Release Management

Music Release Management

Manage music release campaigns using RELEASE.md as the single source of truth.

Folder Structure

Releases live inside an artist workspace under releases/. The full path from the sandbox root:

orgs/{org}/
└── artists/
    └── {artist-slug}/
        └── releases/
            └── {release-slug}/
            └── RELEASE.md

Use lowercase-kebab-case for release slugs (e.g. blue-slide-park, debut-ep).

Example:

orgs/recoup-records/artists/gatsby-grace/releases/adhd-ep/
            └── RELEASE.md

Step 1: Identify the Release

When the user mentions a release, infer:

1. Organization — From the sandbox structure or conversation context 2. Artist — From the current workspace, conversation history, or ask 3. Release Name — Album title, EP name, single title 4. Release slug — Derive from the name (e.g. "Blue Slide Park" → blue-slide-park)

If unclear, ask:

"Which artist and release are you referring to?"

Step 2: Check if RELEASE.md Exists

Once artist and release are identified:

1. Navigate to: orgs/{org}/artists/{artist-slug}/releases/{release-slug}/
2. Check if RELEASE.md exists
3. If YES → Read it and proceed
4. If NO → Ask: "No RELEASE.md found for [Release]. Should I create one?"

Step 3: Create, Update, or Pull

Creating a New Release

# 1. Create the folder structure (from sandbox root)
mkdir -p "orgs/{org}/artists/{artist-slug}/releases/{release-slug}"

# 2. Create RELEASE.md from template
# 3. Fill Section 1 (Project Snapshot) first

Updating an Existing Release

1. Read the current RELEASE.md 2. Identify which section(s) need updates 3. Update only those sections 4. Note changes in Document History (Section 18)

Core Principles

1. Never fabricate data — Leave sections blank if information is missing 2. Be proactive — Fill sections as information becomes available 3. Respect sharing tags — [INTERNAL], [SHAREABLE], [OPS] control distribution 4. One document per release — All release info lives in RELEASE.md 5. Always confirm the release — Before making changes, confirm which release.

Sharing Tags

Document Sections

Generating Deliverables

See references/deliverables.md for output patterns:

• DSP Pitch — Pull from Sections 1, 3, 4, 5, 6
• Press One-Sheet — Pull from Sections 1, 3, 4, 9, 10
• Physical Production Spec — Pull from Sections 2, 11
• Marketing Brief — Pull from Sections 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
• Tour Marketing Brief — Pull from Sections 1, 3, 5, 14

When generating any deliverable: 1. Check RELEASE.md for required data 2. Identify missing fields 3. Request missing info from user OR generate with gaps noted 4. Format per deliverable spec

Template

The full release template is in references/release-template.md. Copy this file to start a new release.

Section Deep-Dive

See references/section-guide.md for detailed guidance on each section, including:

• What each field means
• Common data sources
• Best practices for filling out
• Red flags to watch for

Workflows

New Release Setup

1. Copy template → RELEASE.md 2. Fill Section 1 (Project Snapshot) 3. Fill Section 2.2 (Track Metadata) as available 4. Draft Section 3 (Narrative & Positioning) 5. Pull artist data for Sections 4-5 6. Build DSP pitch (Section 6) 7. Continue through remaining sections as timeline progresses

Pre-Release Checklist

Before announcement, verify these sections are complete:

• [ ] Section 1: All dates confirmed
• [ ] Section 2: UPC assigned, ISRCs for all tracks
• [ ] Section 3: Pitch and narrative finalized
• [ ] Section 6: DSP pitch submitted
• [ ] Section 9: Press materials ready
• [ ] Section 10: All visual assets delivered

Release Week Checklist

• [ ] Section 6: Pre-save links live
• [ ] Section 7: Phase 2 actions executing
• [ ] Section 8: Paid ads launched
• [ ] Section 9: Press embargo lifted
• [ ] Section 17: Tracking dashboard ready

Post-Release

• [ ] Section 17: Weekly KPIs logged
• [ ] Section 17: Wins and learnings documented
• [ ] Document History updated

Example Interactions

Creating a new release

User: "Create a RELEASE.md for the new album 'Decisions'"

>

Process:

