I came back from this year’s Music Biz conference convinced there’s never been a better time to be an independent artist. Panel after panel, demo after demo, I witnessed an explosion of new technologies that didn’t exist just a few years ago. AI – with the right support from a human – that will master your record, generate the artwork, and create a suite of marketing assets. Platforms that offer direct ownership of the fan relationship, rather than reach rented from an algorithm. And the part that stayed with me is that these tools are reaching a bedroom artist and a major label’s marketing team at the same moment. Access has been flattened.

That flattening is one of the best things to happen to independent music in years. But it comes with a quieter challenge: when an artist can suddenly do almost anything, where do they start?

Imagine finishing your first recording and getting ready to release it to the world. All the years you spent getting to that moment focused on creating art, and now you’re ready to introduce it into culture. At face value, it may seem that releasing that music is as simple as posting to social media.

But the moment you distribute, you’ve suddenly opened a business: rights to sort out, royalty splits to agree, marketing campaigns to plan, streaming data to analyze. You’re confronted with decisions that’ll have long-term effects that are hard to undo once set in place. And now, on top of all that, there’s a wall of platforms and tools, each more powerful than the one that preceded it. Any one of them might help, which is exactly what makes it so hard to know what to reach for first.

That navigation problem is the part I keep coming back to, because as the entry point for independent artists to distribute their music, it’s increasingly our responsibility to solve. Even if it might make short-term commercial sense to bundle every capability an artist might eventually need into a single offering upfront, it doesn’t always serve artists. The better approach is to help them identify the right tool for the right moment in their development.

Early on, it almost always comes down to the same thing: building connections with fans. The right tools make that easier. Analytics that show where a song is starting to resonate. Advertising that widens a circle already leaning in. Direct-to-fan tools that deepen the relationships worth keeping.

But which of those actually fits at this stage depends on the artist. Some will love the data deep-dives, and others never will. Some come alive running a small, devoted community on a niche platform, and others don’t. That’s not a problem to solve. It’s just who they are. Connection only works when it’s authentic to the artist making it. The right tools don’t ask every artist to become the same kind of entrepreneur; they help each one lean into their own strengths at the right stage of their career.

This is where music companies serving independent artists should act as guides, not just vendors. 

We’ve been thinking deeply about the standard we need to set for ourselves in serving DIY artists. The most exciting thing about this moment is not just that independent artists can now do most things a major label can do; it’s that they have more freedom than ever to decide what kind of career they want to build. We believe the measure of a useful platform is as much about helping them get their music heard as it is about helping them understand what matters now, what can wait, and what choices will protect their interests over the long term. 

It’s no longer enough to offer independent artists a bigger toolbox. We need to better serve them as a guide.

The post Sean Hallarman Op-Ed: The Right Tools at the Right Time appeared first on DIY Musician.

1. Be proactive

Set your release date at least four weeks in the future. That gives you time to gather promotional material, claim and set up platform profiles, and engage your fans. Ideally, choose your release date before or during the recording process to ensure you’re not scrambling to finalize details when you submit your music for distribution.

2. Release on Friday or go your own way

From Spotify’s Release Radar (which refreshes every Friday morning) to press and blog Friday roundups, the music industry is built around Friday release days. Over 60 percent of releases CD Baby distributed in 2025 fell on a Friday. 

But independent artists have also seen success skipping the crowds on Friday to release in the earlier, quieter days of the week. Decide what’s best for you — but generally weekends get a bit lost in the mix. The next tip might help you narrow down your date further.

3. Line up your release date with a show or other tentpole moment

Do you have an upcoming opening slot for a touring act, a release show booked, or a party planned? Consider setting your release date on a day that your fans will be engaged — that helps lock in some early streams and lets release day feel like the celebration you deserve. You can book a release show at a local venue, then set your release date for that day.

4. Be mindful of the time of year – holidays, seasons, cultural moments, deadlines, and more

Releasing music at the right moment can amplify its impact, while poor timing can just as easily hold it back. Know your sound and how to describe it, then decide where it fits into the broader calendar. A love (or anti-love) song might do well around Valentine’s Day, a beachy, high-energy track might be best received in the summer, or a gloomy, weepy track might do best in colder months. Showing this intentionality in your releases makes them easier to market and more likely that your fans will listen. 

Ultimately, how you decide to leverage holidays, seasons, cultural moments and more is completely subjective. But here a few important deadlines to consider:

• GRAMMY Awards: If you’re interested in pursuing a GRAMMY nomination, ensure your release falls within the eligibility period. In 2026, that’s between August 31, 2025 and August 28, 2026.
• Distributor Holiday Deadlines: If you’re looking to release a holiday track (anywhere from November to early January), follow your distributor’s holiday deadline schedule. If you’re a CD Baby artist, keep an eye out for our 2026 deadlines, which we’ll announce in October. 
• Industry Press Roundups: If you’re looking to be considered for industry press roundups (best of the week, month, year), it’s generally best practice to release music before editors are finalizing those lists. For a week, avoid Saturday and Sunday releases, for the month, avoid releasing on the final days of the month, and for the year, try to release by late November. These are of course, not hard and fast rules, but general guidance. 

