Artist Names
Artist naming in the database has equal importance to accurate show information - without accuracy, it can be difficult or impossible for users to find what they are looking for, and they may create a new entry instead (bad) or give up altogether (worse). With the recent (March '06) implementation of the ability for dbadmins to directly edit artist names, a large push has been set in motion to standardize artist name entry. Below are the guidelines we suggest.
If you notice that an artist's name has been misspelled, email the admins at db@etree.org and we can fix it directly.
Naming Conventions
- The main, overarching standard: use the official artist's name as it appears on either a) their web site, or b) their CD/album covers. Some artist names do change (Smashing Pumpkins vs. The Smashing Pumpkins) - please use your discretion.
- If a web site or album is not available (in the case of collaborations, etc.), it is preferable to list the artist name how the show was booked or how they are commonly known. Consult web sites, posters, ticket stubs, etc., to avoid multiple entries (Jane Doe & Jon Smith, Jon Smith & Jane Doe).
- If no such information is available, it is generally preferable to list the better-known artist first, or the artist whose music is actually played by the collaboration (Bela Fleck & Trilok Gurtu vs. Trilok Gurtu & Bela Fleck). If multiple artists played together, please alphabetize by last name beyond the first name (Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Billy Higgins & Joshua Redman).
- If one artist guests with another, please use the listing for the main artist, not the guesting one (The Supercool Band vs. The Supercool Band with Jon Smith or Jon Smith and the Supercool Band).
- Please note that there is an upper limit to the permitted length of artist names. For lists of various artists performing together, consider adding it as a record to the main artist entry instead. For example: "Peter Rowan, Richard Greene, Mike Mumford, Missy Raines & Charles Sawtelle" won't fit - it'll end up "Peter Rowan, Richard Greene, Mike Mumford, Missy Raines & Ch". Such an entry might be better grouped under Peter Rowan instead, especially considering the one-time nature of such a show.
- Artists should be listed as "Firstname Lastname" (Jon Smith), not "Lastname, Firstname" or "Lastname" except in special cases (Garcia). :)
Formatting Conventions
- Please Use Initial Caps For Artist Names. All capital or all lowercase names makes them difficult to read and find. Please only do this when it's special to that particular band (eg moe. or ROLLOVER).
- The database sorts band names independent of articles such as "A" or "The", e.g. "The Doors" used to show up under T, but now shows up under D. Some skins still sort this way; if it bothers you, we suggest changing skins. Please do not create new entries like "Doors, The".
- It is a user's judgment call when to use The- The Motet, The New Deal, The Who, The Dead = yes; (the) Grateful Dead, (the) String Cheese Incident = no.
- We generally prefer "&" instead of "and", as it saves space in names (see the note above regarding upper limits). Also, please omit the serial comma before the ampersand (Steve Earle, Tim O'Brien & Ron Sexsmith, not Steve Earle, Tim O'Brien, & Ron Sexsmith).
- Please use commas and spaces to separate names - do not use slashes, plus signs, "w/", "with", "feat." or dashes unless they are part of the artist's official name.
- Omit spaces between artist's initials (B.B. King vs. B. B. King).
- Separate compilations and other sections for artists are sometimes used, but don't go crazy (no IEM sections or video sections; see BasicRules). Try to use lowercase for "Bandname compilations" or "Bandname studio recordings".
If you notice that an artist's name has been misspelled, email the admins at db@etree.org and we can fix it directly.
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