4 answers
Grace
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
4
Questions
Asked
614 views
What are the steps in releasing a song?
Who can help me with releasing a song? such as releasing one on spotify
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4 answers
Nick Ray
Musician, Producer,Songwriter
1
Answer
Birmingham, Alabama
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Hey Grace!
Releasing music these days is made fairly simple due to technology advancements online etc. Most popular distribution are Distrokid, CD Baby, Tunecore and many more. I use CD baby though some people prefer Distrokid because it’s a yearly fee of 20/30 bucks with unlimited distribution. This is great for someone who is always releasing content. There are pros and cons to each distro service. First I would recommend copywriting your material though the government. Which I believe is copyright.gov. You can google this address. There is a fee roughly of 40-70 bucks depending on how many bodies of work you register etc. Then I would sign up for a publishing account like BMI or ASCAP, which I believe is free or there is a small fee, then add your song. Then distribute through either of those companies. Also before hand you can use an app like CANVA to create your artwork. There is a free version for this app also. Hope this helps!
All the best, Nick
1. Copywright song through government
2. Register your work through a publishing company
3. Create some art through a app like CANVA
4. Choose your distribution company
5. After released on socials etc. Use apps like Submithub to get playlists. There are several of companies that are similar. Lookup reviews on playlisters to make sure streams are real.
Releasing music these days is made fairly simple due to technology advancements online etc. Most popular distribution are Distrokid, CD Baby, Tunecore and many more. I use CD baby though some people prefer Distrokid because it’s a yearly fee of 20/30 bucks with unlimited distribution. This is great for someone who is always releasing content. There are pros and cons to each distro service. First I would recommend copywriting your material though the government. Which I believe is copyright.gov. You can google this address. There is a fee roughly of 40-70 bucks depending on how many bodies of work you register etc. Then I would sign up for a publishing account like BMI or ASCAP, which I believe is free or there is a small fee, then add your song. Then distribute through either of those companies. Also before hand you can use an app like CANVA to create your artwork. There is a free version for this app also. Hope this helps!
All the best, Nick
Nick recommends the following next steps:
Jameson Hunt
Sound designer
2
Answers
Providence, Rhode Island
Updated
Jameson’s Answer
Hey! Great question. Once you're produced, mixed and mastered your song and it's ready to go, you'll need to go through a distribution service (website) that puts your music up online. They will either charge a monthly/yearly service fee that allows you to keep your profits, or you can use their services for free BUT they will take a large majority of the money you make from streams. Additionally, these websites will put your music up on iTunes, Amazon, etc.
Check out Amuse, Distrokid, and TuneCore .
Check out Amuse, Distrokid, and TuneCore .
Doug Gray
Consultant / Producer / Publisher / Educator
2
Answers
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Updated
Doug’s Answer
There are so many paths and different ways to get to the end goal depending on whether it's an instrumental track or one with lyrics, a singer-songwriter vs a band with many people, or a collaboration between different artists, and whether you have support services or not, (publisher, label, manager, agent, attorney or any combination.) I've worked with many artists and it seems like each of them has been on their own individual unique journey. If you have support services such as those mentioned above they will take care of many or all of the steps for you. If you are doing it on your own here is a very general outline of the process:
- Create and Record Your Song:
Before you can release a song, you need to create and record it. This includes writing the lyrics, composing the music, and recording the song in a studio or a home setup. With some skill, you could do it all yourself. You do not have to pay for a professional studio.
- Mixing and Mastering:
Once the song is recorded, it needs to be mixed and mastered to ensure it sounds professional and polished. You may want to hire a professional audio engineer for this.
- Create Cover Art:
Design eye-catching cover art for your song. This is the image that will represent your track on streaming platforms. It should be visually appealing and relevant to the content of the song.
- Choose a Distributor:
You'll need a music distributor to get your song onto streaming platforms. There are many services available, such as DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, and others. Research and choose one that suits your needs.
- Prepare Metadata:
You'll need to provide metadata when you upload your song to a distributor. This includes the song title, artist name, album name (if part of an album), release date, and genre. Make sure this information is accurate and consistent.
- Set a Release Date:
Choose a release date for your song. You can schedule it to release on a specific date and time or choose to release it as soon as possible.
- Distribution and Licensing:
Work with your chosen distributor to upload your song and cover art. Ensure that you have all the necessary rights and licenses for the music, especially if you're using samples or collaborating with other artists.
- Submit for Review:
Some distributors may require a review process before releasing your song. This is to ensure it meets their quality and content guidelines.
- Promote Your Release:
Start promoting your upcoming release well in advance. This can include sharing teasers, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging with your audience on social media.
- Create a Spotify for Artists Account:
If you haven't already, sign up for a Spotify for Artists account. This will give you access to valuable insights and tools for promoting your music on Spotify.
