When Is My Song Good Enough To Release? - RecordingRevolution.com

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How do you know when your song or mix is good enough to release to the world?
At what point can you be sure it's ready for Spotify or Apple Music?
If you've ever asked yourself that question then welcome to the club. It's a frustrating reality of doing creative work.
Today I want to give you 4 simple frameworks you can use to help you know exactly when it's time to stop tweaking that mix or throwing on any additional plugins and get that sucker out in the real world!

[@erniedouglas123]

“The enemy of art is the absence of limitations” - Orson Welles

[@khOii]

Ryan O'Leary only if your goal is to build a business off of it. But if not no limitations on art is beautiful. Some projects take a lifetime.

[@cenkerdemir]

Limitations (except resource limitations) can be the enemy of creativity in art. Social and other limitations, and strict rules are what make us escape to art.

[@thewizardssleeve119]

Necessity is the mother of invention

[@riffmaster5805]

that's the motto of Daredevils ha ha ha

[@zac3713]

actually i feel it’s the exact opposite of that

[@lynz]

"realize its the best you could do at that moment" ........ that's amazing, my perfectionism has been so horrible lately

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

I have OCD ... I definitely get you! The cool thing with Graham is that he's almost a REBT therapist for musicians and home recording engineers! That statement you quote ... one of his best ... that is exactly where REBT starts: realisations like that and learning to accept imperfection, and move on from it.

[@dbchoobie1924]

@@DavidAndrewsPEC I also have OCD. I notice every little detail and go on for hours to try and minimize the negatives but it’s never good enough.

[@CrisSkyTube]

I’ve self released over 100 original song and: For me there is a process. I get excited when writing new songs. I’m excited when starting the production. Then the frustrations start. What beat to settle with. Real drums? Beats? Once I get to the point where the song is sounding like something. I get excited again. Now it’s vocals and the last little things. Once the song is at its final point, I’ll usually get cynical, and this is where i’ll show it around and start to analyze what could be better. Usually I’ll find something here that changes my whole perspective and I can finish the song. I’ll to take things in and out of the mix and it’s not uncommon that I’ll get a new melody or instrument to add. After a few mixes it’s done. On to promo. When making music, it rarely happens that I make a song and record it and release it without going from heaven to hell a couple times. But you have to make big clear decisions about your art, and deadlines are huge for this.

[@KaitavSapreMusic]

"That was the best you could do in that moment." Perfect point and something that we need to remind ourselves more often.

[@trexxperiaz8654]

When it rocks in my car - that is a good sign to stop tweaking the project and finish it.

[@linadecaseleycarloss5838]

absolutely - car speakers take no prisoners & show up ALL the things that sound terrible but which you thought sounded GOOD in the studio.. Takes the rose tinted glasses off, metaphorically of course.

[@TeethOfDead]

You both hit the needle on the nose.

[@bensaylor7732]

So true...

[@gaelmarquez4635]

Fuck, I don’t have a car

[@tymikeson]

i dont know now many times ive taken the usb stick into my car, went to get a coffee thru a drive thru before listenting it (to get comfortable) take a sip, turn on the car stereo and go ...NO NO NO god#### and fly back home to fix it.

[@sincorosie1417]

I can’t express how valuable this video is

[@lxonly1]

Three years late, still these advices are gold. You gonna find me rework all my songs from the past 10 years..

[@beatsbyekwatoriano3556]

I "tackle".. That will be the word I will be using to get rid of a "distraction". Thank you sir!

[@officialWWM]

I've just released my first single...and now that it's out there, there's about 5 more changes I'd like to make. Too late now :/

[@njsengelhaupt]

Graham, your videos have been a godsend to my recording project. I've been working to release my solo EP for about a year (that's what it feels like anyway) amd your tutorials have helped me get over many creative blocks. I'm at the final mixing stages and keep listening only to hear things that I'm not happy with and not realizing that I'm holding myself back from moving onto the next phase. This video has been a wake-up call (probably more of a pep talk than anything) and exactly what I needed to see at this stage. Thank you for everything you do and please keep them coming!

[@kezhintonmusic]

As someone self producing, I have watched a LOT of videos about production tips in this area and this is hands down one of my all time favourites. Thank you for your invaluable contribution!

[@tbhv]

this is so helpful - thank you so much. I greatly appreciate the fact you address the real psychology behind releasing something and then go on to explain some practical tell tale signs of when a recording sounds finished. The idea of administering my own deadlines sounds crazy but it's exactly what I need to get my music finished and out there. Your channel is truly invaluable.

