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The Complete Guide to Releasing Your Band's Music | How to Release on Spotify and Apple Music and Bring Your Music to the World Without a Label

2026/06/25

バンドの音源リリース完全ガイド|Spotify・Apple Music配信、レーベル不要で世界に出す方法
table of contents

First of all—once the recording is finished, the next step is the release.

After countless trips to the studio, refining the arrangements with all the band members, and finally completing the recording—that sense of accomplishment is priceless, isn't it? But are you leaving the finished recording dormant on your hard drive?

Nowadays, bands don't need to sign with a major label to get their music out to the world. With just a smartphone and a credit card (or an annual fee), you can distribute your band's music to major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music.

This article provides a thorough explanation of the entire process of "self-releasing"—how indie bands can independently release their music —using comparison charts, checklists, and personal anecdotes. Reading this in conjunction with our complete guide to your first recording experience will give you a complete understanding of the entire flow: recording → release → promotion. Let's begin by clarifying the concept of "self-releasing."

Recording studio mixing board
Now that we've finished recording, let's share the music with the world.

What is self-release? — Going to the world without a label

"Self-release" refers to a method where a band distributes and sells their music independently, without signing a contract with a record label. Previously, to reach a wide audience, one had to either go through a label or self-press CDs and market them to stores nationwide. However, nowadays, by using services called "music distribution distributors," individuals and independent bands can have their music featured on the same platforms as major artists.

Benefits of self-release

  • You can retain your own copyright and master recording rights : While record labels often hold the master recording rights when you're signed to one, with self-release, the band has 100% control over the rights.
  • High royalty return rate : When going through a label, artists often only receive around 10-20%, but with self-release, they can keep 70-100%.
  • You can set your own release schedule : You can plan releases at your own pace, without being dictated by the label's schedule.
  • Low initial costs : Depending on the distributor, you can start with an annual fee of around a few thousand to tens of thousands of yen.

Disadvantages and points to note about self-release

  • We need to handle our own promotion : All the advertising and media outreach that the label used to take care of is now our responsibility.
  • Knowledge of distribution and data management is required : This involves administrative tasks such as obtaining ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) and UPC/JAN codes, and accurately entering metadata.
  • Physical CD distribution to major retail stores requires separate arrangements : Digital distribution distributors are merely agents for streaming and download distribution. CD retail distribution requires a different route.

Now, let's compare the "music distribution distributors," which are central to self-releases.

Comparison of major distribution distributors

A music distribution distributor is a service that takes your music data and distributes it on your behalf to various streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. Since there are many such services both in Japan and internationally, we have created a comparison table summarizing their pricing structures, fees, and the number of distribution platforms they serve.

Service Name Annual membership fee and initial costs Loyalty return rate Main distribution channels Features
TuneCore Japan Singles: ¥1,650/year, Albums: ¥6,050/year 100% Over 150 stores It offers extensive Japanese language support, making it the most familiar to domestic users. It also allows distribution to Spotify, Apple Music, and LINE MUSIC.
DistroKid Approximately $22.99/year (Musician Plan) 100% Over 150 stores Unlimited uploads per year. No additional charges for each extra song. The UI is primarily in English, but it is also available from Japan.
CD Baby Singles from $9.99
Albums from $29.99 (one-time purchase)
91% Over 150 stores Permanent distribution with a single payment. Supports neighboring rights registration (SoundExchange) and YouTube Content ID. Reliable service from a long-established company.
LANDR Basic plan is free (with limited features).
Annual plans start at approximately $48.
100% (Paid plan) Over 100 stores AI mastering service and distribution are integrated. You can finish the audio while simultaneously distributing it.
BIG UP! 20% of revenue as a distribution fee 80% Over 50 stores A domestic service operated by Avex. It offers extensive Japanese language support and domestic promotion assistance. It's easy to start with zero initial costs.
ReverbNation Free to $19.95/month 100% (Paid plan) Over 30 stores Its strength lies in its collaboration with band promotions. It has EPK and press kit creation functions. Many international bands use it.