5. Find a release cadence that fits your audience

Every artist’s fanbase is different, but having a release cadence (a standard amount of time between each release) can help keep your fans engaged. If you’re working your way up to an album, releasing singles every four to six weeks can help build momentum ahead of the full drop. You can use the waterfall release strategy to compound those streams, re-releasing previous singles with new tracks to gain incremental momentum, instead of just dropping the whole album in one go. 

Ready to choose your release date?

Release your music to over 150 platforms worldwide with CD Baby and pay once per release — no annual fees. Get started by creating your free CD Baby account today.

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Listen to all the top releases from July and more in our New Music Weekly playlist.

sri – “someday” | Released July 24, 2026

sri wrote her debut single “someday” about the teenage heartbreak and adult identity struggles she captured in journal entries growing up. “I turned real and often painful experiences into songs that reflected exactly what I was going through and feeling,” she said. “I see this body of work as a time capsule.” Taking inspiration from modern greats like Yana, Lizzy McAlpine, and Yebba, sri blends in subtle South Indian classical vocal embellishments called ‘gamakas.’

listen on spotify

Wolves of Glendale – “My Uncle Got a Hot Tub” | Released July 22, 2026

An absurdist tale of an uncle, a hot tub, and a gruesome murder, Wolves of Glendale are back with a tongue-in-cheek, absurdist tale of an uncle, a hot tub — and a gruesome murder. 

The band’s music video illustrates the harrowing story of a chance encounter at a saloon turning into a gruesome horror movie debacle.“We wanted the video to feel like the over-the-top-late’80s/early’90s movies we would have rented from Blockbuster as kids. It’s equal parts rock video and horror comedy. It’s probably our most ambitious video yet.”

“My Uncle Got a Hot Tub,” arrives with plenty of fake blood – ahead of the band’s upcoming album Go to the Woods out August 28.

listen on spotify

Arabella Lucia – “Unpretty” | Released July 24, 2026

Arabella Lucia caps off the month with a second release — a powerful reimagining of TLC’s iconic anthem “Unpretty.” Originally released in 1999, “Unpretty” explored the emotional impact of insecurity, self-worth and the pressure to conform to external standards of beauty. Today, those same themes sit at the centre of modern life. Young people are growing up in a world of filters, comparison culture, aesthetic perfection and constant digital scrutiny.

More than covering the hit, Arabella wants to re-open a conversation around identity, vulnerability, self-worth, and reclaiming agency in the digital world. “‘Unpretty’ reminded me that some songs never stop being relevant because we’re still navigating pressure around appearance, identity, and self-worth every day. I hope this version encourages people to see themselves through their own eyes, rather than everyone else’s.” 

listen on spotify

Arabella Lucia – “Hostage You Call Me Baby (Acoustic)” | Released July 7, 2026

On the heels of her debut single, “Hostage You Call Baby,” Armenian-Canadian singer, guitarist, and songwriter Arabella Lucia returned this month with a surprise acoustic version of the song.

Originally released as a dark, emotionally charged rock/alt-pop anthem, “Hostage You Call Baby” confronted the reality of domestic abuse through a cinematic, first-person narrative inspired by a real-life newspaper story. Blending the confessional intensity of Olivia Rodrigo with the energy and attitude of Paramore, the song introduced listeners to Arabella’s fearless songwriting and ability to tackle difficult subject matter with honesty, empathy and emotional depth.

The acoustic version strips the song back to its emotional core. Recorded at London’s legendary Eastcote Studios, the new interpretation places Arabella’s voice, guitar playing and storytelling center stage, offering listeners a more intimate perspective on the song’s themes of power, control and reclaiming agency.

listen on spotify

Ivoris – “Seashell” | Released July 24, 2026

Singer, songwriter, and producer Ivoris ponders life outside of human troubles in her new single, “Seashell.” The song is a sonic painting of sea sparkles, swaying waves, and deep oceanic breaths. Ivoris’ vocals dance over a gentle bed of acoustic guitar and percussion inviting the listener to the oceanic world of her upcoming debut album. 

“Seashell started as a journal entry,” Ivoris says. “I’d been pondering if we as humans can ever be freed from the struggle to reach our potential, or from the dread of time passing us by. I wrote this line — I long to try a seashell’s eyes, and that birthed the song.”

