GENERIC_ARTIST Error Spam & metadata gaming

Generic / SEO-term artist name

An artist name identifies a real artist or project. A name made only of genre, mood, format or use-case words describes audio, not an identity. Various Artists is used at release level only.

Severity
Error
Field
artist
Checks
One field
Rule ID
GENERIC_ARTIST
§ 01

How the checker tests it

Flags artist names in which every word is a search term from the MSG concept classes, and Various Artists on a track.

Fix. Use the real artist or project name.

§ 02

Examples

Sleep Music Fails GENERIC_ARTIST Use the real artist or project name.
Relaxing Piano Music Fails GENERIC_ARTIST Use the real artist or project name.
Various Artists Fails GENERIC_ARTIST Use the real artist or project name.
Moonfield Passes
Baby Mozart Academy Passes

Results are computed by the rule on this page as it loads.

§ 03

Try it

Generic/SEO-term artist nameFix: Use the real artist or project name.
§ 05

Cite this rule

Metadata Style Guidelines (2026). GENERIC_ARTIST: Generic / SEO-term artist name. https://www.metadatastyleguidelines.com/rules/generic-artist

https://www.metadatastyleguidelines.com/rules/generic-artist