I would like to suggest to include a special Guideline for Audio Drama. An Audio Drama differs significantly from other release-types. Its not an audiobook! A Book MIGHT be the starting point of the product, but is heavily transferred into something new. Most audio drama have several vocal speakers. All audio drama have a production team including a director. Many have a music arranger.
I would like to ask for a decision on YES or NO to include such a Style Guideline.
You can add the Vocalists in the same way as someone who sings on an album. Artists “Vocals [Spoken Word]”.
An example from Radio Plays \ Audio Dramas from The Goons at a per-track Recording level: https://musicbrainz.org/release/a97bc842-1a60-4fd4-882e-bab42c264df9
I know I have seen much better examples than this, but can’t find any at the moment. (If I remember one, I’ll post it)
An “Audio Drama” or play can be seen like a Musical Performance. There are vocalists on each track. Or set them up at Release level to cover the whole performance.
I have also see versions where the artist is credited with their actual part name.
The music arrangers, producers and many on the team can already be assigned in a similar way to musical roles.
There it is - I knew I had a good example. Good Omens, full credits at Release Level: https://musicbrainz.org/release/542ef258-7bfd-48a6-83f3-443291a0ea29
I ended here looking for more clarity on the Audio Drama subtype. I was looking at this one:
It feels very off among his whole discography. I’d expect that one just to be under Albums. Audio Drama sounds like it should be about the drama first. Here it’s Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of the book. Some spoken words, but I’ve heard more on other albums that are also about the music first. What about Ayreon’s music? That would be audio drama as well.
I understand a clear line is not possible, but in the case of Jeff Wayne having just his 1978 album as Audio Drama sounds a bit off. I had to scroll down, I was confused it was not already there.
The trouble is always going to be the dividing line is fairly grey. This is a drama more than being music. It feels like it is the right place. But I also know nothing of the other example you show.
Jeff Wayne is doing almost a stage show here. Dramatising someone else’s book.