Artist's Starter Pack I : How to Record and Drop Your First Single.

The year is 2025, and music in Malawi has never been more prominent. We’ve come a long way from MalawiMusic.com being the one of the few platforms where you could find Malawian music online. However, there are still a myriad of hurdles to overcome. Many artists still lack access to the resources or knowledge needed to globalize their songs. To help, we've put together a starter pack full of pertinent information on how an artist can release music, put on their first gig, apply to festivals, approach labels/managers, and so much more This is the first article of the Artist Starter Pack series, Let's get into it.

First Things First: Studio Etiquette!

Studio time is becoming more expensive. To combat this, if you're an up-and-coming artist still exploring your sound, you should consider investing in a home studio setup. This will allow you to record your vocals, learn how to mix through YouTube tutorials, and send your stems off to be professionally mixed. This can save you some costs in the long run. However, in reality, you may only have access to professional studios, so it's important to maximize your time there.

Maximizing Studio Sessions:

Most artists make mistakes that don’t maximize their output in the studio. Here’s how to approach your sessions:

1. Preparation: Book a time slot when you're most focused. Have a clear creative vision for your recording. If you play instruments, make sure to restring and tune them in advance, and bring spare strings. Most importantly, rehearse and practice outside the studio. This saves you time and helps ensure that your creative process is efficient.

2. Open Dialogue with Producers and Collaborators: It's easy to feel protective of your song, but remember, most songs are a collaborative effort. Be open to suggestions from your producer, collaborators, or even random listeners—sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected places.

3. Mastering and Publishing: Once your song is mixed, get it professionally mastered. If you can't find a local mastering service, try platforms like Lndr or Mastering.com for quick, AI-powered mastering. Afterward, you’ll want to protect your song’s copyright. In Malawi, this is handled by COSOMA, and for international royalties, check out SAMRO in South Africa.

Now, Let’s Talk Distribution and Marketing

Now that your song is recorded, mixed, mastered, and copyrighted, it's time for the actual work: marketing and distribution.

• Distribution: You’ll need to get your song from your hard drive onto major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer. Consider using distributors like DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby. These services charge a small fee but will help you get your music onto most DSPs (digital service providers). Platforms like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and YouTube allow you to upload directly, which is a quick way to get your music out there. Don’t sleep on these platforms—they’ve helped major artists like Drake find success, and Bandcamp also lets you set up a donation or free download option, which is great for getting started.

• Marketing: Marketing is about raising awareness and ensuring that people know where to find your music. Some simple steps for marketing your music:

  • Pre-save campaigns: Services like Show.co allow listeners to pre-save your song to their Spotify or Apple Music libraries. This helps you gain momentum and increases your song’s visibility when it drops.

  • Use Social Media: Make TikToks, Instagram Reels, and post frequently to connect with your fans. Don't hesitate to email, WhatsApp, or message them on Facebook. Be everywhere! Analyze similar artists and emulate the content that works for them.

  • Live Shows: Be present at live shows or pop-up events. Engage with people directly and ask friends and family to spread the word. At this stage, personal outreach is key to building your fanbase. Word of mouth goes a long way!

  • Pitch Your Music: Go to Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists to claim your artist page. From there, you can pitch your new single to playlists, customize your profile, and make it stand out.

Final Thoughts

This article is intended for artists who may not know where to start. While this is not the only path to success, it provides a guideline that can kick-start your journey. Draw lessons from your unique experiences and apply them as you go forward. Keep rocking!