Feature Appearance Fee Paid But No Credit - Traps & Scams Every Musician Must Avoid

You showed up, sang your heart out, cashed the check, and your name disappeared like a Snapchat story. Getting paid to feature on a track feels like a win until the track drops and your credit is missing. That missing credit steals future fans, playlist placements, and potential royalties. It also creates a weird rage that pairs poorly with late night snacks. This guide calls out the scams, explains the industry jargon, and gives the exact contract language, email templates, and practical recovery steps you need to prevent or fix the problem.

Everything below is written for millennial and Gen Z artists who want to protect their name, their brand, and their wallet without becoming a lawyer. We will cover common tricks, real life scenarios, how metadata works, what to demand in a contract, how to check DSPs and distributors, and how to force credit fixes if someone tries to ghost you.

What Does Feature Credit Even Mean and Why It Matters

Feature credit means your artist name appears on the release as a credited collaborator. On most streaming platforms that shows up as Artist A featuring Artist B or Artist A feat Artist B. Credit matters for three absolutely unsexy but vital reasons.

• Discoverability. When you are credited on a release algorithms can link streams to your artist profile. That builds your monthly listeners, recommended tracks, and playlist placement potential.
• Attribution. Your name in the metadata is proof you contributed. That helps future booking, PR placements, and industry credibility. If your credit is missing you lose a public record of your work.
• Royalties and rights. Credits tie into metadata which powers royalty payments, mechanical splits, and performance reporting. If the metadata is wrong you might get paid incorrectly for streams and performances.

Quick terms explained

• Feature appearance fee. A one time payment for performing on a track. This is not always a buyout. Clarify what rights you sell.
• Metadata. The background information attached to a recording such as artist names, songwriter names, splits, ISRC codes, and credits. Metadata is the plumbing that routes money and credit to people.
• ISRC. International Standard Recording Code. It uniquely identifies a recording. Think of it like a barcode for your song.
• PRO. Performing Rights Organization. Examples are ASCAP, BMI, SESAC in the United States. These organizations collect performance royalties for songwriters and publishers when songs are played on radio, streaming services, and live venues.
• Split sheet. A document that records who wrote which parts of the song and what percentage each person gets. This is songwriting metadata. It affects publishing, not necessarily the master recording.
• Master rights. Rights to the actual recorded audio. The owner of the master gets certain payments when the recording is sold, streamed, or licensed.

Common Scams That Leave You Paid But Uncredited

Scams can be sloppy or deliberately malicious. Either way they suck. Here are the patterns you will see and how to spot them before you sign anything.

The We Paid You So We Own You Trap

Scenario: You accept a fee and the producer or label calls it a buyout. Later the label releases the song with no featured credit or they list you as a background vocalist only. You are told the upfront fee covered everything forever.

Why it happens: Some people will present a one time payment as covering everything including credit and metadata updates. That is all legal if you agreed to it. The scam is when they pretend the payment is just for session work but then treat it as a buyout without documentation.

The Metadata Omission Strategy

Scenario: You get a message that the track is live. Streams show up but your name is missing from streaming services. The distributor uploaded the wrong artist tag. You are told it will get fixed next week and it never does.

Why it happens: Sometimes mistakes are genuine. Other times the team benefits from you not being prominently credited. Missing credits reduce an artist's ability to show the collaboration on their profile. Less profile clout means less leverage for you down the line.

The Brand Swap or Pseudonym Move

Scenario: The release lists a different name or a producer alias in place of your artist name. The track uses your performance but credits a project name so the artist traffic goes to that project profile instead of to you.

Why it happens: If there is no explicit credit clause the label can credit whoever they want. Brand swap is a low level scam that is often marketed as an aesthetic choice for the release.

The Contract That Lies To You

Scenario: You sign a contract with vague language. Later the label says your fee included non credited session vocals, and your name is not on the release. The paperwork says something like Artist provided vocal services and was paid. That phrase gets used as a do not credit clause.

Why it happens: Sloppy contract language can be weaponized. People who know what they are doing will draft terms that favor them. You have to read and define every important word.

The Post Release Edit Scam

Scenario: Your name is on the first release. A few months later the label re-uploads a radio edit, a remix, or a deluxe version and your credit is removed on the new master. Streams migrate to that new version and you lose attribution.

Why it happens: Re-uploads are allowed. When metadata is wrong on a re-upload your credit and royalty flows change. Labels can exploit this to move plays away from credited versions.

Real Life Scenarios That Do Not Feel Like Reading Terms and Conditions

These are stories you will recognize. They show exactly how the scams play out in the wild.

Scenario One: The Micro Label With Macro Ego

You get an offer from a small label to be featured on a track. They offer $500 upfront and promise to credit you. You accept. The track drops and your name is in the description but not in the streaming artist field. The label says the platform only allows a single artist on the artist field. That is false. They have not registered the correct artist credit in the distributor upload. Your streams are credited to the main artist only. You have no paperwork proving the label agreed to the exact credited string.

Lesson: Artist credit lives in the upload metadata. You need text in the contract with the exact credited string. Examples of credited strings are Artist Name featuring Your Name or Artist Name feat Your Name. Spell out capitalization and punctuation because platforms display it that way.

Scenario Two: The Buyout With a Smile

A producer offers you a large fee. They say they will own the master and you will not get publishing. You assume you are still listed as a featured artist. When the song is released your name is gone. The producer claims the upfront buyout explicitly included credit and you missed that line. You did not get a split sheet. You did not attach a credit clause to the payment schedule. You are stuck with the memory and a fat bank notification.

Lesson: There is a difference between a buyout and a license. If the buyout includes removal of credit it must be explicit and preferably written in capital letters. If you do not want your credit removed anywhere ever do not accept buyouts that are vague.

Scenario Three: The Remix That Replaced You

Your verse is on the original track. You are credited. Two months later a remix becomes the official version and your verse is replaced or your credit is changed to a background position. The remix gets playlisted. Streams pile up on the credited remix that does not include you.

Lesson: Define successor versions in your agreement. Say what happens to credits on remixes, radio edits, and deluxe releases. Demand to be credited on any future versions that include your performance.

How Metadata Works and Why It Is Your Power Move

Metadata is the plumbing that moves attribution and money. If you know exactly what to lock down you can avoid being erased.

Key metadata elements you must control

• Artist credited string. How your name appears on DSPs. Spell it as you want it shown. Example: "YourName" or "YourName feat GuestName".
• Featured artist flag. The distributor usually provides a specific field to mark featured artists. Ask for screenshots of the upload fields.
• ISRC. Unique code for that specific master. Keep a record of the ISRC the distributor uses.
• Songwriter credits and splits. This is publishing metadata. Confirm the split sheet and PRO registrations reflect your percentages.
• Publisher information. If you publish yourself or have a publisher make sure that is in the metadata.
• Label and catalog number. These can affect reuploads and version management.

How streaming platforms use credits

Streaming services display the credited artist string as the clickable artist for the song. That click leads to an artist profile. If you are not in that string you lose streams that could be attached to your profile. Also playlists generate reports and algorithmic signals based on credited artist tags.

What to Put In a Contract Before You Say Yes

Contracts feel boring until you are in a fight and then you remember why you should have read them with a cold beer and a red pen. Here is a checklist of clauses and exact language you can use.

Must have clauses and model language

• Credit clause. Exact language example. "Master and all derivative versions shall credit Guest Artist as 'GuestArtistName' in the artist credit field on all digital service provider pages and on the sleeve where applicable. Any abbreviation or alternate spelling requires Guest Artist prior written consent."
• Metadata delivery clause. "Prior to release the Producer or Label will provide Guest Artist with a screenshot of the distributor upload showing the artist credited string, featured artist flag, ISRC, and song title. Guest Artist shall have five business days to approve."
• Split sheet and publishing clause. "All writers and producers shall execute a split sheet prior to release. The agreed songwriting shares will be registered with the respective Performing Rights Organizations and publishers within ten business days of release."
• Master use and reissue clause. "Any remixes, edits, or future versions that include Guest Artist performance shall credit Guest Artist as above and shall require Guest Artist acknowledgement prior to release."
• Payment and escrow clause. "The feature fee will be held in escrow and released upon delivery of the final mixed master and metadata showing the agreed credited string. If the label fails to credit as agreed Guest Artist may recover the fee plus damages."
• Remedy for missing credits. "If Guest Artist is omitted from credits the Label will correct metadata within seven business days, publish an announcement on social channels tagging Guest Artist, and pay a penalty of [amount] per day up to [amount]."
• Audit and enforcement clause. "Guest Artist reserves the right to audit distributor and streaming metadata and to receive monthly reporting for the first year after release."

