DISCO Artist Page Overview
One of the first steps in promoting your content on and off platform is preparing a DISCO Artist Page.
In addition to serving as a landing spot for your best tracks, your Artist Page can showcase a music video or show reel, your artist bio and photo, and links to social profiles.
When someone asks for more info about your band, just share the Artist Page link! It only takes a matter of seconds, whether you’re working from a computer or on-the-go with the DISCO phone app if you are away from the computer.
In this article, you'll learn how to:
- Upload your files
- Manage WAVs and MP3s for each track
- Add essential metadata
- Populate an Artist Profile with photo, bio, and socials
- Design an Artist Page
- Share an Artist Page
Upload
Get started by uploading your audio files (as well as other media) into DISCO. You can do this by either dragging them into the Playlist Creator, or by linking your Dropbox account and importing the files.
More about WAVs and MP3s
What's the difference between WAVs and MP3s, and why is each format important?
- WAV = High quality. Can be slow to stream, does NOT generally carry metadata.
- MP3 = Lower quality. Easy to stream, and DOES carry metadata.
When you upload a WAV, DISCO automatically creates a corresponding MP3.
Hover over the Track Info icon to see available formats (you can also customize the info displayed on the hover):
When you upload MP3s, DISCO will NOT create corresponding WAVs. (But you can add WAVs to the MP3s later, if you wish.)
Make sure to upload any MP3s with existing metadata first; you can add matching WAVs following the initial upload.
Add Metadata
Now your tracks are uploaded, it's time to add some metadata.
What is the deal with metadata?
Metadata fields store useful, searchable information about files. When the files are opened on another computer, the information can be read and edited again.
By filling out metadata, we help ensure that:
- Files are organized and easily searchable.
- Our work meets a certain level of professionalism and care.
- We understand the guidelines of each job, as well as the needs of our stakeholders.
Filling out our metadata
General Metadata
Let's start simple with the obvious fields: Title, Artist, Album, Track Artwork, Lyrics (if applicable), Genre
As a rule of thumb, keep each field clean and relevant.
- Use your own name in the Artist field if the Artist’s name is unknown.
- ALWAYS add your contact info into the Comments field.
- Fill in the lyrics (see tab at the top-right)
- Add artwork - it stands out!
- If you don't have artwork for a track, create a catchy image, or add your logo; use this on all your in-progress work.
Sync licensing metadata
When you pitch for sync opportunities, it is important to include copyright ownership splits in the Comments field.
- List out specific splits for song writing/publishing and master recording ownership.
- Add contact info for other parties that have to clear their own splits.
"One Stop" means you can clear 100% of the master recording and 100% of the song publishing for sync licensing opportunities.
Learn how to fill out the metadata for more complex scenarios, including multiple writers, publishers, covers, etc.
Artist Page Design
You've uploaded your tracks and edited metadata - now it’s time to work on the design!
Compile the tracks and/or videos that best showcase your work
- Add some press photos if you're sharing with publicists or press etc.
- Add sections to divide the playlist into themes, categories or types of content (feature at least one or or more tracks above the first section):
Save the playlist and open the Presentation tab
- Choose an Artist Profile (read more about this at the bottom of the article).
Artist image, bio, and socials will auto-populate from the Artist Profile if it already exists, but you can edit or add the bio, photo and socials here as well.
Embed a video from Youtube, Vimeo or an uploaded video in your DISCO:
Check the “Show lyrics” option at the bottom - this allows recipients to read as they listen (you'll need to fill out the lyrics on each track in the track info editor first)!
Save and take a look at the finished Artist page:
Share
The Artist Page is now ready to send!
Whenever you are asked to share your music, find the playlist and open the share area:
In the Share area, you can email directly from DISCO or select the Copy URL tab to copy the Public Playlist URL (this is the general share URL).
Artist Profiles vs Artist Pages
Artist Profiles
Artist Profiles are for internal use and store a photo, bio, and socials for each Artist in your DISCO. They are automatically generated from the Artist metadata field on a track.
As long as you've filled out the Artist field on at least one of your tracks, a corresponding profile will accompany it.
If you don't have an artist name but write and produce for others, you can create an artist profile by uploading any random track and adding your name in the Artist metadata field.
- Click "Artists" at the top of Browse
- Select a profile to see its associated tracks
- Edit a profile with the pen icon
Add an image, bio and socials:
Artist Pages
An Artist Page is a playlist design template in the Presentation tab as you save a playlist. (There are also Album Pages and Default playlist templates).
Each Artist Page has to have an Artist Profile linked to it:
Wrap-Up
Artist Pages present your work and playlists in a comprehensive and polished package, with easy sharing options for maximal accessibility and exposure.