Releasing a new song is an exciting step for an artist. It’s all about sharing your music with the world, and I’m here to guide you through the process. I’ll break it down into easy-to-follow steps:
BONUS: Use this checklist to make sure you follow all the steps for a successful song release.
Step 1: Essential File Preparation
Master and Format: Ensure you have your final master in the required format. Typically, it should be 44.1 kHz and either 16-bit or 24-bit, depending on your distributor’s specifications.
Album Art: Create or get high-quality album artwork in JPEG or PNG format, with dimensions at least 1500×1500 pixels.
Press Release: Write a press release including a short description of yourself as an artist and the song. This press release will be useful for promoting your song.
Step 2: Uploading to Your Distributor
Upload: Sign in to your chosen distributor’s website and upload your song, album art, and press release. Provide all the necessary information about the song, such as title, artist name, genre, and featured artist details.
Set Release Date: Specify the release date for your song, and select the countries and stores where you want it to be available.
Additional Features: Some distributors offer extra options, like uploading lyrics or creating a mastered-for-iTunes release. Choose any additional features that suit your needs.
Step 3: Register Your Song with PRO
PRO Selection: Decide on your Performing Rights Organization (PRO) such as BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
Work Registration: In your PRO’s account, register your song by providing information like song title, artist name, featured artist name (if applicable), song length, and details about co-writers and producers.
IRSC/UPC Codes: Ensure you have the IRSC or UPC codes, which are often provided by your distributor, and include them in your PRO registration.
Step 4: Register with a Publishing Administrator
Select Publishing Admin: Choose a publishing administrator such as TuneCore Publishing or any other that you prefer.
Add Composition: In your publishing admin’s platform, add your composition, including details like artist name, co-writers, and your percentage of royalties.
Quarterly Payouts: Be aware that your publishing administrator will provide you with quarterly payouts for any earnings related to your song.
Step 5: Register with SoundScan/Luminate
SoundScan Registration: Register with SoundScan (now called Luminate) to keep track of how many copies you sell and measure your song’s success.
IRSC/UPC Codes: You will need the IRSC and UPC codes, which you can usually get from your distributor, and include them in your SoundScan registration.
Step 6: Upload to Alternate Platforms
Apart from major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, consider uploading your song to platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, Bandcamp, and others. This can help you reach different audiences.
Step 7: Submit to Spotify Playlists
If you have previously released music and claimed your artist profile on Spotify, you can submit your new song for playlist consideration.
Make sure to pitch your song using the tools provided by Spotify for Artists.
Use platforms like SubmitHub and Groover to submit your music to playlists, blogs, and influencers. Don’t be discouraged by rejections; keep trying.
Step 8: Promote Your Song with Content
Start promoting your song around 10 days before the release date.
Create various types of content to engage your audience, including teasers, announcements, performance videos, behind-the-scenes footage, giveaways, and call-to-action posts for pre-saves.
Consider creating content for different social media platforms, like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Use creative ways to promote your song, such as open-verse challenges and mixing competitions.
Continuously engage with your audience through likes, comments, and shares on social media, and encourage interaction with your content.
Repost content shared by your followers, especially if they are promoting your song.
Step 9: Follow Up with Content After the Release
Continue to share content related to your song, such as more performance videos, remixes, and other engaging posts.
Be consistent with your content to keep your audience engaged and interested in your music.
Step 10: Release Day
On the release day, update all your social media profiles, including profile pictures, banners, and bios, to reflect the new release.
Make your SoundCloud and YouTube uploads public.
Post an announcement about your song on all your social media accounts.
Reach out to playlists or blogs that have accepted your song and provide them with the updated links.
If you have a mailing list, send an announcement to your subscribers.
Be active on social media throughout the day, respond to comments, and encourage interaction.
Consider creating a landing page with links to various platforms where your song is available.
Promote your song and engage with your audience by sharing, reposting, and responding to messages or comments.
Don’t forget to grab this checklist to make sure you follow all the steps for a successful song release.
If you’re new to the music industry The Complete Guide to Starting a Music Career is for you:
Remember that music promotion is not an exact science, and success can vary. Be creative, persistent, and engage with your audience consistently to build your presence as an artist. Your passion and dedication will play a significant role in your music’s success.