As an aspiring artist, choosing an artist name can be a daunting task. Your artist name will be your brand and identity in the music industry, so it's important to pick a name that represents you and your music. With so many options and factors to consider, it's easy to get overwhelmed. But don't worry, we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of picking an artist name in 2023, step by step.
Introduction
Choosing a good artist name is an important factor, as it's the first thing people will hear and see when they come across your music, and sometimes, it can even be a factor in whether people decide to give your music a chance or move on to the next artist on Spotify, etc. That's why it's essential to choose an artist name that's unique, memorable, and represents you and your music. In this guide, we'll show you how to pick an artist name that will stand out in 2023.
Step 1: Brainstorming
The first step in choosing an artist name is to brainstorm ideas. Consider the following tips to help you come up with a list of potential names:
Start with your real name: Using your real name can make it easier for fans to find you online and connect with you on a personal level.
Consider your music genre: Your artist name should be reflective of your music style. If you're a rapper, for example, you might want to choose a name that sounds bold and powerful, and for the country genre, maybe your real name would be a better fit, etc.
Think outside the box: Don't be afraid to get creative with your artist name. You want to choose a name that's unique and memorable.
Avoid cliches: Try to avoid using common words or phrases that have been used by other artists.
Consider the future: Choose an artist name that you can grow into as your music career progresses.
AI tools: There are lots of tools out there that utilize AI for generating all sorts of things. Tools like Coolgenerator.com or Chat GPT are great to help you brainstorm and get many artist names to choose from. Here’s a link to an Artist name generation Chat GPT prompt that you can try for yourself and see if you can find any names that fit!
Step 2: Research
Once you've come up with a list of potential names, it's time to research them. Consider the following factors when researching your artist name:
Availability: Is the name available as a domain name and social media handles? You want to choose a name that's available across all platforms.
Trademarks: Make sure the name isn't already trademarked by another artist or company.
Search engine optimization (SEO): Choose a name that's easy to spell and search for online.
Step 3: Testing
After you've narrowed down your list of potential names, it's time to test them out. Consider the following ways to test your artist name:
Say it out loud: How does the name sound when you say it out loud? Is it easy to pronounce and remember?
Ask for feedback: Ask your friends, family, and fans for their feedback on your potential artist names.
Google it: Search for your potential artist names on Google and see what comes up. You want to make sure there aren't any negative associations with the name.
Check social media: Search for your potential artist names on social media platforms to see if the handles are available.
Scan existing music platforms: It’s also important to search Spotify and/or Apple Music to check that the artist name is not already taken.
Things To Avoid When Choosing An Artist Name
There are things that you should avoid when looking to choose your artist name. Depending on where you are planning to release your music, there could be different rules and requirements for Artist names, and how to format it for different music platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and the like. Spotify for instance, have certain requirements for your artist name to let you grant access to their Spotify for artists platform later. Here are the most common things to avoid that apply to most online music platforms today:
Artist names that use common SEO keywords like “Summer Hits” or “Sleep Music”.
Names that are intentionally generic or appear designed to take advantage of common search terms in order to manipulate a listener’s search results.
Remember to also check that your Artist name is not breaking any of Spotifys’s Platform Rules, which you can read here.
FAQs
Q: Should I use my real name as my artist name? A: It depends on your personal preference and music style. Using your real name can make it easier for fans to find you online and connect with you on a personal level, but it may not be the best option if you're trying to create a specific image or persona.
Q: Can I change my artist name later on?
A: Yes, you can change your artist name later on, but it's important to keep in mind that changing your name can be confusing for fans and may affect your brand and image. It's best to choose a name that you're happy with and that represents you and your music from the beginning.
Q: Can I use a stage name that's already been used by another artist? A: It's best to avoid using a stage name that's already been used by another artist, as this can cause confusion and legal issues. Make sure to do your research and check if the name is already trademarked or being used by another artist.
Conclusion
Choosing an artist name is an important part of building your music career. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can choose a name that represents you, your personality, and your music, while being unique and memorable, and available across all platforms. Remember to take your time and do your research, as your artist name will be your brand and identity in the music industry for years to come. Good luck!