“Seashell” arrives ahead of Ivoris’ long-awaited debut album, Pour My Heart Out.

listen on spotify

TooManyMichaels – “Your Type” | Released July 24, 2026

International pop and dance trio TooManyMichaels make their debut with “Your Type” — a timeless pop song outfitted with unmistakable 80’s-style production. “The song explores the idea of the head versus the heart. What you should do versus what you want to do,” the trio explains. “We’ve all met that person; you know they’re trouble and it won’t end well, yet you can’t resist their charm and allure.”

It’s the first single off TooManyMichael’s upcoming debut EP titled, Sorry It Took So Long. Exploring themes of youthful ignorance and modern love, it sets the stage for the rest of the project.

listen on spotify

Braille Face – “<3” | Released July 17, 2026

The latest track from Melbourne’s Braille Face is titled, “<3” reads like a text message — and that’s no mistake. “We’ve got all these ideas about what love is supposed to look like and I think they’re all fractured,” he explains. “I wanted the song to feel like that — like someone emptied a drawer and said, here, sort through this. Good luck.”

listen on spotify

Chase Ceglie – My Saxophone Cried | Released July 17, 2026

Chase Ceglie’s new release is about turning private feelings into strange, memorable pop music. Written and recorded in Rhode Island, the project focuses on saxophone as an emotional voice that’s funny, wounded, dramatic, and sincere.

The songs pull from a host of genres — pop, soft rock, soul, jazz harmony, and left-field singer-songwriter — but the center is direct emotion: heartbreak, self-doubt, humor, and the need to keep going.

listen on spotify

Lee Wilson – “You Knock Me Out” | Released July 31, 2026

The new single from the legendary house music vocalist and songwriter reimagining the timeless groove of The Gap Band’s “Outstanding” through a fresh UK garage, disco-house and soulful house lens. The release captures the feeling of summer, poolside energy and feel-good dance music, while keeping Lee Wilson’s warm vocal style at the center. Following recent momentum with “Sabor” and “Bass Through Your Speakers,” this release maintains the uplifting, vocal-driven dance music that’s garnered international attention.

listen on spotify

Sade Frame – “Ferraris”  | Released July 7, 2026

Sāde’s most personal song to date, “Ferraris” is a deep dive into the perfectionism and comparison that shaped her childhood. Throughout her teens, the singer held impossibly high expectations of herself and always measured her worth against that of others. In the song, flashy cars represent the fantasy life she thought she’d have by now: fast, glossy, untouchable. 

But today, Sāde sings “Ferraris” with more perspective. The song honors her youthful thinking while contrasting it with the more mature, self-assured outlook she has today. In the end, “Ferraris” is a confession and a challenge. “Nobody’s handing out Ferraris because you dream you’re born to drive,” she says. “You build the life you want slowly, imperfectly — and you learn to love yourself even when you’re not as ‘far along’ as you imagined.”

listen on spotify

Dearra Mulls – “CRB” | Released July 23, 2026

On “CRB,” Dearra Mulls is “not asking for permission, but establishing position.” The UK rapper is clearing a path for herself that leans into raw attitude, honesty, and presence. 

CRB explores the real life pressures someone faces when trying to live out their ambitions while dealing with distractions, disloyalty, and external pressure. The track’s distinctive bounce and vocal texture stems from a combination of UK street rap and alt-grime with Caribbean rhythms. Fans of Ms. Banks, Cardi B, and Shaybo will find a lot to love here in terms of the personality, tone, and attitude represented in the production and writing.

listen on spotify

Release your music with CD Baby

Join over two million artists around the world who trust CD Baby to distribute their music. Sign up for a free CD Baby account today and get your music on Spotify, Apple Music, and 150 other platforms starting at $9.99 for a single and $14.99 for an album — with no annual fee. 

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Fans can ask the bot to help discover music, save new songs, follow artists, learn about their own listening history, and even build playlists.

Why this matters for independent artists

The new chatbot makes it even easier for fans to find your music. As an artist, you can make the most of this feature by ensuring your Spotify for Artists profile and metadata are up to date. A fully optimized profile will make a strong first impression on fans while maintaining accurate and consistent metadata allows Spotify to surface and recommend your music.

How “Talk to Spotify” works

Spotify’s new feature allows users to type or speak a request via a text-and-voice input field right on the app’s Home and “Now Playing” screens. From there, the bot can assist on a number of different tasks:

Curate music

Users can ask for new music recommendations by artist, genre, mood, comparable artists, and more.

Control playback

Once music is playing, users can give quick text or voice commands to save tracks, add songs to the queue, and follow new artists.

Learn more about an artist

If a user is interested in learning more about an artist, they can ask Spotify for more information like the release date, genre, or other biographical information about the artist. 