[@AdrianClement]

So timely! Just what I needed. This topic has been in my forefront quit a bit lately. Released a project last night after much hesitation and re-tweaking. As soon as I released it I was flooded with ideas of what I should have done. I let go of that feeling and resolved to take what I learned into the next project. Your advice is confirmation. Thank you Graham for all you do

[@lysergicbay4131]

This is one of the most helpful and encouraging videos I've watched recently. Especially in the midst of starting a few song right now. Perfect.

[@darrennast6799]

Graham, I so appreciate the help you provide, and for free, amazing! Thank you! I'm slowly absorbing all the info in all your instructional videos as I await the recording gear I've ordered and I'm somewhat nervously looking forward to finally recording my tunes! I suspect your help will be invaluable in that process! Thank you again!

[@sevenonsunday3968]

Great work sir! Very deep, and an excellent point about just letting it go and walking away from fussing with it. About to release my first song on Sunday! It's crazy. Hoping to get more and more comfortable with the process so I can get all my music out there! Here's to the chase!

[@MusicTheoryLogic]

Brilliant! I couldn’t have said it better myself. I love how you even touch on the idea of bias when we work on our own music.

[@dcrock1592]

Have a great day Graham! Thanks for your channel!!

[@ArthurDhaeyerMusic]

14:59 Those last 20 seconds were very well said and moving ! Thank you

[@ThomasPenninger]

Graham, you are THE MAN! Thank you for putting out all this awesome content. As a fellow musician your tutorials on mixing and all the other amazing videos are just super helpful! Keep it up bro. You are saluted! 🙏💯

[@Homestudiosimplifed]

Graham is the man! He’s given me the confidence to share my complete recording, mixing, and mastering process without fear of “losing” something. Because of his insight to share it all, I’ve found KZbin more fulfilling!

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

I have a couple or three channels in particular that I watch, and Graham's is one of them. I love his insights. I've been into this stuff since I was 15 ... 42 years, in fact. I still manage to learn something new that I'd not seen or thought of before. That's because, apart from me being open to learning new things, Graham's got ideas that I've not heard, seen or had before.

[@stevehowe9404]

The fresh ears is end game too, Thank you.

[@gabrielzachariasmusic]

Amazing video Graham! Your entire philosophy on music creation is very inspiring and positive. About a year ago, I built my home studio and have made so many strides with it. I'll be releasing my first single in a month so this video couldn't have come at a better time

[@relaxbro5605]

I kind of know (and I think most do) everything you adress, still knowing about it doesn't make it any easier! What makes it easier, is to see someone like you talking about it. It's relieving and motivating! Thx

[@deavontewhite9811]

EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED TO HEAR TODAY! ❤️❤️❤️keep creating guys🙏

[@kaleidoscopeguitar5757]

Thanks, great video for leading into the new year!

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

Everyone else has voiced my feelings, Graham. I'll just leave you a humble 'thank you'.

[@andybonnar1067]

Needed this video. Thank you, Graham!

[@user-dt5dg3di1t]

Thank you, this was so helpful, as a new independent songwriter/singer/producer, I got a lot to lean and your channel has really inspired me to move forward. Thanks so much

[@undergroundswamis4350]

Solid and timeless. Thanks Graham!

[@tbhv]

this is one of my absolute favorite videos of yours- I lost it and am so grateful I found it again! thanks !!

[@Pearlpassionstudio]

Again Graham...Excellent tutorial..great points, straight from the heart. cheers

[@desco4001]

Everything you said and all the comments resonate so much.. I can’t say I’ve ever gotten as much out of a video of this sort. When I get close to finishing a track I do the car test. Then based on that will usually make a few notes and go back to tweak for one more session. Then feedback from a friend. Looking fwd to more content in 2020!

[@terrydavis3252]

Just ran across this today….Don’t know that I’ve seen it before, I needed to see it. Thanks, Graham!

[@KenRossJordan]

Thanks so much Graham for all that you do to help others create great music!

[@oliw3664]

Incredibly wise words. I'll try to apply these in future. Thanks man.

[@cwilliammusic]

Good advices Graham, i never thought of it that way. I show all my songs to my daughter for feedback and it has work for me so far

[@robertjschroff6307]

What you provide I feel it being very good and I do like very much what you are saying. Thanks, Robert

[@JackalovichMokov]

Thank you for this video Graham. Your channel has truly taught me how to mix.

