How to Become a Music Artist on Spotify?

In the realm of the digital music industry, platforms like Spotify and iTunes have become essential for any aspiring artist. If you've ever wondered how to become a music artist on Spotify or how do you sell music on iTunes, you're in the right place. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know to start your music career on these platforms.

Getting Started: The Basics

To become a music artist on Spotify, the first thing you need is music! This might seem obvious, but you’ll need high-quality recordings of your music. Ensure your tracks are professionally recorded. Next, you need to have thorough metadata (song title, genre, album title, etc.) ready for your tracks.

Choosing a Music Distribution Platform

Spotify does not allow independent artists to upload their music directly to the service. Instead, you'll need to use a music distribution service like SoundOn or others like TuneCore, DistroKid, and CD Baby. These platforms will send your music to Spotify and other streaming services.

To get started with SoundOn, you can register as a SoundOn artist here.

Distributing Your Music to Spotify

Once you’ve chosen a distributor, follow these steps:

1. Sign up with your chosen distributor.
2. Upload your music and metadata.
3. Choose Spotify as one of the platforms for distribution.
4. Pay any necessary fees or choose a plan (if applicable).

Once your music is submitted, your distributor will handle the rest. Typically, it takes a few days to a week for your music to appear on Spotify. During this time, make sure to promote your upcoming release on your social media platforms to generate buzz.

Creating Your Spotify Artist Profile

After your music is live on Spotify, claim your Spotify for Artists profile. This gives you access to analytics, promotional tools, and the ability to customize your artist page. To claim your profile:

1. Go to the Spotify for Artists website.
2. Log in with your Spotify account or create one.
3. Search for your artist profile and claim it.
4. Verify your identity as the artist.

With your Spotify for Artists account, you can pitch your music to Spotify playlist curators, upload artist images, and stack out your bio, giving fans more insight into who you are.

How Do You Sell Music on iTunes?

Besides streaming, selling your music on iTunes is another crucial aspect of your music career. The process is somewhat similar to uploading music to Spotify but with a few differences.

Using a Distributor

Like Spotify, you need a distributor to sell your music on iTunes. When signing up with a distributor like SoundOn, TuneCore, or CD Baby, ensure they distribute to iTunes. Each platform often provides instructions on how to upload your music.

Steps to Upload Music to iTunes via a Distributor

1. Choose a music distributor that supports iTunes distribution.
2. Sign up and create an account with your chosen distributor.
3. Upload your music along with required metadata (title, artist name, album name, genre, etc.).
4. Select iTunes (Apple Music) as one of the platforms for your release.
5. Complete payment if necessary.

The distributor will then handle the submission process, and within a few days to a week, your music will be available for purchase on iTunes.

Optimizing Your iTunes Release

When uploading music to iTunes, ensure your digital booklet is ready. This is an optional PDF that contains lyrics, credits, or even artwork for the album. It's an excellent way to make your release stand out. Additionally, double-check all entered information before submission to avoid errors that might delay the release.

Promoting Your Music

Once your music is live on Spotify and iTunes, it’s time to promote. Here are several promotional strategies:

• Social Media: Use Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to share links to your songs. Engaging with your audience and encouraging them to share your music helps to broaden your reach.
• Email List: If you have a dedicated fan base, utilize email marketing to keep them informed about your new releases.
• Collaborations: Partner with other artists or influencers to gain mutual exposure.
• Live Performances: Whether virtual or in-person, performing live can help you reach new audiences.

Conclusion

Having your music on Spotify and for sale on iTunes opens a wide array of opportunities for your music career. Follow these steps to effectively distribute and promote your music, and don't forget the importance of choosing the right distribution service. If you're ready to take the plunge, join SoundOn today and start your journey towards reaching a global audience.