Any artist names, release titles, or version information shown on your cover art must match the information you enter for your release in Soundrop. If the information doesn't match, your release may not pass inspection.
Artist names
If an artist's name appears on your cover art, the same artist must be included in your release information. The spelling of the artist name should match.
For example, if your artwork says Banjo Guy Ollie, don't enter the artist as Banjo Guy in your release information.
Multiple or featured artists
If additional artists are named on the artwork, make sure they're also included in the release metadata. If your artwork identifies an artist as featuring or with, that artist must be credited as a featured artist on at least one track.
If your artwork uses a phrase such as “& Friends,” the additional performers must be credited on the appropriate tracks.
Release titles
If your release title appears on the cover art, it must match the title entered in Soundrop. For example, if the cover art says Cadillac, the release title should also be Cadillac.
If the artwork includes version information such as Remix or Radio Version, that version information must also be included in the release title.
For more information about version information, see What should I enter in the Title Version field?
Can I use my album artwork for a single?
Yes, as long as the text on the artwork also accurately represents the single. For example, if your album artwork only contains an artist name that is also correct for the single, you may be able to use it.
However, if the artwork contains the album title or other text that specifically refers to the album, don't use it for the single. Your artwork should represent the release you're submitting.
Are abbreviations allowed?
In some cases, yes. Established abbreviations or acronyms for artist names and release titles can be accepted even if the full name appears in the release metadata.
For example, artwork using ICP can be accepted when the artist is entered as Insane Clown Posse, and vice versa.
However, don't abbreviate an individual artist's name. For example, if the artist name is Jeter Jones, the artwork should not identify the artist as J. Jones.
Can my artwork list individual band members?
Yes. Your artwork can show both the band name and the names of individual band members even if only the band itself is listed as the artist in your release metadata.
What should I do if my release failed inspection because of an artwork mismatch?
Review the artwork and your release information to identify the mismatch. Update either your artwork or your release information so they accurately represent the same release, then resubmit your release for inspection.
For instructions, see How to make changes and resubmit your release.