How to release your music as an independent artist: a complete guide for 2025

Releasing music as an independent artist has become more achievable than ever in recent years. Thanks to the evolution of digital technologies, the rise of online distribution platforms, and direct access to promotional tools, it's now possible to launch a music career without the backing of a traditional record label. However, being an independent artist also means taking on a lot of responsibility: from production to distribution, promotion to rights management. In this guide, we’ll explore every step needed to release your music professionally and reach the right audience.

Here's what we're going to talk about:

• The benefits of independent music publishing
• Preparing your music project
• Distributing your music online
• Promoting your project effectively
• Managing rights and monetizing your music

The benefits of independent music publishing

Choosing to release music independently is not just a matter of necessity, but a strategic and conscious decision. Here are the main benefits:

1. Full creative control: being independent gives you the freedom to make all artistic decisions—from the sound and visual direction to collaborations and storytelling. This allows you to build an authentic, consistent, and recognizable identity over time.

2. Ownership of copyrights: one of the most important aspects is retaining ownership of your work. By self-releasing, you keep the rights to your songs, meaning you earn directly from sales, streaming, licensing, and sync opportunities.

3. Higher revenue per stream: while the initial workload might be more demanding, the income from streaming and digital sales largely remains in your hands.

4. Direct connection with fans: social media and streaming platforms now allow for a direct relationship with your audience. Engaging with your followers, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and receiving feedback all help strengthen your fanbase.

5. Flexible release timelines: as an independent artist, you are free to decide when and how to release new music. This flexibility lets you align your release strategy with your creative rhythm, seasonal events, or key career milestones.

6. Development of professional skills: by managing your career yourself, you gain valuable cross-functional skills—marketing, project management, communication, and financial planning. These elements enrich your professional profile and open new opportunities.

Did you know there's an effective and alternative way to get noticed as an independent artist? Find out more by reading our article.

Preparing your music project

Every successful release begins with a well-crafted and professional music project. Artistic quality remains at the core, but every detail matters in ensuring your music reaches listeners effectively.

Songwriting and Production: the writing and production phases should reflect your artistic personality. Use digital tools (DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio) and aim for a professional sound, even if you're working from home. If possible, collaborate with producers, musicians, or sound designers to elevate the final product.

Recording, Mixing, and Mastering: investing in sound quality is crucial. Clean recordings, balanced mixing, and proper mastering for digital platforms make a big difference in listener experience. If you lack advanced technical skills, consider hiring professionals—it's an investment that pays off.

Distributing your music online

Once your music is ready, it’s time to officially release it. Numerous digital distribution services are available for independent artists today.

Choosing a digital distributor: Matchfy is a revolutionary option for artists looking to simplify the distribution process while focusing on the organic promotion of their music. Distribution via Matchfy is completely free for registered users, removing financial barriers and allowing artists to allocate their budget to other activities.

Additionally, unlike other distribution services, tracks will remain on streaming platforms even if you discontinue your subscription, ensuring longevity.

Filling out metadata and preparing the cover art: during distribution, you'll need to provide detailed information for each track: title, artist, composers, genre, release year, ISRC. Also, pay attention to the visual aspect: your cover art is the first thing listeners will see and should reflect your music’s identity.

Promoting your project effectively

Releasing a track is just the beginning. Without a solid promotional strategy, even the best songs may go unnoticed. Here are key actions to help you gain visibility.

Building a consistent online presence: being active on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and others is essential. Share content that aligns with your artistic image, tell your story, and engage followers with previews, behind-the-scenes moments, and authentic interactions.

Using pre-save campaigns: for Spotify releases, you can run pre-save campaigns that let fans save your song before its release. This helps Spotify’s algorithm recognize your track as relevant from day one.

Getting on playlists: playlists are a key tool for exposure. In addition to aiming for editorial playlists on Spotify or Apple Music, target niche and independent playlists. Use tools like SubmitHub, Groover, or the Italian platform Matchfy.io to submit your music to playlist curators.

Collaborations and exclusive content: partnering with other artists or creators can bring your music to new audiences. Create alternate versions of your songs, remixes, live videos, or behind-the-scenes content.

Managing rights and monetizing your music

Being independent doesn’t mean ignoring the legal and financial side of your work. On the contrary, it’s crucial to protect your rights and diversify your income streams.

Registering songs with a collecting society: join a performance rights organization (like ASCAP, BMI, or your national collecting society) to protect your copyrights and ensure royalty payments. You might also consider alternatives like Soundreef.

Monetizing through merch and live shows: beyond streaming, you can generate income by selling merchandise (shirts, vinyls, posters) and organizing concerts, even on a small scale. Live events remain one of the most effective ways to connect and earn.

Exploring sync and licensing opportunities: another revenue stream comes from licensing your music for films, TV shows, commercials, or video games. Specific platforms can help you place your music in these markets.

Conclusions

Launching an independent music career is a journey full of challenges—but also of great rewards. With determination, skill, and a solid strategy, you can not only release your music, but also build a strong, sustainable, and authentic music project. The future of the music industry is increasingly open to independent artists: take control of your career today.

And if you're looking for a complete solution to distribute your music and get it noticed by the right audience, Matchfy can be your ideal partner. In addition to helping you promote your tracks through curated playlist placements, Matchfy now also offers music distribution services—making it easier than ever to manage every step of your release in one place. From publishing to promotion, Matchfy supports independent artists in building their path with the tools they really need.