The music industry is very complex in this era, just like any other field, there is a huge competition. In today’s music industry, artists face huge competition for listeners’ attention. Releasing high-quality is essential to staying relevant and engaging your audiences. While full albums and EPs are time-consuming, singles offer a strategic solution. In this blog, we’ll explore how to release a single successfully in 2024, maximizing your audience and making a splash in the industry.
The Importance of Singles
In music, a single is an independent song that is usually issued to promote an album or performer. One of the most significant forms of music release, it allows artists to build anticipation and assess fan interest before releasing a full-length album.
The Waterfall Strategy
When an extended play or album appears to be released one by one, with one track added at a time until the final track is added and the whole release is made available, this is known as a waterfall release technique in music release. Regularly releasing songs optimizes Spotify’s algorithm, playlist placements, and audience expansion. Singles are perfect for this strategy. Here are some details for your release;
Visibility
Visibility here means almost the same as the literal meaning, to be visible to more people on social media platforms. Frequent releases increase visibility. It is about the algorithm, the more you release music, the more people are expected to be drawn toward your channel and your socials. This algorithm ensures that your artistry gets the attention it deserves.
The Plan
Planning is the core to achieving. Be strategic about whatever you are going to do in your life. The answer to your question; how to release a single? can be only two words; by planning. Systematically put what should come first and then what are the updates that would be following the first release. Planning accordingly, you can create a 4-week release plan for your music release. Here’s how you can do it;
Week 1
First of all, you need to set up a project board. Use tools and software like Trello or Notion to visualize your schedule in a better way.
Week 2
Enlist all your singles to be released one by one and then finalize your mixed and mastered singles.
Week 3
Design the assets for your single such as cover art, promotional images, and short video clips of your music video.
Week 4
Be a king/queen and prepare for promotion. Release your music early morning and promote your music throughout the day as much as you can.
Choose the Right Distributor
The main task of music distributors was to deliver real music to all record stores, wholesalers, and other establishments that assisted in the sale or use of music. In some ways, the function of a music distributor, also referred to as a music aggregator, remains largely unchanged today. However, it now exists largely online. To learn how to release a single includes the selection of a reliable distributor (e.g., DistroKid, TuneCore, or Ditto Music) to get your music on the streaming platform.
Make a Music Video
A music video is the part where you bring a song to life. It shows the themes of the music and brings the emotions to life through imagery. Creating a well-planned narrative is required for a music video to be a success. Visual content boosts engagement. Consider a music video or lyric video.
Utilize Social Media
Never underestimate the power that social media holds. It is the biggest and strongest means to convey your emotions to the world. The same is true for music; you can spread your music globally if you use your social platforms strategically. Give teasers to your audience before releasing your music across all the platforms. Engage with fans and try to build curiosity and excitement in your audience.
Update Your EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
Maintaining a current and professional representation of your art as an artist requires updating your Electronic Press Kit (EPK). An extensive digital portfolio, or EPK, includes your most recent songs, videos, press clips, biographies, and excellent photos. Frequent updates guarantee that all data is up to date and accurately represents your current endeavors and accomplishments. This entails including any noteworthy media mentions, updated tour dates, performance clips from recent shows, and new releases.
Ensure your EPK includes the new single. Journalists and industry professionals rely on EPKs.
Keep Up the Momentum
After the release, many of the artists stop promoting their music but that should be your practice. Continue promoting your music. Share behind-the-scenes content, live performances, and fan reactions to increase engagement on your socials. This is the best part of this question ‘How to release a single?’.
Conclusion
Remember, consistency and qualities are the key. By following this plan, you’ll release impactful singles, gain maximum exposure, and make waves in the music industry. And I am hoping that this blog will truly answer new artists’ question of how to release a single, effectively.