Explore listening habits

A user can ask Spotify about their playlists, favorite artists, repeat listens, and more to get real-time data on how their taste is shaping up on the platform. “It’s a new way to explore the story of your taste, from songs you keep on repeat to the artists, genres, and moments that shaped it,” Spotify says.

Get your music on Spotify with CD Baby

As a preferred partner for Spotify, CD Baby delivers your music to platform specifications and makes it easy to claim your Spotify for Artists profile so you can start building your fanbase. Sign up for a CD Baby account today to get started.

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The post What you need to know about Spotify’s new AI-powered chatbot appeared first on DIY Musician.

Here’s what independent artists need to know.

Looking for more music industry trends?

Check out our recaps of two cornerstone reports from 2025 — Luminate and IFPI’s Global Music Report — to get a confident grasp of topline industry stats and trends.

1. Fans are streaming more music than ever before

Global on-demand audio streams hit 2.8 trillion in the first half of 2026, up 9.8% from the 2.5 trillion streams in the same period last year.

What this means: Release your music to find your audience. Record-breaking streaming volume means more opportunities to build your fanbase.

2. Independent music distribution continues to grow

Independently distributed tracks have grown across the mid- and lower-volume streaming tiers, demonstrating how independent sectors are carving out a sustainable ecosystem outside the mainstream.

What this means: You don’t need a viral hit to lead a successful independent career. Focus on finding your niche audience, honing your brand as an artist, and leveraging the increasing array of marketing tools and services available to independent artists.

3. R&B/hip-hop declines slightly, while dance/electronic grows

R&B/hip-hop slightly declined this year, losing a 1.6 share of points year-over-year. But make no mistake, the genre still dominates U.S. streams, accounting for about one in every four streams. Meanwhile, the dance/electronic genre saw the most growth (+18.9% year-over-year on-demand audio change).

What this means: You can take shifts in genre listenership as encouragement to experiment with your sound, but don’t chase the trends or lose sight of your own artistic identity.

4. CD sales outpaced vinyl, but there’s more to the story

CD sales grew 16%, outpacing vinyl sales that grew by a modest 2.4%. K-pop fans account for a significant share of this growth. So much so that excluding sales from BTS’ latest album ARIRANG and other K-pop sales, U.S. CD sales would have been up only 6.7% in the first half of 2026.

But interestingly, only half of the Gen Z and Millennial CD buyers actually own a CD player, signalling the act of buying physical music is about aesthetic ownership and providing financial support to an artist as it is listening to the music on the medium itself.

What this means: Don’t write off physical formats — or collectibles in general. Whether it’s actual physical releases (CDs, tapes, and vinyl) or standard merch items like shirts and stickers — give your fans a way to support you.

5. Rock music exemplifies the power of catalog music

75% of rock listening comes from tracks older than 60 months — what Luminate calls “deep catalog” listening. That’s in contrast to a genre like world music, where 34% of streams come from “current” tracks (0-18) months and another 26.5% come from tracks that are five years old or newer.

What this means: No matter your genre, rock music proves you shouldn’t neglect your back catalog. Promote older tracks with the momentum you gain from new releases (e.g. “if you like the new track, listen to this one) and consider strategic re-releases and anniversary campaigns.

Make your mark on the music industry. Release your music with CD Baby. 

Over two million independent artists trust CD Baby to distribute their music. Pay once per release and get your music on over 150 platforms worldwide — without annual fees.

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This month, we sat down with the artist, creator, curator, and educator to discuss his new single “Be Free,” his creative process, and advice he has for emerging artists. You can watch the full interview below or read on for key takeaways.

About Mwenso

Born in West Africa, Michael moved to London with his mother as a child. When his mother was deported to Nigeria, he found solace in Black music — listening to records, spending countless nights at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, and eventually finding mentorship in great artists like James Brown.

That early foundation set the direction for everything that followed. Wynton Marsalis invited him to join the programming team as curator at Jazz at Lincoln Center. There, he developed late night programming at Dizzy’s Club and networked with new musicians to start his group, Mwenso & The Shakes. With his creative collaborator, Jono Gasparro, he later co-founded Electric Root, which partners with institutions to decolonize music curricula with anti-racist, artist-led programming. And in 2022, he won an Emmy for Michael Mwenso Honors George Floyd, a documentary special that demonstrated his deeply held belief that art and activism are one. 

Mwenso’s new single, “Be Free”

After more than a decade in the United States, Michael recently returned to London, and released his solo debut single “Be Free” — the first track off his upcoming album. Where much of his work to date has centered on collective language, the new single captures Michael taking on a more personal lyrical perspective and pushing his vocals to new heights.

The single’s release lined up with the Jon Batiste World Festival, a multi-night residency at Koko in London that Michael co-curated with Batiste. It was the perfect, organic platform for promoting “Be Free.”

