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LAP

Finalising a music project

Project Consolidation

  1. Print all final edits and audio files in place within your DAW project.
  2. Back up the entire project to a new folder using “Collect all files” or similar functionality. This is to make sure that we have all the sample files and depended medias in the project folder and not linked externally
  3. Export the final master in .wav format at least 48kHz / 24-bit. Additionally Create a high-quality .mp3 (320 kbps) version for easy sharing and backup.
  4. Render alternate versions as needed (e.g., instrumental, a cappella, performance mix).
  5. Export stems for each instrument group or individual track. (If any elements include heavy processing, save both processed and dry versions. To have flexibility in the future.)

Bonus. Future-Proofing Settings

  • Make notes or take photos of the specific gear used during production, including the settings of any hardware equipment. Take screenshots of all plugins and their settings. Alternatively, you can record a video walkthrough. Store all documentation files in the project folder.

Administrative Tasks

  1. Finalize the track title and confirm the release date.
  2. Design and finalize cover artwork.
  3. Assign an ISRC code to the finished track.
  4. Register the track with PRO (Performance Rights Organization)
  5. Add the release to your music catalog database.
  6. Write down all the Administrative infomraiton into the .txt file and put it in the project folder.

Create a backup

After all the files and documentaiton about the project gathered in the single folder - back it up to a cloud service and a local external drive.

Final project folder should look something like this:

  • Directoryproject_name
    • README.TXT
    • Directorymaster_export
      • artist_name_title_master_version.wav
      • artist_name_title_master_version.mp3
    • Directorystems
      • stems_goes_here_(1-x).wav
    • DirectoryDAW_project_folder/
      • …
    • DirectoryDocumentation/
      • …

Distribution & Publishing

  1. Submit the track to digital distributor for music streaming platforms
  2. Create and upload a release video on YouTube.
  3. Upload the release to Bandcamp (and any other relevant platforms).