Blog Posts for Artists

How To Release Music: Best Song Release Checklist for Artists

William Duvall

William Duvall

— 3 min read
How To Release Music: Best Song Release Checklist for Artists

Releasing music as an artist is an exciting yet challenging process. Whether you’re an indie artist or an established musician, having a clear plan can make all the difference in ensuring your release gets the attention it deserves. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you through every step of the journey, from preparation to post-release.

Pre-Release (4–8 Weeks Before Release)

Finalize the Track

  • Ensure your song is professionally mixed and mastered. Learn how to mix music here.
  • Save your track in high-quality formats like WAV and MP3.

Artwork & Branding

  • Create eye-catching cover art that reflects your brand and style.
  • Design additional promotional assets like teaser videos and social media graphics.

Distribution

Metadata & Legalities

  • Register your ISRC codes and UPC; your distributor can often provide these.
  • Confirm accurate metadata, including song titles, credits, and genre.
  • Clear any samples used and register your song with a performing rights organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SOCAN.

Pre-Release Promotion (3–6 Weeks Before Release)

Press & Playlist Outreach

  • Build an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) with your bio, professional photos, and music links.
  • Write a compelling press release to share with media outlets and blogs.
  • Set up Spotify playlist promotion to reach out to niche and indie playlist curators.

Social Media Teasers

  • Share snippets of your song, behind-the-scenes content, and countdown posts.
  • Create platform-specific content, like TikTok trends or Instagram Reels, to generate excitement.

Pre-Save Campaigns

  • Set up a pre-save link for Spotify and other platforms to encourage early engagement.
  • For pre-saving your song, offer fans exclusive content, such as a behind-the-scenes video or limited-edition merch.

Direct Fan Engagement

  • Announce your release date to your mailing list and on social media.
  • Host a live stream or Q&A session to build anticipation and connect with your audience.

Spotify for Artists

Release Week (1 Week Before & Release Day)

Last-Minute Prep

  • Double-check your release details on your distributor's dashboard, including links and metadata.
  • Ensure your EPK and press release are ready to go.

Launch Hype

  • Post a countdown on your social media leading up to the release.
  • Share "out now" posts with direct links to your song on release day.
  • Host a virtual or in-person release party to celebrate with your fans.

Post-Release (1–4 Weeks After Release)

Engage with Fans

  • Thank your listeners and respond to their comments and messages.
  • Share user-generated content, like fan covers or shoutouts.

Monitor Performance

  • Use analytics tools (e.g., Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists) to track your streams, saves, and playlist placements.
  • Identify your top-performing platforms and adjust your promotion strategies accordingly.

Sustain the Momentum

  • Release follow-up content such as lyric videos, acoustic versions, or remixes.
  • Continue pitching your song to additional playlists and blogs.
  • Share behind-the-scenes stories about the song’s creation to keep fans engaged.

Bonus Tips for Indie Artists

Networking

  • Collaborate with other indie artists to expand your reach and tap into new audiences.
  • Join local or online music communities to connect with like-minded musicians and industry professionals.

Budget Wisely

  • Invest in key areas like mastering, artwork, and targeted social media ads.
  • Explore DIY marketing options to maximize your budget.

Stay Consistent

  • Regularly release new music to keep your fans engaged and grow your audience.
  • Use feedback and data from previous releases to improve your future projects.

FAQS

How to release music?

To release music, you need to record, mix, and master your track, then distribute it through a digital music distributor. They will send your music to streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

What are singles in music?

Singles are individual songs released separately from an album or EP. They are often used to promote an artist and build momentum before a larger project.

How to release an album?

To release an album, finalize all tracks, get them professionally mixed and mastered, and distribute them through a digital distributor. Then, plan a release strategy, including pre-saves, social media, and playlist promotion.

What makes a song a single?

A song is considered a single if released independently rather than as part of an album. Singles are usually chosen for their commercial appeal and potential to attract new listeners.

What is the best day of the week to release music?

Friday is arguably the best day to release music because it aligns with global release schedules, maximizes streaming opportunities, and increases the chances of being featured on editorial playlists.

This checklist lets you handle every aspect of your music release like a pro. Remember, the key to a successful launch is preparation, persistence, and a genuine connection with your audience.

Looking to Promote Your Music?

Try our  Spotify Playlist Pitching and TikTok Music Promotion services.

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