Adding an Artist to Musicbrainz
Musicbrainz is a comprehensive database of music information, including artists, releases, recordings, and more. If you can't find an artist you're looking for on Musicbrainz, you can add them yourself! Here's a guide on how to add an artist to Musicbrainz:
1. Search for the Artist
Before adding a new artist, always check if they already exist in the database. Use the search bar on the Musicbrainz website to search for the artist by name. If you find an existing entry, you can skip the adding process and focus on improving the existing entry instead.
2. Create a New Artist
If the artist doesn't exist in Musicbrainz, click on the "Create" button in the top right corner of the website. This will take you to the artist creation page.
3. Fill in the Artist Details
On the artist creation page, you'll need to fill in basic information about the artist, including:
- Artist Name: This is the primary name of the artist. Use the most common name they are known by.
- Sort Name: This is how the artist's name will be sorted alphabetically. Use the same name as the Artist Name, but in a way that makes sorting easier (e.g., "The Beatles" would have a Sort Name of "Beatles, The").
- Type: Choose the most appropriate type for the artist. Common options include:
- Person: For solo artists
- Group: For bands, orchestras, or other groups
- Collaboration: For joint projects between artists
- Area: Select the area where the artist is primarily associated with. This could be a country, city, or region.
- Begin Date: Enter the year when the artist started their career. If the exact date is unknown, enter the approximate year.
- End Date: If the artist has disbanded or retired, enter the year they stopped working. If they are still active, leave this field blank.
4. Add Additional Information
You can also add optional information about the artist, such as:
- Aliases: Any other names the artist is known by
- Biography: A short description of the artist's career and achievements
- Tags: Keywords that describe the artist's music and style
- URL: Links to the artist's official website, social media profiles, or other relevant resources
5. Review and Submit
Once you've filled in all the information, carefully review the details and make sure everything is correct. If you're satisfied, click on the "Submit" button to add the artist to Musicbrainz.
6. Improve the Artist Entry
After submitting the artist, other users can review and edit the entry. You can also continue to improve the artist's page by adding more information, recordings, and releases.
Tips for Adding Artists:
- Be accurate and consistent: Use reliable sources to ensure that the information you provide is accurate. Use consistent capitalization and formatting throughout the entry.
- Provide context: If you're adding a lesser-known artist, provide a brief description of their music and genre to help other users understand their work.
- Be patient: It may take some time for your artist entry to be reviewed and approved.
By contributing to Musicbrainz, you help to build a more comprehensive and accurate database for music lovers around the world.