1. Release = "Decisions", slug = decisions

2. Create releases/decisions/RELEASE.md from template

3. Ask: "What's the release date?" (to fill Section 1)

Adding metadata

User: "Update the 'Sunrise' RELEASE.md with these ISRCs"

>

Process:

1. Release = "Sunrise", slug = sunrise

2. Open releases/sunrise/RELEASE.md

3. Update Section 2.2 with ISRC data

4. If file not found → "No RELEASE.md for 'Sunrise'. Should I create one?"

Generating a deliverable

User: "Generate a DSP pitch from the Midnights RELEASE.md"

>

Process:

1. Read releases/midnights/RELEASE.md

2. Pull data from Sections 1, 3, 4, 5, 6

3. Format per deliverables.md spec

4. If missing fields → "Missing [fields]. Proceed with gaps noted?"

Checking release status

User: "What's missing from the 'For All The Dogs' release doc?"

>

Process:

1. Read releases/for-all-the-dogs/RELEASE.md

2. Run through Pre-Release Checklist

3. Report incomplete sections

Recoup Release Management Skill

An LLM skill for managing music release campaigns using RELEASE.md documents as the single source of truth.

What It Does

• Creates RELEASE.md documents for new releases
• Updates existing release documents as information becomes available
• Generates deliverables (DSP pitches, press one-sheets, production specs)
• Infers which artist and release you're discussing from context

Folder Structure

The skill expects releases organized by artist:

[Label Name]/
└── [Artist Name]/
    └── Releases/
        └── [Release Name]/
            └── RELEASE.md

Usage

"Create a RELEASE.md for [Artist]'s new album '[Title]'"

"Update [Artist]'s RELEASE.md with this ISRC data"

"Add track metadata to [Artist]'s '[Title]' release"

"Generate a DSP pitch from [Artist]'s RELEASE.md"

"What's missing from [Artist]'s release doc before announcement?"

Files

RELEASE.md Sections

Deliverables Guide

This guide covers how to generate common deliverables from a RELEASE.md document.

---

Table of Contents

1. DSP Pitch 2. Press One-Sheet 3. Physical Production Spec 4. Marketing Brief 5. Tour Marketing Brief 6. Shareable Export 7. Weekly Report

---

DSP Pitch

Purpose: Submit to Spotify For Artists, Apple Music for Artists, Amazon Music for Artists

Source Sections: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6

Spotify For Artists Format (500 character limit)

Pull from:

• Section 1: Artist name, project title, release date, genre
• Section 3.1: Elevator pitch
• Section 4.2: Key streaming stats, certifications
• Section 5.2: Top cities/countries
• Section 6.2: Focus track and why

Template:

[ARTIST] releases [PROJECT TITLE] on [DATE]. [2-3 SENTENCE PITCH FROM 3.1].

Key stats: [STREAMING HIGHLIGHTS FROM 4.2]
Top markets: [TOP 3 CITIES FROM 5.2]
Focus track: "[TRACK NAME]" - [RATIONALE FROM 6.2]

Genre: [PRIMARY GENRE] / [SUBGENRE]

Apple Music Format (No strict limit)

Same content but can expand narrative from Section 3.2.

Required Fields Checklist

• [ ] Artist name
• [ ] Project title
• [ ] Release date
• [ ] Genre(s)
• [ ] Pitch (2-3 sentences)
• [ ] Key streaming stats
• [ ] Top markets
• [ ] Focus track + rationale

---

Press One-Sheet

Purpose: Media kit for publicists, journalists, outlets

Source Sections: 1, 3, 4, 9, 10

Structure

═══════════════════════════════════════
[ARTIST NAME]
[PROJECT TITLE]
[RELEASE DATE]
═══════════════════════════════════════

ABOUT THE RELEASE
[Extended narrative from Section 3.2]

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
[Bullets from Section 3.3]

FOR FANS OF
[Comparables from Section 3.5]

ABOUT THE ARTIST
[Bio from Section 4.1]

STREAMING HIGHLIGHTS
[Stats from Section 4.2]

PRESS HIGHLIGHTS
[Coverage from Section 4.3]

ASSETS
Artwork: [Link from 10.2]
Press Photos: [Link from 9.3]
EPK: [Link from 9.3]

CONTACT
Publicist: [From Section 15 - only if sharing externally]

