Putting Out a DIY Indie Album: Quick Start Guide in 5 Steps

With the creation of the internet, we have tools and knowledge beyond any other time in human history. We now have the tools to complete an album from start to finish 100% independent.

A desktop computer or laptop with an i5 or i7 can handle recording, mixing, and mastering. With the use of a high powered smartphone, you can take 4K photos that can be used as album covers. The copyright office takes online submissions so you can literally submit your content from your bedroom. The cost of recording gear such as mics, headphones, cables, and software has fallen into the affordable range, so being an indie artist is possible.

Things to do:

#1: Learn how to talk like the Pros or to the Pros

If you do not know anything about recording or mixing, we suggest learning some basics by reading:

The Recording Engineer’s Handbook by Bobby Owsinski

The Mixing Engineer's Handbook by Bobby Owsinski

Both are great reads for beginners learning basics, and for seasoned pros looking to refresh their knowledge. Even if you decide to hire a team to record and mix your content, you should learn how to communicate with your team effectively.

#2: Pick a distribution company for your release

In terms of distribution of an album: you have DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby and a bunch of new indie release platforms who will act as a "distributor" for your content. They exist to send off your content to sellers such as iTunes, Amazon, Spotify so that your content can be released or "published."

#3: Plan for Copyrighting your material

Visit copyright.gov and look at application requirements to familiarize yourself with the process.

#4: Think of the artwork

If you have a concept you want to express with your work through artwork, either hire a graphic designer or photographer and plan for that in your budget.

#5: Set a release date for your music release and a date for finalizing mixing and mastering.

Here's an example: I want to release my album in November 2020. I plan to have the album finalized by August 2020.

This kind of planning helps you start and finish your project. If you plan well, you will have time for hiccups that will not delay your release.