Which distributor should I choose?

For Japanese bands trying self-release for the first time, TuneCore Japan or BIG UP! are recommended. TuneCore Japan has excellent Japanese support, so you can get help quickly if you have any questions. BIG UP! can be started with no initial fees, making it suitable for those who "just want to try it out." If you are comfortable with procedures in English, DistroKid, which offers unlimited uploads per year, is also very cost-effective.

Is it okay to use multiple distributors?

Generally, you cannot distribute the same song through multiple distributors (this risks duplicate distribution and fragmenting your artist page). However, you can change distributors with each new release . For example, you might distribute your first single through TuneCore Japan and then switch to DistroKid for your second single. In that case, you will need to temporarily suspend or remove distribution from the old distributor, so it's wise to choose a service you can stick with long-term as early as possible.

Regarding receiving revenue after streaming

Streaming revenue is extremely small, roughly a fraction of a yen per stream. In the case of Spotify, artists are paid approximately $0.003 to $0.005 per stream (estimated for 2024). Even with 100,000 streams per month, revenue would only amount to a few hundred dollars. However, royalties include not only streaming revenue but also YouTube advertising revenue, download sales, and video usage fees from LinkedIn, etc. Initially, it's common to view streaming as a "place to connect with listeners" rather than focusing on revenue, and to combine it with a model that supports activities through live performances and merchandise sales. Also, if there are payments to distributors (such as the annual fee for TuneCore Japan), it's important to calculate how much you'll actually earn by subtracting those annual expenses from your net revenue.

Step-by-step instructions for distributing music to Spotify and Apple Music.

This section explains the distribution flow to Spotify and Apple Music, using TuneCore Japan as an example. The general flow is the same for other distributors.

STEP 1: Prepare the audio data.

First, prepare the audio data for distribution. The format required by most distributors is as follows:

  • Recommended audio file formats : WAV (16-bit/44.1kHz) or FLAC (24-bit/44.1kHz). MP3 is often not supported.
  • File name : Use only alphanumeric characters, hyphens, and underscores (Japanese file names may cause errors).
  • Mastering is required : Ideally, the track should be finished to the optimal loudness for streaming (around -14 LUFS). See the checklist below for mastering details.

STEP 2: Register artist information

Create a TuneCore Japan account and enter your artist information.

  • Artist name (please also enter in English)
  • Band member names
  • Genre (pop, rock, jazz, etc.)
  • Copyright holder of the original recording (in the format "© 2025 [Band Name]")

STEP 3: Enter release information

Enter the song's metadata accurately. Since errors will be difficult to correct after distribution begins, please do so carefully.

  • Song title : Some services have input fields for both Japanese and English.
  • Album/Single Title
  • Lyricist and composer names : Must be registered if the song is managed by JASRAC.
  • Genre/Subgenre
  • Release Date : It is recommended to apply 2-4 weeks before your desired release date (because platform review takes time).
  • ISRC : Often issued automatically by the distributor.

STEP 4: Upload your artwork

The jacket image (artwork) is the "face" of the release. Failure to adhere to the following specifications may result in your submission being rejected.

  • Size : 3000 x 3000 pixels or larger (square)
  • Format : JPG or PNG, RGB color mode
  • Note : Do not include streaming service logos, website URLs, or price information.
  • Resolution : 72-300 dpi recommended

STEP 5: Select your delivery destination and submit your application.

Select the stores where you want to distribute your music (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, LINE MUSIC, etc.) and pay the annual fee or release fee. Once the review process is complete, your music will be listed on each platform on the specified date. After distribution begins, you can check streaming numbers and royalty revenue in real time from the distributor's dashboard.

Listening to music with headphones
The moment when the finished music reaches the ears of listeners all over the world is truly special.

