why artists have changed their names. For example, Chet Faker became Nick Murphy to add a personal touch to his music and move away from a project-like image. Rich Chigga rebranded to Rich Brian due to the racial implications of his former moniker. Saint Pepsi transformed into Skylar Spence to resolve legal issues with PepsiCo. And who could forget Prince's iconic symbol?

Personally, I changed my artist name from "Exitpost" to "Kenneth Takanami" to reflect my Japanese heritage and align better with my artistic project. Having a stage name that you dislike is like wearing an unflattering outfit to a party—uncomfortable and embarrassing. So, take the time to carefully consider your decision. Remember, this is your project, and you deserve to be happy while creating your music. And hey, even Nick Murphy made a comeback as Chet Faker recently. So, fake it till you make it, right?

Now, let's delve into the process of changing your artist name. There are three crucial aspects to address: your name on streaming platforms, your name across social media, and your domains and email addresses.

Changing your artist name on streaming platforms can be the most challenging task, especially if you want to transfer all your old music. This can be particularly tricky for independent artists without established relationships with streaming platforms. Unfortunately, third-party music distributors don't allow a simple name change like you would do on a platform like SoundCloud. However, fear not, as most streaming platforms (like Spotify and Apple Music) offer options to retain your play counts and playlist placements under your new name. Just follow these steps.

First, remove all your music from these platforms. It might sound overwhelming, but trust me, it's manageable. Keep a record of your ISRC codes, as some distributors (e.g., DistroKid) allow you to input them when re-uploading. Then, re-upload your music with your distributor using your new artist name. In most cases, this process should go smoothly. Most third-party distributors enable you to enter the old ISRC codes for your work. If any of your music gets rejected due to duplication, reach out to the platform's customer support for assistance. If they can't help, consider switching to a different distributor. I personally switched distributors and successfully re-uploaded all my work under a new name while retaining play counts (the music recognition algorithms of these platforms are quite reliable). If you encounter further issues, try slightly altering your masters, such as adding fade-ins or fade-outs, to avoid outright rejection but still release the tracks under your new name with play counts.

Once you've changed your artist name on streaming platforms, it's time to share your new name with the world! A great way to do this is by timing it with a new release. This ensures that everyone can follow your new account and stay tuned for your fresh music.

Don't forget to quickly secure available usernames on social media platforms for your new artist name. You can always register a username before actually using it. Keep in mind that Instagram has a two-week waiting period for changing your handle, so plan accordingly when switching your username.

Now, I understand that changing your artist name might seem intimidating, and there are risks involved in taking down your music and either re-uploading or starting a new project. However, remember that this is your art, and it's crucial to prioritize staying true to your artistic vision. I personally noticed a different response from audiences when I started releasing music under my birth name. As Prince eloquently put it when he changed his name to defy his record label, "It is an unpronounceable symbol whose meaning has not been identified. It's all about thinking in new ways, tuning in to a new 'free-quency.'"

So, best of luck finding your own frequency as you embark on this fresh start by changing your artist name. And remember, it's going to be okay!