Are you struggling with how to release an album or track to share your new music independently with the world?

As an artist trying to gain attention in the digital music landscape, simply uploading your track to Spotify and hoping for the best is a recipe for disappointment.

With millions of songs being released each year, standing out requires a strategic approach.

  • One that will do the opposite of what everyone else is doing.
  • One that gets an audience before you release an album, not after.

Here’s a proven method to give your music the attention it deserves.

TL;DR – How to Release an Album as an Independent Music Artist

Instead of of dropping new music on Spotify and blowing your chance (yet again) to use the algorithm successfully, try this instead with your upcoming music release, and every release after:

1.) Build your email list (if you don’t already have one)

2.) Email that group an early copy of your track to get their feedback.  If they like it, ask them to share it with 3-5 friends who they think might also like it and keep that chain going.  Include a link to have friends join your email group if they also like it.

3.) Ensure your email list is growing and health, hopefully getting over 100 or more subscribers (if you started low or at zero)

4.) Send updates when the track will be released, and again on release day

5.) When it is finally available on Spotify, email your group and ask them to go check it out and enjoy the final version.  This will drive legitimate listens.

6.) Maintain momentum by continuing to share results and details of your release with fans. IF YOU GO SILENT, SO DO THEY.

Did you know that 80% of tracks on Spotify never get played?  That includes the artist who made the track!  Play it on Spotify to attract the algorithm’s attention!  The more plays you get in the first few hours, the better the visibility your track will have on Spotify, to playlists, and potentially see some growth

Step 1: Build Your Email List Foundation

Your email list is the most valuable asset you can build as an independent artist.

Unlike social media platforms where algorithms control who sees your content, email gives you direct access to your fans’ attention.

Think of it as owning your own marketing channel rather than renting space on someone else’s platform. When you send an email, it lands directly in your fans’ inboxes, making it far more likely they’ll see and engage with your content compared to a social media post that might get lost in the shuffle.

Building an email list takes time and patience, but it’s worth the investment.

Start by offering something compelling that your potential fans can’t resist. This could be exclusive acoustic versions of your songs, early access to new music, or behind-the-scenes content about your creative process.

The key is to provide value that makes people excited to join your list and stay engaged.

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Create a simple landing page offering something valuable (exclusive content, behind-the-scenes footage, or free downloads)
  2. Promote your email list on all your social media platforms
  3. Consider running targeted ads to grow your subscriber base
  4. Use platforms like MailChimp or ConvertKit to manage your list professionally

Remember, quality matters more than quantity. A list of 100 highly engaged fans who love your music is far more valuable than 1,000 lukewarm subscribers who rarely open your emails.

Step 2: Get & Apply Pre-Release Feedback

Pre-release feedback isn’t just about improving your music—it’s about creating a community around your work and making your fans feel like they’re part of your journey. When you share unreleased music with your email subscribers, you’re giving them exclusive access that makes them feel special and valued. This builds loyalty and turns casual listeners into dedicated fans who are more likely to support your releases and share your music with others.

The feedback process also helps you gauge how your music might be received by a wider audience. Your email subscribers represent your core fan base, and their reactions can help you identify potential hits or areas that might need improvement before the official release. This insight is invaluable and can help you make informed decisions about which tracks to push harder in your marketing efforts.

Take these specific steps:

  1. Send an exclusive pre-release version of your track to your subscribers
  2. Create a simple feedback form to gather their thoughts
  3. Make them feel special by emphasizing that they’re getting early access
  4. Include a clear call-to-action asking them to share with 3-5 friends who might enjoy your style
  5. Provide an easy way for these new listeners to join your email list

Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and transparent during this process. Share your creative journey, the story behind the song, and what it means to you. This personal connection will make your subscribers more invested in your success.

Step 3: Nurture and Grow Your Email List

Growing your email list isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a community of engaged fans who genuinely care about your music. Think of your email list as a garden that needs regular attention and care. You need to consistently provide value, engage with your subscribers, and make them feel like they’re part of something special.

Every email you send should have a purpose and provide value to your subscribers. This could be exclusive content, personal stories about your creative process, or early access to new merchandise. The key is to maintain a balance between promotional content and valuable, engaging content that keeps your subscribers looking forward to your emails.

Some essential practices to maintain a healthy list:

  • Set a target of at least 100 engaged subscribers
  • Regularly clean your list to ensure high engagement rates
  • Track which content gets the best response
  • Segment your list based on engagement levels
  • Consider creating special content for your most engaged subscribers

Pay attention to your email metrics—open rates, click-through rates, and unsubscribe rates can tell you a lot about what’s working and what isn’t. Use this data to refine your approach and better serve your audience.