Spotify for Artists settings

Once your music is available on Spotify, the next step is to access Spotify for Artists and set up your artist profile. This is an artist-specific management tool where you can set a profile picture, biography (self-introduction), and social media links, as well as view detailed data such as streaming numbers, listener locations, and age demographics.

What you can do with Spotify for Artists

  • Artist Image Settings : You can upload a photo of your band's face that will appear in search results and playlists. Please prepare a high-resolution image in landscape (2660 x 1140px) or square format.
  • Filling out the biography : Describe the band's roots and musical style in about 150-200 characters. Including both Japanese and English will help appeal to international listeners.
  • Artist Pick : You can display specific songs, albums, or playlists as "recommendations" at the top of your profile. Use this to increase visibility when you release new music.
  • Playlist Pitching : You can pitch (propose) your song to Spotify's editorial team before release. If selected, it will be featured on an official Spotify playlist, dramatically increasing your play count.
  • Concert information listing : Live concert schedules can be displayed in conjunction with Songkick and other services.

Access and application procedures for Spotify for Artists

  1. Create a Spotify account (free is OK) and log in.
  2. Go to artists.spotify.com and click "Get Access".
  3. Search for and select your own artist page (the page won't exist until after the release).
  4. To verify your identity, enter the URL in the release confirmation email sent by your distributor, or authenticate using your social media account.
  5. You will receive an approval notification from Spotify within a few days of applying.

Data to check and how to use it in Spotify for Artists

The Spotify for Artists dashboard provides a wealth of data that is incredibly useful for tracking your band's growth. You should regularly check the following metrics:

  • Monthly Listeners : The number of unique listeners who have played your song at least once in the last 30 days. This number fluctuates more rapidly than follower counts, allowing you to immediately see the effectiveness of your promotion.
  • Streaming count : The number of plays for each song. This shows which songs are being listened to and can be used as a reference to decide on the genre and direction of the next release.
  • Save Rate : The percentage of users who "save" a track to their library after playing it. A high save rate is a positive signal to Spotify's algorithm, increasing the likelihood of the track being included in playlists.
  • Listener geographical distribution : This allows us to understand which prefectures and countries our listeners are coming from. It can also be used as a reference when deciding on the location of live performances.
  • Age and gender distribution : This allows you to see the attributes of your target audience and is useful for targeting when running social media ads.

Making it a habit to check this data once or twice a month will allow you to see your band's growth curve. If the numbers are dropping, it will give you clues to think about your next steps, such as "Are we not doing enough promotion?" or "Is the genre of our music not right?"

How to apply for an artist page on Apple Music for Artists

Apple also provides analytics tools for artists and labels. Apple Music for Artists allows you to see things like the number of plays, downloads, and shares of your songs, as well as which playlists are driving traffic to them.

What you can do with Apple Music for Artists

  • Detailed analytics : Play counts by song and album, regional data, and device data.
  • Artist notifications : Real-time notifications for new playlist additions, chart rankings, and more.
  • Shazam Integration Data : You can also check the number of times the search was performed using Shazam, a Shazam app owned by Apple.

Access and Application Procedures

  1. Create an Apple ID and sign in.
  2. Go to artists.apple.com and click "Get Started".
  3. Search for and select your artist name (assuming your music is available on Apple Music).
  4. Fill out the required information on the application form and submit it (you will often be asked to verify your social media account).
  5. After Apple reviews the application (usually a few days to a week), you will receive an approval email.

Pre-release checklist

Before submitting your release request, be sure to check the following checklist to ensure you haven't missed anything. Even one omission could result in your release being rejected during the distribution review process, or require corrections if metadata errors are discovered after distribution.

Audio-related

  • ☑ Is the audio file format WAV (16bit/44.1kHz) or FLAC?
  • ☑ Has mastering been completed? (Loudness of around -14 LUFS is a good guideline.)
  • ☑ Is the silence between songs excessively long? (Around 2 seconds is a good guideline.)
  • ☑ Check for distortion and noise (perform a final check using both headphones and speakers)
  • ☑ Is the balance between all instruments and vocals correct?

