Earn Before You Release On DSPs
“Own Your Launch: Why Musicians Should Release Music on Their Website Before Streaming Platforms”
In a world where streaming platforms dominate, most artists rush to drop their new single on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube the second it’s ready. But the smartest musicians are taking a different route — releasing their music first on their own websites before it hits the digital streaming platforms (DSPs).
It’s not just about exclusivity — it’s about ownership, data, and direct connection. Here’s why this strategy can be a game-changer for independent artists.
🎧 1. You Control the Experience
When you launch music on Spotify or Apple Music, you’re playing by their rules — from the interface to the algorithms. But your own website is your turf. You can:
Create a customized listening experience that reflects your brand.
Offer exclusive visuals, stories, or behind-the-scenes content.
Showcase your personality and message without ads or competition from other artists.
Your website lets fans experience your music in the way you intend — not how a platform’s algorithm decides.
📊 2. You Own the Data
On streaming platforms, you don’t actually know who your listeners are. You might see numbers — streams, likes, skips — but no real fan data.
When fans visit your website, join your email list, or make a purchase, you capture valuable direct information:
Email addresses
Geographic locations
Buying behavior
Social connections
This is the difference between having listeners and having a community. With that data, you can build stronger relationships, sell directly, and market more strategically.
💰 3. Keep 100% of the Revenue
Before your track hits Spotify (where a single stream might earn less than a cent), releasing it on your own site allows you to earn directly from fans through:
Digital downloads
Exclusive memberships or bundles
Merchandise or ticket preorders
Platforms like Bandzoogle, Shopify, or Squarespace make it easy to sell music directly and keep most (if not all) of the revenue. Every dollar you make early supports your next project — not an algorithm.
🕒 4. Build Buzz Before You Stream
A website-first release creates anticipation. By dropping your song or album exclusively on your site for a few days or weeks, you:
Reward your most loyal fans with early access.
Generate organic hype before the wider DSP launch.
Collect early feedback and testimonials to use in your promo campaign.
Then, when your track finally hits Spotify or Apple Music, you’ve already got momentum, social proof, and press buzzbehind it.
🌐 5. Future-Proof Your Career
Streaming services change constantly — payout structures, playlist algorithms, and promotional visibility can all shift overnight. But your website is forever.
By establishing your site as the first stop for new music, you build a digital home that no platform can take away. As your career grows, that hub becomes your central command for music, merch, tickets, and fan engagement — no gatekeepers required.
⚙️ 6. Bonus Tip: Integrate Your PRO and SpinReports Data
If you’re registered with a royalty tracking service like SpinReports.com or a PRO such as ASCAP/BMI, an early website release gives you time to confirm your metadata, ISRC codes, and registration are all correct before the song goes public.
That way, when the track goes live on DSPs or radio, every play and spin is properly tracked and credited.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Releasing your music on your own website first isn’t about avoiding streaming — it’s about taking control of your launch and your legacy.
By giving fans direct access, collecting data, and monetizing early, you’re not just dropping music — you’re building a brand, a business, and a sustainable audience base that belongs to you, not the platforms.
So next time you’re gearing up for release day, remember:
Don’t just stream it — own it first.