- Submit to Spotify Playlists:
Spotify offers playlists that you can submit your song to for consideration. Research relevant playlists and submit your track. This can boost your song's visibility.
- Release Your Song:
Your song will become available on streaming platforms like Spotify on the chosen release date. Most distributors will push your song out to 150+ streaming platforms. Promote the release ahead of time. Encourage your fans and followers to listen and share.
- Monitor Performance:
Keep an eye on how your song is performing. Spotify for Artists and some other platforms provide data on streams, audience demographics, and more. Use this information to adjust your promotional strategies.
- Engage with Your Audience:
Respond to comments and messages from listeners on social media.
Create an email list for fans to sign up.
Perform your music live.
Create live or recorded broadcasts for social media platforms such as Instagram or YouTube.
Building a connection with your audience can lead to more engagement and streams.
- Promote Continuously:
Don't stop promoting your song after the initial release. Start with free organic marketing through social media platforms. Do interviews. Appear on podcasts. Submit your music to music reviewers on blogs, online magazines, and newspapers. Consider additional marketing efforts, like music videos, lyric videos, shorts, recorded and live performances, and collaborations to keep the momentum going.
- Create and Record Your Song:
Before you can release a song, you need to create and record it. This includes writing the lyrics, composing the music, and recording the song in a studio or a home setup. With some skill, you could do it all yourself. You do not have to pay for a professional studio.
- Mixing and Mastering:
Once the song is recorded, it needs to be mixed and mastered to ensure it sounds professional and polished. You may want to hire a professional audio engineer for this.
- Create Cover Art:
Design eye-catching cover art for your song. This is the image that will represent your track on streaming platforms. It should be visually appealing and relevant to the content of the song.
- Choose a Distributor:
You'll need a music distributor to get your song onto streaming platforms. There are many services available, such as DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, and others. Research and choose one that suits your needs.
- Prepare Metadata:
You'll need to provide metadata when you upload your song to a distributor. This includes the song title, artist name, album name (if part of an album), release date, and genre. Make sure this information is accurate and consistent.
- Set a Release Date:
Choose a release date for your song. You can schedule it to release on a specific date and time or choose to release it as soon as possible.
- Distribution and Licensing:
Work with your chosen distributor to upload your song and cover art. Ensure that you have all the necessary rights and licenses for the music, especially if you're using samples or collaborating with other artists.
- Submit for Review:
Some distributors may require a review process before releasing your song. This is to ensure it meets their quality and content guidelines.
- Promote Your Release:
Start promoting your upcoming release well in advance. This can include sharing teasers, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging with your audience on social media.
- Create a Spotify for Artists Account:
If you haven't already, sign up for a Spotify for Artists account. This will give you access to valuable insights and tools for promoting your music on Spotify.
- Submit to Spotify Playlists:
Spotify offers playlists that you can submit your song to for consideration. Research relevant playlists and submit your track. This can boost your song's visibility.
- Release Your Song:
Your song will become available on streaming platforms like Spotify on the chosen release date. Most distributors will push your song out to 150+ streaming platforms. Promote the release ahead of time. Encourage your fans and followers to listen and share.
- Monitor Performance:
Keep an eye on how your song is performing. Spotify for Artists and some other platforms provide data on streams, audience demographics, and more. Use this information to adjust your promotional strategies.
- Engage with Your Audience:
Respond to comments and messages from listeners on social media.
Create an email list for fans to sign up.
Perform your music live.
Create live or recorded broadcasts for social media platforms such as Instagram or YouTube.
Building a connection with your audience can lead to more engagement and streams.
- Promote Continuously:
Don't stop promoting your song after the initial release. Start with free organic marketing through social media platforms. Do interviews. Appear on podcasts. Submit your music to music reviewers on blogs, online magazines, and newspapers. Consider additional marketing efforts, like music videos, lyric videos, shorts, recorded and live performances, and collaborations to keep the momentum going.
ANGELINE SMITH
Bellydance Instructor and Performer
1
Answer
Fremont, California
Updated
ANGELINE’s Answer
Reserve RECORDING SPACE.
RECORD the MUSIC
Attach PR/Public Representation PHOTOS, VIDEOS, and other MEDIA Criteria specified to SINGLE and/or Multi-Song Album Collective.
Purchase SMALL online FM-RADIO Station and CIRCULATE it's existence with the Teachers of the Local and Surrounding elementary, middle school, high school, college/university departments...while ALSO Sending SAMPLES of the Artist's and/or Groups professionally recorded work in mind to the Local educational and professional MUSIC departments and business in the area...INCLUDING Volunteer and/or Fundraising Causes for upcoming planned CONCERTS for such Venues. MAKE and PUBLISH wordpress.com or similar some such FAN CLUB PAGE for The Artist, Band, and Single or Album...USE the FAN CLUB PAGE for FEEDBACK for the Audiences and Clients from the Volunteer and Fundraising Gigs...MAKE FRIENDS with your Local Media professionals at your local schools and community visual and performing arts professionals as colleagues...INCLUDING of course the fellow FM RADIO STATIONS Locally and All of them ONLINE that pertain to YOUR PERSONAL Artist, Band, and/or SINGLE or ALBUM...