3 lessons for independent artists from Mwenso

Michael opened up about the people, values, and musical ideas that keep him inspired. The following three pieces of advice from our conversation stood out — lightly edited for brevity.

1. Love the music, but love the people first

Michael has spent most of his life creating spaces, platforms, and events for artists to perform and connect with people. The secret to his success in curation? Loving people. He explained that every performance provides an opportunity for listeners to reconnect with the artists, experiences, and emotions that shape a musical lineage. Enabling that as a curator is a selfless and spiritual exercise, Michael notes, and a source of true joy.

2. Embody the qualities of successful artists

Asked what it takes to succeed today, Michael pointed to three successful artists, each of whom exemplify characteristics he values: James Brown demonstrated focus and concentration, Wynton Marsalis showcases discipline, consistency, and practice, and Jon Batiste exemplifies foresight, calculation, and manifestation.

3. Nothing is old if you haven’t heard it yet

Michael believes futuristic music comes from keeping the past alive and reinterpreting it. “Just because it’s from nineteen-something doesn’t mean you can’t play it with fire and funk now,” he said. In his framework, tradition pushes music forward, instead of holding it in place.

What will you take from Mwenso’s story?

Here are a few actionable tips based on what he shared:

• Build creative spaces (or support those who do) in your community for rehearsal, performance, networking, and inspiration
• Learn from your heroes — identify the characteristics that propelled their careers and seek to embody those in your work
• Break free of the shallowness of trends and the stuffiness of tradition – trace your inspirations back to their origins and aim to create something new from what you find

Join over 2 million artists, like Mwenso

Ready to make your statement? Create a free CD Baby account today to get started. 

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Drawing on our experience serving over two million artists worldwide, we’ve rounded up the most common mistakes we see artists make and resources to help you avoid them. Read on to feel prepared at every turn.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Over 100,000 tracks are released daily — a promotion plan is essential to stand out
• Cover art and metadata errors are a leading cause of release delays and rejections
• Most artists collect only one of six possible royalty types, leaving revenue unclaimed
• A consistent artist brand helps fans recognize and connect with you across every release
• Social media strategy should align with clear goals to avoid burnout
• Releasing music consistently builds momentum and makes fan growth easier to track

1. Submitting cover art or metadata that doesn’t meet requirements

Errors in your cover art or other metadata (i.e. essential information about your music) can lead to release delays and rejections. Before you submit your music, be sure your cover art meets platform requirements and your metadata is accurate and consistent. 

It’s not only about getting your release live on time. Clean and accurate metadata gives you a strong foundation for unlocking opportunities down the road — from arranging publishing deals to signing with a label. Good data makes everything easier.

Resources to help:

• How to distribute your music: Get a practical, step-by-step guide to releasing your music
• Copyright 101: Learn what music copyright is, how it works, and why it matters
• Cover art 101: Learn how to effectively design and format artwork for your music
• Metadata 101: Learn what metadata is, how to maintain it, and why it matters
• Credits 101: Learn what songwriter credits are and why they’re important

2. Releasing music without a plan to promote it to your fans

Over 100,000 new tracks hit streaming platforms every day. That means just getting your music out there isn’t enough to find your fans. You need a plan to cut through the noise if you want to boost your streams.

Resources to help:

• The 30-day release plan: Follow this detailed guide with a daily list of promo to-do’s
• Post-submission essentials: Learn what to do after submitting your music for distribution
• How to run a Spotify pre-save campaign: Launch a campaign to reach 100 pre-saves
• How to pitch Spotify editorial playlists: Get a 5-step template to craft an effective pitch
• How to reach 10,000 streams on Spotify: Learn tactics and strategies for reaching key streaming milestones from your first handful of streams up to 10,000

3. Missing out on revenue from uncollected music royalties

Many independent artists release their music and focus solely on collecting recording royalties from streaming platforms through their distributor. But that’s only one of six common music royalties that together, add up to quite a bit of easy revenue. You’re probably earning other forms of royalties already — through streaming, live performances, radio play, and more. You just need to take the steps to collect them.

Resources to help:

• Royalties 101: Learn the 6 common types of royalties and how to collect them
• CDB Boost: Automatically collect additional royalties with CDB Boost
• Social Video Monetization: Claim royalties from fans using your music on social video platforms with CD Baby’s Social Video Monetization service
• Publishing 101: See how music publishing works and what you need to get started
• Revenue checklist: Explore 10 ways you can start earning more from your music — beyond royalty collection

4. Not building an artist brand that fans can identify

No amount of marketing — be it paid ads, social posts, emails, or live shows — can make up for a lack of artist branding. Every appearance is a chance to make your identity and creative world stick with fans. But if your social profile has no consistent aesthetic, your live show feels different every time, and your releases don’t tell a story, fans have no clear way to get to know you.

