People as Contributors and Performers on Tracks
Updated June 11, 2026
People appear on tracks in two non-songwriter roles: as contributors (role-based credits like Producer or Mixing Engineer) and as performers (instrument-based credits like Guitar or Drums). Both are track-level credits and both accept either a linked person record or a free-text name.
Two types of non-songwriter track credits
Contributor (track_contributors)
Role-based credit. The role must be one of the supported standard roles: Producer, Mixing Engineer, A&R Administrator, A&R Manager, and others from the DDEX and FUGA vocabulary. Used for production and technical roles.
Performer (track_performers)
Instrument-based credit. The instrument field describes what the person played: Acoustic Guitar, Drums, Piano, etc. Used for session musicians and featured instrumentalists.
Linked person records vs. free-text names
When crediting someone on a track, you can link a person record or type a name directly. Both are accepted, but they deliver different data to DSPs.
Linked person record
The person's identifiers (IPI, IPN, ISNI) are included in the delivery payload. DSPs and collecting societies can match the credit to the correct individual for royalty routing.
Free-text name
Only the name is included in the delivery payload. No identifier matching: collecting societies may not be able to route royalties without a registered identifier.
Tip
Adding credits to a track
- 1
Open the track editor
Navigate to the track in your catalog and open the Credits tab. - 2
Choose contributor or performer
Select "Add contributor" for a role-based credit or "Add performer" for an instrument-based credit. - 3
Search for the person record or type a name
Search for an existing person in your catalog. If they don't have a record yet, type their name directly. You can create and link a proper person record later. The free-text credit will appear on the track in the meantime. - 4
Enter the role or instrument
For contributors, select a role from the supported list. Free text is not accepted for contributor roles. For performers, type the instrument name.
Tip
Frequently asked questions
What role names are accepted for contributors?+
Velveteen validates contributor roles against a fixed list of standard DDEX and FUGA role IDs. Common roles include: Producer, Executive Producer, Mixing Engineer, Mastering Engineer, Recording Engineer, A&R Administrator, A&R Manager. Free text is not accepted: if you submit a role that is not in the supported list, the credit will be rejected. The role picker in the track editor shows the full list of valid options.
Do contributor credits appear publicly on DSPs?+
It depends on the DSP. Spotify and Apple Music display some contributor credits (producer credits in particular) on track detail pages. Others do not surface contributor data publicly. Velveteen includes all credits in the delivery payload regardless of DSP display support.
What is the difference between a contributor and a performer?+
Contributors are credited by role (Producer, Engineer). Performers are credited by instrument (Guitar, Piano). Both appear in track credits metadata. Use contributor for production and technical roles, performer for playing credits.
Can the same person be both a contributor and a performer on the same track?+
Yes. A producer who also played piano on the track would have one contributor entry (role: Producer) and one performer entry (instrument: Piano). Both link to the same person record.
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