CDBaby uploaded my upcoming release to the wrong artist page
For context:
I have my first release in four years upcoming, trying to do the whole release plan etc etc - paid for expedited distribution so $50 in total.
I made sure I put my Spotify ID in correctly, my artist name was spelled and capitalised correctly, the lot.
I check Spotify for Artists and nothing is in my Upcoming. I reach out to CDBaby and they tell me the following:
The reason behind your release not showing up on the Upcoming tab is due to an incorrect tagging of your Spotify artist ID to your release. You can request an artist separation directly through Spotify for Artists here once your release goes live, but we unfortunately have no way of reinstating this back to your artist page and, in extension, your Upcoming tab.
We know this is not the best outcome, but please let us know if we can assist you further.
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I responded ensuring that I did upload my Spotify ID number correctly (it’s even tagged correctly on the release page) as well as my artist name. I explained if it wasn’t possible to change this, then I want to pull the release and have the amount refunded - because this has really messed with my release plan in terms of pre-save/ability to pitch to editors etc.
I was then informed that once a track is distributed to stores (even if they’re not live) refunds are not possible.
I’m confused - the issue only happened once my track was distributed. Also, it wasn’t my mistake. How else was I supposed to go about this other than pre-empt they would make a mistake? The fact they don’t seem to show any remorse for the fact this nullifys artists ability to create a pre-save campaign and/or pitch to Spotify playlists is also insane.
Anyone has any advice on alternative distributors and/or getting a refund I’d be grateful. If nothing else, just some words of solidarity for how shitty CDBaby customer support is.