═══════════════════════════════════════

Required Fields Checklist

• [ ] Artist name
• [ ] Project title
• [ ] Release date
• [ ] Extended narrative
• [ ] Artist bio
• [ ] At least 3 streaming stats
• [ ] Press photo link
• [ ] Publicist contact

---

Physical Production Spec

Purpose: Manufacturing partner briefing (vinyl plant, CD plant)

Source Sections: 2, 11

Structure

═══════════════════════════════════════
PHYSICAL PRODUCTION SPECIFICATION
[PROJECT TITLE] by [ARTIST NAME]
═══════════════════════════════════════

IDENTIFIERS
UPC: [From 2.1]
Street Date: [From Section 1]

AUDIO
Track count: [Count from 2.2]
Total runtime: [Sum of durations from 2.2]
Master WAVs: [Link from 2.3]

TRACKLIST
[Full tracklist from 2.2 with ISRCs]

VINYL SPECIFICATIONS
Quantity: [From 11.1]
Color: [From 11.1]
Packaging: [From 11.2]
Inserts: [From 11.2]

CD SPECIFICATIONS
Quantity: [From 11.1]
[Additional specs]

CASSETTE SPECIFICATIONS
Quantity: [From 11.1]
Color: [From 11.1]

TIMELINE
[Full timeline from 11.3]

PARTNERS
Manufacturer: [From 11.3]
Fulfillment: [From 11.3]

═══════════════════════════════════════

Required Fields Checklist

• [ ] UPC
• [ ] Street date
• [ ] Full tracklist with ISRCs
• [ ] Master audio link
• [ ] Format quantities
• [ ] Packaging specs
• [ ] Manufacturing timeline
• [ ] Partner contacts

---

Marketing Brief

Purpose: Internal campaign planning document

Source Sections: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8

Structure

═══════════════════════════════════════
MARKETING BRIEF
[PROJECT TITLE] by [ARTIST NAME]
Campaign Period: [ANNOUNCEMENT DATE] to [RELEASE DATE + 4 WEEKS]
═══════════════════════════════════════

RELEASE OVERVIEW
[Section 1 snapshot]

THE STORY
[Section 3.1 pitch]
[Section 3.3 highlights]

TARGET AUDIENCE
Demographics: [From 5.3]
Top markets: [From 5.2]
Core fanbase: [From 5.4]

CAMPAIGN GOALS
[From 7.1]

KEY KPIS
[Table from 7.2]

ROLLOUT PHASES
[From 7.3 - all three phases]

SOCIAL STRATEGY
[From 8.1 and 8.2]

PAID MEDIA PLAN
[From 8.4]

TOTAL BUDGET: [From 8.4]

═══════════════════════════════════════

---

Tour Marketing Brief

Purpose: Geo-targeted marketing around tour dates

Source Sections: 1, 3, 5, 14

Structure

═══════════════════════════════════════
TOUR MARKETING BRIEF
[TOUR NAME]
[ARTIST NAME] - [PROJECT TITLE]
═══════════════════════════════════════

TOUR OVERVIEW
Dates: [From 14.1]
Markets: [Count of cities from 14.2]
Agent: [From 14.1]

RELEASE TIE-IN
Release date: [From Section 1]
Pitch: [From 3.1]

MARKET PRIORITIES
[Based on overlap between 14.2 routing and 5.2 top cities]

HIGH-PRIORITY MARKETS (Top streaming + show date)
[List]

ROUTING
[Full table from 14.2]

GEO-TARGETING STRATEGY
[From 14.3]

LOCAL CONTENT PLAN
[From 14.3]

═══════════════════════════════════════

---

Shareable Export

Purpose: Version of RELEASE.md safe for external partners

Process:

1. Copy full RELEASE.md 2. Remove all sections marked [INTERNAL]:

• Section 7: Marketing Strategy
• Section 8: Social & Digital Marketing
• Section 12: Merch
• Section 13: Experiential & OOH
• Section 15: Team Contacts
• Section 16: Budget Overview
• Section 17: Performance Tracking