Resources to help: 

• Artist branding: Learn what an artist brand is and how to build one
• Networking: Get yourself out there and create opportunities
• How to get press coverage: Learn how to tell an impactful story behind your release
• How to write an artist bio: Learn how to write about yourself and your music
• How to create an electronic press kit: Impress journalists and media people with an EPK

5. Burning out on social media

Social media enables you to reach global audiences in a matter of seconds. It’s also incredibly effective at making local music scenes more accessible and navigable. Maintaining your social media presence gives fans a way to discover your sound and stay connected with you — beyond the music. But make no mistake, burnout is real. If you feel overwhelmed or drained by constant posting, it’s time to reassess your strategy. Think: what do you want to accomplish and how will social media help you get there?

Resources to help:

• Social media makeover: If your profiles are stale, this easy checklist helps with a refresh
• How to build an email list: Tired of algorithm chasing? See what email can do for you.
• How to promote your music on social media: If you’re just starting out or reassessing your strategy, this is an excellent (re)introduction to social media for musicians
• Social media promotion inspo: Learn how to make content that feels authentic to you
• Fan funnel: Align your social media content with a marketing funnel to grow and retain your fan base

6. Releasing music too infrequently to build momentum

It’s difficult to grow your fan base if you aren’t releasing music on a consistent basis. It’s also hard to gauge your growth if you don’t have metrics to prove it. Artists that don’t do either end up having to rebuild their foundation every time they start promoting a new release — and that’s not sustainable.

Resources to help:

• How to choose a release format: Learn the differences between a single, EP, and album and how each fits within your release cycle
• How to waterfall your release: Get the most out of your next album by releasing lead singles that stack up to build momentum
• How to release a single: Learn the latest tactics for promoting your single
• How to release an album: Learn the latest tactics for promoting your album
• Music metrics that matter: You can’t grow what you don’t measure. Learn what metrics matter most across various channels

Put these lessons into action. Your next release starts here.

For nearly three decades, CD Baby has focused on giving independent artists the tools and knowledge to confidently avoid these pitfalls and build careers on their own terms.

When you’re ready to release your music, we offer distribution to 150+ platforms worldwide with pay-per-release pricing and no annual fees.

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The post 6 common release mistakes artists make (and how to avoid them) appeared first on DIY Musician.

Prepare for your new release

Ahead of your release, Apple Music for Artists will display a module in the “Measure” tab, reminding you to share the news with your fans. You can make a strong first impression on fans by updating your profile on the platform.

Check your release performance

On release day, you can view total plays, top-played songs, and top cities for plays earned that week. Navigate to the “Overview” section of “Measure” to view the dashboard. 

You can select the New Release Insights module to get more detailed release-week performance data, down to individual tracks, and compare your performance to previous releases in your catalog. 

It can take up to eight hours for new data to populate in your profile and stats are subject to change once final play data is processed and reported. Any plays accrued outside of release week (e.g. plays on instant gratification tracks available before your release day) do not count toward release week insights. 

What to look for after release day

New Release Insights give you a snapshot of your release week performance. You can continue to measure performance data by going to the “Trends” page in “Measure” where you can see listener location, demographics, and other granular performance data. You can learn more about Apple Music’s analytics here.

Get your music on Apple Music with CD Baby

CD Baby is a preferred partner for Apple Music and trusted by over two million artists worldwide. Sign up for a free CD Baby account today and get your music on Apple Music and 150 other platforms. 

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The post How to use Apple Music’s “New Release Insights” appeared first on DIY Musician.

In this blog, you’ll learn the six main types of music royalties, how each of them works, and how to collect them to boost your earnings.

What are music royalties?

Music royalties are payments owed to rights holders when their music is used or reproduced under license. Different uses generate different types of royalties — and because every song carries two separate copyrights (the recording and the composition), even a single use can generate multiple royalties at once.

The two forms of music copyright: recordings and compositions

The music industry’s royalty structure is built on music copyright — the legal right to copy, distribute, perform, and monetize a piece of music. 

There are two forms of copyright inherent in every song. Uses of each copyright generate corresponding royalties.

• Recording: the particular recording of the song
• Composition: the underlying music and lyrics

The chart below shows how royalties flow from the two forms of music copyright. Uses of the sound recording can generate recording royalties and digital performance royalties — paid to artists, labels, and other owners of the sound recording. Uses of the composition generate performance royalties and mechanical royalties — paid to songwriters, composers, lyricists, and/or publishers.

If you’re an independent artist writing and recording your own music, you probably own both the recording and composition rights on your releases — entitling you to royalties generated from both. In this next section, we’ll look at each type of royalty that stems from the recording and composition of a song.

