By Mitch Rice
Being an unsigned music artist in today’s landscape can be challenging. You want to use your music to find new fans! You want to release new music – but you don’t want your new single, album, or ep to fall on deaf ears.
As artists, it can be easier to focus more on the creative aspects rather than the business ones. But when you’re starting, you’ll need to be your own business manager and the artist behind the music, which requires:
- Choosing music distribution
- Growing your following across socials
- Verifying your accounts on all streaming platforms
- Handling album artwork design
- … and so much more.
Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of planning for your next big release. With the proper planning, you can gain the momentum you need to monetize your music and turn your passion into a career. Use this guide to create a checklist and stay on track for your next release.
Find Your Brand
As artists, many of us want to be flexible. We want to be able to make the kind of music we want to make when we want to make it. Unfortunately, this doesn’t lead to an up-and-coming artist’s most streamlined business approach.
If you’ve just started a new band or are releasing an initial EP, you’ve spent a lot of time developing a new and unique sound. While your music is individual, consider what niche your sound best fits in – Are you punk-rock, indie-pop, metal, hardcore, emo, or country?
Create a brand you can use as you develop your website and socials. Be as specific as possible to make it easy for new fans to find you on socials like YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram.
Curate Community Via Socials and In Person
Take some of the pressure off yourself about “networking.” Get out in your community and experience live music. Meet the people who host open mics in your area and curate connections with the other performers. Every artist started just where you are.
Use your social pages the way you interact at these in-person events. Don’t be tempted to buy followers.
- Share moments in the studio as you record your album
- Stream a set on YouTube to get fans excited about your upcoming release
- Post an Instagram story from the open mic you at the local coffee shop
- Build playlists on Spotify to direct fans from your TikTok or Instagram to your Spotify profile
- Respond to fans’ comments and messages
Take your time building an authentic following. True fans will do much more for you than paid followers could.
Build a Band or Artist Website
You’ll need a landing page online for your fans to find out more about you, announce any releases, and share upcoming tour dates. Build your website early to ensure you get your desired domain. Update it monthly as you continue to work towards your release date!
Set Up Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists, Pandora… ETC
Most people listen to music these days on streaming platforms. While writing music, set yourself up for success by having your artist account ready to go on all streaming platforms.
Spotify for Artists will allow you to submit new tracks to playlists before your music is even released. The earlier you have these accounts set up and verified, the sooner you can submit to be featured on top playlists alongside artists you admire.
Shoot Fun and Unique Promo Photos and Videos
Initially, you can use simple photos and videos from your phone on your socials to build your following. However, as you get closer to your release date, you’ll want to have high-quality photos and videos to use for advertising purposes.
Even if you have a tight budget, you could shoot a music video for one of the singles off your upcoming album. Clip your video out and share it in teasers across social media as you get closer to the release date.
Register with a Performing Rights Organization
You’ll need to set up accounts with a PRO to ensure you get any royalties due for any public performances of your songs; any places that must purchase a license to play music like restaurants, shopping malls, performance halls, etc. The most popular PROs in the US are ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.
For digital royalties – when songs are streamed digitally on platforms like Spotify, Pandora, or Sirius XM radio – you’ll need an account with Sound Exchange.
Choose a Distributor & Send Them Your Tracks At Least 6 Weeks Prior to Your Release Date
It will take up to six weeks for your distributor to get your songs onto iTunes, Spotify, and other streaming services. There are a variety of digital music distribution platforms you can choose from that will help you monetize your music and keep 100% of your earnings.
- DistroKid
- CD Baby
- OneRPM
Even though it can be tedious, it’s essential correctly set up your song pricing, titles, and pre-order strategy to ensure a smooth release.
Design Engaging Album Artwork
Most music is now digital. You’ll need digital assets for your upcoming single and album releases. You can work with a graphic designer or design your own album artwork using graphic design tools like Canva.
Many people will discover your music on platforms like TikTok and Spotify. The artwork should be captivating to draw in new fans, even as a thumbnail. Have your artwork available in multiple sizes, including banners you can use on your website and ones explicitly formatted for Instagram and Youtube.
Keep Building the Momentum Leading Up to Your Release!
There may be a lot to do to have a successful album release, but having a checklist and schedule can help you stay on track to meet your goals.
You got this! Create a social media schedule to help you build your following and stay on top of posts as you check other necessary business items off your list. The process will get a bit easier with each single, ep, and album release.
