How To Release Your Own Music AND ACTUALLY GET STREAMS! (Distribution, Registration, Marketing, etc)

In this video, Austin shows you the entire process of releasing a new song as an independent artist! This video dives into how to distribute, register, market, playlist pitch, and format a song for a release! These are the same tips Austin has used to get millions of streams on his own records, and hundreds of millions of streams on records he's produced!
DOWNLOAD THE FREE RELEASE CHECKLIST AND/OR RUIN MY LIFE MULTI-TRACKS HERE!
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DAW / Program I Use:
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Vocal Chain:
Mic - Lauten Audio LT-386 Eden
Preamp +Heritage EQ - Audio HA81A
Compressor - AudioScape 76D
I/O - RME UFX ii
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Make Pop Music is the #1 resource for independent pop producers, writers, and artists. Thank you for being a subscriber!
My Gear:
DAW: Cubase 12 Pro
Desk: AZ Studio Workstations
Main Microphone: Lauten Audio LT-386 Eden, Lewitt LCT1040
Voiceover Mic: Lauten LS-208
Monitors: Focal Shape 65s with Focal Sub6
Interface: RME UFX ii
Compressor: AudioScape 76D
MIDI Keyboard: M-Audio Code 61
Keyboards: Roland Juno DS88, Roland Juno 106, Arturia PolyBrute
Guitars: Fender American Professional Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul Studio, Taylor 214 CE Plus
Preamps: Heritage Audio HA81A & Audient ASP800
Extra Microphones: Advanced Audio 251, Slate ML-1, Shure SM7B, JZ BH-1, JZ V67, Lauten Audio LA-320, Lauten Audio LA-220, Lauten Audio LA-120, AKG P170, Sterling ST59
Camera: Sony A7iv
Lens: Sony 24-70mm f2.4
Camera Lights: Aperture Amaran 100Xs
Timestamps:
Intro 0:00
Release Checklist 1:41
Essential File Prep 1:47
Uploading To Your Distributor 2:50
How to Get Your Song On All Platforms 3:27
Why Send It To Distro First 4:26
Get Visuals, Graphics, Promo Materials Ready 4:38
Lyric Video / Visualizer 5:02
Register The Song With Your PRO 5:33
Register With Publishing Administration 7:10
Register With SoundScan / Luminate 8:30
Upload The Song To Alternate Platforms 9:30
Getting On Playlists 10:45
Submithub 11:16
Using Groover 12:46
Submit To Spotify Playlists 14:00
Promoting With Content 16:16
Follow Up Content After The Release 19:51
Find Fun Ways To Promote Your Song 20:25
Do This On Release Day 21:20
Free Downloads For You 22:48
Outro 23:14

[@MakePopMusic]

Yes, this video is cool. Yes, we have new free downloads for you. Yes, I have a new song out. BUT NONE OF THAT MATTERS AS MUCH AS MY NEW HAIRCUT!!!!

[@AlimaSpace]

=DDDDDDDDDDDDD Austin, you're amazing!!! Thank you so so so so so so so much!

[@lameerjhontv6860]

We need a guts by olivia rodrigo type song

[@djontheweather]

Looking fresh my man

[@desolstudios]

austin the song is dope i mean ur a teacher an artist a friend a buddy the real deal i can say and the hair cut being fancy its all good vibes nice tips and video ,man

[@Antweezy]

hot

[@merakiansoul]

Oh man I am almost in tears - I was so lost about how to go about this to the point of procrastination overwhelm but your checklist is like gold in my hands. I am so deeply grateful for you for helping people to not die with the music still inside them!!!!

[@startingoverbygrace]

Thank you Austin. This was exactly what I’ve been looking for. Most info I’ve found got really complicated with starting an LLC, Copyrights etc so it felt more like a sales pitch of buying into which left me so overwhelmed. But thank you for your guidance . Greatly appreciate it. Definitely will download the checklist. You rock!!

[@712beckv8]

You're always sharing good stuff man. Thank you!

[@jamarimikell]

I definitely needed this! Appreciate you 🙏🏾👍🏾

[@buckblack426]

Really appreciate how you share all your different processes with us, it’s super helpful for those of us without much experience creating/releasing music. I’ve learned a lot through this channel so just wanted to say thanks! Oh and ruin my life slaps!

[@ManlySourOfficial]

One of the very best videos we've seen lately. Thanks for sharing all this info!

[@SamNewbourne]

Oh man, really love your new style, it's 🔥! Thank you very much for the vid, super useful!