Find a WIN-WIN Barter System with your Local FM RADIO STATIONS...and Cable companies, etcetera...FUNDRAISE a LOCAL, NATIONAL, and GLOBAL TOUR for which ever MUSIC Purpose which is THE BEST that you can afford at the time.
RECORD the small and big TOURS...for the PR for the NEXT Ventures...ASK to HAVE Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with EACH and EVER FM Music Radio Station...and ALSO and Television Stations...ONLINE as well as always...
FIND out who are the most well-know local and foreign PROMOTERS in your area...and ARRANGE a Merger for ONE and/or MORE events with such persons and businesses.
Make sure to BUILD a BUSINESS PLAN with whose ever help is at your LOCAL CAREER CENTER before you arrange Luncheons, etcetera with your old, current, new and possibly future colleagues. (Do NOT burn bridges whenever possible, while remaining and being yourself(yourselves)...LEARN the TOOLS that you have in your price range at the time and the LOCALS that have a well-established record WHICH have NO REASON TO SHOW YOU needless JEALOUSLY (Remove the REASONS for Any JEALOUSIES...to a degree...while keeping good sportsmanship in competitive lifelong circuit)...FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS...DO NOT STOP IF YOU FALL DOWN...AUGMENT THEM AND LET THEM GROW...KEEP UPDATING Your Own MUSIC equipment as You can afford to...USE Your perfected BUSINESS PLAN to APPLY for GRANTS that you do NOT have to pay back as a MUSICIAN and ARTIST...Ask which Veterans' Organizations would like BOOKINGS for Events to Serve Patriotically with your great talents as well! Good Luck and Blessings to You!
RECORD the MUSIC
Attach PR/Public Representation PHOTOS, VIDEOS, and other MEDIA Criteria specified to SINGLE and/or Multi-Song Album Collective.
Purchase SMALL online FM-RADIO Station and CIRCULATE it's existence with the Teachers of the Local and Surrounding elementary, middle school, high school, college/university departments...while ALSO Sending SAMPLES of the Artist's and/or Groups professionally recorded work in mind to the Local educational and professional MUSIC departments and business in the area...INCLUDING Volunteer and/or Fundraising Causes for upcoming planned CONCERTS for such Venues. MAKE and PUBLISH wordpress.com or similar some such FAN CLUB PAGE for The Artist, Band, and Single or Album...USE the FAN CLUB PAGE for FEEDBACK for the Audiences and Clients from the Volunteer and Fundraising Gigs...MAKE FRIENDS with your Local Media professionals at your local schools and community visual and performing arts professionals as colleagues...INCLUDING of course the fellow FM RADIO STATIONS Locally and All of them ONLINE that pertain to YOUR PERSONAL Artist, Band, and/or SINGLE or ALBUM...
Find a WIN-WIN Barter System with your Local FM RADIO STATIONS...and Cable companies, etcetera...FUNDRAISE a LOCAL, NATIONAL, and GLOBAL TOUR for which ever MUSIC Purpose which is THE BEST that you can afford at the time.
RECORD the small and big TOURS...for the PR for the NEXT Ventures...ASK to HAVE Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with EACH and EVER FM Music Radio Station...and ALSO and Television Stations...ONLINE as well as always...
FIND out who are the most well-know local and foreign PROMOTERS in your area...and ARRANGE a Merger for ONE and/or MORE events with such persons and businesses.
Make sure to BUILD a BUSINESS PLAN with whose ever help is at your LOCAL CAREER CENTER before you arrange Luncheons, etcetera with your old, current, new and possibly future colleagues. (Do NOT burn bridges whenever possible, while remaining and being yourself(yourselves)...LEARN the TOOLS that you have in your price range at the time and the LOCALS that have a well-established record WHICH have NO REASON TO SHOW YOU needless JEALOUSLY (Remove the REASONS for Any JEALOUSIES...to a degree...while keeping good sportsmanship in competitive lifelong circuit)...FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS...DO NOT STOP IF YOU FALL DOWN...AUGMENT THEM AND LET THEM GROW...KEEP UPDATING Your Own MUSIC equipment as You can afford to...USE Your perfected BUSINESS PLAN to APPLY for GRANTS that you do NOT have to pay back as a MUSICIAN and ARTIST...Ask which Veterans' Organizations would like BOOKINGS for Events to Serve Patriotically with your great talents as well! Good Luck and Blessings to You!