Diving into the world of independent music can feel like an exhilarating yet overwhelming journey. If you're wondering, "How do I properly release my music independently?" you're not alone. Follow this comprehensive guide to navigate the process and be 10 steps ahead of the competition.
Completing Your Song Professionally
The foundational step in any music release is ensuring your song is polished to perfection. Investing in professional mixing and mastering is paramount. Services like LegendaryMix.com not only refine your tracks but elevate them with features like Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience.
Once your song is studio-ready, it's time to consider distribution. Distributors like DistroKid, among others, serve as intermediaries between artists and streaming platforms. While there are several options available, DistroKid comes highly recommended, with the added advantage of a discount for our readers.
Anticipation is key in the music industry. To increase your chances of landing on coveted playlists, plan your release 3-4 weeks in advance.
Understanding the Business Side
Now that your song sounds perfect, let's tackle the administrative side. Register your song with a Performance Rights Organization (P.R.O.). For a deeper dive into what P.R.O.s are, check out articles on LegendaryMix's blog.
Additionally, signing up with TuneCore Publishing Admin ensures your royalties are efficiently collected.
Next on the checklist is Soundscan/Luminate registration. Luminate, essentially, is a tracking system for digital sales and streams. Registering with them, especially via this link, ensures accurate tracking of your song's performance.
Boost Your Track's Reach
To maximize your song's potential, it's vital to get it in front of as many ears as possible. Websites like SubmitHub and Groover offer artists the chance to submit their tracks to playlist curators and influencers. This can boost your song's reach exponentially. Also, don't forget about Spotify's own playlisting feature, which can place your track in front of millions.
Visuals and Marketing: The Icing on the Cake
In today's digital age, your song alone isn't enough. Securing compelling visuals and marketing materials can elevate your song's impact. Create engaging content for platforms like Reels and TikTok to tap into their massive user base and ride the wave of virality.
The Big Day: Your Release Date
Having navigated the aforementioned steps, your algorithm is primed, your materials are ready, and you've set your song up for success. As the release date approaches, your preparations will have built up momentum, ensuring a successful launch.
Recap: Your Independent Music Release Checklist
Complete your song with professional mixing and mastering.
Distribute your track via platforms like DistroKid.
Register with a P.R.O and TuneCore Publishing Admin.
Enlist with Soundscan/Luminate for tracking.
Boost your reach with playlisting services.
Secure engaging visuals and marketing materials.
Prime your release for success.
In the independent music world, success is a blend of talent, preparation, and strategic planning. This guide serves as your roadmap. So, embrace the journey, and here's to your first of many successful releases!