Click here to download the Song Release Checklist for free

Dropping a song isn’t just about hitting upload—it’s about making sure everything is locked in so your release hits the way it’s supposed to. Too many artists rush the process and end up missing streams, royalties, or promo opportunities.

Not you. 👊 Use this checklist every time you drop and keep your releases looking pro-level.

Beat leased/licensed properly 🎹

If you’re using a leased beat, double-check your license. No cap—if you don’t have the right one, your song could get flagged or pulled. Owning the proper license means you can push your track without worries.

Recording setup ready (mic/interface/DAW) 🎤

Test your gear before you record. A $200 mic can sound like magic with the right setup, but even a $2,000 mic sounds bad if your chain is sloppy. Get your mic, interface, and DAW solid so your vocals hit clean.

High-quality mix & master 🎧

Don’t let a rough mix kill a fire track. A good mix & master separates “SoundCloud demo” from “Spotify-ready.” If you can’t do it yourself, get an engineer—trust me, your listeners will hear the difference.

Artwork & branding done 🎨

Your cover art is the first impression. Make it eye-catching, make it YOU. Whether it’s bold, minimal, or cinematic—your branding should tell the same story as your music. 🎯

Song registered with a PRO (ASCAP/BMI) 💰

Real talk: don’t leave money on the table. Register your track with a Performance Rights Organization so you collect those checks when your music gets spins on radio, shows, or even TV placements.

Metadata tagged correctly 📝

This is the unsexy part, but it matters. Your song title, artist name, producer credits—all of it has to be tagged right. Metadata is how the world knows it’s YOUR record.

Distribution (DistroKid, TuneCore, etc.)

Get your music everywhere—Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon. Pick a distributor that fits your goals and budget. Think of it like your plug to the world.

Promo plan (socials, ads, playlists) 📣

Don’t just drop and pray. Map out your rollout. Build hype on socials, tap into ads if you can, and research playlists to pitch your track. A fire promo plan = more ears on your music.

Content ready (clips, reels, BTS) 🎬

This is where you connect with fans. Chop up short clips, behind-the-scenes vids, lyric teasers—feed the algorithm and keep your name buzzing before, during, and after release day.

Final Word 🔑

Your music deserves more than a random upload. Use this checklist to release like a pro, stay organized, and make sure every drop feels big.

Want the printable version to keep on deck? 👉 [Click here to download the printable PDF version for free]