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Single Release Checklist

A printable checklist for preparing, launching and following up your next single.

Before you upload

• Choose one release goal and the audience you want to reach.
• Check your final audio on headphones, speakers and a phone.
• Confirm artist name, song title, writers and credits.
• Check rights, permissions and your distributor’s cover rules.
• Prepare artwork in the format your distributor requires.
• Choose a date with enough delivery and correction time.

Before release day

• Upload the release and check all metadata carefully.
• Check the correct artist profiles are linked.
• Prepare a short bio, song story and approved photo.
• Test your listening or advance stream link.
• If using Spotify editorial pitching, pitch the unreleased song at least seven days before release.
• Make three clips with different stories or openings.
• Find five to ten relevant outlets and follow their submission rules.
• Schedule or draft one clear release-day post.

Release day

• Open the song links and confirm the artist profile is right.
• Update your main profile link and pin your release post.
• Tell your audience where to listen with one clear action.
• Reply to comments and thank people who share the song.

After release

• Share a different lyric story, live take or making-of clip.
• Send one polite follow-up only where allowed.
• Record useful feedback, clicks or saves you can see.
• Review what worked and plan your next small step.

Read the full guide

Music Pitch Template

A copy-and-paste pitch email, a worked example and one polite follow-up.

Replace every bracketed field before sending. Follow the recipient’s submission rules.

First email

Subject: Submission: [Artist], [Song], [Style], [Release date]

Hi [Name],

I enjoyed [specific feature or playlist]. I thought my track [Song] could fit because [honest reason].

I’m [Artist], a [short description]. [Song] is about [one-sentence story], with [brief sound description]. It is out on [date].

Listen: [working link]
Press pack, if useful: [link]

Would you consider it for [one relevant feature, show or playlist]?

Thanks for your time,
[Name / Artist]
[Contact]

A fictional example

Subject: Submission: River North, Starting Again, acoustic pop, 18 October

Hi Alex,

I enjoyed your recent acoustic songwriter feature. My track Starting Again could fit that audience because it pairs a quiet guitar verse with a warm, hopeful chorus.

I’m River North, an independent acoustic pop artist. I wrote the song about moving away from home and finding my feet. It is out on 18 October.

Listen: [insert working link]

Would you consider it for your new music section?

Thanks for listening,
River North
[Contact]

One polite follow-up

Hi [Name],

Just following up once on [Song], which I sent on [date]. It is [out now / due on date].

Listen: [link]

If it is not a fit, no problem. Thanks for your time.

[Name / Artist]

If allowed and no timing is given, waiting about seven to ten days is a courtesy starting point. Respect a refusal.

Read the full guide

30-Day Music Promotion Plan

Thirty small tasks to share your music, build connections and review what works.

Move tasks to fit your week. No paid ads are needed. Note what works and keep time for making music.

1. Set one goal

   Choose one song and a realistic result you want to work towards.

2. Describe your listener

   Write one sentence about the people your song may connect with.

3. Check your links

   Test your listening link on a phone and in a signed-out browser.

4. Tidy your profile

   Make your artist name, bio and music link clear.

5. Write the song story

   Explain why you wrote the song in two honest sentences.

6. Choose three clip ideas

   Pick a lyric, a making-of moment and a personal story.

7. Rest and review

   Note what is ready and move tasks that do not fit your week.

8. Make a lyric clip

   Use a strong line and clear text that is easy to read.

9. Share and reply

   Post the clip with one action, then reply to useful comments.

10. Find five outlets

    Look for blogs, radio shows or curators that fit your sound.

11. Check submission rules

    Record their preferred links, forms and follow-up rules.

12. Prepare a small press pack

    Add a short bio, approved photo, credits and release details.

13. Write two personal pitches

    Use the free template and explain the fit for each recipient.

14. Review your first week

    Note replies, saves or link clicks where you can see them.

15. Make a story clip

    Explain one moment that inspired the song.

16. Share the story

    Post with a clear listening link or profile-link instruction.

17. Join one conversation

    Help in a music community and follow its posting rules.

18. Send a few good pitches

    Send your personal messages through the accepted route.

19. Support another artist

    Share a track you enjoy and say why it connected with you.

20. Try a simple collaboration

    Suggest one manageable idea to an artist with a shared interest.

21. Rest and review

    Keep the best idea from the week and drop an unhelpful task.

22. Make a fresh version

    Try a new opening for the clip that got the best response.

23. Share the new version

    Give listeners a new angle instead of the same caption.

24. Check pitch replies

    Follow up once only if allowed and enough time has passed.

25. Show the process

    Share a demo, a recording choice or a short live take.

26. Ask a useful question

    Invite people to share which lyric or feeling stood out.

27. Thank supporters

    Thank people who shared, reviewed or listened, without pressure.

28. Check your results

    Compare the posts, time spent and responses you can see.

29. Choose your next steps

    Pick two ideas worth repeating and one thing to improve.

30. Plan the next month

    Set a small new goal and leave time to make more music.

Read the full guide