Sharing Your Music

Creating music is an incredible achievement, but getting it out into the world is just as important. Whether you’re releasing a single, an EP, or a full album, having a solid plan for distribution, promotion, and audience engagement is key to making sure your music reaches the right ears.

1. Choosing the Right Distribution Platform

To share your music globally, you’ll need a distribution service that delivers your tracks to streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and xM DiScover.

Popular Distribution Services:

• DistroKid – Fast, affordable, and great for independent artists.

• TuneCore – Allows you to keep 100% of your royalties.

• UnitedMasters – Offers branding and promotional support.

• xxavvMusik – If you’re part of the label, you’ll have access to in-house and global distribution!

🎤 Tip: Look for a distributor that fits your budget and offers the features you need, like revenue tracking, playlist pitching, and store placement.

2. Preparing for Release

Before you officially release your music, ensure everything is polished and professional.

Key Steps Before Release:

✅ Finalize Your Mix & Mastering – A clean, high-quality track makes a big difference.

✅ Create Album Art – Your cover should be eye-catching and represent your brand.

✅ Write a Compelling Description – A short bio about the song can help connect with listeners.

✅ Set a Release Date – Give yourself time to promote before launch.

🎤 Tip: Plan your release at least 4-6 weeks in advance so you can build momentum.

3. Building Hype Before Your Release

A well-promoted song will gain more listeners right away. Here are some ways to generate excitement before launch day.

Ways to Build Hype:

📢 Teasers & Snippets – Post 15-30 second previews of your song on social media.📆 Countdown Posts – Create a daily countdown leading up to your release.🎶 Live Previews – Perform an acoustic version or talk about the song on a live stream.📧 Email or Text Updates – Let your fans know when your music is dropping.

🎤 Tip: Engage with fans—respond to comments, ask for feedback, and make them feel involved in your journey.

4. Maximizing Your Release Day Impact

Release day is your big moment, so make the most of it!

What to Do on Release Day:

🚀 Post Everywhere – Announce your release on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.

🔗 Share Links – Make it easy for fans to find your song (use tools like Linktree).

🎧 Ask for Support – Encourage fans to save, stream, and share your track.

📢 Engage with Listeners – Thank fans, reply to comments, and share their posts.

🎤 Tip: Have a “release day checklist” so you don’t forget any important steps!

5. Getting on Playlists & Radio

Streaming playlists are one of the best ways to increase your reach.

How to Get Featured on Playlists:

• Submit to Spotify’s Editorial Playlists through Spotify for Artists.

• Reach Out to Independent Curators on Instagram or TikTok.

• Encourage Fans to Add Your Song to their personal playlists.

• Use xxavvMusik’s Promotion Tools if you’re part of the label!

🎤 Tip: A well-placed playlist feature can get your song thousands of plays overnight.

6. Promoting Your Music After Release

Your work isn’t done after release day! Keep your song alive by promoting it continuously.

Post-Release Promotion Ideas:

📹 Create a Music Video – Even a lyric or performance video helps boost engagement.

🎭 Start a Challenge – TikTok & Instagram Reels challenges can spread your song fast.

🎤 Do a Q&A or BTS Video – Talk about the making of the song.

📡 Perform It Live – Even virtual performances help grow your fanbase.

🎤 Tip: The first few weeks after release are crucial—keep posting and promoting!

7. Analyzing Your Performance & Growing

After your song has been out for a while, check your performance stats to see what worked and what didn’t.

Key Metrics to Track:

📈 Streams & Downloads – See where your music is performing best.

💖 Engagement – Monitor comments, shares, and playlist placements.

🎯 Fan Locations – Knowing where your listeners are can help with future promotion.

🎤 Tip: Use insights from this release to improve your next one!

8. Practice Exercises

🎶 Exercise 1: Plan a Mock Release

• Choose a fake release date and create a promo schedule.

🎶 Exercise 2: Playlist Outreach

• Find 5 independent playlist curators and draft an outreach message.

🎶 Exercise 3: Social Media Challenge

• Create a TikTok or Instagram post idea that promotes your song in a unique way.

Conclusion

Sharing your music is just as important as creating it. With the right strategy, your songs can reach more people and help you grow your audience.

🎤 Your Challenge: Plan your next release like a pro—choose a date, make a promo plan, and start engaging your audience!

💡 And that’s a wrap! You’ve completed the Songwriter Pathway on Artistry Guide. Now go out there and make music that the world can hear! 🚀🎶