Should I include my band name in song titles.

[neuman]

Hey there,

I'm wondering wether I should have my band's name included in the song title when I submit. (ex. Knock Me Down - Head of the Herd)

I have several projects in different genres (Blues/Rock, Techno-pop, & film scores) and a bio I use that encompasses all 3.

I've included the artist name up to this point under the rational that if the song comes across someones desk, and they look up the band name (as opposed to my name), they'll see it's a serious project that's getting buzz, which could make it a more appealing song to use. Also, so people don't think that the same b(r)and is releasing outrageously different genres. My apprehension is that it could be seen as a shameless plug, and perhaps take away from the impact of the song title.

Was hoping to get advice from the good people in the taxi forum regarding this and what's the industry standard.

Many thanks!

Neuman

[cardell]

I just put all that information in the Metadata of my MP3s.
http://www.richardfarrar.com/what-are-i ... mp3-files/

Stuart

[pboss]

My quick gut reaction is to ask who is on the copyright splits for one particular track you are submitting? But before we get into that, the song title field in the meta data on an MP3 should include only the song title. The artist field is the place for your name or a band name. If it's the band, then use the band name. Others with more experience around this topic may have different advice. If you paid them work for hire, or they have released the copyright to you alone, then use your name.

You can always add the band name into the comments field in the metadata ID3 tags. In the end, well-targeted metadata in your MP3 track may get you further than having a reference to a band name, but then again it depends upon how much buzz the band has in the circle of the people to whom you are submitting. If it's an A&R label submission then buzz means a lot.

That's my 3¢.

[neuman]

Thanks Cardell & Pboss!

Just to reiterate, my metadata has just the song title where it ought to be. I'm exclusively referring to Taxi's music hosting where there's just room for song title. Once it's a forward is that irrelevant as they'll have the actual file anyways?

Thanks again,

Neuman

[pboss]

.. Once it's a forward is that irrelevant as they'll have the actual file anyways?

I've sometimes wondered about this detail myself: how tracks are delivered, and if the track outcome of forward or return notice comes as soon as it's reviewed or after they all have been reviewed. That's another topic addressed here I'm sure. So I don't know the answer to your question.

If it were me, I might think the tracks may be delivered with an accompanied list of file names. Ultimately, they're going to listen to it and decide based on that, and I imagine the metadata must stand on its own, meaning even if the song name gets sent with the forward as a separate entity, I would imagine the likelihood of separation of that from the mp3 itself may be high. personally I would not count on it, and I would make the names the same for clarity, too. That's just me in the absence of more info.

As I think about this, I am remembering the fact that our bios are forwarded (or whatever you select in the submission process via Taxi). The bio may be the best place to highlight your band associations. A music publisher at the recent Rally also stated that he personally does not even care about or look at the metatags until after he listens. If he decides he likes the track, the meta tagging is dealt with afterwards.

[DesireInspires]

No.

[mikeymike2000]

My apprehension is that it could be seen as a shameless plug, and perhaps take away from the impact of the song title.

Neuman

If I see a song title, I think that is the title of the song. Granted I am not a music sup or anyone who would be able to do anything with your music, but don't put anything in the title except the title.

Your later comment about ONLY doing this on your Taxi page will also do no good because the people you would want to see this (confusing) information would not until the song gets forwarded and they would then have no idea that it is not part of the title.

The logic behind it shows you think out-of-the-box and that is good but this would only make things confusing and will not serve you any benefit. In fact, it would work against you when it comes time to look up who gets the fees. If your song gets placed and the person placing the song thinks it is "this is the best song on earth by the XYZ band" and the copyright and PRO registration is "best song" you will delay the payday you are working to get cause the titles will not match up. The slue of people involved will not know your special coding system and they will most likely say: that is not the title we have here so how do we know this is the correct person to pay?

Keep it simple.

[neuman]

Fully agree Mike, thanks for responding. I've since amended my taxi page.