10 Things to Know Before Releasing Your EP
Picture this: you have poured your heart and soul into 8 to 12 songs, spent hundreds of hours perfecting them, and then you upload them to Spotify only to hear… crickets. That situation is dream-crushing, but good news! It’s avoidable!
If you are currently gearing up to release an EP, maybe you have your album art ready, a music video in production, and a few shows lined up. However, you still need one thing. A plan to make sure your audience is ready to listen.
In this article, I will be covering the top ten tips you need to know to have a successful EP release.
Set Clear Goals For This Release
Before anything else, ask yourself: Why are you releasing this EP? What do you want this EP to do for you?
To reach new fans?
To get more people to go to shows?
To comment on something meaningful or timely?
Attract label interest or playlist placements?
To grow big enough for a tour?
Clarity around your goals helps you prioritize and choose the best strategies for you.
2. Know Your Audience
Who are you making this music for? Knowing who is listening to your music shapes everything, including your visuals, tone, PR messaging, and social media content.
Try building a simple fan persona:
Age
Gender
Fashion choice
Vibe
What would they say after a live performance of yours?
What artists do they already obsess over?
This helps you focus your efforts where they will have the most impact.
3. Choose the Right Release Date
Avoid major holidays or industry-heavy weeks unless it's a strategic choice (ex., A Christmas album during December)
Allow enough time for PR, visuals, and distribution pitches to promote your EP (6 weeks minimum)
4. Finalize Your Visual Assets Early
You will need:
Cover art
promo photos
video snippets
teaser graphics
Use all visuals you have available to promote yourself in all of your outreach channels. Also, create a folder with all your assets for easy access.
5. Build Your EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
Your EPK is your calling card. It should include:
A well-written artist biography
links to music/ videos
High-quality press photos
Cover art
Any media quotes or standout achievements
Make it clean, easy to navigate, and styled to match you or your band. Keep it to one to two pages max.
6. Create a Realistic Timeline
Work backwards from release day to plan efficiently:
Single drops
Presave campaigns
Press/blog outreach
Social media promos
Behind-the-scenes content
Give yourself breathing room because things shift! A flexible but detailed timeline keeps everything on track while avoiding burnout.
7. Plan a Strategic Rollout
Consider releasing 1-2 singles before the full EP. Each single gives you:
A new moment to grow your audience
A new reason to connect with the press and fans
Time to build anticipation
It is not just about dropping your EP, but rather the build-up to the big release!
8. Prep Your Social Media Account
Plan your content. Here are a few content ideas:
Behind the scenes/ studio footage
Lyrics highlights
Aesthetic imagery
Announcements/ release countdowns
Use short form videos on Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Stories to generate momentum without overwhelming your audience.
9. Start Outreach Early
Begin pitching to:
Press
Blogs
Influencers
Playlist curators
Radio
Podcasts
Start sending compelling, personalized messages with your EPK about 4-6 weeks before your release date. Do not be discouraged by silence and be okay with sending a follow-up.
10. Make It Easy For Fans to Support Your
Simplify your fans journey by including this in a Linktree in your bio:
Set up presave links
Bandcamp
Shopify
Smart links for streaming
Include clear call to actions in your posts
“Pre-save our newest single now!”
“Watch the teaser and tell us your favorite line!”
There you have it! 10 foundational steps you need to make your EP release smoother, stronger, and more impactful. And honestly? This is just scratching the surface.
If you want to give your release the best shot of success, do not be afraid to ask for help. That is exactly why PR agencies like Castle PR exist: to help you get your music in front of the right people. If you are ready to build a release campaign that is true to your vision and impossible to ignore, let’s talk.
