For independent artists, release day can be a pivotal moment in their music career. It's important to take the time to prepare and make sure everything runs smoothly. One of the most important aspects of preparing for release day is marketing. Make sure you have a strong plan in place to promote your release to your fans and beyond. This can include social media posts, email blasts, and collaborations with other artists or influencers. Consider offering exclusive content or merchandise to incentivize fans to pre-save or purchase your release.

Refresh your artist profile on digital streaming platforms: Take the time to update your artist bio, profile picture, and any other relevant information on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. This can help fans discover your music and learn more about you as an artist.

Add a Canvas to your track on Spotify: A Canvas is a short video that plays on loop while your song is streaming on Spotify. It's a great way to capture fans' attention and make your music stand out. Consider creating a visually stunning Canvas that reflects the mood or message of your music. According to Spotify, tracks with a Canvas see a 145% increase in streams on average compared to tracks without a Canvas. Additionally, listeners who saw a Canvas were found to be more likely to share the track with others.

Getting fans excited for your release is to tease it leading up to the release date: This can include posting snippets of songs, behind-the-scenes footage, or even a countdown timer on your social media accounts. Consider hosting a listening party or live stream event on release day to engage with your fans and create a sense of community around your music.

Create a social media content calendar: Leading up to your release, plan out a calendar of social media posts that will promote your release and engage with your fans. Use social media scheduling tools like Hootsuite or Buffer to plan out your posts in advance.

Reach out to music blogs and playlists: Consider reaching out to music blogs and curators to see if they'd be interested in featuring your music on their platform. This can help you reach new fans and get more exposure for your release.

Finally, make sure the release goes smoothly by having all the logistics in place ahead of time. This includes making sure your music is available on all major streaming platforms, creating eye-catching cover art, and coordinating with any collaborators or producers. 

In summary, preparing for release day as an independent artist requires a combination of strong marketing, fan engagement, and attention to detail. By taking the time to plan ahead, tease your release, and ensure all logistics are in place, you can set yourself up for a successful release and continued growth in your music career.