6 steps to release a single

Do you also want to release a single?

The most common question we receive is “how do I release my music on Spotify?”. So, we decided to put together a short guide covering the essential steps from idea to a finished song on Spotify. You have never been closer to releasing your first single!

We can assist you through all the steps in the creative process. Click on any of these steps to learn more about how we can help you with that specific aspect:

(1) Songwriting: Write lyrics and music
(2) Production: Record music and vocals
(3) Mixing: Mix what you’ve recorded
(4) Mastering: Prepare the project for streaming
(5) Distribution: Ensure your song is uploaded to platforms like Spotify
(6) Promotion: Market your single so more people discover and listen to your song

Already have finished music?

If you feel you don’t need assistance from a record label to release your music and already have finished music you want to upload directly, you can learn more about how to release your music using DistroKid. Otherwise, you can read more about each step below.

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1. Songwriting

The first step is to write the song! There are countless ways to do this, and no way is more right than another. What can be tricky is finding the method that works best for you. A good way to explore and find methods that suit you is to try out how other songwriters work. By testing their methods, you can discover what works well and what works less well for you. After just a few songs, you’ll start to see a pattern in how you write. Pay attention to that pattern and reflect on it – in this way, you will continuously develop.

If you have questions about songwriting, want feedback on your lyrics, or need help writing a song, feel free to contact us. You can also read our tips on how to develop your songwriting or get tips on how to write song lyrics.

2. Production

Some write their lyrics first and create the music and melody later, others do the opposite, and some do everything at the same time. Regardless of the approach you choose, sooner or later you’ll start producing – assuming the goal is to create a finished song. Production can involve anything from creating a sound or putting together a beat, to recording vocals and guitar. It’s about finding the sounds that best match your vision for the song and then recording them.

There are no right or wrong ways to create music. Whether you choose to record in a professional studio or at home in your living room, the most important thing is that you’re happy with how it sounds. However, there are tips and tricks that can be helpful to know, and working in a well-equipped studio with a producer you connect with can often improve the final result.

Are you interested in taking a music production course, need help producing a beat, or have other questions? Feel free to contact us!

3. Mixing

Step three begins once you have finished producing/creating. You have recorded the vocals and instruments you want in your song that you have written and are now going to start mixing. So, you’ll mix/blend the recordings you’ve produced to make it sound like one single song. This is done using effects like reverb, echo/delay, saturation, and tools like EQ or compressor!

Do you need help mixing your vocals over a beat you’ve purchased, or perhaps you’re interested in getting training in mixing? Learn more about mixing

4. Mastering

First, we wrote the song, then we created the sounds we wanted, then we mixed them together into a song, and now it’s time to master the song. The purpose of mastering is to ensure it sounds great everywhere – on your phone, in the car, and on your office speakers. It’s the fourth and final step before your project is ready for streaming!
Mastering is mainly done with a compressor, EQ, and limiter. The focus is on details, and the most common difference an untrained ear hears is that the volume has become higher or more balanced. Mastering is also about exporting the project to the right format so that streaming services can receive the file.

Do you want us to master your mix? Contact us or learn more on our website.

5. Distribution

Distribution can be simply explained as “releasing music on streaming platforms.” It’s important to understand that there are companies, called distributors, that help artists take the finished production (music, cover art, and information about contributors) and upload it to services like Apple Music and Spotify. As an artist, band, or label, we use these distributors because they have direct relationships with the streaming platforms.

With services like Avid Play or DistroKid, anyone can upload an unlimited number of songs for a fixed annual fee. What you need is a mastered audio file in the correct format (at least WAV, 24-bit, 48 kHz), cover art, and information about the song.

When the word distribution is used, it often also refers to related tasks like registration with authorities (STIM, SAMI, IFPI) and graphic design (cover art, videos). These tasks are actually more closely related to the service of “Executive Production,” which includes all the work on the song that isn’t directly related to the actual “sound.”

Instead of using distribution to describe the entire work process, we prefer to use the term “Music Release.” It might not be as short and convenient, but it’s more accurate since it also includes the graphic and administrative work.

6. Promotion

The song is written, recorded, and finished. The cover art is ready, all contributors are registered, and the song has been uploaded to the distributor. The release is planned for four weeks from now, and it’s time for the sixth step: marketing.

We recommend starting with the basics and ensuring that you’ve given your song the best possible chance. Make sure the lyrics are available on MusixMatch (and synced with the music), that the song is at least pitched to curators on Spotify, Apple Music, and that you’ve contacted music blogs (like SubmitHub) and local newspapers.

Additionally, we recommend creating and sharing content (text, images, and videos) on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube – both “organic” and paid/promoted posts. The content doesn’t always need to be directly related to the upcoming release to be useful. Deepening your relationship with your existing followers is more important than just finding new ones, but in an ideal world, you can both broaden and deepen your reach. We also recommend getting verified as an artist on Spotify so you can optimize your presence and track your song’s stats.

It’s always good to have a clear marketing plan in place so there’s a well-thought-out strategy for what’s being done and why. We usually divide the plan into four parts: marketing before, during, and after the release, as well as an evaluation of the entire project.

Would you like help with this? Feel free to contact us! You can also check out our marketing tips for Spotify.

Summary

The steps above could theoretically be completed in a single day. The song could be written in the morning, recorded quickly and sloppily, uploaded, and the next day it might appear on some platforms. It’s possible, but it’s not something we would recommend. When we schedule music projects, the timeline is carefully planned to provide the best conditions for a satisfying result.

From the first day in the studio (assuming the lyrics and a rough melody are already in place), it typically takes around 10 weeks before the song is available on streaming platforms. Sometimes it’s faster, sometimes slower, depending on various factors. The key to success is patience, persistence, and curiosity.

To summarize the steps one last time:
(1) Songwriting: Write lyrics and music
(2) Production: Record music and vocals
(3) Mixing: Mix what you’ve recorded
(4) Mastering: Prepare the project for streaming
(5) Distribution: Ensure your song is uploaded to platforms like Spotify
(6) Promotion: Market your single so more people discover and listen to your song

We hope this article was helpful for you if you’re looking to release your first single. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us!

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OUR PORTFOLIO

Over the past few years, KMR Studios has released hundreds of songs by a wide range of artists. To make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for, we’ve organized the music into various playlists. Click the link below to explore our music by format (stereo or Dolby Atmos) or genre.

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