Metadata related

  • ☑ Check if there are any spelling mistakes or typos in the song titles.
  • ☑ Is the artist's name consistently written (case-insensitive, space-insensitive)?
  • ☑ Are the names of the lyricist and composer registered accurately? (Also check the status of registration with JASRAC.)
  • ☑ Does the genre setting match the content of the song?
  • ☑ Is the release date/distribution start date set to be 2-4 weeks or later after the application?
  • ☑ Is an ISRC assigned to every song? (Often automatically issued by the distributor)
  • ☑ Checking UPC/EAN codes (codes specific to albums and singles)

Artwork related

  • ☑ Is the size a square of 3000 x 3000 pixels or larger?
  • ☑ RGB color mode, JPG or PNG format
  • ☑ Does it contain explicit sexual or violent content? (If so, flag it as "Explicit Content")
  • ☑ Does it contain logos from other companies such as Spotify?
  • ☑ If there is text, is it legible even on a small screen (smartphone thumbnail)?

Rights and contracts

  • ☑ When distributing cover songs, have you obtained a mechanical copyright license?
  • ☑ If you are using samples, have you obtained permission from the original rights holder?
  • ☑ Have all members agreed to the release?
  • ☑ Check if the band name/artist name is already taken by another artist (check in advance by searching on Spotify and Apple Music)

Promotion preparations (until the release day)

  • ☑ Have you scheduled or prepared a "streaming start announcement" post on social media?
  • ☑ Have you submitted your playlist pitching request on Spotify for Artists? (Recommended to do this at least 7 days before release)
  • ☑ Have you prepared a press release (EPK)?
  • ☑ Did you send advance notification emails to music media and bloggers?

Post-release promotion methods

Simply releasing music online isn't enough to reach a large audience. A proactive promotion strategy combining algorithms and social media is essential.

Promotion using social media

The week before and after release is the "peak announcement period," so be sure to post content actively. If you want to learn more about how to use social media, please also refer to "Band Social Media Strategies! A Complete Guide to Member Recruitment, Live Show Announcements, and Fan Gain ."

  • Teaser video (1-2 weeks before release) : Post a 30-second song preview on Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Use hashtags to spread the word.
  • Making-of video (a few days before release) : Videos showing recording sessions in the studio and comments from the band members are popular. They increase listeners' sense of connection to the song.
  • Simultaneous announcement on release day : Announce the release simultaneously on all social media platforms, including Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube, and the official LINE account. It's important not only to include a Spotify link, but also to include a short summary of the song's appeal in the post.
  • Interaction with fans after release : Actively respond to comments and replies. Repost and retweet posts shared by fans.

Pitching to Spotify playlists

Spotify for Artists' "Pitch a Song" feature allows you to propose your music to Spotify's editorial team. If selected, your song may be featured on official playlists such as "New Music Friday Japan," potentially boosting your play count significantly. You need to submit your pitch at least seven days before release , so be sure to apply well in advance.

Approach to user-created playlists

Spotify has many playlists created by ordinary users and bloggers. It's also effective to look for and approach playlist curators (creators) whose playlists match the genre and mood of the music you're interested in.

Sending press releases to music media and blogs

Another method is to send press releases to Japanese music blogs and web media (such as Pia, Natalie, and CDJournal). The press release should include a band introduction, song themes, download links, and high-resolution photos. Sending individually customized emails based on media trends will increase your chances of acceptance compared to sending a mass email.

Expansion to YouTube and music video services

In addition to Spotify, posting music videos (MVs) and lyric videos to YouTube is also important. YouTube is highly SEO-friendly and can attract new listeners who search using keywords like "band name genre." Even a simple MV shot on a smartphone can be effective if it effectively conveys the song's appeal.

Collaboration with live performances

Planning a release live show to coincide with a music release is a classic strategy. Include a Spotify QR code on promotional flyers and leaflets at live venues, creating an opportunity for attendees to stream on the spot. Approaching listeners at live venues is a powerful way to directly impact streaming numbers.

