A release plan for a single, starting weeks before launch
A single released with a week's notice gets one chance to be noticed. A single released with a plan gets several. Work backwards from your release date and give each task its own time.
On this page
Six weeks before: lock the music
- Finish the mix and master. Export a lossless WAV and keep the project files.
- Settle the title, artist name, credits and any featured artists.
- Agree splits with everyone who wrote or produced the track and keep a signed split sheet.
- Clear any samples. Do not leave this until later.
Five to four weeks before: submit and pitch
Send the release to your distributor early. Giving them several weeks leaves time for checks, delivery and any corrections. Choose the release date at this stage.
If you use Spotify for Artists, submit the song for playlist consideration before it goes live. The pitch has to be sent before release, and the earlier you send it the better. Write a short, honest description of the track, the mood and any story behind it.
Tip: Early submission also lets you set up pre-save links and see your release in the stores before it goes live.
Three weeks before: build the story
- Prepare artwork, a short bio, a one-sentence pitch and a few photos.
- Plan your video, visualiser or short clips for social media.
- Write to blogs, curators, DJs and radio shows who play your style of music, with a private link to the track.
- Create a link page that points to every service.
Two weeks before: start talking about it
Announce the date and share a snippet. Use pre-save links where available. Keep the message simple: the title, the date and one link.
Release week and after
- Post on the day and thank people who share it.
- Reply to messages and comments in the first 48 hours.
- Add the track to your own playlists and profile pages.
- Check the release on every store and report any problems to your distributor.
- Look at the numbers after a couple of weeks and note what worked for next time.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I send my release to my distributor?
At least a few weeks before the release date. That leaves time for checks and delivery. If you want to pitch for playlists, aim for about four weeks.
Which day of the week should I release on?
Most major stores release new music on Fridays, which keeps your release in line with the weekly cycle. A different day can still work for a special reason.
Can I release more than one single at a time?
You can, but each release needs its own attention. Leave a few weeks between singles so each one gets time before the next.
Written by
Dark Lab Records Ltd team
Practical guidance on releasing music, video and publishing from the Dark Lab Records team in the UK, the United States and Canada.