These are negotiable lines. The point is to make credit and metadata obligations explicit, measurable, and time limited.

Pricing Guidance So You Know What Your Fee Should Look Like

Feature pricing is all over the place. Your price depends on profile, demand, and bargaining power. Here are rough brackets and what they usually mean.

• Emerging artists. Low five hundred to low four digits for a feature appearance fee. If they offer more they want you badly. Clarify whether this is a buyout.
• Regional or indie names. Mid four digits to low five digits. Expect a contract and split negotiations.
• Established artists. Five figures plus. At this level you need proper legal counsel because the stakes include royalties and long term rights.
• Superstars. Six figures and beyond. These deals are custom and often involve full publishing and master negotiations.

When in doubt add a metadata guarantee or an exception where you get additional compensation if credit is omitted. That makes sloppy people think twice.

Practical Pre Release Checklist

Before recording or accepting a fee run this checklist like you are making a playlist for your future self.

1. Get a written agreement. No text threads only. No verbal promises only.
2. Spell out the exact artist credit string and where it will appear.
3. Agree on split sheets and publishing registration timeline.
4. Ask for the distributor upload screenshot before release.
5. Retain a copy of your dry vocal and final recorded vocal. Keep time stamps.
6. Consider escrow for payment. Ask for partial payment on delivery and final on release or metadata confirmation.
7. Confirm who owns the master and whether you are selling any rights beyond the performance.
8. Decide what you will do if credit is missing. Put it into the contract.

How to Verify Your Credit After Release

Most people panic and DM the producer. Panic is a natural human reaction. Panic does not get your name fixed. Here is a strategic list of checks you must run first.

Step by step verification

1. Check the DSP artist credit string. Open Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon, and Deezer. Does your name appear in the artist line for the track?
2. Check the track credits if available. Spotify and Apple show liner credits in some regions. Do you appear as a performer or songwriter?
3. Check the release ISRC and compare to your copy or the distributor screenshot. Are you looking at the same master?
4. Check the upload metadata from the distributor if you were given it. Compare the artist field and featured artist flag.
5. Check social posts from the label and main artist. Do they tag you and share credit?
6. Check your PRO portal. Has the song been registered with the correct songwriter credits and splits?

How to Get Credit Fixed When You Were Omitted

Once you have the facts you can move way faster. Do not start with a passive DM that sounds like a breakup text. Be surgical.

Proof collection

• Collect your contract and any messages that mention promised credit.
• Screenshot the current DSP pages showing missing credit. Save them with timestamps.
• Save the distributor upload screenshot if you have it. If you do not, ask for it formally in writing.
• Collect the raw vocal files and session files that prove your performance exists on the master.

Demand email template you can use

Subject line: Request for immediate metadata correction for [Song Title] ISRC [ISRC Code]

Message body example

Hello [Label or Producer Name],

I hope you are well. I am writing about the release [Song Title] released on [Release Date]. The streaming pages currently do not list me as a credited artist for the master ISRC [ISRC]. Our agreement dated [Date] states that I will be credited as [Exact Credited String]. Please correct the metadata on all digital services and provide a screenshot of the updated distributor upload within seven business days. If the metadata is not corrected within seven business days I will pursue the remedies specified in our agreement and may escalate to the distributor, PRO, and legal counsel.

Attached are the relevant contract pages, the vocal files, and screenshots showing the current metadata. Please confirm receipt and the expected correction date.

Thanks,

[Your Name and Contact Info]

Send this as a trackable email and request a read receipt. Keep all replies. If they respond with excuses ask for the distributor proof of upload and the release timeline.

When to call the distributor and the DSP

If the label stalls you can contact the distributor or aggregator that uploaded the master. Aggregators like DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, and others have support for metadata corrections. Provide the ISRC, upload screenshot, and contract. Often distributors can update metadata and push fixes to DSPs. Keep in mind some DSPs can take time to refresh credits.

If the distributor claims they cannot change the credited artist field ask them to escalate to their artist relations. Document every call. If they still refuse you can file a dispute with the DSP directly, but that is slower.

