The Indie Artist’s Music Release Checklist

Releasing music isn’t just about uploading your track and hoping for the best — it’s about planning, precision, and promotion.

This step-by-step Music Release Checklist will help you prepare your next single, EP, or album for a smooth launch and maximum impact.

1. Finalize Your Track

Before anything else, make sure your music is truly finished.

• Mastering: Ensure your song is professionally mastered so it sounds great across all platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, etc.).

• File format: Most distributors require a 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV file.

• Check for errors: Listen from start to finish for glitches, pops, or volume inconsistencies.

Pro Tip: Drew’s Vault offers mastering services so your track meets global streaming standards.

2. Get Your Artwork Ready

Your cover art is the first thing listeners see — make it count.

• Size: At least 3000 x 3000 pixels, JPG or PNG.

• Design: Avoid blurry images, text too close to edges, or logos you don’t own.

• Brand consistency: Match the style to your artist image and genre.

3. Organize Your Metadata

Metadata is the “digital ID” for your music — it tells platforms exactly what your track is.

• Artist Name (correct spelling, consistent across releases)

• Track Title (no typos or unnecessary punctuation)

• Release Date (plan ahead — see below)

• ISRC & UPC codes (for tracking streams and sales)

4. Choose Your Release Date

Timing can make or break your launch.

• Plan at least 3–4 weeks ahead to allow time for distribution and playlist pitching.

• Avoid releasing on major holidays unless it’s part of your campaign.

• Use the extra time to build anticipation.

5. Set Up Distribution

Your music should be available everywhere your fans listen.

• Distribute to Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, Tidal, and 99+ other platforms.

• Use a reliable distributor (Drew’s Vault handles the upload, metadata, and delivery for you).

6. Build Pre-Release Buzz

Get people talking before the song drops.

• Announce the release date on social media.

• Share behind-the-scenes photos or short audio teasers.

• Create a pre-save link for Spotify and Apple Music.

• Send your mailing list a “Coming Soon” update.

7. Plan Your Release Day

On launch day, your goal is visibility.

• Share direct streaming links on all social platforms.

• Update your website’s homepage with the new release.

• Tag fans, influencers, and blogs that might share your track.

8. Keep Momentum After the Release

Don’t let the hype die after day one.

• Post a lyric video or live performance version.

• Pitch your song to playlist curators and music blogs.

• Run a small ad campaign targeting your genre’s audience.

• Share fan-made content (covers, TikToks, reels).