3. Remove [INTERNAL] subsections within [OPS] sections:

• Section 2.3: Audio Asset Links

4. Keep all [SHAREABLE] and [OPS] sections 5. Rename to RELEASE-EXTERNAL.md

---

Weekly Report

Purpose: Status update for stakeholders

Source Sections: 17, 7.2

Structure

═══════════════════════════════════════
WEEKLY CAMPAIGN REPORT
[PROJECT TITLE] by [ARTIST NAME]
Week [N] | [DATE RANGE]
═══════════════════════════════════════

KPI SUMMARY
[Week's row from 17.1 vs targets from 7.2]

| Metric | This Week | Target | Status |
|--------|-----------|--------|--------|
| Spotify Streams | ___ | ___ | 🟢/🟡/🔴 |
| Apple Streams | ___ | ___ | 🟢/🟡/🔴 |
| TikTok Views | ___ | ___ | 🟢/🟡/🔴 |
| IG Engagement | ___ | ___ | 🟢/🟡/🔴 |

WINS THIS WEEK
[From 17.2]

ADJUSTMENTS
[From 17.2]

NEXT WEEK PRIORITIES
[Based on current phase from 7.3]

═══════════════════════════════════════

---

Generating Any Deliverable

Workflow

1. Identify the deliverable type from this guide 2. Check source sections for required data 3. Note missing fields - request from user or mark as TBD 4. Generate output following the template structure 5. Verify sharing tags — don't include [INTERNAL] data in external docs

Handling Missing Data

When generating a deliverable with missing fields:

⚠️ MISSING INFORMATION

The following fields are required but not in RELEASE.md:
- [Field 1]
- [Field 2]

Please provide this information or confirm you want to proceed with gaps.

Custom Deliverables

For deliverables not covered here: 1. Identify which sections contain relevant data 2. Check sharing tags for each section 3. Structure output appropriate to audience 4. Request user approval before sharing externally

RELEASE.MD

Last Updated: [DATE]

Sharing Tags: [INTERNAL] scrub before external sharing · [SHAREABLE] safe for DSPs, press, partners · [OPS] operations reference

---

Section 1: Project Snapshot [SHAREABLE]

---

Section 2: Release Identifiers & Metadata [OPS]

2.1 Digital Identifiers

2.2 Track-Level Metadata

Track 01:

Track 02:

_(Add more tracks as needed)_

2.3 Audio Asset Links [INTERNAL]

---

Section 3: Narrative & Positioning [SHAREABLE]

3.1 The Pitch (Elevator Version)

_2-3 sentences capturing the essence of this release._

[WRITE PITCH HERE]

3.2 Extended Narrative

_The fuller story. Context, artist arc, meaning._

[WRITE NARRATIVE HERE]

3.3 Project Highlights / Tentpoles

• _______________
• _______________
• _______________

3.4 Mood & Keywords

3.5 Comparables

---

Section 4: Artist Background [SHAREABLE]

4.1 Artist Bio (150-200 words)

[WRITE BIO HERE]

4.2 Sales & Streaming History

4.3 Press & Media Highlights

---

Section 5: Audience & Market Data [SHAREABLE]

5.1 Current Audience Stats

5.2 Geographic Data

5.3 Demographics

5.4 Core Fanbase Insights

_Who are they? What do they care about?_

[WRITE INSIGHTS HERE]

---

Section 6: DSP & Streaming Strategy [SHAREABLE]

6.1 Spotify For Artists Pitch (500 char limit)

[WRITE PITCH HERE]

6.2 Focus Track(s)

6.3 Editorial Playlist Targets

6.4 Pre-Save Strategy

---

Section 7: Marketing Strategy [INTERNAL]

7.1 Campaign Goals

• _______________
• _______________
• _______________

7.2 Key KPIs

7.3 Rollout Phases

PHASE 1: TEASE & ANNOUNCE

PHASE 2: RELEASE WEEK

PHASE 3: SUSTAIN & WORK

---

Section 8: Social & Digital Marketing [INTERNAL]

8.1 Organic Social Strategy

8.2 TikTok & UGC Strategy

8.3 Influencer & Community Marketing

8.4 Paid Advertising

Total Campaign Budget: $_______________

---

Section 9: PR & Media Relations [SHAREABLE]

9.1 Press Strategy

9.2 Press Targets

9.3 Press Materials

---

Section 10: Visual & Creative Assets [SHAREABLE]

