MUSIC RELEASE CHECKLIST…GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROW
Navigating the waters of creating and sharing music can be overwhelming at best but mostly, it’s downright confusing. Over the years, I’ve found checklists meant to help artists but they might only cover marketing, or just the logistics of distribution. So, I made my own checklist! This covers everything you need to do from beginning and end (let me know if you think I forgot something!)
Click here if you’d like a downloadable pdf version of this checklist (click on the “purchase” button, then add to cart. Yes it’s free!)
While you are creating the music
Marketing/Branding
Branding Workbook; click here to get it for free
Create your Fan Profile; click here for help
Photoshoot that fits your brand
Album Art https://www.canva.com/ (Canva will become your new best friend)
Graphics for all socials using Canva
Begin building anticipation by sharing 15 second clips of a song or songs, get fan input on album cover art, or a gazillion other ideas for creating your own hype ;-)
Create a crowdfunding campaign
Look into Patreon https://www.patreon.com/
Create lyric videos
Create choreography or work with a choreographer to create a 15 second dance to one of your songs for Tik Tok
Create a music video for one or more of the songs
Select 5 artists you think are similar to your style of music and don’t you dare say you sound like nothing I’ve ever heard before. What artists would be heard on the same playlist as you?
Define your genre. Ask your fans how they would categorize your style after they hear a sneak peak clip, or a stream of 15 second clips of a few of your finished songs.
Begin planning your release event: album release party, house concert, live streaming, backyard bbq concert, etc.
Write up your artist bio? https://bandzoogle.com/blog/how-to-write-an-effective-musician-bio-with-examples
Grab your domain name - do it now even if you don’t have your website designed
Create your website using Bandzoogle, Wix or Squarespace or other (keep it simple)
Create an EPK which will have more content the more experience and time you have working in the music business https://bandzoogle.com/blog/the-8-things-that-should-be-in-every-band-s-digital-press-kit
Create merch that fits your brand to offer as giveaways or bonuses or contests
Business
Register for this webinar that explains copyright, rights holders and publishing: https://www.songtrust.com/music-publishing-sessions
Gather all information about the songs; producers, engineers, musicians, backing vocalists, other writers, etc. Get their full names as you will input who is who through the distribution company
Make sure you have signed split sheet agreements, work for hire agreements, etc.
Type up lyrics to all the songs in something like google docs where you can easily access them, share them or edit them from any device
If it’s a cover, make sure you get the license secured https://www.easysonglicensing.com/
Determine if you need a separate bank account, business entity, etc. based on your individual situation. Discuss with an entertainment lawyer and/or an accountant
*Register with BMI, ASCAP, SESAC or your country’s Performing Rights Organization (PRO) as a Songwriter and/or Publisher
*Register with Sound Exchange as a Performing Artist and/or Master Rights Holder
Choose a music distribution company. Here’s the most comprehensive comparison of the different companies I’ve ever found: https://aristake.com/cd-baby-tunecore-ditto-mondotunes-zimbalam-or
Register your songs with the Office of Copyright. If each song on the album has the exact same writers and copyright owners (all written by you only or all written by you and the same person) you can register the songs as an album. Otherwise, you need to register them a song at a time. It’s the Worst. Website. Ever. Good luck. https://www.copyright.gov/
Practice being interviewed
Write up a press release https://www.cyberprmusic.com/ (best resource for creating your own PR. Subscribe to her newsletter)
*If you are under 18 then you need a parent or guardian to do this. You also need documentation proving you have a Coogan Trust Account at a bank of your choice. This is all meant to protect minors who make money from their greedy parents ;-)
Music is finished and ready for release
Do not rush this process! I know you are so excited to release this music but make sure all of your ducks are in a row!
Upload wav files and album art for the album/EP/single
This is when you’ll need to know the 5 artists you sound similar to
This is when you’ll need to know the genre and subgenre you fit into
This is where you will input all the meta-data; include all the names of contributors on your songs
Paste in the lyrics for each song
Make sure you understand all of the “options” your distributor has. Some options may cause more headache than they are worth, depending on your goals for that particular song
Do not publish a release date until you have it from your distributor
Make sure you give yourself at least 7 days before the release date so you can submit to playlists directly on spotify
Create a PR campaign that includes press releases
Claim your artist profiles on Spotify and Apple Music and all platforms you have your music on
Submit to playlists (Google and you’ll find lists)
Engage with your fans! Be proud of this music you made! Remember, there are people in the world who will love your music and connect with it. Find them and nurture those relationships.
