DistroKid requires real songwriter names on the upload form to ensure streaming services properly credit and display songwriters for each track. 

Songwriters are typically credited by their real names, rather than stage or band names.

Real names entered as songwriter credits won't be displayed prominently as an artist name, but will be displayed when a listener views the credits or lyrics of a song.

Artist Names vs. Songwriter Names

Artist names and songwriter names are handled differently in services. Artist names are displayed prominently, and songwriter names are typically only visible when viewing the credits or lyrics for a song.

For example, see the 2 Chainz the song "Bigger Than You (feat. Drake & Quavo)" on Spotify (here). As you would expect, the artist names are listed as:

• 2 Chainz

• Drake

• Quavo

However, if you look at the credits for that song on Spotify (here's how), you'll notice those artists' real names are listed as songwriters. Their real names are, respectively:

• Tauheed Epps

• Aubrey Graham

• Quavious Marshall