10.1 Visual Strategy

10.2 Asset Inventory

---

Section 11: Physical Production [OPS / INTERNAL]

11.1 Physical Formats

11.2 Packaging Specs

11.3 Manufacturing Timeline

11.4 D2C & Retail

---

Section 12: Merch [INTERNAL]

12.1 Merch Items

12.2 Merch Strategy

---

Section 13: Experiential & OOH [INTERNAL]

13.1 Out-of-Home Activations

13.2 Events & Experiences

13.3 Brand Partnerships

---

Section 14: Touring & Live [SHAREABLE]

14.1 Tour Overview

14.2 Tour Routing

14.3 Tour Marketing Tie-In

---

Section 15: Team Contacts [INTERNAL]

---

Section 16: Budget Overview [INTERNAL]

---

Section 17: Performance Tracking [INTERNAL]

17.1 Weekly KPI Tracking

17.2 Key Wins & Learnings

---

Section 18: Links & Resources Hub

---

Document History

---

For questions, contact [MARKETING LEAD EMAIL].

Section Guide

Detailed guidance for each section of RELEASE.md.

---

Table of Contents

1. Section 1: Project Snapshot 2. Section 2: Release Identifiers & Metadata 3. Section 3: Narrative & Positioning 4. Section 4: Artist Background 5. Section 5: Audience & Market Data 6. Section 6: DSP & Streaming Strategy 7. Section 7: Marketing Strategy 8. Section 8: Social & Digital Marketing 9. Section 9: PR & Media Relations 10. Section 10: Visual & Creative Assets 11. Section 11: Physical Production 12. Section 12: Merch 13. Section 13: Experiential & OOH 14. Section 14: Touring & Live 15. Section 15: Team Contacts 16. Section 16: Budget Overview 17. Section 17: Performance Tracking 18. Section 18: Links & Resources Hub

---

Section 1: Project Snapshot

Sharing: SHAREABLE

Purpose: Quick reference for the core release details. This anchors the entire document.

Field Guidance

Data Sources

• Artist/management for dates
• Distributor for UPC assignment confirmation
• A&R for genre classification

Red Flags

• Release date on non-Friday
• Announcement date after release date
• Missing distributor close to release

---

Section 2: Release Identifiers & Metadata

Sharing: OPS

Purpose: Technical data needed for distribution, royalty tracking, and asset management.

2.1 Digital Identifiers

2.2 Track-Level Metadata

2.3 Audio Asset Links

All links should be to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) with appropriate sharing permissions.

Required formats:

• Master WAVs: 24-bit/48kHz minimum
• Instrumentals: Same specs as masters
• Stems: If sync licensing anticipated
• Radio Edits: Clean versions for radio

Red Flags

• Missing ISRCs within 2 weeks of release
• Inconsistent writer credits across tracks
• Audio links with expired permissions

---

Section 3: Narrative & Positioning

Sharing: SHAREABLE

Purpose: The story and positioning that drives all external communication.

3.1 The Pitch (Elevator Version)

2-3 sentences maximum. Must answer:

• What is this release?
• Why does it matter?
• What makes it unique?

Good example:

"After a year of silence, Maya Chen returns with 'Midnight Drive,' a synth-pop meditation on grief and renewal. Produced entirely during late-night sessions in her Brooklyn studio, the album transforms personal loss into danceable catharsis."

Bad example:

"Maya Chen's new album is really good and has 12 tracks."

3.2 Extended Narrative

500-800 words. Include:

• Context (why now?)
• Creation story
• Themes and meaning
• Artist's perspective (quotes if available)
• Where this fits in career arc

3.3 Project Highlights / Tentpoles

3-5 bullet points. Each should be newsworthy or pitch-worthy:

• Notable collaborations
• Production details
• Cultural relevance
• Exclusive partnerships
• Tour/performance tie-ins

3.4 Mood & Keywords

3.5 Comparables

Red Flags

• Pitch longer than 3 sentences
• No clear "why now" in narrative
• Comparables that don't match genre

---

Section 4: Artist Background

Sharing: SHAREABLE

Purpose: Artist context for press, DSPs, and partners.

4.1 Artist Bio

150-200 words. Third person. Should include:

• Who they are (origin, genre, style)
• Key achievements
• Recent/notable releases
• What sets them apart

Update for each release cycle.

