In the urban genre, releasing a song is not just about posting it on Spotify. It's about creating a narrative, building buzz, activating your community and leveraging every platform so your music doesn't go unnoticed. Here are the key steps for your next release to make a real impact.
1. Plan ahead
Improvisation does not generate traction. You need at least 3 weeks of preparation. A good launch is divided into three phases:
- Pre-launch: building expectation
- Launch: activating the community
- Post-launch: maintaining interest and scaling up outreach
Everything must be scheduled and connected.
2. Define clear objectives
Before you launch, ask yourself:
- What do I want to achieve with this song (more listeners, get on playlists, grow in networks)?
- Who is it aimed at?
- Which channels will I prioritise?
Having clarity allows you to make more effective decisions.
3. Work on the pre-save and the previous content.
The pre-save on Spotify is a powerful tool. As well as uploading the single, create pieces of content that connect with your audience:
- Teasers
- Freestyles or short remixes
- Phrases from the song
- Visuals related to the aesthetics of the theme
Everything must reinforce the universe of the song.
4. Activate your network
Inform your followers, but also your:
- Independent Playlisters
- Journalists or music media
- Other artists with whom you have a relationship
- Your closest community: friends and active followers
Ask them to listen, save, share. Digital word of mouth also exists.
5. Take care of the technical details
- Professional cover and coherent with your image
- Complete and well-written metadata
- Uploading of the track at least 2-3 weeks in advance to the distributor
- WAV or final master quality version
Don't let a technical glitch ruin your strategy.
6. Have post-launch content ready
Once the issue is out, it's time to keep it alive:
- Public Acknowledgements
- Behind the scenes or anecdotes
- Reels or TikToks with key parts of the topic
- Acoustic, a cappella or collaborative versions
The launch doesn't end the day it comes out.
Conclusion
A successful digital launch is not a matter of luck. It is a strategy that is thought out, worked out and executed with intention. In the urban genre, where music is released every hour, standing out requires having everything well put together. It's not just about having good music, it's about knowing how, when and with whom to share it.
