This article explains how to update artist names in the FUGA Interface and manage corresponding profile updates across Digital Service Providers (DSPs). Users will learn the required prerequisites, the full update process within the interface, and specific steps necessary to avoid profile splitting on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Overview and Prerequisites
Before updating an artist name, please ensure the following conditions are met:
Catalog Ownership: If you only distribute part of the artist’s catalog, other distributors must also redeliver their relevant products using the new artist name. Coordination is essential. All redeliveries should be submitted on the same day to maximize the likelihood of DSPs updating the profile rather than creating a new one.
Cover Art Compliance: Check all associated release artwork. If the previous artist name is written on any cover art, the artwork files must be updated to match the new name before any redeliveries are actioned. Leaving a legacy name on the image asset will trigger an Apple Music ticket.
Artist Identifiers: Ensure that all existing platform-specific identifiers (such as Spotify URIs) are correctly saved and remain unmodified in the profile, unless executing the explicit Apple Music adjustment detailed below.
Changing the Artist Name in the FUGA Interface
To update an artist name within your catalog, follow these steps:
Navigate to Catalog > Artists in the FUGA Interface.
Search for the relevant artist profile.
Under the Overview section, click the Name field to amend the artist name.
Note: Do not alter custom artist identifiers during this step unless performing the specific Apple Music workflow detailed below. The profile identifier must remain consistent so DSPs can match the updated name with the existing profile instead of creating a new one.
DSP-Specific Instructions
Certain DSPs require unique workflows to process name changes without splitting profiles.
Spotify Process:
Contact your FUGA representative or reach out via our support channel before triggering any bulk redeliveries.
Provide the current artist name, the new artist name, and the active Spotify artist page URL within your support request.
Once we have requested the existing artist page be renamed for you and you have confirmed that this has been completed, redeliver all products under the same identifier to Spotify.
Apple Music Process:
Change the artist name in the FUGA Interface using the standard Catalog workflow.
Navigate to the artist identifiers, click on the pencil icon next to the Apple Music Identifier, and click "No" when asked if this artist has an existing profile on Apple Music. Click SAVE.
Redeliver exactly one product containing this artist to trigger a new identifier generation from Apple.
Once the new identifier has been generated by the DSP, redeliver all remaining products under the new identifier to ensure historical data within Apple Music for Artists is successfully preserved.
The artist can claim their new Apple Music for Artists page exactly how they did the old one. All historical data will be retained.
Note: If the new page already exists - for instance if an Artist ID was already generated by another distributor the artist team is also working with - you must replace the Artist ID with the newly generated one otherwise a new page will be created.
Triggering Redelivery Using Bulk Actions
Once the artist name has been updated, a full redelivery of all associated products must be performed to push the metadata changes to the platforms.
Navigate to Bulk Actions in the FUGA Interface.
Choose the option Products by a specific primary Artist.
Search for and select the new artist name from the dropdown menu in the Artists field.
In the Select a bulk action dropdown menu, choose (Re)Deliver.
Enable the toggle for Redeliver selected products.
For a more comprehensive guide on Bulk Actions, please refer to Performing Bulk Actions and Tag Actions in the FUGA Interface.
Monitoring and Troubleshooting
Metadata updates typically take 2 to 3 days (a minimum of 72 hours) to reflect across DSPs. Some DSPs may impose restrictions on significant name changes and opt to create a new profile instead of updating the existing one. This behavior is determined by the DSP and is outside of FUGA's control. If an artist profile remains unchanged beyond the 72-hour window, a manual update may be required.
Final Reminders
Ensure all collaborators and distributors are aligned before initiating artist name changes. Inconsistent or uncoordinated updates may result in split profiles, metadata rejection, or delayed updates across platforms.
If you utilize our Digital Distribution feed, contact your FUGA representative or reach out via our support channel with the following details:
The specific DSP requiring the update
The previous and updated artist names
The direct URL of the artist profile page