[@suchiahuja1]

Needed this!!! Thank you!

[@JonahBaker]

This is great, thanks bro!!

[@RobinApplewood]

Another solid video Graham. Honestly, this is another reason why I prefer analog mixing/recording in this digital world. As long as I can sell the concept to my client, recall isn't much of an issue and we work so much faster. I end up using my ears, my intuition and my tools much more efficiently than if I had unlimited options and ability to make tweaks.

[@SniperWolf2024]

You are the best teacher online!

[@JesseDill]

Really good synopsis of what I've learned the last couple years trying to figure out how to mix/master and release my music! One thing that I have found also REALLY helps: When you think your mix is sounding pretty good, maybe you're close to done having finished most of these steps, then try doing a quick mastering pass. I have found many times that when you put a mastering chain on, next to a reference track, and put your mix at that level, you immediately find things in the mix that you'd like to change or that just lose some of their flavor/dynamics/etc. Or maybe something is too loud once you've got your limiter and mastering EQ on there, but its really just one instrument - rather than EQing it down, jump back to your mix and turn it down just a touch. It can make a huge difference, and save you time trying to master out problems that are MUCH easier fixed in the mix. Thanks for the great video - I was just thinking about this today as I'm working to finish a current project! Deadlines are essential!

[@nineeast8730]

Thank you for the reminder man. I appreciate it.🙏

[@davejohnsonmusic]

This is so my problem. I have piles of tracks that I've never released because I don't think they're "good enough", or there's something about he track that bugs me, like the performance. Then I just move on to another song and the cycle continues. But I'm getting to the point where enough is enough and I'm just gonna put my stuff out there. Great advice Graham.

[@ManishMoktan]

Your Videos always Helps me... Thanks a lot... You are The true reason I Am a Better in mixing Today.... ☺ ☺

[@jseibles]

Thanks man. Keep doing what you are doing. This video brings me LIFE!

[@NyCruz]

I loved this. I love that you say this feeling is normal for creative people. Makes me feel like I belong in a way.

[@SimonTebbenhamMusic]

"You've gotta have a deadline. I've been talking about deadlines for ten years."

[@KingPhoey]

The distraction point in this vid really resonates and damn the reference point too. Thank you.

[@RongeMusic]

Graham is the man. Thank you!!

[@EBCArts]

This video is wonderful. Thank you so much!

[@monkeyxx]

I wish there was a love button for this one

[@andymorris15]

Thanks so much man, I'm literally about to release my first track on Spotify/Apple tomorrow, and your email came to my inbox promoting this video today. YES! The most useful tactics to me were the distractions one (come back tomorrow also), then playing to my girlfriend who has good classic music taste, but doesn't know about music production and ALSO a friend of mine who has a good broad music taste and has some sound design from uni. The third CURVEBALL is playing to someone in the boomer generation, see if they get it and can stand it (that is if your writing contemporary pop music).

[@Adrian-zx4xt]

Just starting out so this is super helpful man, thank you!

[@Nigelv]

Wow I needed to hear this. Thanks

[@clipsmasterproductions7479]

Great advice! Thank you!

[@_ConnorEdwardsMusic]

I'm currently trying to achieve 1,000 Spotify streams for the first time ever, and I've made a series about it here on KZbin. This is awesome and so applicable, so thanks for that.

[@mati-fena]

I needed to hear that, thank you for bringing great value to us as always

[@samilamppu104]

I´m repeating myself - Thank you, Graham!

[@JohnKinnison]

Awesome video Graham 👌 thank you 🙏

[@PianoSpitfire]

Great video Graham!

[@geewizwiz3]

Great advice! I needed to hear this.

[@dyrtiredd4906]

Hey bro, you are becoming an awesome find! I just stumbled upon you tonight, and I am glued to your content. I am really feeling helped and that you care. I have my first original song up on most platforms, and I had my 2nd one mixed and ready, but I decided to go into the software to touch it myself some. I am giving myself until next Friday (December 16th, 2019) to have it done and submitted for release. It is December 2nd today. I plan to study up and tweak it well in the meantime. I appreciate you bro. #Blessings #Peace #Love

[@benbrown5124]

Thank you graham, you've helped me a lot over the years, now I'm joining my friend to work on our first EP

[@NovemberSound]

Graham: A final tip to know when your song is ready to release - send it to a friend. Me: ( nervous, awkward laughter ) heh, heh, a FRIEND? …. yeah...….. I got plenty of those.

