In today’s digital music landscape, metadata is just as critical as the music itself. If you’re releasing tracks on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Deezer, inputting complete and accurate metadata—including full songwriter credits—is no longer optional. It’s a requirement.
Why Metadata Matters
Metadata is the digital DNA of your song. It includes:
- Song title
- Primary artist
- Featured artist(s)
- Producers
- Songwriters (lyricists and composers)
- Publishers
- ISRC codes
- Release date
- Genre and mood tags
Proper metadata ensures:
- Royalties go to the right people
- Your music is easily discoverable
- All contributors receive the credit they deserve
- Eligibility for sync licensing, playlists, and editorial features
Songwriters = Lyricists + Composers
A common mistake in the industry is misunderstanding who qualifies as a songwriter. Both lyricists and composers are songwriters. Yet, many lyricists only enter their own names when submitting songs—omitting the composer, simply because they don’t realize that instrumental creators must be credited too.
This oversight can cause major issues:
- Unpaid royalties to composers
- Disputes or takedowns
- Damaged working relationships between collaborators
Deezer Is Enforcing This Hard
Deezer has announced it will begin removing any songs that don’t include songwriter information. That means if your release doesn’t credit both the lyricist and the composer correctly, it risks being pulled from the platform entirely.
This is part of a broader shift in the industry toward transparency and fair compensation for all creators involved.
Don’t Let Poor Credits Cost You
Incomplete metadata can result in:
- Lost or misdirected revenue
- Legal complications
- Takedowns from major platforms
- Confusion about who did what on a record
At DZL Records, we handle every release with the precision it deserves—ensuring all songwriters, producers, and contributors are properly listed.
Final Thoughts
Metadata is not admin—it’s protection. It’s recognition. It’s revenue.
If you’re an artist, producer, or label, take the time to get your credits right. If you’re a lyricist, make sure your composer is also listed as a songwriter. It’s not just best practice—it’s the new standard.