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Before You Release: The 5 Most Important Steps Independent Artists Should Take

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Releasing music is easy. Making it matter is hard.

If you’re an independent artist or running your own label, success begins before the upload. A track that gets attention isn’t just a great song—it’s a result of solid preparation. This article walks you through five essential steps to make your next release actually work.

1. Start With Purpose: Define Your Release Goal

Ask yourself: What should this release achieve?

Are you building an audience, testing a sound, or preparing for something bigger like an EP or label compilation?

Knowing your intention helps you shape everything else—from your visuals to your promo tactics. A release without a goal is just a song in a digital void.

2. Choose a Distribution Partner That Matches Your Needs

Not all distributors are created equal. Instead of comparing names, compare features.

Here’s what really matters:

  • Access to all major platforms (including stores that are genre-relevant for your niche)
  • Fair royalties and transparent contract terms
  • Support when you actually need help
  • Label features if you’re managing multiple artists or a growing catalog

A strong distribution partner doesn’t just deliver your track—they support your vision.

3. Plan Your Release in Advance

Winging it is not a strategy. Every serious release deserves a 3–4 week rollout plan, even if you’re an indie artist with zero budget.

Your plan should include:

  • Finalizing artwork and audio assets
  • Uploading the track early enough for editorial consideration
  • Creating teaser content (socials, stories, email)
  • Scheduling posts and planning your smartlink rollout

Example Timeline:

Week 1: Artwork & Master ready

Week 2: Upload track, set live date

Week 3: Pre-promo content & smartlink launch

Week 4: Release day with follow-up posts

Bonus: Write everything down—don’t rely on memory.

A smart link isn’t just a landing page with streaming links. It’s the start of your fan journey.

Look for smartlink tools that offer:

  • Pre-save options (Spotify, Apple Music etc.)
  • Email capture or fan follow features
  • Custom design & branding
  • Pixel tracking (if you’re running ads)

Make your smartlink the only link you share during the release phase—keep things clean, focused, and conversion-friendly.

5. Promote Before You Publish

This is the number one mistake most artists make: they upload a track and start promoting after it’s already out.

Flip that script:

  • Post short teasers or lyrics 2–3 weeks in advance
  • Show what inspired the song (a photo, a memory, a synth preset)
  • Use countdown stickers, polls, and Q&As to warm up your community
  • Drop your smartlink early and build momentum

Key reminder: You don’t need a big budget to build anticipation—you need consistency and emotional connection.

Final Thoughts

A great release isn’t a single moment—it’s a journey you guide your listeners through. From the first teaser to the final post-release push, your song deserves more than just an upload.

Plan, prepare, and promote smart.

Every professional artist starts somewhere. But the ones who grow?

They start right.