[@JudeElBoukili]

:( sry for u man

[@quigleyjamesmusic]

Thanks Graham This is a great KIK (kick in the keester) One other thing that I have found is when all the pieces get glued together. It's really a sense of feeling that you know that you know that you know...it is finished. blessings

[@adammichaelchannel]

Thanks for this video. In addition to deadlines, having a set amount of time each day for music helps me progress.

[@DavesCoverSongs]

Excellent advice! I’m 46 song in on uploading 52 songs in 2019. This experience has taught me that ‘done’ is better than ‘perfect.’

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

One a week?! You masochist! ;)

[@DavesCoverSongs]

David Andrews Ha! It feels like it sometimes. As of today, I’ve got two more to go! :)

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

@@DavesCoverSongs That's almost as mad as Michelle Zauner's idea. She has that Japanese breakfast project-band going on and, before that happened, she had a thing where she wrote and recorded one song a day for thirty days (the project was called June, iirc). I have a flat move coming up soon (not sure when) so I'm in stasis just now, but the proposed new place has some lovely space to set up a music room in.

[@PhilosopherFool]

This video couldn't have come at a better time for me. Marking the calendar, I got one month. lol

[@patinalux4994]

Love your enthusiasm and your kick ass attitude! Thanks for your work :-) It really motivates me. Lots of love from Berlin!

[@imagenesmentales]

AMAZING video!! I've been doing this without even knowing it. Working on my album #9 and i always set a deadline and that's the main reason i know it's ready to release. Also that makes me work harder. The headbanging thing is so true haha. Thanks brotha

[@draxxguzu]

Great information... I'm an artist myself in Jamaica

[@garysuarez9614]

Needed this.

[@Beatledave7]

Great advice Graham!

[@benjamincpetersen]

Needed to hear this!

[@roxnroll8050]

Damn dude - forget gold nuggets, this video's a freaking gold mine! Thanks!!!

[@JakeBlaze]

Outstanding video man :) this is exactly what I’ve been looking for

[@stevehowe9404]

9:00 in… That’s Fantastic. Thank you G.

[@J-MeEvansMusic]

This was fantastic advice. I've been struggling with this problem, cause I could nitpick it to death. I use the send it to a friend idea, and I'm gonna start using the deadline idea too.

[@nkemebenezer]

This is really helpful Sir. Thank u alot

[@JohnDough98]

perfect timing on this video 💯

[@AquashiiMusic]

Amazing info as always! Loving the lighting Graham :)

[@1funkyangel]

Graham,... This is word in season for me !! Great video !! 😁

[@jonthomas83]

I absolutely love the advice, thank you. It's inspired me to just crack on and get on with it. Procrastination and perfection is the enemy for me, personally.

[@hamedyarizade8331]

a very helpful video ....thanks.

[@abdellatifb]

VERY HELPFUL .. Thank you So Much, This is Exactly what I Need

[@soniqbeatz4012]

Thank you 🙏🏼 for the video man really helpful

[@jjjuhg]

I will re mix my album. A few improvements, structure sometimes, backing vocals where is too empty. True everything you said. Thanks.

[@BloodwolfMusic]

Thank you Sir!!

[@eugienecarr1355]

Thanks Graham, needed this.

[@PASTACATProductions]

Hey griend, Fraham here. I know if I sit on a song for too long then I just never put it out. I do my best work if I set a strict timeline and accept anything I discover later as a learning opportunity for future songs.

[@khOii]

Gustavostopher I see how this can work! Great mindset. Improving is part of the journey.

[@Writtenmirror]

I like this mindset!

[@officialWWM]

I have to do that too, otherwise I'd never finish anything...

[@mar2529]

thank you so much for this summary of the long ass video haha

[@nazaroffkz]

Hey Fraham, griend here. It doesn’t seem like you watched the entire video, there’s a few more indicators 😉

[@devorousparker8252]

This is a phenomenal video

[@DannyLyriCa]

Thank You Graham!

[@user-qb6kj6vm3m]

a video i really needed

[@stereothrilla8374]

Music is an art. Art is subjective. Just put it out there. The people potentially criticizing you probably aren't making art. And I should know... I'm an artist.

[@luisbedoya4398]

Really nice tips man, thanks!

[@maestro2033]

Graham thanks for your help I really appreciate you ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@paemurray]

Needed this!!