When you prepare a release as an independent artist, it feels like there’s a never ending list of things to do before the finish line. However, the list does end, and we’ve prepared it for you so you can jump in right away. Below is a guide that will walk you through the process step by step.
Of course, preparing a release means you have an album ready to go. Remember not to rush the creative process that’s necessary to get there. If you have any doubts or if you feel that something is missing in your album, you can turn to the mentors and sound specialists on Groover to get constructive feedback on your tracks.
1. Pick a budget and release date
Having an idea of a budget will help you strategize – how much will you be able to invest in promoting your album? Take into account artwork (photography, videography, editing), campaigns (Fb and IG ads, Groover, Spotify), digital distribution, merchandising,…
Remember that distribution services need time to get your music on every platform, so give yourself a minimum of 4 weeks before release to start preparations and submissions. The preferred day for music releases is Friday because that’s when the Billboard week resets, so streaming platforms do most of their algorithmic and editorial playlist updates (ex. New Music Friday) on that day.
We advise you to check that there are no major events or highly anticipated artist releases on your release day to avoid being overshadowed in the press and on social media.
2. Technical Checklist
These are necessary in order to make sure you won’t run into any technical or legal issues:
Note: We recommend having your album artwork (more in visual checklist) ready before submitting to digital distributors and so as not to delay the process by having to add it later.
- Confirm royalty splits with collaborators (both publishing and masters splits)
- so every producer, co-writer, and feature artist legally agrees on their percentage – just make sure to get written agreement from everyone – great article on it here
- Add metadata to WAV & MP3 files
- for proper classification and songwriter credit – here’s a guide on how to do it
- Submit songs to digital distributor (at least 4 weeks before release)
- so it’s available on all streaming platforms – here are the best ones for indie artists
- Create a pre-save link and/or smartlink
- so fans can save your tracks in advance and boost your streaming algorithm – do so through your distributor
- Update your press kit and website with recent information, photos, and dates
- so media/journalists and new fans will know more about you
- Register the songs with your PRO (ASCAP, BMI, etc) and any other collection agencies
- so they are copyrighted and you’re ready to receive royalties – full guide here
3. Promotional (Visual and Web) Checklist
Half the work in getting a release off the ground is all about promotion and exposure, so make sure to:
Visual:
- Prepare album artwork
- so you stand out visually – use your iPhone, a professional camera, AI, a drawing, no budget necessary
- Add artwork to website, press kit, and submission with distributors
- just in case it wasn’t done before (which we recommend)
- Find golden snippet of single (or song you want to push most)
- choose 10-15 second snippet to use as main “viral” sound when posting about release online (very important)
- Create a long-form video for YouTube and other edits for social media
- film a music video or lyric video that can be posted in full and chopped up into smaller snippets later
- Create short-form content for social media and Spotify Canvas
- BTS from the studio/photoshoots/video shoots, vlogs, funny moments, shorter version of long-form video
- Edit visuals far in advance
- so you have a vault of content to pull from whenever needed
Web:
- Create post schedule for IG, TikTok, and X
- release announcement (early as possible), teasers, pre-save link, snippets, release day post, video release
- Pitch best song to Spotify’s editorial team using Spotify for Artists
- so you have a chance at landing on an editorial playlist – walkthrough here
- Write press release
- to send to media outlets so they can write about you and your project – tips and examples here
- Pitch songs to curators on Groover
- so you can get playlist adds, media write-ups, radio play, and more
- Set up Spotify Countdown Page
- if you have 5k+ monthly listeners, get them excited about your new project
4. Release Day Checklist
Congratulations, you made it! Here are some things you should be sure to do on the big day:
- Post, post, post (include streaming links)
- every social media profile of yours should have a release announcement
- Add streaming link to bio
- so every social media visitor knows you make music – smartlinks are the most inclusive option
- Send newsletter
- if you have a list of your supporters’ emails, let them know about your project
- Send email campaign with streaming links included
- so the industry connections you’ve been in touch with can check out your new stuff
- Engage with following
- answer messages and comments, livestream, repost others’ stories so your account stays very active
- Add own music to Spotify playlist
- Spotify doesn’t know the difference between your personal account and another – boost your streaming algorithm by saving your own music
5. Post-Release Checklist
It’s not time to slack off yet:
- Prepare FB/IG ad campaign
- use short-form content paired with your golden snippet (see above) to attract new listeners and boost streams
- Share your wins
- so people know about your playlist add, press write-up, or streaming milestones
- Follow up with contacts
- so you maintain positive relationships with people in the business
- Continue social media promotion
- keep posting TikToks of golden snippet, short-form content, photos
- Monitor insights and data
- check Spotify for Artists and digital distributor to understand who you’re listeners are – cater your content and ads to them
Conclusion
You’re ready to go! Remember that this is a very extensive guide and does not necessarily apply to every artist. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have every single thing on these lists prepared. The point is to make sure you understand all the moving parts before diving in yourself.
Use these checklists in any way that is helpful to you, and personalize them. The smaller the task, the easier it is to achieve, so break things up if they’re too overwhelming! Good luck, you got this.
—
Promotion is obviously a big part of your release strategy and you can count on Groover to help you gain visibility 👇
