Having a Release Plan Checklist is the best way to stay in control of your release. It supports the entire process of bringing a body of work into the world - from early planning and recording, through to promotion, release day activity, and post-release engagement with audiences.

This checklist helps you organise the key elements required for a successful release. It guides you through setting clear goals, developing a realistic budget, identifying the assets you will need, and mapping out how you will share your music with the world. By breaking the process down into clear stages, the checklist allows you to approach your release strategically rather than reactively.

Throughout the checklist you will find prompts that encourage you to think through each stage of the release process. These include planning your creative and promotional goals, preparing your release materials, identifying potential platforms and partners, and deciding how and when you will promote the music.

The checklist also includes guidance on timing, helping you understand when key actions should happen - such as recording milestones, distribution deadlines, promotional activity, and post-release follow-up.

Importantly, the Release Plan Checklist also highlights common things that artists may overlook when preparing a release. This includes ensuring all required assets are prepared (such as artwork, metadata, bios and press materials), confirming distribution timelines, and planning how you will connect with audiences and industry contacts once the music is available.

Within the checklist, you will find prompts and planning sections for key parts of the release process, including:

• Setting your release date
• Defining your strategy for the release
• Creating a budget and release timeline
• Preparing your artwork, press photos and visual assets
• Creating your Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
• Preparing metadata and credits
• Registering your works with APRA AMCOS
• Planning your radio pitching strategy

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Download the checklist below and use it as a working planning document when preparing your release. It can help you organise your ideas, identify gaps in your preparation, and ensure everything is ready before your music goes live. As you move through your campaign, refer back to the checklist regularly to track your progress, stay organised, and keep your release plan on schedule.