Utilizing Smart Link

"Smart Links" are tools that allow you to provide links to all streaming services, such as Spotify and Apple Music, in a single URL. Representative examples include Linkfire , Songwhip , and Linktree . Simply sharing a single link in a social media post automatically redirects users to the platform they are using. This solves the problem of wanting to include both Spotify and Apple Music links but making the post too long.

Building a mailing list/fan club

While SNS followers are subject to algorithm changes, mailing lists are an asset that allows you to reach your fans directly. We strongly recommend using free email marketing tools (such as Mailchimp or Brevo) to create a system for announcing new song releases and live performance information via email. Incorporate various strategies to encourage registration, such as collecting email addresses at live venues, creating newsletter registration forms on your website, and offering "exclusive music downloads for subscribers" on social media.

People who listen to music on their smartphones
With just one smartphone, listeners all over the world can enjoy your music.

Use post-release data to improve the next release.

It's crucial to develop the habit of analyzing post-release data and using that information to improve future releases, rather than simply releasing one song or one album and being done with it. Specifically, record and analyze the following points:

  • Which promotional method was most effective? (Instagram Reels posts vs. TikTok vs. flyer distribution)
  • Which playlists were driving traffic? (Check this in "Listening Sources" on Spotify for Artists)
  • Which listener attributes were most prevalent (age, region, device)?
  • Changes in the number of plays in the first week and one month after release

By creating a spreadsheet to record this data and updating it with each release, you can discover your own patterns of "what increases plays." Just as there's a saying in the music world that "the next song is the best," continuous releases and data collection are the shortest path to long-term success.

The current state of the music distribution market in Japan.

Before embarking on a self-release, it's essential to understand the current state of the Japanese music distribution market. Understanding the market size and trends will help you determine which platforms to focus on.

The streaming market is rapidly expanding.

According to statistics from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ), the domestic paid music distribution market in 2024 is projected to exceed 100 billion yen, continuing to grow at around 10% year-on-year. Of this, streaming (subscription-based distribution) accounts for more than 80%, becoming the dominant format, far surpassing download sales and CD sales.

Of particular note is the widespread adoption of streaming services via smartphones. As of 2024, the number of monthly active users of music streaming services in Japan is estimated to be around 8 million for Spotify alone. When combined with LINE MUSIC, Apple Music, and Amazon Music Unlimited, the potential listener base in Japan is enormous.

The rise of independent music

The rise of streaming services has presented a huge opportunity for independent artists. Previously, it was difficult to reach listeners nationwide without the distribution power of a major label, but now even self-releasing artists are increasingly getting their music to new listeners through algorithmic recommendation features such as Spotify's "Discover Weekly" and "Release Radar."

According to data compiled by music information websites, the proportion of independent artists in Spotify Japan's monthly streaming rankings has been increasing from 2023 to 2024, with some self-released artists even achieving over 1 million streams per month. This trend can be seen as positive proof for bands that they can compete effectively on their own.

Characteristics of Japanese listeners

Japanese listeners still have a strong culture of purchasing CDs and merchandise only after they have developed an "attachment" to the music and the artist. A "funnel strategy" is particularly effective, where streaming serves as an "entry point," and core fans are then guided towards CDs, limited edition merchandise, and live tickets. Self-releases should be viewed not merely as releasing music, but as the first step in cultivating long-term relationships with fans.

Market share of major streaming platforms in Japan (overview)

platform Monthly fee (individual) Features Characteristics in Japan
Spotify 980 yen (premium) The playlist and discovery features are powerful. Popular among young people and fans of indie music.
Apple Music 1,080 yen Its strengths are iPhone connectivity and sound quality (lossless). In Japan, where iPhone usage is high, the country maintains a strong market share.
LINE MUSIC 980 yen Features include integration with LINE and lyric display. A platform unique to Japan. Widely popular among teenagers and young adults.
Amazon Music 1,080 yen (Unlimited) Alexa integration and compatibility with Prime users The user base is expanding through Prime users.
YouTube Music 1,080 yen Seamless playback of music videos and audio tracks The user base tends to overlap with that of YouTube.

