Music is a powerful tool for self-expression, connection, and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, releasing new music is an exciting and often nerve-wracking experience. There’s so much to consider, from the quality of your audio and video to the timing of your release and the marketing strategy you’ll use to promote your work. So: What should you do before posting your music?
Before you post your music, it’s critical to prepare all of your content, register your music with copyright offices and PROs, create a marketing plan, and check off every item on your to-do list. These steps ensure that you have made the best possible preparations for a successful music release.
Our goal is to help you feel confident and empowered in your music release journey. We know that the process can be overwhelming, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can achieve success and share your music with a wider audience.
We hope that this article will be a valuable resource for you as you begin to prepare to release your music. Whether youre release is now or in the not to distance future, the steps outlined here will help you approach the process with confidence and clarity. Let’s dive in!
The Benefits of Independent Music Release
Independent music release has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. By choosing to release music independently, artists gain greater creative control over their work, which can result in a more authentic and personal final product. This means that artists are not forced to conform to the demands of record labels, and can instead pursue their own unique visions for their music.
Another major benefit of independent music release is the potential for higher revenue. Without the need to pay a record label, artists can keep their earnings. Additionally, independent artists can leverage tools like crowdfunding and fan support to finance their projects, cutting out the middleman altogether. This can lead to more financial stability for artists, as well as greater artistic freedom.
Finally, independent music release can also result in increased exposure for artists. In today’s digital age, there are numerous platforms available for independent artists to promote and distribute their music. This includes popular streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, as well as social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. By utilizing these platforms effectively, independent artists can reach a wider audience than ever before, without the need for a major label’s backing.
Overall, the benefits of independent music release are clear. From greater creative control to increased revenue potential and exposure, independent artists have more opportunities than ever to pursue their dreams and share their music with the world. As the music industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that independent music release will remain a powerful tool for artists looking to take their careers into their own hands.
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The Pre-Release Checklist
Releasing music can be an exciting and nerve-wracking process. Before hitting the publish button, there are several important steps that musicians need to consider. The pre-release checklist is a crucial guide that outlines all the necessary preparations that need to be taken care of before releasing music independently.
What needs done
The checklist includes 25 items, covering all aspects of music release, from content to preparation to the day of release. Some of the key points to keep in mind include creating high-quality assets, such as mix and mastered audio files, official videos, and photoshoots. Musicians also need to register their song with the copyright office, secure a mechanical license if covering a song, and register their song with a PRO or publishing admin.
For a detailed guide on registering your copyright; here is a great resource. Check it out!
Setting a release date is also an important step, as it gives musicians a timeline to work towards. Along with this, it’s essential to explore merch opportunities and run a brand awareness campaign to build momentum leading up to the release.
As the release date approaches, musicians need to finalize their mastered song, cover art file, songwriter credits, and ISRC code. They should also pitch to Spotify playlist and launch a pre-save/pre-order campaign. Other important tasks include preparing social media posts, creating custom thumbnails for videos, and launching social media ad campaigns.
On the day of release, musicians need to promote their music on various social media channels, upload their official music video, and update their website and social media profiles with the smart link for the single. Once the music is live, they need to keep promoting it on social media and seek opportunities for playlist and independent blog coverage.
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By following this comprehensive pre-release checklist at the end of the article, musicians can better ensure they are well-prepared for the release of their music and increase their chances of success in the highly competitive music industry.
Copyrights and Ownership
Releasing music independently can be a fulfilling experience for any musician. However, it is important to ensure that you have secured ownership and protected your intellectual property before releasing your music. This involves taking the necessary steps to secure your copyrights and ensure that you are the sole owner of the music you create.
Register Copyright
To secure ownership of your music, it is important to register your songs with the copyright office and secure a mechanical license if you are covering someone else’s song. This will ensure that you have exclusive rights to reproduce and distribute your music. Additionally, it is important to complete songwriter splits and register your songs with a performing rights organization (PRO) or publishing administrator to ensure proper royalty distribution.
