Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pick a good artist name?
Short, easy to spell, easy to search, and reflects the music. Single-word names are most memorable. Avoid common words that are hard to find on Spotify search — "Sam" is searchable, "Light" is not.
Can I copyright a stage name?
You can't copyright a name, but you can trademark it if you've established a brand around it. For most early-career artists, this isn't necessary — just make sure no major artist already has the name.
How do I check if an artist name is taken?
Search Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram, TikTok, and Google for the name. Also check social handles — if @yourname is taken on Instagram and TikTok, consider a variant.
Should my real name be my artist name?
It can be — Adele, Halsey, Lorde all use single names. Your real name works if it's distinctive. If your name is John Smith, a stage name probably makes the discoverability math work better.