Our co-pilots
Flight Plan
Our flight plan will outline a good example for a successful release with recordJet.
1.
You spend time in the studio to record your album, and you tweak it until you feel it is perfect.
2.
You develop and design the artwork and maybe also a digital booklet for your album. Please keep in mind that – for physical distribution – the back cover of your album needs to contain a GTIN barcode.
4.
4-6 weeks before the scheduled release date, you can upload your release for pre-order on recordJet. In the large stores, releases will generally be available a few business days after uploading. Most other stores need more time. Make sure to allow enough time for your album to be available in all stores before the scheduled release date.
5.
Upon uploading your music on recordJet, you will receive a GTIN code (formerly known as EAN or UPC) as well as ISRC numbers for your tracks for free if you don’t have them yet. You can use the GTIN to generate the barcode, which needs to be printed on your physical CDs. Then you can arrange for the pressing of your physical CDs.
6.
Now it is time to start planning the promo activities for your album. In our services section, you can find pros who will help you make the most of it. If for financial or other reasons you want to do DIY-promotion, make sure you check out our blog for many helpful articles.
7.
Now it’s time to pitch your music for playlists. Spotify allows you to do it yourself and pitch your music for their large, curated playlists, so in a best case scenario your release will appear in playlists like New Music Friday or others. Check out this video where Spotify explains the whole process in detail. If it doesn’t work the first time, don’t be sad. Remember: Every day around 40,000 new songs are being integrated on Spotify. Sometimes you just have to show a bit of stamina and try again.
8.
Now you can also register your releases for the US, Canadian, UK and Irish charts. Please check out our services section for further information. Registration for the German, Swiss and Austrian charts is free and will be done automatically.
9.
Your physical CDs have arrived. Now it is time to arrange for physical distribution. Your promotion plan should now be finished so you have enough time to spread the word about your release.
10.
In a best case scenario, your release will start off with a video for the best track of your album. Two months should be enough for shooting, cutting and post-production. Another thing to remember is: Promote, promote, promote!
11.
RELEASE DATE! Finally! Today your release will be presented to the fans and public. This day should ideally be a Friday if you plan on entering the German charts – and of course if you want to party hard to celebrate your release. During the past weeks you have arranged for all the crucial details: Your Facebook page has been updated, editorial offices of music magazines have been supplied with samples, your music is online in the stores and can now be bought. Now is also the time to inform your fans with a special newsletter and celebrate this great day with a record release party.
12.
In many cases, 24 hours after the sales have started, you can check the trends section for the performance of your release on iTunes & Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, Napster/Rhapsody and Google Music. Trends for all the other stores usually take longer to be available (minimum one month). Generally they come before you receive your monthly sales reports.
13.
If today is your lucky day, your release might enter the charts. This could happen and you should celebrate it.
14.
Yay, today is pay day! The royalties from your sales (up to 100% according to your deal) will be paid out to you. After we have received the stores’ sales reports they will usually be made available to you on the first business day of the next month. You can request a pay-out anytime you wish or invest your royalties in further services.