Step 4: Build Anticipation for Your Album

Building anticipation for your release is an art form in itself. It’s about creating a narrative around your music that gets people excited and invested in the release before it even happens. Think of it as creating a story that your fans want to be part of, rather than just announcing a release date.

The weeks leading up to your release are crucial for building momentum. Use this time to share the story behind your music, create engaging content, and give your fans multiple reasons to get excited about the release. Consider creating a content calendar that maps out what you’ll share and when, ensuring you maintain interest without overwhelming your audience.

Strategic steps to build excitement:

  1. Send a “save the date” email announcing the release date
  2. Share snippets or behind-the-scenes content to build excitement
  3. Create a countdown series of emails (but don’t overdo it)
  4. Prepare your release day assets (artwork, links, etc.)
  5. Consider creating shareable social media content for your subscribers

The key is to make your subscribers feel like they’re part of an exclusive group getting special access to your journey. Share your nervousness, excitement, and the story behind the music to create an emotional connection.

Step 5: Have a Launch Day Strategy for your Album

Launch day is where all your preparation pays off.

The first 24 hours after your release are crucial for algorithmic success on Spotify, so you need to make every minute count. Think of it as orchestrating a coordinated campaign where all your fans act as ambassadors for your music.

Your email list becomes particularly valuable here because you can coordinate a mass of genuine, organic plays right when your track goes live. This sends powerful signals to Spotify’s algorithm about the quality and appeal of your music. The key is to make the process as easy as possible for your fans while maintaining the personal connection you’ve built.

Execute these steps for maximum impact:

  1. Send an early morning email to your subscribers with direct links
  2. Encourage them to listen on Spotify specifically (not other platforms)
  3. Explain how their support in the first 24 hours is crucial
  4. Make it easy to share with pre-written social media posts
  5. Consider creating a “listening party” event

Monitor your track’s performance closely during the first 24 hours and be ready to capitalize on any momentum you gain. Keep your email subscribers updated on milestones and encourage them to add your track to their personal playlists.

Why This Album Release Strategy Works

Understanding Spotify’s algorithm is crucial for success on the platform.

The algorithm looks for signals that indicate genuine listener engagement and interest in your music.

When you coordinate your release with an engaged email list, you’re essentially creating a perfect storm of positive signals that the algorithm can’t ignore.

The Spotify algorithm pays special attention to:

  • Early engagement rates
  • Legitimate, organic plays
  • Save-to-listener ratios
  • Playlist adds
  • Time spent listening

By building anticipation and coordinating your release with an engaged email list, you’re creating the perfect conditions for algorithmic success.

Remember that 80% of tracks on Spotify never get played – even by their creators! Your goal is to be in the successful 20% by driving real, engaged listeners to your music from day one.

Maintaining Momentum with your Album Release

The work doesn’t stop after release day.

In fact, the weeks following your release are crucial for maintaining and building upon your initial momentum.

This is where having an engaged email list really proves its worth, as you can continue to drive traffic to your track long after the initial release buzz has died down.

Keep your community engaged by:

  • Sharing streaming milestones
  • Asking for playlist additions
  • Continuing to grow your subscriber base
  • Planning your next release while momentum is high
  • Creating exclusive content for your most engaged fans

The key is to maintain consistent communication without overwhelming your subscribers. Each email should provide value and keep them engaged with your music and your story.

Key Takeaways for your Next Release

Success in today’s music industry isn’t about waiting to be discovered—it’s about building and nurturing a community of genuine fans who care about your music.

Your email list is the foundation of this community, giving you direct access to people who want to support your music career.

Remember these essential points:

  • Build your email list before releasing
  • Get feedback from real fans
  • Create anticipation and excitement
  • Coordinate your release day efforts
  • Focus on quality engagement over quantity
  • Keep building for future releases

By following this strategy, you’re not just releasing music – you’re building a sustainable career as an independent artist in the digital age.

Knowing how to release an album means each release becomes an opportunity to grow your audience and strengthen your connection with existing fans, creating a snowball effect that can lead to long-term success in the music industry.

The Ultimate Guide & Checklist for Marketing & Releasing New Music

Plan Your Next Release With Our Marketing Checklist

Our free 6-week marketing checklist will help keep things organized and provide you with a step-by-step process to successfully promote your new track or album.

Plan Your Next Release With Our Marketing Checklist

Our free 6-week marketing checklist will help keep things organized and provide you with a step-by-step process to successfully promote your new track or album.

The Ultimate Guide & Checklist for Marketing & Releasing New Music