Protect Your IP
To protect your intellectual property, it is recommended to trademark your artist name, band name, or logo. This will prevent others from using your brand and potentially confusing fans. You can also register your music with the U.S. Copyright Office to protect your rights and prevent others from using your music without permission.
Clear Agreements
Furthermore, it is important to have clear agreements with collaborators, such as producers, featured artists, and songwriters, to ensure that everyone involved understands their ownership rights and royalties. A clear and detailed agreement can prevent disputes and legal issues down the line.
Overall, securing ownership and protecting your intellectual property can give you peace of mind and ensure that you are properly compensated for your hard work.
Metadata
Metadata is the backbone of music distribution in the digital age. It provides the essential information about a piece of music that helps listeners find and enjoy it. Accurate and complete metadata is critical for musicians who want their music to reach as many listeners as possible. Metadata consists of information like artist name, album name, track titles, release date, genre, and copyright ownership. Properly tagging and titling music with accurate metadata ensures that it appears in relevant search results and recommendation algorithms.
Be Consistent
One of the most important things to consider when adding metadata to a track is to be consistent. Keep titling consistency across all tracks and releases. This ensures that your music is easy to find and sort in a digital library. Another essential consideration is to make sure that all the information is accurate and up-to-date. Check for typos and ensure that the album art matches the music’s content.
Another key factor in metadata is choosing the appropriate genre for your music. This is essential for ensuring that your music appears in relevant search results and recommendation algorithms. There are many different genre categories, so be sure to choose one that accurately reflects the style and tone of your music. Additionally, ensure that all relevant parties, such as composers and producers, are credited accurately in the metadata.
Work to Your Advantage
Finally, consider using metadata to your advantage by incorporating marketing elements. This can include adding a brief artist biography, including links to social media profiles, and highlighting any noteworthy collaborations or previous successes. This extra information can help potential fans connect with your music and understand your artistic vision.
Overall, metadata is a crucial part of releasing music independently. Ensuring that all information is accurate, consistent, and up-to-date will help your music reach the widest possible audience and increase your chances of success.
Distribution
As an independent musician, choosing the right distribution strategy can make all the difference in reaching your audience and generating revenue. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to release your music. Fortunately, there are several distribution channels to choose from, ranging from online streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music to physical sales through CD Baby or Bandcamp.
Online Streaming
Online streaming is a popular option for independent musicians because it offers a vast audience reach. However, it’s important to note that the revenue generated from streaming services is typically lower than that from physical sales. Physical sales, on the other hand, can be more profitable per unit sold but may not have the same broad reach as online streaming. It’s crucial to consider your goals and target audience when choosing a distribution strategy.
Ensure Your Success
In addition to choosing a distribution channel, it’s essential to ensure that your music is being properly distributed. Make sure your music is available on all major platforms. Check regularly for any errors or discrepancies in the distribution process. You should also be aware of the fees and commissions charged by distributors, as these can impact your revenue.
Choosing the right distribution strategy is an important decision for independent musicians. By understanding the different options available and considering your goals and target audience, you can make an informed decision that will help you reach your desired level of success.
Promotion and Marketing
Promotion and marketing are key factors in getting your music out to a wider audience and building a fanbase. As an independent musician, you have to rely on your own efforts to promote your music, which can be a daunting task. However, with the right strategies and tools, you can successfully market your music and connect with your audience.
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Social media
Social media is a powerful tool for promotion and marketing. It allows you to reach a large audience and engage with fans directly. Platforms such as Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok can be used to share updates about your music. They also allow you to interact with fans, and showcase your personality and brand.
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Email marketing
Email marketing is another effective strategy, as it allows you to reach out to fans who have already expressed interest in your music and keep them informed about your latest releases and performances. You can also offer exclusive content and incentives to encourage fans to sign up for your email list. We recently published a guide with strategies for building your email list. If that’s helpful to you; You should read it!
Live performances
Live performances are a great way to connect with fans and build your audience. Whether it’s playing at local venues or festivals, performing live can help you reach new fans and establish yourself as an artist. You can also use live performances to promote your music and merchandise, and to collect email addresses for future marketing efforts.