4.2 Sales & Streaming History

Pull from:

• Spotify for Artists
• Apple Music for Artists
• Chartmetric (if available)
• Label/distributor reports

Include:

• Monthly listeners (current)
• Total streams (if impressive)
• Certifications (Gold, Platinum)
• Notable editorial playlist history
• High-profile collaborations

4.3 Press & Media Highlights

Top 5-10 most impressive press hits. Prioritize:

• Major outlets (Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Billboard)
• Recency
• Quality of coverage (feature vs. roundup)

Red Flags

• Bio longer than 200 words
• Outdated streaming stats
• Press links that are broken

---

Section 5: Audience & Market Data

Sharing: SHAREABLE

Purpose: Know the audience for targeting and positioning.

5.1 Current Audience Stats

Update within 1 week of any external share. Include:

• Spotify Monthly Listeners
• All active social handles
• Email/SMS list size (if significant)

5.2 Geographic Data

Top 5 each for:

• US cities (Spotify for Artists)
• Countries (Spotify for Artists)

This informs:

• Tour routing
• Geo-targeted ads
• Press priorities

5.3 Demographics

Age and gender splits from:

• Spotify for Artists
• Instagram Insights
• TikTok Analytics

5.4 Core Fanbase Insights

Qualitative description. Answer:

• Who are they?
• What else do they listen to?
• What do they care about beyond music?
• How do they discover new music?

Red Flags

• Geographic data without source
• Demographics that don't add to 100%
• Missing TikTok data for artists with TikTok presence

---

Section 6: DSP & Streaming Strategy

Sharing: SHAREABLE

Purpose: Streaming platform strategy and pitch materials.

6.1 Spotify For Artists Pitch

Hard limit: 500 characters. Every character counts.

Structure: 1. What's the release? (50 chars) 2. Why it matters (150 chars) 3. Key stats/proof points (150 chars) 4. Genre/mood tags (100 chars) 5. Focus track (50 chars)

6.2 Focus Track(s)

Choose tracks based on:

• Commercial potential
• Playlist fit
• Streaming-friendly length (2:30-3:30)
• Strong first 30 seconds

Include clear rationale for each.

6.3 Editorial Playlist Targets

Research target playlists before filling. Include:

• Specific playlist names
• Why the track fits
• Priority level (High/Medium/Low)

6.4 Pre-Save Strategy

Pre-save campaigns should launch:

• 2-4 weeks before release
• Immediately after announcement

Include incentive if offered (exclusive content, merch discount, etc.)

Red Flags

• Spotify pitch over 500 characters
• No focus track rationale
• Pre-save link not live by announcement

---

Section 7: Marketing Strategy

Sharing: INTERNAL

Purpose: Campaign planning and goal-setting.

7.1 Campaign Goals

3-5 measurable goals. Use SMART criteria:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

Good: "Achieve 500,000 Spotify streams in Week 1" Bad: "Get a lot of streams"

7.2 Key KPIs

Track both current baseline and target. Include Week 1 targets for:

• Streams (by platform)
• Follower/subscriber growth
• Pre-saves
• Engagement rates

7.3 Rollout Phases

Standard three phases:

Phase 1: Tease & Announce (2-4 weeks before release)

• Build anticipation
• Drive pre-saves
• Seed content

Phase 2: Release Week

• Maximize day-one impact
• Push for playlist adds
• Content blitz

Phase 3: Sustain & Work (4-8 weeks post-release)

• Extend momentum
• React to performance
• Work radio/press

Red Flags

• No numeric targets
• Phases without specific action items
• Release week phase shorter than 7 days

---

Section 8: Social & Digital Marketing

Sharing: INTERNAL

Purpose: Organic and paid social strategy.

8.1-8.2 Organic Strategy

Cover all active platforms. Include:

• Content pillars (3-5 themes)
• Posting frequency by platform
• Key hooks and angles
• TikTok-specific strategy

8.3 Influencer Marketing

Track all creator partnerships:

• Who they are
• Platform and reach
• Status (pitched, confirmed, posted)
• Rate/budget

8.4 Paid Advertising

Budget allocation across:

• TikTok Ads
• Meta (Instagram/Facebook)
• YouTube Ads
• Spotify Ad Studio

Include targeting parameters and flight dates.

