If they haven't really considered that use case, and their service doesn't handle it well, why on earth do they provide the means to make their service look bad?
Based on the GP's (and your) report, the search box should be replaced with a freeform text field or somesuch that lets you input artists you're interested in, and a button that subscribes you to notifications.
Based on the GP's (and your) report, the search box should be replaced with a freeform text field or somesuch that lets you input artists you're interested in, and a button that subscribes you to notifications.