AirTrax guide
A music release checklist you can actually work through.
A music release checklist should cover approved audio, artwork and credits, distributor delivery, promotion, launch-day checks, and a post-release review. Start with the deadlines set by your distributor and collaborators, then work backwards to assign the remaining tasks.
By AirTrax · For artists and people building labels · Updated
Download the editable release checklist (CSV)Free release-date planner
Pick a release date. See what needs doing.
Choose when your song comes out, change the dates for each task and download the plan for your spreadsheet.
28 days is an example. Ask your distributor how many days they need before release and enter that number. Rebuilding replaces your edited dates and checked-off tasks.
See it in a few steps.
Build a timeline from your release date
Enter your release date and the time your distributor needs. Get a task list and download it for your spreadsheet.
Edit the plan and keep your progress
Use a fictional release example to change a task, mark it complete and adjust a due date.
Before scheduling: confirm the release is ready
Choose the exact recording version and agree on the artist name, track title, credits, and release scope. Resolve missing approvals before announcing a date. Save the approved audio and artwork separately from working files, with a clear version name.
The downloadable checklist is an AirTrax planning example, not a distributor deadline policy. Adjust every relative date to your actual delivery requirements and the time your team needs. The CSV can be edited in a spreadsheet; it is not an automatic AirTrax import.
A suggested sequence
| Stage | Actions | Completion evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Approve master, artwork, credits, and permissions. | A clearly named delivery folder with approved materials. |
| Delivery | Submit through your distributor and check artist mapping. | The release appears correctly in the distributor and artist portal. |
| Pre-release | Pitch where eligible, prepare content, and contact relevant press. | Submitted pitch, scheduled tasks, and a reviewed contact shortlist. |
| Release day | Check live links, credits, audio, and promotional destinations. | Working links and a record of any corrections requested. |
| After release | Review responses and platform results; document lessons. | A dated campaign review with next actions. |
Where Spotify editorial pitching fits
Spotify’s artist support guidance says to pitch unreleased music and submit at least seven days before release. Follow the current eligibility rules in Spotify for Artists, and leave enough distributor lead time for the recording to appear there. A pitch does not guarantee editorial selection.
Make every task finishable
“Do marketing” is hard to complete. “Review the listening link from a signed-out browser” or “send an individual pitch to three relevant publications” describes work you can finish and inspect. Add the person responsible and the evidence of completion to your own checklist.
In AirTrax, create a campaign for the release, add the tasks you need, attach relevant contacts and assets, and put key milestones on your calendar. Keep decisions in notes so you do not reconstruct them from old messages.
What to review after release
- Did the recording and credits arrive correctly on the intended services?
- Which pitches received useful responses, and what did recipients ask for?
- Which audience actions supported the campaign goal?
- Which tasks took longer than expected?
- What will you change before the next release?
How far ahead should I start planning a release?
Work backwards from your distributor’s current lead time, the platforms you want to pitch, and collaborator availability. The example checklist is a planning aid; it is not a universal release schedule.
Can I use this checklist without AirTrax?
Yes. Download the CSV and edit it in your preferred spreadsheet. You can also use it as a reference when creating campaign tasks in AirTrax.