New Release Brief

for Indie Record Labels

Free Template Download

As an indie record label owner, staying organized and efficiently managing your releases is crucial for success.

To help you streamline the process and ensure no important details slip through the cracks, we are excited to introduce the "New Release Brief" template. This free resource will serve as your go-to document for planning and executing upcoming releases, whether it's a single, EP, LP, or even a compilation.

Here’s what is in the New Release Brief…

Release Details:

Release Title: Clearly identify the title of your release.

Release Date: Keep track of the release timeline, indicating whether it is tentative, finalized, or yet to be determined.

Release Type and Artist Information:

Release Type: Specify the type of release, such as EP, LP, single, or boxset.

Artist Name: Identify the primary artist, and check the box for compilation if applicable.

Other Artists: Mention any additional artists involved in the release.

Formats and Description:

Formats: Check the applicable boxes for the formats you plan to release (e.g., vinyl, cassettes, CDs).

Description: Provide a brief overview of the project, capturing its essence and unique qualities.

Key Features:

Highlight three interesting or exciting aspects of your release that set it apart from others. This will help you create targeted marketing messages and generate interest among your target audience.

Opportunities and Challenges:

Opportunities: List the advantages and potential market openings specific to this release or artist. Identify unique advantages that can help you leverage opportunities.

Challenges: Identify potential roadblocks or obstacles you might encounter during the release process. Being aware of challenges beforehand allows you to develop strategies to overcome them.

Target Customer and Market Access:

Target Customer: Define your ideal customer by specifying their music preferences, geographic region, and demographic. This information will assist in refining your marketing efforts.

Market Access: Describe your current access and approach to the market. Explain how you plan to reach your target customers and distribute your release effectively.

Marketing Message and Album Bio:

Craft a compelling marketing message that captures the essence of your release in a concise manner.

Develop an album bio that provides more detailed information about the release, the artist, and their previous successes.

Distribution Channels and Physical Quantities:

Identify the distribution channels you plan to utilize, such as streaming platforms, Bandcamp, retail distribution, local indie stores, and your label's online shop.

Specify the physical quantities you intend to produce for vinyl, cassettes, CDs, and any other formats.

Tracklisting and Credits:

Include the tracklisting for your release.

Acknowledge the producer and any other contributors by providing album credits.

Specify the total running time of the release.

Pre-release Singles and Project Personnel:

Record the release dates for up to three prerelease singles.

Assign a project coordinator and list key personnel involved in the release.

Pricing and Sales Projections:

Set the digital and physical prices for your release, including wholesale prices for CDs, tapes, and vinyl.

Estimate sales projections in units for the first week, first month, and six months after release.

Project the number of streams you expect to accumulate through various streaming platforms.

Public Announcement and Pre-Order Date:

Plan the public announcement of your release to create anticipation.

Determine the pre-order date to enable fans to secure their copies in advance.

New Release Brief

Walkthrough

Here’s how you should use this template for your next release!

New Release Brief FAQs

Q: What is the New Release Brief?

A: The New Release Brief is a reusable document that helps indie record label owners organize all the necessary data for their upcoming releases, whether it's a single, EP, or LP.

Q: What are the benefits of using the New Release Brief?

A: The New Release Brief provides clear organization of all the details and plans for your upcoming release. It allows you to measure and manage your progress, ensuring that everything is in order and understood. It helps you identify any missing or misunderstood elements, allowing for smoother execution of your release.

Q: What is the purpose of the New Release Brief?

A: The New Release Brief is primarily a tool for internal organization and planning. It is not intended as a marketing tool or an external document to be shared with the public.

Q: What information does the New Release Brief include?

A: The New Release Brief includes details such as artist and songwriter information, key metadata required for uploading the release to distributors, and objectives and unique opportunities available for the release. It covers a wide range of information to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the project.

Q: Is the New Release Brief essential for every release?

A: While the New Release Brief can greatly benefit indie record label owners in organizing their release plans, it is not essential. It provides a structured approach to managing releases, but its use depends on the individual label's preferences and needs.

Remember, the New Release Brief is a valuable resource to help you stay organized and effectively manage your upcoming releases. By utilizing this document, you can ensure that all the necessary information and plans are in place, leading to successful and well-coordinated releases for your indie record label.