When to Call Your PRO and Publisher

If you contributed writers credits or performance elements you must ensure your PRO entries are correct. If the song was registered without your songwriting credit your share of performance royalties may be missing. Contact your PRO and provide the split sheet, ISRC, and recording details.

If the label has registered the wrong splits the PRO can open a case to correct it. That fixes performance royalties. It will not always fix the streaming artist credit. Both are important and both can be fixed separately.

Legal Options and Practical Realities

You can sue over credits. Litigation is expensive and exhausting. Here is a practical decision map so you do not sue out of spite and then regret it like a tattoo gone wrong.

Small claims court

If the feature fee plus a modest penalty is your only loss small claims court can be effective. You need the contract or a recording of the agreement and proof of omission. Small claims is faster and cheaper than full litigation.

Demand letter

Often a lawyer sending a demand letter demanding metadata correction and damages is enough to make a label fix credits. It costs money but is often cheaper than suing. Use a music lawyer or an entertainment attorney. They know where to put pressure without turning the fight into a public war.

Full litigation

Reserve this for meaningful damages or clear contract breaches that the label refuses to fix. Litigation can result in damages, injunctions, and public record which can be useful if you want to deter future behavior. Ask yourself whether the cost and time are worth the ticket to court.

How to Avoid This Entire Mess With Two Simple Habits

Habit one. Always insist on a written credit clause with the exact string. Do not accept vague promises like I will credit you. That has no teeth.

Habit two. Register everything with your PRO and keep your split sheet in your pocket. If you wrote your lines or melody register them as soon as possible. That makes you harder to erase financially.

Extra practical moves

• Keep copies of each mastered file you deliver. Time stamped files help prove your performance is on a song.
• Use escrow for payment. Platforms like Payoneer, Escrow.com, or simple lawyer trust accounts can hold funds until metadata is verified.
• Use collaborators agreements that require distributor screenshot approval. Make it a condition for final payment or split release.

Red Flags to Recognize Before You Walk Into the Trap

• Verbal promises only. If they say we will credit you later without text proof be suspicious.
• Too fast to pay in full. If someone pays and refuses a contract they might be clearing the way for a buyout with no strings. Ask for paperwork anyway.
• Push to classify you as a session singer only when you are clearly a featured performer. Session work is different from feature credits.
• Distributor anonymity. If the label refuses to tell you who will upload and which aggregator they will use ask why.
• Changes after release. If they reissue without consulting you that is a control issue. Demand defined procedures for reissues in the contract.

Action Plan You Can Use Right Now

1. Ask for and save a contract with a credit clause before you record anything. Spell out your exact credited string.
2. Register your contribution with your PRO the minute the song exists. Add split sheets to the registration.
3. Receive screenshot proof of distributor upload before release and sign off in writing.
4. If you are worried about trust use escrow for final payment tied to metadata confirmation.
5. If you are omitted collect evidence, send a formal correction request, and call the distributor. Escalate to a demand letter if needed.

FAQ

What if I already got paid and the contract is vague

Collect all communications that show the promise of credit. Ask the label for a metadata correction in writing. If they refuse send a formal demand email. If that fails involve the distributor or a lawyer. For small sums consider small claims court.

Can I force a DSP to add my credit

Not directly. DSPs take metadata from the distributor. Your route is to get the distributor to upload corrected metadata which then propagates to DSPs. If the distributor refuses you can file disputes with DSPs but that is slower.

Do I need a lawyer to get credit fixed

Not always. Many issues are fixed with a firm demand email and the distributor updating metadata. Use a lawyer if the amount is large or the label refuses to comply.

What is the difference between a feature fee and a buyout

A feature fee is typically payment for the performance. A buyout is when you sell certain rights to the master or your contribution. Buyouts can include giving up credit rights. Always clarify what rights you are selling and whether credit is part of that sale.

Will registering with a PRO protect me from missing credits

Registering with your PRO protects your entitlement to performance royalties and publishing shares. It does not control the artist credit field on streaming platforms. Both protections are necessary.

How long does it take to fix credits once corrected at the distributor

After the distributor updates metadata DSPs usually refresh within days. Some platforms can take longer. Ask the distributor for their propagation window and request proof when the update is live.

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