Overview
Finishing a track is one thing. Preparing it properly for release is another.
Before your music goes to streaming platforms, Bandcamp, or physical formats, it needs to meet certain technical and practical standards. Poor preparation can lead to:
- Rejected uploads
- Playback issues
- Inconsistent sound across platforms
- Lost revenue or metadata errors
This guide covers what you need to check before releasing your music, from audio quality through to file formats and metadata.
1. Final Mix vs Master
Before exporting anything, be clear about the stage you’re at.
Final Mix
- Balanced levels
- Panning and spatial placement set
- Effects and automation complete
- No clipping on individual channels or master
Master
- Final loudness and tonal balance
- Consistent level across tracks (if part of a release)
- Ready for distribution
If you’re unsure, it’s better to treat your export as a pre-master and leave headroom.
2. Export Settings (Digital Distribution)
These are widely accepted standards across most distributors.
Recommended Format
- WAV (not MP3)
- 24-bit / 44.1kHz (or higher)
- Stereo interleaved
Avoid:
- MP3 or compressed formats
- Normalisation during export
- Dithering unless final mastering stage
3. Loudness and Headroom
Streaming platforms apply their own loudness normalisation.
Typical targets:
- Around -14 LUFS (integrated) for streaming
- True peak below -1 dBTP
You don’t need to chase maximum loudness. A clean, balanced master will translate better across platforms.
4. File Naming and Organisation
Keep everything clear and consistent.
Example
ArtistName - TrackTitle.wav
ArtistName - TrackTitle (Instrumental).wav
ArtistName - TrackTitle (Radio Edit).wav
Avoid:
- “final_final_v3.wav”
- inconsistent naming
- missing version info
This matters more than it seems, especially when dealing with distributors or collaborators.
5. Metadata (Often Overlooked)
Metadata is how platforms identify and organise your music.
Basic Metadata
- Artist name (consistent spelling)
- Track title
- Release title
- Genre
- Release date
Additional (Important)
- Composer / writer
- ISRC (usually generated by distributor)
- Copyright information
Inconsistent metadata can split your catalogue across platforms.
6. Artwork Requirements
Most platforms require:
- Minimum 3000 x 3000 pixels
- JPG or PNG
- Square format
- No blurry or low-resolution images
Avoid:
- Text too small to read
- Copyrighted images without permission
- Platform logos (Spotify, Apple, etc.)
7. Preparing a Multi-Track Release (EP / Album)
Consistency is key.
Check:
- Similar perceived loudness across tracks
- Cohesive tonal balance
- Logical track order
- Clean transitions between tracks
If tracks feel disconnected, the release will too.
8. Additional Versions
Depending on your strategy, you may also prepare:
- Instrumentals
- Radio edits
- Extended versions
- Clean versions
These can be useful for:
- DJs
- sync opportunities
- alternative releases
9. Platform-Specific Considerations
Streaming (Spotify, Apple, etc.)
- Focus on consistency and clarity
- Loudness normalisation applied
Bandcamp
- Supports high-quality downloads (FLAC, WAV)
- Fans may notice audio quality differences
- You control pricing and formats
YouTube
- Audio tied to video
- Consider visualisers or artwork videos
- Compression may affect sound slightly
10. Final Checklist
Before uploading your track:
- Exported in WAV (24-bit, 44.1kHz or higher)
- No clipping or distortion
- Loudness in a reasonable range
- File named clearly
- Metadata consistent
- Artwork prepared
- Listened through fully (start to finish)
Common Mistakes
- Exporting MP3 instead of WAV
- Tracks too loud or heavily limited
- Inconsistent artist naming
- Rushed artwork
- Uploading without listening back
Final Thoughts
Preparing your tracks properly is part of the release process, not an afterthought.
A well-prepared release:
- Sounds better across platforms
- Looks more professional
- Reduces errors and delays
It also makes everything else easier, from promotion to future releases.
Related Topics
You’ll want to link this to:
- How to Promote a Music Release
- Choosing a Distribution Platform
- What Files You Need for Distribution (future article)
This article is part of the Music Production Reference Library, organised into volumes covering sound, theory, production, and release.
