Five things to prepare before your first release

Most release delays come down to the same handful of avoidable issues. Here is what to have ready before you submit.

• A final, mastered audio file — not a rough mix. Once it is live on stores, swapping it is slow and sometimes impossible.
• Correct metadata — artist name spelled exactly as you want it everywhere, featured artists listed properly, and the right genre.
• Cover artwork at the right resolution — square, high resolution, no blurry text, no streaming-service logos on the art itself.
• Songwriter and producer splits agreed in writing — before release, not after it starts earning.
• A release date that gives you lead time — submitting the same week you want it live rarely works; give your distributor room to deliver it to every store properly.

Get these five right and almost everything else about distribution takes care of itself.