During the last weeks, I've had quite a bunch of quote requests from people that were well-prepared, and that also knew what they wanted to achieve at a given due date.

But... 

There were others, too.

One request came from a musician who wanted to have a mix within 24 hours. I said no to her. She asked me why - and offered to double the investment. I told her this:

First of all, I have projects for today that my clients count on to get done on time. Second, even though I can mix your song within one day, it most likely won't be finished on time, leaving us both unsatisfied. And third, if this project is so important for you, why do you start rushing it right now?

She told me that she just finished the recording and editing and wanted the song to be released before her next show that was coming up at the end of the week. I asked her when she already knew about the show coming up. Three months, she said.

Whew!

We continued our conversation to a point where she seemed to understand the importance of mapping out a release strategy.

Her story is that she's been touring for years but never cared much about releasing new music with a plan. Now, she's trying to build more of a fanbase online so she can retire from the hardcore touring and rather showing up on certain events from time to time, leaving her more time for her kids. 

How does this story apply to you?

It applies to everyone. Not only you.

If you need something done at a certain date, plan in advance, outline your release strategy from songwriting to post-release marketing, stick to the plan, and reach out to all the people you want to work with weeks, months, or years before.

(Yes, I know an artist that's already roughly planning ten years in advance... He's telling a continuous story with his music. I'm thrilled to see how this will work out for him.)

So... Have you planned a release anytime soon?

If so, how do you plan your release?

Let’s get physical.

Draft your release strategy for your next single or EP.

(Please don't release an album unless you have a very strong fanbase that’s asking for it. But this is a topic for another time...)

You can use tools like Trello to create a great actionable project board with all tasks in it. Especially when you work with more people than only yourself on a project. 

Think about all steps (in no particular order): songwriting, arranging, producing, recording, editing, mixing, mastering, releasing, promoting, marketing, advertising, etc.

Do you need help with any of these steps? For example, hiring session musicians, sending your vocal tracks to a tuning expert, getting help with setting up a marketing campaign, outsourcing the mixing and mastering to specialized engineers.

Find your weak points and research solutions. 

My unique offer for you: Before you start running your next release campaign, send me your plan. We can then jump on a call to discuss your ideas.