Prepare the master
Export the final mix as an uncompressed WAV file — the standard is 24-bit / 48kHz. Listen to the file all the way through, from beginning to end, on headphones and on a phone speaker. Check the start and the end for clicks, and don't leave extra silence at either end.
Cover art that passes review
Your cover art travels with the release to every store. The spec is 3000×3000 pixels, RGB. Keep text minimal and readable at thumbnail size, and avoid platform logos, account handles, prices and links — stores reject cover art that carries them.
Metadata and codes
Metadata is how the world finds you: an artist name spelled the same way on every release, the real title with no decoration, and the correct language and genre tags. The codes — ISRC for the recording and UPC for the release — are assigned during preparation; you don't need to buy them anywhere.
Choose the release date
Give yourself room. A date several weeks out leaves space for review, delivery and pitching before day one. Line the date up with anything you control — a video, a show, a run of posts — so the release lands with support behind it rather than alone.
Request your invite
Mazufa works by invitation only. Completed applications enter a human review queue as capacity allows. Submitting does not create an account; those accepted may receive a dedicated preparation invite.
After acceptance
After preparation, your release is packaged to spec and delivered to every platform, and its data is pitched to the appropriate editorial and algorithmic surfaces. From there, watch your dashboard: streams, saves and playlist adds, per platform and per country.
The fingerprint code every recording carries — it tracks streams and earnings worldwide.
Your release barcode — one per single, EP or album.
Digital service provider — Spotify, Apple Music, Anghami and every store on earth.
The problem many artists do not expect
Imagine opening Spotify one day to find your song published under a different artist name, or your artist page gone and your songs scattered across several profiles. This is what happens when the distributor changes your artist name in the metadata (Metadata) without coming back to you. The problem is not cosmetic; it has direct consequences for your revenue, your audience and your digital presence.
What actually changes on Spotify?
Spotify relies on the metadata the distributor sends to identify the artist and link the songs to their profile. When the name changes in that data, a chain of consequences follows:
- A new profile is created: Spotify may treat the new name as a different artist, creating a new empty page instead of adding the song to your existing page.
- A break in accumulated listening: The play counts tied to the old name stay on the old profile and do not transfer automatically.
- Losing followers: Followers who follow your old name will not receive notifications about new releases if those come out under a different name.
- The discovery algorithm breaks down: Spotify builds its recommendations on the artist's history and accumulated data, and changing the name resets that history to zero.
- Problems in Spotify for Artists: You may lose the ability to claim or manage the new profile if it does not match the old verification details.
What happens to the revenue?
Revenue travels along a path: Spotify → distributor → artist. If the distributor changes the name in the distribution data, the amounts due may be transferred to a different account or delayed because the data does not match. In some cases payments are stopped temporarily until the identity of the rights holder is verified.
What are your legal rights in this situation?
Your artist name is part of your artistic identity, and any change to the metadata of your works without your permission may constitute a breach of the distribution agreement. But the outcome depends on the specific terms of your agreement and on the laws in force in your country, so consulting a legal specialist is advisable.
Practical steps to take back control
- Step 1 - Document everything immediately: Take screenshots of the old and new pages, the play counts, and any correspondence from the distributor about the change.
- Step 2 - Contact the distributor in writing: Send a formal request by email to restore the name to what it was, and keep the replies.
- Step 3 - Report it to Spotify directly: Through the Spotify for Artists portal or the support form, you can report an issue with the artist data and request a profile merge (Profile Merge) if your songs have been split up.
- Step 4 - Review the distribution agreement: Look for clauses relating to editing metadata or changing the name; these clauses set out each party's responsibility.
- Step 5 - Consider changing distributor: If the distributor does not respond or the problem recurs, moving to another distributor may be the most suitable option.
How do you protect yourself in future?
Before signing with any distributor, read the agreement carefully and check that there is an explicit clause preventing your data from being edited without your written consent. Choose a distributor that gives you control over the metadata of your songs and lets you track any change made to your files.
Why does choosing the right distributor make the difference?
At Mazufa, the artist keeps control of their song data and their artist name, since no change can be made to your information without your consent. This is a basic right for every artist and deserves protection from day one.