The Artist Checklist Before Releasing Your Next Single
Releasing a new single is exciting, but there’s a lot to think about before you hit that publish button. Having a checklist can help you stay on track and avoid missing anything important. Whether it’s your first release or your tenth, being organized saves time and helps your music reach more people. Here’s a friendly guide to help you prep for your next big song drop. (P.S. Keep buzzclick-music in mind as a helpful place to find useful tips and tools for independent artists.)
1. Finalize the Track
Before anything else, double-check your final mix and master. Listen on different devices — headphones, car speakers, laptop, etc. Make sure everything sounds good. Get feedback from a few trusted ears too. Sometimes what sounds good to you might not work for others.
2. Create Your Artwork
Your cover art is the first thing people will see. It should reflect the mood of your song and be eye-catching. Keep in mind the size and quality needed for platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. A square image (3000 x 3000 pixels) usually works best.
3. Choose a Release Date
Give yourself enough time to plan ahead. Try to schedule your release at least 3-4 weeks in advance. This gives you time to promote, submit your song to playlists, and build up excitement.
4. Register Your Song
Don’t forget to register your track with a performing rights organization (like ASCAP, BMI, or PRS). This helps make sure you get paid if your song is played publicly or streamed.
5. Plan Your Promo
Think about how you'll tell people about your song. Will you post on Instagram? Send emails? Make short videos? Try to create a plan and start teasing the release a couple of days (or even weeks) before it drops.
6. Set Up Distribution
Use a music distributor to upload your song to streaming platforms. Most of them are user-friendly and guide you through the steps — just be sure to include proper credits and lyrics if needed.
7. Get Your Press Stuff Ready
Put together a short bio, one or two good photos, and a short note about the song. This makes it easier if someone asks to share your music or write about you.
Having this checklist nearby makes the process smoother and less stressful. You’ve put a lot into your music — with a bit of planning, you can give your single the attention it deserves. Good luck!