[@maxillmusic]

It's so admirable how you treat your community, thank you Austin! great video too :)

[@Laekomusic]

I hope you know how much of a legend you are Austin, thank you so much for all your quality content!

[@KordTaylor]

This is cool. Really gives “the list” on getting all your stuff together upfront. You even get on the PRO side which sometimes folks forget. A really helpful vid. ❤

[@BenGarberMusic]

Great! Going to listen again soon. and maybe again. Fast delivery of great content

[@MarkFonsecaMusic]

This is awesome. There are so many videos on this topic and they claim to be experts, but like you said there really isn't a cut and dry real way to do everything right. Just have fun and set your song up for success. Thank you for the checklist! Great video!

[@brittmidgette]

OMG This is top notch! Very easy to understand your steps!!! Thanks so much!!!

[@assylium]

Mustve gotten that haircut at the farmers market cuz that thing is FRESH.

[@MakePopMusic]

YES SIRRRR RIGHT NEXT TO THE TOMATOES

[@dafingaz]

What’s crazy is Austin keep telling everyone at the farmer’s market about his beets. 🥹😂

[@danialkaan]

😂

[@yoandinchev9059]

Great video, definitely clears up so much stuff!

[@Ohneyvarsae]

Glad to see ur new music comin out again!!🎉🎉🎉

[@waynevanderberg153]

I really appreciate this video. I'm looking forward to my first release this year

[@lukesilvamusic]

This is so helpful! Thank you@

[@sakariheikkila]

Useful info again, thanks a lot for your work 🙏🏻

[@studioseven8748]

Your channel is awesome, Thank you a lot for you hard work.

[@milliegaumuk]

This was so good, thank you so much 💗

[@kolora6785]

Great information!! Thank you!

[@Judson_215]

I needed this, am about to put out some music. Thank you for this video it was very helpful.

[@WLDFLOW3R-MUSIC]

such great content, thank you!

[@Hive5ive]

Registering to BMI alone doesn't get you paid. You have to report to them what your owed, cause unless you're with a major, they don't track it for smaller independents. Also, registration to any pros will not protect your songs copyright if someone steals your work. You can forgo that, but if someone swipes your music, the only way to protect yourself is registering with the us copyright office.

[@MakePopMusic]

Hey! You don't report to BMI. They automatically collect your song data via the IRSC code whenever it's played or used. You are confusing those royalties with something like Publishing Admin (which if you have set up should also gather that information automatically.) You only need to collect statements from labels or artists on master splits if you don't have an organization or a team to handle that. Also, you automatically own your copyright to your music. Registering it with the copyright office can be a nice, date stamped paper trail IF you ever need to sue someone for the song. But you also can use timestamped demos, sessions, documents, etc so you RARELY actually need to register the song for copyright. I would only go the extra mile to copyright a song if you plan on sending it off to a ton of people before the world actually hears it.

[@Hive5ive]

@@MakePopMusic Austin, respectfully, I'm a fan, and love your work, but you're wrong on this. I've been a bmi member for 20 years, they will happily keep your money if you don't inform them of any venue plays, radio stations. They don't keep track of everything just with the code, you have to advocate for your money. Also, there is literally trial precedent where people have NOT gotten paid because they didn't register, and only relied on proof of dates. Ask any entertainment lawyer, and they'll tell you the same. I'm not trying to fight about this, I'm just letting you and anyone who watches this know that it's not an automatic and you must do your due diligence. Now you can forgo all that, but that's a different conversation.

[@MakePopMusic]

Ohhh I see what you’re saying. Yeah, technically if a venue or band uses it live, you can go on and add it to your BMI live catalog, but generally it’s on the song user to register the usage so your PRO can handle it. Your PRO should generallyyyy be collecting all performance royalties if everyone is doing their job right. As far as copyright, like I said, you could register it. It’s almost never necessary for independent artists but if you wanna spend the time and money, better safe than sorry.

[@MakePopMusic]

If you’re referring to something else, I’d love to hear what you mean / how to “report your earnings” because out of hundreds of songs, and tens of thousands of dollars that I’ve made through BMI, I’ve never manually reported a single thing past registering the track.

[@KhemaniThompson]

This discussion here is very informative! 🙏🏾

[@cezarciucium5580]

Thanks for useful information like this one!

[@831digital]

Great info, thanks!