Effective promotion and marketing require a strong understanding of your target audience. It additionally requires a willingness to experiment with different strategies to see what works best for you. By staying engaged with your fans and providing them with quality content, you can build a loyal following and take your music career to new heights.
Analytics and Metrics
In today’s digital age, data plays a vital role in making informed decisions about marketing and distribution strategies for independent musicians. Analytics and metrics provide valuable insights into a music release’s performance and audience engagement. This enables musicians to tailor their approach for maximum impact.
A Variety of Metrics
Musicians can track a variety of metrics. Those include streams, downloads, and social media engagement. Tracking these metrics can help to gain a deeper understanding of their audience and their preferences. Platforms like Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists, and YouTube Provide Analytics tracking for their Artists. This service provides comprehensive data that can help musicians identify trends and make data-driven decisions.
Track Effectiveness
Musicians can also use analytics to track the effectiveness of their marketing and promotional efforts. By monitoring metrics like website traffic and email open rates, musicians can determine which marketing channels are resonating with their audience. That knowledge can help them to adjust their strategy accordingly.
Make Informed Decisions
In addition to providing insights into performance and marketing, analytics can also help independent musicians make informed decisions about distribution. By tracking data on which platforms and channels are generating the most revenue and engagement, musicians can optimize their distribution strategy. This can help to ensure they are reaching the right audience with their music.
Understanding and utilizing analytics and metrics is crucial for independent musicians looking to succeed in today’s competitive music industry. By leveraging data to inform their decisions, musicians can maximize their impact and achieve their goals.
Overcoming Challenges
Releasing music independently can be a rewarding experience, but it is not without its challenges. Some of the most common challenges faced by independent musicians include limited resources, lack of industry connections and difficulty standing out in a crowded market.
However, with the right mindset and strategies in place, it is possible to overcome these obstacles. For example, building a strong online presence through social media and other channels can help musicians connect with fans and build a following, even without traditional industry connections.
Persistance and Adaptation
Another important aspect of overcoming challenges is being persistent and willing to adapt to changing circumstances. This may mean experimenting with different marketing and distribution strategies or collaborating with other musicians or industry professionals.
Ultimately, the key to overcoming challenges as an independent musician is to stay focused on the music and the audience. By staying true to your creative vision and connecting with fans on a personal level, you can create a loyal following. That loyal following will support you throughout your career. There may be obstacles along the way. These challenges can be viewed as opportunities for growth and learning. That growth and learning are ultimately what makes you a stronger and more successful independent musician. We are known for what we do, and you can forge a reputation from your persistence Adaptation. We recently posted an article about Branding on your reputation that you should consider. Have a read!
In Conclusion
Releasing music independently is an exciting and rewarding journey that requires dedication, patience, and hard work. While there may be challenges along the way, the benefits of greater creative control, higher revenue potential, and increased exposure make it a worthwhile endeavor. By following the pre-release checklist independent musicians can successfully release and promote their music. Keep persevering, stay true to your vision, and never stop creating. The list of pre-release checklist items follows this conclusion. We wish you the best of luck on your musical journey.
Checklist For Release, and Post Release
Pre-Release:
- Mastered audio file
- Cover art design
- Set date of release
- Secure copyright registration
- Register with PRO
- Confirm songwriter splits
- Arrange corresponding merch
- Upload to Distribution aggregator
- Begin pre-save / pre-order effort
- Pitch to Playlists on Spotify
- Pre-promotion outreach
Day of Release:
- Promote on social media channels
- Upload corresponding official music video to various platforms
- Update Social Media Hompages
- Update your artist website
- Make song public on streaming platforms
- Add lyric sheets to Apple Music / iTunes
- Launch ad campaigns on Social Media
- Post tour dates and upcoming Live Events
Post-Release:
- Continue promoting on social media
- Email follow up, thanking participation
- Create a playlist and share it
- promote your song for playlist opportunities
- Get blog and influencer write ups
- Begin working on your next release