KVR Audio

ChamomileShark · Post by **ChamomileShark** » Sat Jan 11, 2020 2:43 pm

Short version.
Is it better to use different artist names for different genres or better to stick to just one name? What are the downsides of each approach? Any problems you may have encountered.
My output this year is likely to include pastoral “ambient” (ref Cluster, Roedelius), Berlin/Space style (ref Tangerine Dream, Steve Roach), ambient IDM (ref. Alva Noto).
My stuff is on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon etc etc via Distrokid and also on Bandcamp.

Background
I have been using my real name on musical releases since the early 80s. At the time, while my name is fairly common, I was one of two musicians of the same name and the other one was in a totally different genre.
Today there are several people with the same name and this has led to all sorts of confusion including some idiot repeatedly uploading other people’s work to my Spotify profile.
To get around this I’ve added a fictitious middle name to my own to create a unique artist name.
Having had to make the move away from the name I’ve used for decades, I’m now considering the use of other names on a genre specific basis.

Aloysius · Post by **Aloysius** » Sat Jan 11, 2020 3:02 pm

Promoters sometimes list a Bands Country of origin [for example; ChamomileShark (IRL) ChamomileShark (USA) ChamomileShark (UK)] to distinguish between Acts with the same names.

ChamomileShark · Post by **ChamomileShark** » Sat Jan 11, 2020 3:54 pm

in my case they haven't. I've got an audio book, Christmas Carol service recordings and a few other things been put against my artist profile on Spotify. While you can then try and get the stuff removed there is nothing to stop 3rd party publishers erroneously putting stuff up against your profile - which they have done repeatedly.

So I've already had to make the name change. Having done that it's a matter of whether I take the name changes further and use a different name for different genres.

Aloysius · Post by **Aloysius** » Sat Jan 11, 2020 5:05 pm

I think it is a good idea to use different names for different genres. It will save your audience(s) from needless confusion.

Passing Bye · Post by **Passing Bye** » Sat Jan 11, 2020 5:19 pm

Multiple

vurt · Post by **vurt** » Sat Jan 11, 2020 5:21 pm

the main risk with different for each genre, is when personality a gets jealous of the other 4 personalities and kills them in your sleep.

ChamomileShark · Post by **ChamomileShark** » Sat Jan 11, 2020 5:27 pm

vurt wrote: Sat Jan 11, 2020 5:21 pm the main risk with different for each genre, is when personality a gets jealous of the other 4 personalities and kills them in your sleep.

I'll bear that in mind.

perfumer · Post by **perfumer** » Sat Jan 11, 2020 5:49 pm

Have your manager ask your label(s) legal and accounting department(s) which would be easier and cheaper to run. Then take his advice, because once the millions start pouring in, costs start piling up. And you end up just as Pink Floyd - bankrupt.

Edit: maybe consult a lawyer too, as a second source of wisdom.

Vortifex · Post by **Vortifex** » Sun Jan 12, 2020 9:10 pm

ChamomileShark · Post by **ChamomileShark** » Mon Jan 13, 2020 10:52 am

thanks, that seems to be the general advice

telecode · Post by **telecode** » Mon Jan 13, 2020 12:11 pm

i believe image is everything. more important than the actual music. i guess it depend what you want to do. if you actively want to spread yourself across multiple genres then use different names. if you want to focus on operating in just one genre, use single name.

fwiw.. if i were to run a artist management company, i would only work with an artist that is focused on one genre, the genre i work in. if i specialized in death metal bands, there you be no fugging way EDM Zedd type artists would want to be associated with me or sign to me. and vice versa. i believe people are usually only good in one type of genre.

Distorted Horizon · Post by **Distorted Horizon** » Mon Jan 13, 2020 12:16 pm

I have an own artist name for each genre I ruin with my noise.

With this (Distorted Horizon) I ruin the joy of psytrance from everyone so when people see this name, they know what to expect. Same goes with house, dnb, trance, chill beats...

Single artist name vs multiple artist names