The six main types of music royalties

The chart below gives you a preview of only the most common royalties independent artists receive after distributing their music to platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, social video platforms like TikTok and YouTube, and non-interactive streaming platforms like Pandora and SiriusXM.

As you’ll see, there are even more ways to generate royalties through live performances, sync licensing deals, radio play, and more. But we’ll start with the basics.

1. Recording Royalties

What they are: Recording royalties arise from the use or digital reproduction of the sound recording of music. That includes streams, digital downloads, physical sales of your music, and more.

Paid to: The owner of the sound recording — typically the recording artist and/or their label. 

If you distribute your music with CD Baby, you retain full ownership of your sound recordings and receive 91% of your recording royalties from streaming activity on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. CD Baby takes a 9% share, aligning our success with yours.

How to collect recording royalties: Your distributor automatically pays you recording royalties for your streaming activity. Sign up for a free CD Baby account today to distribute your music and start earning from your streams.

2. Mechanical Royalties

What they are: Mechanical royalties are generated whenever a composition is reproduced, digitally or physically. These royalties apply to interactive streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, digital downloads, physical sales, and more.

Paid to: Songwriters, composers, lyricists, and/or publishers. If you own both a song’s recording and composition rights, then mechanicals are simply one more royalty type you can collect from your work. If you own a song’s composition and someone else records and releases a cover of it — on vinyl, streaming, anywhere — you’re owed royalties for their use of it. 

How to collect mechanical royalties: If you’re a CD Baby artist, you can claim mechanical royalties on your music by adding CDB Boost to your releases. CDB Boost registers your music with The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC), which is the main non-profit organization in the U.S. for helping songwriters collect mechanical royalties.

3. Performance Royalties

What they are: Performance royalties are earned when a composition is played or performed publicly. That can mean radio airplay, live performances, background music in public spaces, streaming on interactive platforms, and television broadcasts.

Paid to: Songwriters, composers, lyricists, and/or publishers.

How to collect performance royalties: If you’re based in the United States, register your music with a performing rights organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to start collecting performance royalties. For artists outside the U.S., your country has its own PRO.

4. Neighboring Rights Royalties

What they are: Neighboring rights royalties compensate recording artists and sound recording owners when a song is played publicly. They’re called “neighboring” rights because they sit alongside performance royalties, but compensate rights holders for the use of a sound recording instead of the composition.

Here’s where it gets a bit messy. Strictly speaking, neighboring rights don’t exist in the United States. U.S. law only requires terrestrial radio stations (AM/FM) to pay performance royalties on uses of the composition — not the recording. The U.S. has a partial equivalent in Digital Performance Royalties to cover spins on non-interactive streaming platforms like Pandora, SiriusXM, and iHeart Radio, but more on that in the next section.

Paid to: Performing artists and/or owners of the master recordings (often an independent artist or a label).

How to collect neighboring rights royalties: If your music is getting international play, register directly with SoundExchange and opt into their foreign mandate to collect international neighboring rights (including terrestrial radio play outside the U.S.). SoundExchange can collect these royalties for you through reciprocal agreements with foreign Collective Management Organizations (CMOs), but note that coverage varies by territory.

5. Digital Performance Royalties 

What they are: Although the U.S. does not have neighboring rights, digital performance royalties are a partial equivalent for rights holders. These royalties cover uses of the sound recording on non-interactive streaming platforms like Pandora, SiriusXM, and iHeartRadio.

Outside the U.S., where artists and rights holders do earn from traditional radio play, royalties from non-interactive stations are considered just another royalty source under the neighboring rights umbrella.

Paid to: featured recording artists, non-featured session musicians, and the owners of the sound recording copyright

How to collect digital performance royalties: The U.S. government designated SoundExchange as the official sole entity responsible for collecting and distributing digital performance royalties to performing artists and owners of the sound recording. Payouts from SoundExchange are divided by law: 50% goes to the sound recording copyright owner (an artist or record label), 45% to the featured artist, and 5% to a fund for non-featured session musicians.

If you’re a CD Baby artist, you can claim your digital performance royalties by adding CDB Boost to your release. CDB Boost registers your music with SoundExchange’s domestic services and helps you easily collect digital performance royalties.

6. Sync (and micro-sync) Royalties

What they are: Sync royalties are generated when your music is synchronized with visual media. That can entail individual licensing deals for using music in films, television, and video games or blanket licensing agreements for use of music on social video platforms like TikTok or Instagram.

Paid to: Sync royalties are split between songwriters and publishers (for the composition share) and artists/record labels (for the sound recording share). 

How to collect sync royalties: You can collect micro-sync royalties using CD Baby’s Social Video Monetization service. Separately, you can make your music eligible for sync licensing deals by registering with CDB Boost.

