How Do You Get on Spotify as an Artist?

Getting your music on Spotify is a significant milestone for any artist. It opens up opportunities for increased exposure, a broader fan base, and potential income through streams. This article will guide you through the process of getting your music live on Spotify and delve into the cost of recording an album, an essential part of your musical journey.

Steps to Get on Spotify as an Artist

1. Create Quality Music

The first step to getting your music on Spotify, and any digital streaming platform, is to create high-quality music. This often involves professional recording, mixing, and mastering processes. High-quality tracks have a better chance of being noticed by Spotify curators and listeners.

2. Choose a Music Distribution Service

Spotify doesn’t allow artists to directly upload music to the platform. Instead, you'll need to go through a music distribution service. Platforms like SoundOn help artists distribute their music to Spotify and other digital streaming platforms. When selecting a distributor, consider features like playlist pitching, royalty management, and marketing support.

3. Prepare Your Metadata

When you upload your track to a distribution service, you'll need to provide detailed metadata. This includes the track title, artist name, album name, release date, and genre. Accurate metadata ensures your music is correctly cataloged on Spotify, making it easier for listeners to find your tracks.

4. Submit Your Music for Playlist Consideration

Getting your song on a Spotify playlist can significantly boost your streams and visibility. Use your distributor to pitch your track to Spotify’s editorial playlist curators. These curated playlists are an excellent avenue for gaining new listeners.

5. Promote Your Music

Once your music is live on Spotify, it’s time to promote it. Share your Spotify links on social media, create engaging content around your release, and interact with your audience. Platforms like TikTok and SoundOn can be incredibly effective for music promotion.

Cost of Recording an Album

Recording an album is an investment, and costs can vary widely based on several factors. Here's a breakdown of the typical costs you might incur:

1. Pre-Production Costs

This stage includes songwriting, arranging, and rehearsing. While some artists manage these tasks on their own, others might hire songwriters, arrangers, or producers. The costs for pre-production can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the level of professional help you seek.

2. Studio Time

Recording studio rates can vary significantly. A professional studio can charge anywhere from $50 to $500 per hour. The total cost will depend on the number of hours you spend in the studio, which is influenced by the complexity and number of tracks you’re recording.

3. Engineering and Production

If you’re not handling the recording yourself, you’ll need to hire an audio engineer or producer. Their rates can range from $20 to $200 per hour. A good producer can make a substantial difference in the quality of your album, so it’s worth considering this investment.

4. Mixing and Mastering

Mixing and mastering are crucial for your album’s sound quality. A professional mixing engineer might charge from $100 to $1,000 per track, while mastering services can range from $50 to $200 per track. These costs ensure that your music sounds polished and ready for streaming.

5. Additional Costs

Don't forget the cost of physical copies if you plan to produce CDs or vinyl records, which can be an additional cost. Furthermore, album artwork, photography, and promotional materials are other expenses to consider. These can add a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to your total budget.

Conclusion

Getting on Spotify as an artist involves creating high-quality music, choosing the right distribution service, preparing accurate metadata, submitting your music for playlist consideration, and promoting your tracks. Recording an album requires careful planning and budgeting, as the costs for professional services can add up quickly. However, the investment in quality recording can pay off through increased streaming numbers and a growing fan base.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your music career, consider registering as a SoundOn artist to streamline your distribution process and enhance your reach on platforms like Spotify. Sign up today!