Music release checklist: 6 weeks out to 2 weeks after
By Sontra Music ·
Most release problems come from doing things too late. This checklist starts six weeks before release day and runs to two weeks after. It's the same checklist the Release Planner builds for you.
The checklist
6 weeks before
- Final master approved
- Artwork finalised
- Splits and credits agreed
- Set the budget and plan
4 weeks before
- Deliver to your distributor
- Check metadata
- Start capturing content
- Build your outreach list
2 weeks before
- Pitch to Spotify editorial
- Smart link live
- Start teasers
- Send outreach
1 week before
- Confirm your editorial pitch was submitted
- Prepare release-day posts and ad creative
- Tell your people
Release day
- Check every platform link works
- Post the announcement and update your bios
- Launch ads if you're running them
- Share and thank everyone who shares
1 week after
- Review your first week in Spotify for Artists
- Shift ad spend to the best creative
- Follow up on outreach
2 weeks after
- Second content wave
- Log results and plan your next release
Why six weeks
Distributors need time to deliver, and Spotify editorial pitches should go in at least 7 days before release. Six weeks leaves room for artwork changes, metadata fixes and content.
Keep it in your calendar
In Release Planner you can turn on a live calendar and subscribe from Google, Apple or Outlook Calendar. Tasks stay up to date when you change dates. It's off until you turn it on.
Planning a budget too?
If you're spending money on ads or promotion, Campaign Planner splits your budget and lays out what to do each week. For the Spotify pitch step, see how to pitch Spotify editorial playlists.