Finishing a song is a big achievement, but a release needs planning if you want people to hear it. Use this checklist to prepare, release and promote your music like a professional.

8 weeks before release: finish the music

  • ☐ Final recording completed
  • ☐ Mix approved on different speakers and headphones, including phone speakers
  • ☐ Master completed and exported in the formats your distributor needs
  • ☐ Clean (radio-friendly) version if needed
  • ☐ Song title, featured artists and credits confirmed and spelled consistently

6 weeks before: rights and paperwork

  • ☐ Written agreements with producers, featured artists and co-writers on splits
  • ☐ Permission for any samples you used
  • ☐ Registered with the relevant rights and collecting organisations where applicable
  • ☐ Lyrics written out correctly for submission to platforms

5 weeks before: artwork and assets

  • ☐ Cover art in the size and format your distributor requires, with no blurry text
  • ☐ Press photos (landscape and portrait)
  • ☐ A short bio (50 words) and a longer bio (150 words)
  • ☐ Short vertical video clips for Reels, TikTok and Shorts

4 weeks before: distribution

  • ☐ Uploaded to your chosen digital distributor with all metadata
  • ☐ Release date set, giving enough lead time for platforms to process it
  • ☐ Pre-save link created, if available
  • ☐ Artist profiles on streaming platforms claimed and updated

3 weeks before: release plan

  • ☐ Content calendar for the three weeks before and four weeks after release
  • ☐ Teasers: behind-the-scenes clips, lyric snippets, studio moments
  • ☐ Music video or visualiser plan
  • ☐ List of blogs, playlists, DJs, radio presenters and creators to contact

Release week

  • ☐ Post on all platforms with the release link
  • ☐ Send a short personal message to your community and supporters (WhatsApp, email)
  • ☐ Share stories when people post your song
  • ☐ Go live or do a listening session
  • ☐ Thank everyone who supports

After release: keep it going

  • ☐ Post new content around the song for at least a month: challenges, acoustic versions, fan reactions
  • ☐ Pitch to more playlists and creators
  • ☐ Review streaming analytics: where are listeners, and which content worked?
  • ☐ Plan your next release while momentum is high
Tip: Consistency builds careers. Releasing regularly, with a plan each time, usually beats waiting a long time for one "perfect" song.

Record and release with support

JD STUDIOS AFRICA helps young artists record, produce and release music through partner music studios in Nairobi, with mentors who guide you from first idea to release, plus video, branding and digital marketing support.

Book a session or talk to our team.

JD STUDIOS AFRICA Team
Mentors and trainers at JD STUDIOS AFRICA, a nonprofit tech and creative hub in Nairobi.