Stephanie G. Mathis Someone wants a unicorn. Someone opens the front door. The unicorn enters.
That’s definitely not going to happen.
First of all, unicorns do not exist. (Sorry to spoil the surprise).
Second, wishing to get something is not a good way to go about it.
Release music is the same.
Do you believe that music lovers invent themselves or not?
Every time I release a new record, I am surprised at how many steps are involved, how many assets I require, how many accounts I need to manage, and how many deadlines there are.
I want to put out the music and reach billions of listeners. Is it too much to ask for?
Yep! It’s way too much. It’s not possible to use a scattershot strategy, as I’m sure I will miss important details. To a certain extent, I need to follow the right order to get it done.
The release of music is an act of promotion.
The simple act of releasing music (including YouTube) can promote that music. Popular streaming platforms allow you to reach existing audiences automatically via their recommendation engines and branding features.
Presses didn’t do it. The press did not do this. Radio? As a DIY musician, you weren’t going to get national radio airplay. This is something new in the history of recorded music. It’s FREE.
The more your fans enjoy your music, the greater your ability to expand your audience to new listeners.
But… only if your release is planned correctly.
You must meet certain deadlines before your release date to qualify for opportunities such as Spotify’s Release Radar, running a smart follow campaign, or pre-save.
You can’t go back and get these opportunities once your music has been released.
Planning your music release: Tools to help you out
A music release requires nothing more than PLANNING.
We did not get into music to enjoy spreadsheets and clerical tasks. We pursue music because most of us don’t want or have natural organizational skills.
All the dreams that you may have about your music – a million streams on Spotify, sold-out concerts, changing someone’s career, earning enough money to make music your profession – are hidden behind a wall made of deadlines and planning.
It’s a door. It’s actually a door. Unlike the one at the start of the article, this door is heavier and has rusted hinges. It is possible to open it, but it will take some effort.
To stay organized, I recommend:
Use a project management tool like Asana, Trello
Drive allows you to easily share Google Sheets, Google Docs, and Google Slides with your team.
Slack can help you streamline your conversations with collaborators, managers, publicists, and promoters around your launch.
You’ll need these things to release your music in the correct way
After you’ve set up your online planning system (with Google Drive or Slack, Asana, etc.), it’s time to plug in actual assets, projects, and deadlines for the release. It’s now time to add actual assets, projects, and deadlines.
There is a long list of things to prepare for:
Mastering audio in MP3, 24bit WAV, and 16bit WAV formats
Private streaming link
3000×3000 pixel cover artwork
Distribution of music
Your bio or press release can be in both short and long versions
Artist photos that will catch your attention
Verification of all your streaming profiles – Spotify for artists, Apple Music Artists, Amazon Music, or Artists Official YouTube Artist Channel Deezer Backstage and Pandora AMP.
Use video as a tool to reach out to the public
The campaign will run ahead of the release.
Your SmartLink
Website for your music
Email management software
Create the Release Plan generator. This free tool allows you to create a customized music release timeline, ensuring you check off every item on the list and meet all deadlines.
You need to enter your desired release date.
How do you select a release date?
Signing up for distribution AT LEAST 5 weeks before your launch is a good rule of thumb. It’s not because distribution takes so long. Instead, Spotify and other streaming platforms prefer to give themselves at least one month to review the music they are being pitched.
You can change the date of release (upper left) whenever you want. The tool will adjust the deadlines according to your preferences.
The framework of a successful release of music
Asana is a great way to track your progress and manage your tasks.
Use CD-Baby’s Release Plan generator for a free, personalized release plan. The tool is free to use, and you do not need to be a distributor to access it.
Asana and Trello will allow you to import your release plan.
Have questions about the release of music for success by 2021?
Attend Bandzoogle’s free webinar, How to Plan a Successful Music Release, to learn about the steps involved in a smart release.
You’ll get the chance to ask questions and receive advice about your next album launch or single.