Common failure stories and experiences

Let's learn about the points to watch out for from the experiences of bands that have actually attempted self-release. Here, we will introduce typical failure patterns and solutions based on the cases of several fictional bands.

Experience Story ①: "SilverBeat" - Artist names were displayed incorrectly due to a metadata error.

Yamamoto (25 years old), the vocalist of the Tokyo-based indie band "SilverBeat," self-released their first single in the band's second year since formation.

"When we submitted the release application, we were in a hurry and didn't check carefully enough. In the English name field, we sometimes entered "Silver Beat" (with a space) and sometimes "SilverBeat" (without a space), and we weren't consistent. When we checked the artist page on Spotify, the same band was listed as two separate artists on two different pages. We submitted a request to correct it, but it took 2-3 weeks for it to be officially merged, and in the meantime we wasted the promotional period right after the release."

Lesson learned : Always ensure that the artist's name is written consistently in all input fields before submitting the application. In particular, check that there is no mix of English, Japanese, hiragana, and katakana.

Personal experience story #2: "NOIR ECHO" had its release halted due to not obtaining licenses for its cover songs.

Maeda (31 years old), the drummer of the Osaka-based rock band "NOIR ECHO," attempted to release a mini-album containing three original songs and one cover song.

"We included covers of domestic hit songs, but we didn't realize that a mechanical copyright license was required to distribute cover songs. We received a rejection notice from the distributor, and at first, we didn't understand why. After investigating, we found out that procedures through JASRAC (Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers) are required when digitally distributing cover songs. In the end, we re-released the album with only original songs, but if we had excluded the cover songs from the beginning, we could have released it a month earlier."

Lesson learned : Distributing cover songs requires permission and licensing from the copyright holder. While some services allow licensing through distributors for songs entrusted to JASRAC, prior confirmation is essential.

Personal experience #3: "FLOAT" was delayed by two weeks due to artwork issues.

Yoshida (27), the guitarist of the Fukuoka-based three-piece band "FLOAT," uploaded an album cover designed by his bandmates, but it was rejected twice for insufficient resolution (1500 x 1500 pixels) and because the image contained the Spotify logo.

"The design was created by one of the band members using Photoshop, but I can't believe I forgot to check the size. What's more, it was based on a fan art design using the Spotify logo from the past, and that was still there when I submitted it. Because it was rejected twice, we couldn't meet the originally planned release date, and we ended up having to delete the SNS posts we had already made announcing it..."

Lessons learned : Create artwork in a square format of 3000x3000px or larger, using RGB color. Perform a final check to ensure there are no other company logos, URLs, or price information included. If possible, complete the artwork one week before submission.

Personal experience #4: "Afternoon Drive" had almost zero views in its first week due to insufficient promotion.

Kimura (29), the bassist of the Nagoya-based pop-rock band "Afternoon Drive," was confident in the quality of their music, but did almost no promotion before or after its release.

"I thought that if I just released a good song, the algorithm would pick it up. But even a month after release, the total number of plays was only around 200. I later learned that Spotify's algorithm won't recommend a song unless it has accumulated a certain number of plays and saves. Now I release content on social media every week and hand out QR codes at live venues. I realized that the release was just the 'beginning,' not the goal."

Lesson learned : Promotion plans for after the release should be prepared in advance. A multifaceted approach is essential, including scheduling social media posts, applying for playlist pitching, and promoting at live events.

Experience Story #5: Problems with revenue transfers at "Hazy Moon"

Tajima (33), the keyboardist of the four-member band "Hazy Moon" from Sendai, encountered a problem where he didn't receive six months' worth of earnings due to a mistake in registering his bank account information with a distributor.

