MR. BLINDBANDIT / RESOURCE

Independent artist release guide

A start-to-finish framework for releasing music without losing control of the details.

Define the release

Choose the approved recording, artist presentation, title, version, audience and purpose before building the campaign.

Confirm rights

Document master ownership, writer shares, producer terms, samples, features and artwork permission before distribution.

Deliver carefully

Use consistent metadata and identifiers, review store dates and preserve the distributor confirmation reference.

Maintain the catalog

After launch, archive masters and artwork, verify links, record corrections and keep credits current on the official website.

Take the next step

Prepare an independent release ↗ Resource center

A simple release timeline

Independent releases go smoother when you work backwards from the release date. Timings vary between distributors, so treat these as a starting point and check your distributor’s own requirements.

Six to eight weeks before: finish the master, artwork and credits; confirm all rights and splits in writing.
Four to six weeks before: upload to your distributor with complete metadata, and pitch to playlists if your platform allows.
Two to four weeks before: prepare announcements, a short description and accessible images with alt text.
Release week: check that the release appears correctly on each store, fix any metadata errors, and share official links.
After release: archive the final files, keep the distributor confirmation, and update your website and credits.

Tools on this site help with each step: the release metadata checklist, royalty split checker, release budget calculator and the interactive prepare your release checklist.

After the release

Check every store listing for spelling, artwork and credits.
Update your links everywhere — bio, website and profiles.
Thank collaborators and share their links.
Write down what worked and what to change next time.

Never pay for fake streams, followers or playlist placements. Streaming services can remove releases and withhold royalties when artificial activity is detected.

Keep every agreement, invoice and upload confirmation in one dated folder so you can answer questions quickly later.