How to Put Songs on Spotify?

In today's digital age, getting your music on major streaming platforms like Spotify is crucial for growing your fan base and increasing your reach. Whether you're an emerging artist or an experienced musician, understanding the process of promoting your music and knowing the basics of an EP can be your stepping stone to success. In this article, we will explore the steps to put your songs on Spotify and clarify the definition of an EP.

Why Spotify?

Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming platforms, boasting millions of active users worldwide. It offers artists the potential to reach a broad audience and provides insights into listeners' habits and demographics. Getting your music on Spotify can significantly boost your exposure and fan engagement.

Steps to Put Your Songs on Spotify

1. Finish Your Masterpiece

Before you can distribute your music, ensure that your tracks are fully produced, mixed, and mastered. Quality is key as you want your listeners to have the best experience possible. Working with a professional producer or sound engineer can make a significant difference in your final product.

2. Choose the Right Distributor

To get your music on Spotify, you need a music distributor. Distributors act as intermediaries between you and digital service providers (DSPs) like Spotify. There are several music distribution platforms available, including SoundOn, Tunecore, Distrokid, CD Baby, ONErpm, LANDR, Indiefy, and Amuse. Each has its own features and pricing structures, so it's essential to choose the one that fits your needs.

SoundOn is an excellent option for artists looking for a comprehensive distribution service. By registering as a SoundOn artist, you can distribute your music globally and access several marketing tools to grow your fan base.

3. Prepare Your Metadata

Metadata includes all the essential details about your tracks, such as the title, artist name, release date, genre, and album artwork. Ensure that all your metadata is accurate and complete, as this information will be displayed on Spotify and used for search and categorization purposes.

4. Submit Your Music to the Distributor

Once you've chosen your distributor and prepared your metadata, the next step is to upload your music and submit it for distribution. Follow the guidelines provided by your distributor to ensure a smooth submission process. Typically, you will need to upload high-quality audio files (preferably in WAV format) and your album artwork.

5. Set a Release Date

Setting a release date is crucial for planning your marketing and promotional efforts. Aim to release your music at least a few weeks ahead of when you want it to be available. This timeframe allows your distributor to pitch your tracks to Spotify's editorial playlists, potentially securing a spot on one of these influential playlists.

6. Promote Your Music

Once your music is live on Spotify, it's time to promote it! Use social media, email newsletters, and other marketing channels to announce your release and engage with your audience. Spotify for Artists is a valuable tool that provides insights into your listeners and enables you to customize your artist profile.

Understanding the EP Definition

When distributing music, you'll come across various terms like singles, albums, and EPs. Understanding these terms is essential, especially when deciding how to package your music. Let's clarify the definition of an EP.

What is an EP?

EP stands for Extended Play. It is a musical recording that contains more tracks than a single but is not as lengthy as a full album. Typically, an EP includes 3 to 7 songs and has a total duration of up to 30 minutes. The EP format is popular among artists who want to release cohesive and thematic collections of songs without committing to a full-length album.

Benefits of Releasing an EP

• Strategic Release: An EP allows you to release new music more frequently, keeping your audience engaged and building momentum over time.
• Flexibility: EPs provide the flexibility to experiment with different styles and sounds without the pressure of creating a full album.
• Cost-Effective: Producing an EP can be more affordable than recording a full-length album, making it an attractive option for independent artists.
• Focused Theme: With fewer tracks, EPs can offer a more focused and cohesive listening experience centered around a particular theme or concept.

Examples of Successful EPs

Many successful artists have released EPs that have made significant impacts on their careers. For instance, Lana Del Rey's "Paradise" EP and The Weeknd's "My Dear Melancholy," are notable examples that highlight the artistic and commercial potential of EPs.

Conclusion

Putting your songs on Spotify is a vital step in getting discovered and growing your fan base. By following the steps outlined in this article and understanding the EP format, you can effectively plan your releases and reach a wider audience. Remember to register with a reliable distributor like SoundOn to ensure your music is distributed globally and promoted effectively.

Start your journey today and let your music be heard by millions! Happy distributing!