"I had entered the account number incorrectly by one digit, but I didn't notice until the first payment was due (about 3-4 months after the release). I was able to correct it quickly, but it took several months to reprocess the unpaid amount. It wasn't a large amount, but it was disappointing because everyone in the band was looking forward to it. It's best to choose a service that allows you to confirm a test transfer, even a small amount, immediately after registering your account information."

Lesson learned : Register your bank account information carefully and always keep a record of it until the first transfer is confirmed. Check the distributor's support page in advance for the transfer schedule and minimum transfer amount.

Membo brings together members and handles everything from music production to distribution.

Even if you have a vision to release music, it can't begin without all the band members. Or, there are probably many bands that feel, "If only we had one more person, we could make even better music," because their current members can't cover certain parts or instruments.

That's where Membo comes in handy. Membo is a multilingual matching service that allows you to recruit and search for band members within Japan. It supports multiple languages, including not only Japanese but also English, Chinese, and Korean, so you can use it for sessions with foreign musicians and international collaborations.

Examples of using this method to recruit members for music production.

  • Seeking support members : Ideal for those looking for support guitarists and drummers specifically for recording. With Membo , you can specify detailed conditions such as "Those who can only participate in recording are welcome."
  • Official Member Recruitment : Membo helps you find band members who can work with you from music production to release as official band members. With multilingual support including Japanese and English, you can reach a wide range of musicians both domestically and internationally.
  • Collaborating with foreign musicians : If you're considering releases for English-speaking audiences or creating multilingual content, having members with overseas roots broadens your strategic options. For tips on working with foreign musicians, please refer to "The Complete Guide to Forming a Band in Japan | Practical Edition for Foreign Musicians."

When posting a recruitment ad on Membo , be sure to include detailed information such as genre, activity area, desired parts, and frequency of activity. If your band is aiming to produce recordings, clearly stating "recording experience welcome" and "planning for self-release" will help attract highly motivated musicians.

As mentioned in our complete guide to recording for your first band , good band members are essential for creating good music. You can start the entire process, from finding band members to producing and releasing your music, with Membo as your starting point.

A fictional success story using Membo.

Electric Tide, a synth-pop band from Chiba, started as a duo consisting of a vocalist and a guitarist, but they were unable to fill the drum and bass parts, which stalled their music production. After posting a member recruitment ad on Membo , they received three drummer and three bassist candidates within two weeks. After studio tryouts, the official members were confirmed, and they subsequently released their first single using TuneCore Japan.

"By writing 'We plan to produce and release music digitally' on Membo 's recruitment page, I feel like musicians with the same goal gathered together. Now we continue to release one or two albums every year, and our monthly listeners on Spotify are gradually increasing." (Vocalist Matsuda, 26 years old)

summary

"Self-releasing" a band's music on streaming platforms worldwide, including Spotify and Apple Music, is no longer something extraordinary. With the right procedures and preparation, anyone can achieve it these days.

To summarize the points explained in this article, they are as follows:

  • Advantages of self-release : You retain copyright and master recording rights, receive higher royalty returns, and manage your own release schedule.
  • Choosing a distributor : If Japanese support is a priority, choose TuneCore Japan or BIG UP!; if cost-effectiveness is your priority, choose DistroKid with its unlimited annual subscriptions.
  • Distribution procedure : Prepare audio files → Register artist information → Enter metadata → Create artwork → Select distribution destinations → Submit application.
  • Spotify for Artists / Apple Music for Artists : After distribution, set up the artist page and utilize analytics.
  • Pre-release checklist : Be sure to check all four categories: audio, metadata, artwork, and rights.
  • Promotion : Combining announcements on social media, playlist pitching, YouTube distribution, and integration with live events.
  • Lessons learned from experience : Standardizing metadata notation, licensing cover songs, confirming artwork specifications, and planning promotions before release are key.

Let's start by trying a self-release of one song. Rather than waiting for perfect preparations, actually releasing music and gaining experience will lead to the band's growth. Let's go through every step together with Membo , from recruiting members to creating and releasing music.

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