Music Release Date Guide: How to Choose a Realistic Date

A release date is the most important decision an artist makes. It determines when the work will be heard, and it determines the buffer available to prepare the release.

A realistic release date gives the release time to be prepared, validated, deployed, and reviewed. A date that is too close to the start of a track means the release will be held for review, and the delay will be counted against the artist.

The safest pattern is to choose a release date with at least a day or two of buffer, and to schedule the pre-ship checks before that buffer runs out.

Release dates are also the best way to plan the rest of the calendar. A booking, a brand film, and a promotional push should all follow the same dates.