In RPM, a performer could be a featured performer, a non-featured performer, or both.
A featured performer is a recording artist who is the leading performer in a sound recording released commercially to the public. A recording artist is usually in contract with a record label and can be an individual, a band, or a vocal group.
A non-featured performer is a session musician hired to make a supporting musical contribution by performing in a recording session. Session musicians receive a one-time fee for their service. They can be instrumentalists (guitarists, drummers, saxophonists, etc.) or backup singers.