DIY Music Releases: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Releasing Music Without a Record Label

Releasing your own music without a record label is no longer just for the underground scene. With the right tools and some know-how, you can take control of your career and reach a global audience—without being tied to contracts or middlemen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you release your music independently.

1. Prepare Your Music

Before thinking about distribution or PR, make sure your music is finished and polished:

Recording & Mixing: Whether you're working with a producer or doing it all yourself, ensure the quality is up to professional standards.
Mastering: The final technical step that makes your track sound great across all platforms.

2. Distribution – Get Your Music Out There

To release your music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and more, you'll need a digital distributor. Some of the most popular are:

DistroKid
TuneCore
CD Baby
Record Union

Most charge a small fee per year or per release, and you keep most of the royalties.

3. Cover Art – First Impressions Matter

Your artwork is often the first thing people see, so make it count. You can:

Design it yourself using Canva, Photoshop, or similar tools
Hire a designer through platforms like Fiverr or Upwork
Collaborate with a visual artist in your network

Make sure your artwork meets distributor requirements (usually 3000x3000 px, JPG/PNG).

4. Metadata and Rights

When uploading your music, you’ll need to enter:

Artist name
Song/album title
Genre
Release date
Composer and lyricist credits
ISRC codes (your distributor can usually provide these)

You should also register with your local rights organizations (e.g., PRS, ASCAP, BMI, KODA, Gramex) to ensure you receive royalties from public performances.

5. PR and Promotion – Get Heard

Releasing your track is one thing. Getting people to listen is another. Consider:

Sending press releases to music blogs and media
Running social media campaigns and ads
Pre-saves and listening events
Creating a music video or social media visuals
Pitching to playlists (via Spotify for Artists and independent curators)

Start your promotion 3–4 weeks before your release date for maximum impact.

6. Release Day – and Beyond

Once your music is out, the work isn’t over:

Share links and content regularly
Engage with fans and media
Use Spotify for Artists to understand your listeners
Plan your next release, video, or live session

Final Thoughts

Going the DIY route takes effort—but it gives you full creative and financial control. You set the pace, the style, and the direction. With a little planning, you can deliver a professional release completely on your own terms. And remember: each release teaches you something new and brings you one step closer to your goals.