[@jawvees2585]

This video is so important thanks🎉

[@piyushkhanna9554]

Thanks, it’s valuable and helpful ❤

[@KhemaniThompson]

Omg ! This is the most detailed video I’ve seen about releasing a song especially the part where the registration is concerned… I have 2 questions tho. At what point do you copyright your song because I heard that is very important apart from registration, or is it that registering your songs on the P.R.O a form of copyright? And I heard someone saying on a different channel that if you have a publishing admin it’s them (song trust or tune core publishing etc) who register your songs on BMI or ASCAP. I know it can be done myself just as you have stated in the video but I just want clarification for these 2 questions looking forward to hear your response.

[@gabsmusic1382]

Haven't seen the video yet but I'm pretty sure is top notch as usual. Austin, I almost never leave a comment (sorry about that) but let me tell you I'm always aware of your content. Thank you so much for your effort ❤

[@MakePopMusic]

Thank you! I really appreciate that!

[@florenceestra]

Really really useful. Thanks ! :)

[@ShiningHourPop]

Very useful information, thanks.

[@jawvees2585]

This channel is golden its like iam in an academy as a student of the game👌🔥

[@ryde2012]

Will try this 🔥🔥

[@cinemaguerrillas]

thank you for actually explaining what BMI does

[@kamekomusic]

Bro you are reading my mind!! I have so much backlogged music i'm looking to release and this video is a GOLD MINE. Appreciate you Austin!! ALSO UR HAIR IS TOUGH 🔥

[@MakePopMusic]

GET IT OUT THERE!! Thank you so much!

[@corbinadler]

loving the work you always put out. i just put out my first song with TuneCore, but any reason you like Landr more?

[@kevipucho208]

thank you Austin

[@dukeekudtate5487]

Bro you just gave us a blue print thank you!!!

[@r.davidsen]

Thanks for the info about BMI. I believe it is international, so probably works in Europe too.

[@MusokeMSK]

Great advice

[@bobbymills08]

Great vid, super helpful!! Could you do one on releasing an album, or is it generally the same process?

[@MakePopMusic]

same exact process!

[@bobbymills08]

@@MakePopMusic Thanks!!

[@KhemaniThompson]

Same exact thing!

[@entertainmusi]

Thank you Sir

[@eddiechambers8095]

I have music that I would really like to get made but I know nothing about actually making music. Any tips on getting started and going through the process of making music, who to go to, what platforms to use, etc?

[@alainpatry]

Threw a like on the video the moment I saw your shirt. :)

[@MakePopMusic]

shoutout to NSYNC! I had no idea they would announce a comeback between the time I filmed this and today ! Hahaha

[@alainpatry]

​@@MakePopMusic Whaaaat! That's double crazies! I didn't even know they had gone back in the studio so thanks for letting me know! So glad Justin finally agreed to do anything with them again. Fingers crossed for a reunion tour!

[@EobaeJ]

omg this is so fing valuable (2 mins in)

[@floris7552]

I literally was about to go research this all today because I just finished my first track lmao. Came at the best possible time!

[@MakePopMusic]

Best of luck with the release!

[@dortheo]

Gonna save this video for later! Btw, what kind of software and gear do you use for filming?

[@MakePopMusic]

We use a Sony A7iv and we use OBS for screen capture. We use Premiere Pro to edit all of our videos!

[@mithiyaz991]

Can you also make a video for retesting with BMI please ? Business using music or BMI member ?

[@rethobeats9767]

Hey Austin! Every time I write this comment KZbin deletes it and I don’t know why, but I’ll try once again. Basically, I would love to buy from you, your content has helped me so much, and I would love to support your channel in my own - let’s face it, rather modest - way. I do not currently feel the need for a whole music production course, but the part about vocal mixing would be very helpful. Have you ever thought of breaking your course down into smaller modules that people could purchase individually? It would be great, I believe. Maybe I’m the only one who’s looking for that kind of course, but I’m quite sure that other people would be interested as well. I know you already have a ton of free videos about this uploaded on your channel, but a longer format with its own dedicated space would be awesome!

[@alicianurhoan3190]

First of all: THANK YOU. Ok, now, I have a question: This is really focused on the USA industry, but do you know if those resources are equally usefull as a spanish speaking artist? I mean, I do have a distribution company, I am in a local mechanical rights managing company...but all the publiahing and the submithub thing, would be usefull ? Thanks!

[@CamiloOsorioG]

Nice shirt!

