From the studio to Spotify and TikTok — everything you need to know.
Releasing your first song can feel overwhelming.
Do you need a manager? Where do you upload it? What about promotion?
Don’t stress — this guide breaks it down for Ghanaian underground artists who are ready to launch professionally in 2025.
Let’s take it from recording to release… and then blow up. 🚀
✅ STEP 1: Record a Quality Song
Whether it’s a freestyle or a fully written song, your journey begins in the studio.
What You’ll Need:
* 🔹 A beat (from a producer or beat store)
* 🔹 A good recording space (home or professional)
* 🔹 A sound engineer for mixing & mastering
Tip:
Even if you’re broke, don’t rush this step. One good song will take you further than 10 bad ones.
🎤 Pro Studios in GH: Savage Studios (Accra), BeatBox Studios (Kumasi), Rayne’s Lab (Takoradi)
✅ STEP 2: Design Your Cover Art
Your artwork is the first thing people see — it must be clean and catchy.
Options:
* 💻 DIY (use Canva or Pixellab)
* 💰 Hire a graphic designer (GHS 50–150 average)
* 📱 Ask your producer or studio for referrals
Make sure it fits Spotify & Apple Music requirements:
* Square (3000×3000 pixels)
* No social handles or logos on the artwork
✅ STEP 3: Get a Distribution Platform
You need a way to get your music on Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, Audiomack, etc.
Top Distributors in Ghana:
* DistroKid – fast uploads, GHS 250/year (unlimited songs)
* Tunecore – great for monetization
* Ditto Music – popular with Afrobeat artists
* Local Option: Crux Global, Apprise Music, Motionhype (they offer hands-on help)
📍You’ll need:
* Full song (MP3 or WAV)
* Cover art
* Artist name + song title
* Optional: ISRC code (some distributors generate it for you)
✅ STEP 4: Set a Release Date
Don’t upload today and expect magic tomorrow. Plan!
Give yourself 2–3 weeks to:
* Promote the cover art
* Tease a snippet on socials
* Contact blogs or influencers
* Submit to playlists (more on that below)
📅 Example:
* Upload to DistroKid: July 10
* Official release date: July 26
✅ STEP 5: Register Your Song (For Royalties)
Want to get paid when your song is streamed or played on radio/TV?
Register with:
* Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO) – for local airplay royalties
* SoundExchange or SongTrust – for global digital royalties
Optional but smart: Join MUSIGA for industry support/networking.
✅ STEP 6: Promote Like Crazy
This is the most important part — don’t go silent after releasing!
Here’s how to push:
* 📸 Create Instagram Reels/TikToks using your song
* 🔁 Ask friends to post their own dance/challenge
* 📩 Submit to playlists (Boomplay, Spotify editorial, Audiomack Ghana)
* 📬 Pitch to blogs like KAKNEWS, NYDJ Live, Ghana Music
* 📱 Share in music WhatsApp groups & DM DJs
* 📺 Book interviews or live IG sessions
* 🎥 Drop a simple visualizer if you can’t afford a full video
💡 Tip: Reach out to college radio stations, DJs, and TikTok creators. They often charge less or work with upcoming artists for free if your song is good.
✅ STEP 7: Monitor, Learn & Repeat
Once your song drops:
* Track plays on Spotify for Artists / Apple Music for Artists
* Respond to fan comments
* Check which platforms are working for you
* Learn what to do better on your next release
🎁 Bonus: Build Your Brand
To truly succeed long-term:
* Use one artist name across all platforms
* Set up a professional Instagram + YouTube + Audiomack page
* Drop content consistently (freestyles, BTS, snippets)
* Build relationships with producers, video directors, bloggers
* Start thinking like a brand, not just a musician
✍️ Final Word from KAKNEWS
Your first song is more than music — it’s your first impression.
Take time, do it right, and promote it smart. The internet has leveled the game. You don’t need a record label to go viral.
CHECK THIS: TikTok Video Ideas for Promoting Your Song (Ghana Edition 2025)
source: kaknews.com