Red Flags

• No TikTok strategy for relevant genres
• Paid media launching after release (ideally starts at announcement)
• Influencer list without status updates

---

Section 9: PR & Media Relations

Sharing: SHAREABLE

Purpose: Press strategy and materials.

9.1 Press Strategy

Define:

• Main angle (what's the story?)
• Embargo date (if applicable)
• Exclusive offers (premiere, interview)

9.2 Press Targets

Prioritized media list. Track:

• Outlet and contact
• Priority (Tier 1/2/3)
• Status (pitched, responded, confirmed, published)

9.3 Press Materials

All links should be:

• Downloadable (not view-only)
• High resolution
• Properly named files

Red Flags

• No press angle defined
• Broken asset links
• Missing hi-res artwork

---

Section 10: Visual & Creative Assets

Sharing: SHAREABLE

Purpose: Track all visual assets and their status.

10.1 Visual Strategy

Define the creative direction:

• Core concept
• Color palette
• Aesthetic references
• Mood/vibe

10.2 Asset Inventory

Track status of each asset:

• In progress
• Delivered
• Approved
• Published

Required assets for most releases:

• Album artwork (3000x3000 minimum for DSPs)
• Press photos (300dpi for print)
• Spotify Canvas (vertical video)
• Social templates

Red Flags

• Artwork not 1:1 aspect ratio
• Missing Spotify Canvas at release
• No status updates on asset inventory

---

Section 11: Physical Production

Sharing: OPS / INTERNAL

Purpose: Manufacturing timeline and specs for physical formats.

11.1-11.2 Format Specs

Detail each format being produced:

• Vinyl: color, weight, packaging type
• CD: jewel case, digipak, special editions
• Cassette: shell color, type

11.3 Manufacturing Timeline

Standard vinyl timeline is 16-20 weeks. Key milestones: 1. Audio to plant 2. Artwork to plant 3. Test pressing review 4. Manufacturing 5. Shipping to distributor 6. Pre-order launch 7. Street date

Red Flags

• Vinyl timeline under 16 weeks
• No test pressing review scheduled
• Street date before manufacturing complete date

---

Section 12: Merch

Sharing: INTERNAL

Purpose: Release-related merchandise planning.

Track each item:

• Description and variants
• Quantities
• Cost and retail price
• Status

Consider:

• Bundle options with physical/digital
• Exclusive/limited items
• Tour merch alignment

---

Section 13: Experiential & OOH

Sharing: INTERNAL

Purpose: Events, activations, and out-of-home marketing.

13.1 OOH Activations

Billboards, wild posting, projections. Include:

• Location specifics
• Flight dates
• Budget
• Proof of completion

13.2-13.3 Events & Partnerships

Pop-ups, listening events, brand deals. Track status of each.

---

Section 14: Touring & Live

Sharing: SHAREABLE

Purpose: Tour planning and marketing tie-ins.

14.1 Tour Overview

Core tour info for coordination.

14.2 Tour Routing

Full date list. Update status:

• Announced
• On sale
• Sold out
• Cancelled

14.3 Marketing Tie-In

Align release marketing with tour:

• Geo-target ads to tour markets
• Create city-specific content
• Plan on-site activations

---

Section 15: Team Contacts

Sharing: INTERNAL

Purpose: Quick reference for all stakeholders.

Keep updated. Include backup contacts for critical roles.

Never share externally without scrubbing to publicist/management only.

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Section 16: Budget Overview

Sharing: INTERNAL

Purpose: Track campaign spending.

Update weekly during active campaign. Track:

• Allocated (planned budget)
• Spent (actual spend)
• Remaining (buffer)

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Section 17: Performance Tracking

Sharing: INTERNAL

Purpose: Measure campaign success and capture learnings.

17.1 Weekly KPI Tracking

Log metrics weekly. Compare to targets from Section 7.2.

17.2 Wins & Learnings

Document:

• What worked (for future releases)
• What was adjusted mid-campaign
• Lessons learned

This section is invaluable for post-mortems and future planning.

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Section 18: Links & Resources Hub

Purpose: Central link repository for quick access.

All links should be:

• Verified working
• Properly permissioned
• Updated when assets move

This section is typically the last thing updated and first thing referenced.