[@Filani_tunz-or7nd]

thanks

[@superamimo4653]

Hey Thx for sharing all good knowledge for us！I have a little bit question about releasing music！I already uploaded my music on Soundcloud since I don't have any distributor now(I'm still researching now) In this case, Is it ok for releasing my music in the future using any distributor? Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!

[@justyty]

Hi Austin, can I upload my song to several distributors? For example to Landr and to DistroKid at the same time?

[@gyanlobaba231]

please tell how to do ear training so that i can create new melodies. how you get melodies in your head while listetning to chord progressions and music tracks . i am a beginner

[@supernovasoundsest23]

Thanks Austin - question.. confusion from us! Do I need to use a distributor to load my own music to KZbin Music? its not clear...... cheers!

[@badblacksbeats8314]

Where should I input my IRSC or UPC codes on BMI?

[@vitor_music]

Austin, amazing video as always ! I have a question tho: how did you end up in the " "this is Chase Atlantic" playlist? I didn't see any connections apart from Riley having songs with both of you... Congrats anyways!

[@MakePopMusic]

I think lots of similar fans! I don’t thinkkkk they added me or Spotify did but idk. I know Riley and have chatted with Kras a few times so idk 😂

[@vitor_music]

@@MakePopMusic lol, cool stuff! Really cool song btw, wishing you all the best with it 👊👊

[@colenadelosreyes1737]

Amazing!!! thank you for this thorough info! can you be hired to do this for me?

[@thanksmomstudio]

When are you in LA next?

[@victorbeats]

I think the Spotify pitch description part is "missing" because you didn't scroll down on the page section. For some reason they moved it slightly down the page so you see the submit button over the scrolling of page. I submitted a couple songs before I realized they moved it down.

[@MakePopMusic]

I tried scrolling but couldn't see it! Hahah no big deal either way

[@RughveerOfficial]

Mahla Sangeet Distribution Is the best 👌 free unlimited releases ❤️ approval time 1 hour 😘

[@billnyethenggrguychinesega9116]

Number one: have money

[@Myriamj95]

Would you advise to do all of this even for our first ever release ? I sing since a couple of decade and started producing music a few months ago. I didn't release anything yet (I haven't even created my music youtube channel yet), but I don't know if I should release it everywhere and follow this steps even for my first release as I still don't have any tracks out there and as my productions are not yet professional and perfect ... Thank you to anyone who would give my their advice :)

[@Asian_Import]

Hey Austin. I use CD Baby for distributing, and they claim to collect all mechanical royalties through MLC, non-interactive digital performance royalties through SoundExchange, and sync licensing revenue if it’s licensed for any commercial work. Does that cover everything or do I need the additional services you explained?

[@MakePopMusic]

Yeah, your distro SHOULD be collecting all of your mechanical royalties! I would ALWAYS still register it with a PRO and Pub Admin because songs have a percentage always taken out for the writers and producers, and if you did that for your own song you should collect that portion! (or advise your production and writing team to register their portions)

[@M.O.R.E.Talk21]

Should you also us a PRO if its an instrumental? From my understanding a PRO is mainly for music with lyrics...is this correct?

[@snafu9457]

will this process also be effective for an album release?

[@Gotee71]

What about registering with MLC for mechanical royalties?

[@cekirdekci32]

Austin Question. why did you chose Landr ? i cant seem to find that many tutorials on Landr and looks like other distributors are way more popular. is there a specific reason you chose Landr?

[@MakePopMusic]

I have used Tunecore and it was fine. I have the Landr subscription and it offers distro so I wanted to try it! They also take Mastered For iTunes, Atmos Mixes, offer splits for co-releases, etc.

[@WavyWorldRecords]

WHAT ABOUT REGISTERING AN ALBUM OR EP,DO YOU REGISTER THEM AS SINGLE TRACKS?

[@ccfeelsaboutyou]

20:36 👀 yes you do

[@acidianhaywood7433]

When would you copyright the songs before the distribution or after

[@BlackGove]

Before the distribution so nobody steal it

[@EMNLTOMMY]

If I distribute with TuneCore do I click none or indie?

[@thepallidone5272]

How do I use my music after I release it. Tiktok and other platforms are refusing me because of copyright.

[@will25912]

3:32 what website is this pls?

[@kingmichaelz]

Wow. That is all i have to say

[@nexonsensei]

What about having an llc as an independent artist ?

[@richarddavis5542]

Can you submit songs that you produced, to all these platforms, to get Producer royalties or is the Artist only allowed to do that? So if you produce an Artist that lacks computer skills or is lazy (doesn't care, etc) are you out of luck?

