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How To Release A Track?

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how to release a track
Regardless of your chosen method for promoting your music, there are a few important factors to consider beforehand. First and foremost, is your track truly ready for release? Submitting a low-quality track to a busy label will only diminish your chances of success and may have negative repercussions for future submissions. When discussing “quality,” I primarily refer to the technical aspects, such as your production skills.

To assess the production quality, seek feedback from trusted individuals in your network, including producers, non-producers, musicians, non-musicians, and listeners of different genres.

Impressing labels and distribution companies relies on production quality. If your mix sounds muddy and unclear, if there’s excessive noise, if the volume is too low, or if the sound is overly distorted due to excessive limiting, reputable labels or distributors will not show interest.

Here, a well-executed mastering job can make a significant difference.

To sign or not to sign?

Record labels traditionally handle marketing, manufacturing, distribution, and royalty assignments for your music, allowing artists to focus on creating music.

Labels come in various sizes, ranging from major umbrella labels like Warner Brothers Records or Sony-BMG, which encompass numerous subsidiary labels, to successful independent labels like Yellow Recordings or Yin Yang Records, down to small-scale operations run by one or two individuals.

How To Get Signed By A Record Label
Major labels generally sign artists for exclusive deals and cover recording, engineering, and mastering costs, while smaller independents might sign finished tracks without exclusivity.

Contracts vary, particularly between major and independent labels, but the contract should clearly outline the intended business relationship and provide a clear understanding of expectations from both parties.

As always, entering into a contract should not be taken lightly, and it’s crucial to fully comprehend the terms and conditions before committing.

If you decide to sign with a label, the label will take control of how, when, and if your music is released for sale. At that point, your primary focus can be on creating music while the label handles other aspects.

Establishing your own label

Your label is a business like any other and should be registered accordingly. Depending on your available resources (time, personnel, and finances), you’ll need to determine the appropriate company structure, such as operating as a sole trader, forming a partnership, a limited company, or a limited liability partnership.

The Association of Independent Musicians can provide practical advice on the mechanics of setting up your label, including legalities, company structure, basic agreements, current laws, copyright, and royalty arrangements.


Creating a strong brand is also important. A label website with a well-designed logo that represents your brand consistently and professionally can make a significant difference in how your label is perceived.

Allocating a budget for artwork and design is a worthwhile investment. When designing your logo, consider how it will be displayed and ensure it stands out even in small sizes, such as on-screen or on music vendor sites.

Distribution

Next, you’ll need a means to deliver your music to the audience, which is where a distributor comes in. In the past, distributors handled physical products (CDs, records, etc.) and distributed them to stores worldwide. However, the rise of digital platforms has reduced the necessity for physical distribution, especially for new labels.

If you’re starting a new label, it’s advisable to focus on digital distribution. Digital sales have significantly surpassed physical sales, making it the preferred choice.

There are several digital distributors to choose from. When selecting a distributor, consider their specialization in your genre. Their expertise, contacts, and connections in your specific genre will ensure your tracks are sold and promoted effectively.

Distributors typically earn a commission from the tracks you sell, so they have a vested interest in your success. However, it’s important not to overestimate the role of the distributor. While they facilitate the sale of your music, it is still your responsibility to generate demand and make people want to buy your music.

Promotion

No matter how you release your work, it won’t yield results unless it gains attention. Taking a proactive approach and promoting your release is crucial whether you’re working independently or signed to a label.

Hi, my name is Erick Ycaza. I have a BA in Advertising & Graphic Design. This blog is to provide you with daily music news and share my personal style.

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