The music royalty checklist for independent artists

Now that you understand the core music royalty types, here are next steps to collect them:

1. Release your music with CD Baby and automatically receive recording royalties from interactive streaming and downloads. 
2. Register with a PRO (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, or your country’s PRO) to collect performance royalties from radio, television, shows, and streaming. 
3. Add CDB Boost to your release to collect mechanical royalties from interactive streaming in the U.S. via The Mechanical Licensing Collective and digital performance royalties from non-interactive streaming via SoundExchange (neighboring rights royalties for artists outside the U.S).
4. Opt into CD Baby’s Social Video Monetization service to collect micro-sync royalties from user-generated content on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

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It’s a great way for fans to learn more about their listening habits and share their tastes with friends. For artists, it’s a great way to personally thank fans for listening by submitting a personal video clip. 

If you’re an artist with music on Amazon Music, here’s what you need to do to prepare for Amazon Music Delivered in 2026.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Amazon Music Delivered is an annual personalized recap reel featuring fan listening stats plus thank-you videos from top artists
• Artists must submit videos by the end of October 2026 to participate in this year’s Delivered campaign
• Any artist with music on Amazon Music can participate in Delivered for free
• Artists not yet on Amazon Music can distribute through CD Baby to become eligible

What is Amazon Music Delivered?

Amazon Music Delivered is the platform’s annual, personalized, recap reel. The recap lets listeners view their top artists, songs, podcasts, and listening habits from the past year — and features thank-you videos from their top artists.

Delivered is available to over 70 million Amazon Music customers across 11 markets allowing artists to reach fans around the world from a single clip. 

Is Amazon Music Delivered worth it for independent artists?

Yes. The free feature lets you tap into a massive subscriber base and thank fans in a direct, exclusive, and memorable way. Plus, uploading your thank-you clip takes minutes.

How to participate in Amazon Music Delivered

If you have music on Amazon Music, you can participate in Delivered by uploading a short thank you clip that the platform will include in your top fans’ Delivered reels.

It’s the perfect way to connect with fans at a personal moment — as they reflect on how your music shaped their year.

What’s the deadline for submitting a clip to Amazon Music Delivered 2026?

Submissions are due by the end of October 2026, but Amazon recommends submitting your clip as soon as possible.

What to include in your video submission

Amazon Music recommends addressing your top fans directly and referencing “Amazon Music” to demonstrate you made this clip just for them. Beyond that, be yourself and connect with your fans in a way that feels most authentic to you!

Here are a few example scripts for inspiration:

• “To my top fans on Amazon Music, thank you for listening all year. You had me on repeat and that’s the best feeling in the world. I appreciate every single one of you.”
• “Hey, to my top fans on Amazon Music, I just want to say thank you. You’ve been streaming my music, putting me on repeat… that means everything. Thank you for making this year so special. Love you all.”
• “This whole year, you kept coming back. Amazon Music saw every stream. I hope my music gave you something good to hold onto. It gave me a reason to keep making it.”

How to format your video

To ensure your video fits into the Delivered experience, ensure it follows these specifications:

• Format: Vertical video, 9:16
• Length: 15 to 20 seconds
• Resolution: 1080 x 1920 minimum
• Audio: Clear voice, filmed in a quiet environment
• Framing: Face clearly visible and well-lit
• Wardrobe/Setting: Your choice
• File Type: MP4

Please avoid background music, using logos from other platforms, and using heavy filters on your video.

Three tips for making an impactful video

Beyond meeting technical requirements, there are a few ways you can ensure your video resonates with fans.

1. Show gratitude: This clip is going to fans who have played your music more than anyone else. Recognize them and make them feel appreciated.
2. Be yourself: Show up the way your fans expect. Don’t overthink your delivery or awkwardly read a script. Make it feel natural.
3. Promote what’s next: Don’t just look back on the year behind you. Keep the momentum going by teasing what’s coming next.

Where your video may appear

Your video may appear in a few places across Amazon Music. First, it will appear in the Delivered reel experience on the Amazon Music app, as top fans explore their year in review. 

The audio of the clip may also appear on:

• Echo devices (or video for multi-modal devices). 
• In Amazon-owned marketing channels to entice your top fans to watch your full clip in-app
• In future fan-centered campaigns. (Keep that in mind when recording your clip.)

Want to get your music on Amazon Music? CD Baby can help

Get your music on Amazon Music and 150 more platforms worldwide when you distribute with CD Baby — trusted by over two million artists worldwide. 

Get started today by creating a free account. Once you’ve submitted your music, CD Baby makes it easy to claim your Amazon for Artists profile and provides you with the tools and guidance you need to start growing your fan base on the platform.

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The post Don’t miss Amazon Music Delivered 2026: Here’s how to submit your fan video appeared first on DIY Musician.