This information has been put together so that you understand the implications and potential risks of fast tracking a release. If you fast track your release, you accept the risks outlined below.
Fast tracking
Fast tracking is requesting an earlier release date outside the recommended 3 week lead time frame, which is a default on Cygnus Musics label management system. To request a fast track, submit your release with a 3+ week lead, then email [email protected] with your label name, catalogue number and the date you need. This must be sent from an email address associated with your account.
Use cases
- We understand that some clients are releasing quickly in response to social media trends/traction. Fast tracking can get your music up on DSP’s in up to 2 working days.
- Sometimes artists and labels need to react quickly to an event or opportunity. Fast tracking gets music in front of fans quickly.
Know The Risks
- Should a store fail to ingest your release, follow ups may be required. We can not control the speed in which DSP’s work.
- Any amendments or updates may not take effect in time for your release date.
- Artist linking issues can sometimes occur and should be factored in.
- With so much time and energy going into producing and promoting a release, do not rush the final stage.
DSP Marketing Forfeits
- Fast tracking less than 2 weeks? The release will not be eligible for the majority of high level editorial opportunities.
- Cygnus Music smartlinks are automated and sent out 9 days pre-release. Fast tracking by less than 11 days means you will not receive a free smartlink.
- Pre-saves & Pre-orders are powerful indicators of consumer hype. The more time you have, the more these can leveraged for editorial opportunities and playlist placements.
Spotify
- You may miss the opportunity to pitch to Spotify’s editorial team within the optimum timeframe.
- You will miss Spotify’s ‘Release Radar’ playlist on release day, if the release is not ingested in Spotify and picthed 8 days in advance.
Why we recommend a ‘mininum’ 3-week lead
Good Practice
- It gives plenty of time for releases to be delivered to DSP’s.
- It allows ample time for any updates of changes to be made.
- Artist linking issues can occur, a good lead allows these to be spotted early.
- Occasionally, a DSP can experience issues when ingesting a release. It is good practice to have a buffer to identify and fix this.
- It gives you time to prepare your next release.
BEST PRACTICE >>
- We recommend an optimum lead time of 4-6 weeks. For albums and significant milestones, DSP’s recommend several months. In an ideal situation, you will always have your next 2 releases submitted and locked in. When DSP’s ask us ‘what’s next?’, we can present your forthcoming release schedule.
DSP Benefits
- High level editorial opportunities are generally assigned 3+ weeks in advance of release date.
- Cygnus Music smartlinks are provided to clients 9 days before your release date.
- Having your music ingested into the DSP’s system weeks in advance increases the chances of features and editorial.
Spotify Benefits
- Pitching through Spotify for artists should be done around 2 weeks before your release date.
- To land in Spotify’s ‘Release Radar’ playlist on release day, a song must be pitched no less than 7 days before release date.