[@mithiyaz991]

Hey bro what’s this 9$ payment for ? And what is the advantage of it?

[@flamersss]

So 3 things i’m confused about. 1. Should l do all of this registering for a song even if it’s my first song ever put out in years ? Or should l build up a small fanbase first then start to register songs ? 2. How does ASCAP, BMI, know when your songs are being played? do they just go based off streams if someone streams the song more then 30 seconds? Like let’s say i’m from Kansas, but they played my song back to back in a Vegas club, how do they know this? 3. You said you spend about $100 on average for promoting the song. Is this money going only to Submit hub for playlists? Or is it for IG/Facebook ads as well?

[@MakePopMusic]

1: Definitely still register the song. You never know where it could go and you don't wanna lose money if it pops off and you don't notice. 2: Your PRO will track when your song plays on television or stations. Venues should register track usage so your PRO can add that in. You can also report live usage in the BMI Live section! 3: All to Submithub and Groover. I don't ever really run ads.

[@flamersss]

@@MakePopMusic Got ya! thank you brother

[@anthonyfonzi2144]

This is good info and awesome you know this. But man as a musician I gotta say. I don't want to do any of this haha.

[@RughveerOfficial]

Mahla Sangeet Distribution Is the best 👌 free unlimited releases ❤️ approval time 1 hour 😘

[@DGRLA]

link to checklist?

[@richarddavis5542]

@6:16 BMI is not free. They charge $75 and the contract is only good for 2 years. You have to join as a Writer or Publisher so I don't know how they can pay royalties to the Producer, recording Engineer, or Studio. If the studio doesn't collect money up front, I guess they get hosed.

[@jamesj9998]

If you're recording a full album, does it make more sense to release one song at a time, or the full project?

[@BlackGove]

post a few a singles and drop the rest as a album So if they singles blow up, you can add them to the album to boost the numbers to make it Good or Pla….

[@calltoadventureband]

BMI BABY ✅✅✅ HAHAHA I AM THE MASTERING ENGINEER 🗣️🗣️🗣️

[@MakePopMusic]

shoutout BMI!

[@MatTheLesser]

I can’t get the volume right on KZbin but I’m on TikTok But even there when everything is good with the volume i don’t think anyone really listens Plus my album covers suck And no anything, I don’t know what I’m doing

[@laluna5192]

I feel music is done with guitars, real drums mostly and no autotune...some things I'm open to, but music is a gift, not a button option...I need an engineer first

[@MakePopMusic]

good thing I can play guitar and drums then.

[@thisisxonyx]

not my guy wearing an NSYNC t-shirt the week JT announced a new track form the band... i love it lol

[@MakePopMusic]

I manifested it. You're welcome

[@vaniahsinclair]

AUSTIN there are A SMALL AMOUNT OF UR VIEWERS who want u to analyze ayesha eroticas electroclash dance pop music (good songs r "Hard" "Bff - Slayyter" and "We Can Do It!") THEYRE RLLY.... lewd BUT THE PRODUCTION IS WHAT COUNTS PLEASE OMG

[@luvitluvitbaby]

Cool new hairstyle.

[@MakePopMusic]

Apprecaite that!!!

[@MrRiccardo3official]

i wish someone made this but like for beats

[@m-win]

Should we copyright the tracks in the first place?

[@MakePopMusic]

You can! It never hurts, but it also almost never comes into play as an independent artist.

[@m-win]

@@MakePopMusic Thank You.

[@printdivisionafrica469]

all the artists in my life are about to get spammed w/this video!

[@TheTourist-zn2nt]

bro can you give that file of checking plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[@xlr8r76]

Checklist not downloadable 😢

[@MakePopMusic]

Save as a copy so you can download!

[@PreviousAccount528]

Why not 48khz?

[@MakePopMusic]

most distributors don't want 48khz because most platforms don't use 48khz. Really nothing does besides the film industry.

[@TheBeeOBee]

What's in the flight case under the couch? I wonder.

[@MakePopMusic]

mics!

[@TheBeeOBee]

@@MakePopMusic Of course! lol. I just checked out your Vanguard video. Good luck with the new release.

[@MaxFury_Official]

I don't know where to put your hair, in terms of style. It's a Neon-Retro mullet? Awesome anyway

[@MakePopMusic]

Thank you! Hahaha it’s just a short choppy mullet 😂