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How do I create and submit a new release?

  • Updated

You can create a new release from the My Music section of your Soundrop account. Before you start, make sure you have your audio files, cover artwork, artist and songwriter information, and other release details ready.

Create your release

  1. Sign in to your Soundrop account.
  2. Go to My Music.
  3. Select Actions.
  4. Select Create new release.

You'll complete several sections with information about your release and tracks. Fields marked with a red * are required.

Important: Your release is not saved until you've completed all required information and selected Save on the Review & Save page.

1. Add your release information

In Main info, enter information that applies to the release as a whole, including:

  • cover artwork;
  • metadata language;
  • primary artist or artists;
  • genre;
  • copyright information; and
  • UPC, if the release has been distributed previously.

If you don't already have a UPC, Soundrop will provide one at no additional cost.

If you're using an artist name you've previously added to Soundrop, select the existing artist from the list rather than creating a new one.

2. Add your tracks

For each track, you'll add the audio file and information about the recording. This includes:

  • WAV or FLAC audio;
  • track title and version information;
  • artist names and roles;
  • performer and production credits;
  • ISRC, if you already have one;
  • language and explicit-content information;
  • composition type; and
  • automated claiming preferences.

If you don't already have an ISRC for a new recording, Soundrop can provide one.

Select the correct composition type for each track: original, cover song, or public domain. This determines what information you'll need to provide in the Publishing section.

Read more:

3. Add publishing information

In Publishing, provide the required composition and songwriter information for each track.

Original songs

Add each songwriter and their ownership share. The shares must total 100%.

Cover songs

You'll be asked for information about the original composition and recording so Soundrop can process your mechanical licensing request.

See: Advanced Cover Song Licensing Request Tips

Public domain songs

Enter the original songwriter information and identify the composition as public domain.

See: All About The Public Domain

4. Review and save your release

  1. Use Review & Save to check the information you've entered.
  2. Review your metadata carefully before continuing. When everything is correct, select Save.
  3. Your release will then appear under My Music.

Saving your release does not submit it for distribution.

5. Submit your release for distribution

When you're ready to distribute your release:

  1. Select Send release to stores & services.
  2. Select Distribute now.
  3. Choose your release date.
  4. Select your territories and music platforms.
  5. Choose any available pricing or pre-order options.
  6. Review your selections and select Send.

Your release will then be submitted to Soundrop for review.

What happens after I submit my release?

  • After submission, your release will enter Pending Approval while Soundrop reviews it.
  • We'll check your release against the requirements of the music platforms we distribute to.
  • If changes are required, we'll let you know what needs to be corrected before your release can continue.
  • Once your release is approved, we'll complete any required cover song licensing and begin delivering it to your selected music platforms.

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