Release Checklist for Independent Musicians (Audio + Metadata)
Lock the final audio
Confirm final approved master, instrumental version if needed, and clean/explicit versions where relevant.
Listen for clicks, abrupt fades, and clipping in final exports.
Metadata accuracy matters
Artist names, song title formatting, ISRC/UPC handling, and contributor credits should be consistent.
Metadata errors delay releases and can split royalties across duplicate entries.
Visual and promotional assets
Prepare cover art, short-form promo snippets, and caption copy in advance to avoid launch-day chaos.
Consistency between audio quality and branding improves perceived professionalism.
Post-release quality control
Check live platform listings for artwork, metadata, and playback behavior after release goes live.
Collect listener feedback and note mix translation observations for future releases.
FAQ
Should I upload WAV or MP3 to distributors?
Use high-quality WAV unless your distributor specifies otherwise.
Do I need multiple masters for each platform?
Usually one strong master works across streaming platforms.
When should I schedule release?
Give enough lead time for distributor processing and playlist pitching.
What causes most release delays?
Metadata mismatches and artwork specification errors.