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Independent Artists: 7 Steps You Must Take Before Your Next Release

May 05, 2024

As an independent artist, preparing for a new music release involves more than just recording and uploading your songs.

To ensure that your music reaches its full potential and resonates with your audience, it is essential to lay the groundwork beforehand.

Here are seven steps you must take before your next release:

1. Ensure Quality Production

Be intentional about your songwriting and ensure your song is professionally recorded, mixed, and mastered to meet industry standards and captivate listeners.

2. Define Your Goals for This Release

Every release should serve a purpose and align with your overall career objectives.

Take the time to define clear, measurable goals for your upcoming release. Are you aiming to increase your fanbase, secure more gigs, or attract the attention of industry tastemakers?

By clarifying your intentions, you can tailor your strategies and resources accordingly to maximize your chances of success.

3. Develop a Marketing Plan

In today's saturated music market, great music alone is not enough to cut through the noise. Crafting a comprehensive marketing plan is essential for garnering attention and generating excitement around your release.

Identify your target audience, craft compelling messaging, and leverage various promotional channels, including social media, email newsletters, influencer partnerships, and targeted advertising, to amplify your reach and engagement.

4. Distribute via the Unsong Pro Plan

Once you've finalized your artwork and a high-quality MP3 or WAV version of your release is ready, head over to www.unsongmusic.com to sign up for the Unsong Pro plan.

With Unsong Pro, your music stands a chance to feature on some of the biggest editorial playlists within your genre across various digital streaming platforms.

Also, as a subscriber of Unsong Pro, you’re granted exclusive access to speak with one of our A&R experts every year. Whether you're seeking strategic advice, direction for your next release, or insights to elevate your music career, our dedicated team is here to provide personalized support and help you navigate your journey to success.

That's not all. We love celebrating your milestones with you! When your music hits 2 million, 5 million, and 10 million cumulative streams respectively, we'll send you a special gift pack to encourage you to keep the ball rolling!

Join the Unsong Pro plan today and let’s support you on your path to being a successful independent artist.

5. Content Creation

Content creation is essential for building your brand and connecting with your fans. Develop a content strategy that includes a mix of different types of content for Instagram reels, TikTok, and YouTube shorts.

They could be behind-the-scenes footage, lyric videos, live performances, or other interesting content ideas that tells your story.

Consistency is key, so aim to regularly share content across your social media channels to keep your audience entertained.

Do not forget to interact with your followers by responding to comments and messages to foster a sense of community and connection.

6. Press Outreach

Securing media coverage can significantly amplify your release's reach. Craft a compelling press release that highlights the unique aspects of your music and story, and distribute it to relevant music blogs, magazines, radio stations, and influencers in your genre.

Personalize your pitches and follow up diligently to increase your chances of garnering reviews, interviews, and features that can help elevate your profile and attract new listeners.

7. Engage Your Industry Contacts

Building relationships with industry professionals can open doors and create valuable opportunities for collaboration, promotion, and career advancement.

Prior to your release, send private links to your music to key contacts, including DJs, radio hosts, music supervisors, A&Rs, and other artists or producers whose support and endorsement can help amplify your reach and credibility within the industry.

Releasing music as an independent artist requires strategic planning, intentionality, and persistence. By following these seven steps, you maximize the impact of your release, thereby setting yourself up for success.

Remember to stay true to your vision, stay consistent in your efforts, and be open to learning and adapting along the way.

With consistency and the right strategy, you can make your mark in the music industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can`t find the answer below? Send an email tosupport@unsongmusic.com

Unsong Music is an artist services company dedicated to empowering the next generation of talent. We don’t just distribute music, we provide the tools, strategies, and industry expertise that help independent artists grow, thrive, and build sustainable careers.

Our services span Digital Distribution, A&R Management, Artist Marketing, Creative Direction, Brand Management, Digital Marketing, Playlisting, and more, each tailored to the unique goals of every artist we work with.

Unsong Music understands the limitations of the average independent artist in attaining the spotlight and building a career. We intend to bridge the divide between the opportunities accessible to you and those available to your counterparts in the music industry.

Your music will be available on major stores within 1–10 days after submission.

You can also select a custom release date to align with your marketing plan.

We offer Artist Marketing, Brand Management, Creative Direction, and other promotional services via the UNSONG PREMIUM plan.

The UNSONG PRO plan grants you access to an A&R Manager, and your releases are considered for editorial playlist pitching.

Yes! Unsong Music will provide you with access to your sales dashboard.

You can easily track how your music is performing, including sales, streams, and earnings, all in one place.

Yes! With the UNSONG PREMIUM plan, artists who don’t distribute through us can still access other services.

Simply apply for the plan, complete the form, and select the service you’d like us to provide.

Our team will review your request and be in touch shortly.

If you’re subscribed to the UNSONG PRO plan, our A&R team will review your release and, if approved, pitch it to DSPs for editorial playlist placements.

It is important to note that approval by our A&R team does not guarantee placement on editorial playlists, as playlist curators independently decide which music aligns with their playlists' themes and audiences.

To give our team enough time to review and pitch your music, please upload singles at least 30 days before the release date, and EPs or albums at least 45 days in advance.

Unsong Music offers three tailored plans, each designed to support independent artists with varying needs and career goals:

UNSONG ROOKIE – At ₦24,900/year, this plan is designed for artists who want digital distribution only.
It offers unlimited releases per artist, free release links, and the option to upgrade to UNSONG PRO as your needs change.
UNSONG ROOKIE artists retain 90% of their streaming royalties, while Unsong Music takes a 10% commission.

UNSONG PRO – At ₦44,900/year, this plan is designed for artists who want more than digital distribution. You are assigned an A&R Manager, and your releases are reviewed for editorial playlist pitching to Apple Music, Spotify, Audiomack, and other platforms. Your A&R Manager will be dedicated to your development. They can assist with track selection, release planning, marketing strategy, and other key areas to support your growth.
You will also receive an independent artist kit at major milestones: 2 million, 5 million, and 10 million streams (terms and conditions apply).
UNSONG PRO artists keep 80% of their streaming royalties, while Unsong Music takes a 20% commission.

UNSONG PREMIUM – This invite-only plan offers bespoke royalty splits per artist, alongside other services including Artist Marketing, Playlisting, and more.

The Independent Artist Kit includes creative tools such as headphones, wireless earbuds, bluetooth speakers, studio gear, content creation equipment, and other essential tools curated to support your development.

You unlock these items as you achieve significant milestones—2 million, 5 million, and 10 million streams respectively.

Only UNSONG PRO artists are eligible for this kit.