by Justin Oliver (J Faith):
The process of releasing your music to the masses is a daunting task for upcoming artists trying to build a fanbase. The challenge is getting as many people to hear your music as possible.
We have taken some tips from YouTuber Adam Ivy, a music marketing specialist, and compiled them into quick-hitting, digestible tips. Check them out below
Distribution
Schedule a few days prior to your release date. If you want to submit to curators and blogs, then 2-3 weeks prior to release. Types of distributors: DistroKid, Tunecore, CD Baby. Have a game plan for releasing visuals whether it’s photos or videos. Have visuals ready for release date or soon after.
Social Media Strategy
Have distinct calendars set up for Pre-Launch, Launch, and Post-Launch push. Choose 3 platforms to focus on.
Mailing Lists
Build a mailing list. Apps/Services like MailChimp help support and send emails. Embed these on your website, or set them up through MailChimp. How do you build these lists? Offer incentives, such as early video, behind-the-scenes, early access, or discounts. Follow through.
Submissions to Playlists / Blogs
Submit your music to playlists and blogs at least 2-3 weeks prior to release to give them time to look through all submissions. There are many ways to submit, including their social media pages, websites, and emails. Be sure to do research on what will work best. Services like SubmitHub or find curators information on their playlists. You can also see if they have LinkedIn pages as well.
Copyright and registered with PRO
This is important for radio and if/when the song takes off. PRO stands for Performance Rights Organization, which includes Ascap or BMI
Framework for followup release
Having something in the works or your “next launch” so you don’t lose the momentum of your music.
Study your analytics to decide the best day when to release music. Many artists drop on a typical Friday because that is when Billboard tracks the numbers. You also can get lost in everyone dropping on the same day. So maybe choose another day, like Tuesday to release your music instead to separate yourself from other releases. Watch out for other distractions like holidays or special events that may be occurring during your release.
Check out Adam Ivy's latest video on music marketing mistakes: