Ultimate Guide to Releasing Your Music: Essential Steps to Follow

Before I get into the essential steps to follow, I want newbies to know that releasing your first song doesn't require a massive team. You only need to start assembling a team—such as a manager, publicist, or booking agent—when your daily administrative workload becomes impossible to handle alone. Typically, this happens when you are already generating consistent revenue and booking regular gigs. Until then, prioritize your creativity and community. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by marketing and logistics, break your debut down into a handful of manageable phases and contact me if you need assistance and we can work something out.

Releasing a song today involves preparing your master, protecting your rights, distributing to streaming platforms, and executing a strategic marketing rollout. As a reminder, if you're collaborating with other artists or songwriters begin with a SPLIT-SHEET. Here's a lil checklist I put together for ya...

Here are the essential steps to properly release a music track:

Step 1. Finalize and Prepare the Master

• Mixing and Mastering: Ensure your track is professionally mixed and mastered to industry loudness standards (usually around -14 LUFS for streaming).

• Audio Files: Export your master as a high-quality WAV file (typically 24-bit, 44.1 kHz).

• Metadata: Have your metadata ready, including track title, artist name, songwriters, producers, and genre. 

  
  

Step 2. Protect Your Rights and Royalties. It's Essential!

• ISRC Codes: Obtain an ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) for your track. This uniquely identifies your specific recording and tracks royalties. 

• Copyright Registration: Register your sound recording with your regional copyright office (e.g., the U.S. Copyright Office). 

• Publishing Administration: Register with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to collect your performance royalties. (I use BMI)

• Mechanical Royalties: Join a mechanical rights agency like the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) in the US to ensure you get paid when your song is streamed. 

  
  

Step 3. Choose a Music Distributor

Select a digital distributor to deliver your music to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Popular options include: 

• DistroKid: Best for unlimited uploads for a flat annual fee.

• TuneCore: Great for detailed analytics and flexible release options.

• Landr: Offers AI mastering tools alongside distribution. 

• CD Baby and UnitedMasters are honorable mentions.

  
  

Step 4. Schedule and Pitch the Release

• Set a Release Date: Schedule your release at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance. This gives you time to pitch and build hype.

• Pitch to Curators: Use platform-specific tools like Spotify for Artists to pitch your unreleased song to editorial playlist curators.

• Pre-Saves: Set up a pre-save link via your distributor so fans can save the track before it drops. 

  
  

Step 5. Plan Your Marketing and Promotion

• Social Media Teasers: Create a content calendar for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts to build anticipation.

• Press and PR: Reach out to music blogs, influencers, and playlisters using directories like SubmitHub or Groover.

• Smartlink: Create a landing page (using tools like Feature.fm or Linktree) that directs fans to your song across all streaming services. 

• Have an EPK prepared and hosted at VocalzMusic & Publishing's SingingFlat.com Email: Billing@VocalzMusic.com

Well I hope this was helpful for you. Please subscribe to be alerted about upcoming blog publications and artist development services. Best wishes on your music journey.

Yours in music,

Sallyb.