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PDFFree download · Resource
UK single release timeline.
One printable A4 page. Every task from T-12 weeks through release morning and the week after, written for unsigned and indie artists by the Quite Great music desk.
A printable overview.
Designed to be printed, folded, pinned to the wall, kept on the phone. No upsell, no email gate, no "you'll love our next workshop" zeal. The eight tasks below are the same ones we run on our own campaigns, condensed.
At a glance
- · One printable A4 page
- · Eight phases from T-12 weeks to week two
- · Real lead times for BBC Introducing and Spotify editorial
- · Plain English, no jargon
- · Use it for any single release, any artist, any label
The eight phases.
- 01
T-12 weeks
Release date confirmed with label or self-distributor. Distributor (Ditto, AWAL, DistroKid, CD Baby) set up with ISRC, release title and pre-save config.
- 02
T-8 weeks
Master delivered to distributor. Press list pulled, EPK packaged (bio, photo, hi-res cover, fact sheet). BBC Introducing pitch drafted — local station first, then regional, then network strand.
- 03
T-6 weeks
Press releases drafted for first single, album, tour, festival — whichever fits the first window. Coverage targets: trade press, regional press, BBC 6 Music features, Spotify-curated blog editorial slots.
- 04
T-4 weeks
Coverage pitching begins in earnest. Pre-save link published. Spotify for Artists editorial pitch submitted when the playlist-editor window opens (usually two weeks before release).
- 05
T-2 weeks
Social asset pack sent: 60s, 30s, 15s cuts. Photographer booked for release-day shoot if needed. Pre-release interview pulls confirmed. Press follow-up round two.
- 06
Release morning
Live link checked across Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Bandcamp. Social roll-out begins — IG, TikTok, X. Press follow-up: every outlet that hadn't replied gets a final nudge. Broadcast submissions: BBC Introducing follow-ups, regional radio.
- 07
Week one
Coverage collage maintained — every link, every screenshot, every quote goes to the artist and the team. Social continues: listener stories, lyric clips, fan takes. Radio plugging active if you have it.
- 08
Week two onwards
First wave report compiled. Pitch a second-wave press piece off the early numbers: 'debut single lands at #…', or 'named one to watch by …'. Begin work on the next release or touring campaign.
FAQAbout the PDF
The questions people always ask.
Is it one page or a multi-page document?
It's a single A4 page, designed to be printed and pinned above the desk or folded into a session notebook. It covers T-12 through two-weeks-after with concise task lines.
Why doesn't it include exact day counts?
Because BBC Introducing lead times and playlist editorial windows shift every quarter. The PDF shows the realistic order of work — the lead times you can rely on — and leaves exact dates for you to set per release.
Want a hand with the actual release?
We're a small, busy team. Email us the artist, the release and the date and we'll come back with a short proposal.