Release Checklist

A simple, practical checklist to move your release from planning to payout.

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Writing and Pre-Production

Write the song.
Finalize lyrics and structure.
Create a demo.
Confirm songwriting splits with co-writers.
Decide who owns the master before recording.

Recording

Book studio time or prep your home setup.
Track all instruments and vocals.
Keep takes organized and clearly labeled.
Collect session files from collaborators.
Back everything up (local and cloud).

Editing and Mixing

Clean up tracks (timing, tuning, noise).
Choose reference tracks.
Send full sessions or consolidated stems to your mix engineer.
Review mix revisions and give clear notes.
Approve the final mix and export a high-res WAV.

Mastering

Choose a mastering engineer or service.
Send the final mix, notes, and reference tracks.
Review master revisions on multiple systems.
Approve the final master.
Export all versions you need (main, instrumental, clean, TV mix, etc.).

Artwork and Visuals

Create or commission cover art that meets distributor specs.
Make alternate crops (square, vertical, horizontal).
Prepare basic promo graphics (quote cards, lyric cards, banners).

Metadata and Admin

Confirm your artist name and check for conflicts.
Finalize the release title and track titles.
Confirm all credits (writers, producers, performers, featured artists).
Assign ISRCs (or let your distributor assign them).
Add a UPC/EAN for the release.
Register the song with your PRO.
Register with SoundExchange (for U.S. digital performance royalties).

Distribution Setup

Choose your distributor.
Upload final audio and artwork.
Enter all metadata carefully and double-check spelling.
Choose release date and time.
Set pre-save or pre-order if supported.
Submit for store review with enough lead time.

Pitching and Promotion (Pre-Release)

Pitch through Spotify for Artists at least 7 days before release so it can reach Release Radar and be eligible for editorial.
Update artist profiles (Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube, etc.).
Write or update your artist bio and track description.
Build or update your EPK (photos, links, short bio, stats).
Create a promo calendar (teasers, announcement, release-day, follow-ups).
Record short-form video content.
Prepare email newsletter copy.
Make a list of blogs, playlists, radio shows, and curators to contact.

Release Week

Verify the release is live and correct on all platforms.
Update your link-in-bio and website.
Post your release-day announcement.
Share behind-the-scenes content.
Encourage collaborators to share and tag you.
Monitor early stats (streams, saves, playlist adds).
Save and share notable playlist placements or press.

Post-Release

Watch for algorithmic placements (Release Radar, Discover Weekly, radio).
Add the track to your own playlists and update existing ones.
Send follow-ups to press, blogs, and DJs.
Release alternate versions (acoustic, live, remixes) if it fits your plan.
Collect fan reactions and screenshots.

Royalties and Payments

Check your distributor’s reporting schedule.
Confirm your payout info is correct.
Set up revenue splits if your distributor supports it.
Track income sources:
- Distributor (master royalties)
- PRO (performance)
- Mechanical/publishing admin
- SoundExchange
Fix metadata or ownership issues quickly.

Long-Term

Add the release to your website discography and EPK.
Store stems, mixes, masters, artwork, lyrics, and credits long-term.
Write down what worked and what you'll change next time.
Keep a running live set list.
Map out how this release connects to the next one.