A 'waterfall’ release has become a popular release schedule for artists that involves releasing tracks one by one with each following release containing the previous tracks in addition to the new track.
In order to set up this type of release schedule correctly, you’ll need to do several separate release uploads. For example, if you are releasing a four-track EP you will need to:
- Upload the first track as a single release (as you would normally).
- Once the single is approved, you should upload another product that contains the existing single and also your second new track. Add your first single to this product by using the 'Existing Tracks' feature in Step 2 of the Uploader. This feature allows you to add tracks from your existing AWAL catalogue, and ensures that the audio, metadata, and ISRCs are maintained so your stream counts link when all instances of the track are live.
- Once the second release has been approved, upload the third release that contains the previous two tracks, and a third new one. Again, use the Existing Tracks feature to add in the previous two tracks in order to maintain the stream counts and previous playlist placements.
- Upload the fourth product in the same way.
As each new release goes live, you can request a takedown of the previous release to prevent duplication on the digital services.
There are a few things to keep in mind when setting up a ‘waterfall’ release schedule:
- To avoid duplicate single releases from going live on Apple and Amazon stores, an instant gratification track should not be submitted for delivery separately as a standard single release.
- Your release’s metadata must match any text on the artwork and vice versa. Each product must be treated as an individual release which means you won't be able to use the final EP artwork across all releases if it contains text that does not match the metadata of each release.
- You’ll need to set a release date in accordance with our four week lead time for each release in order for your release date to be guaranteed.
- If you’re planning to use Spotify’s Playlist Tool, you must keep in mind that the tool only allows you to submit one unreleased track at a time for playlist consideration. This means you should submit your earliest release through the tool first and once that release is live, you can submit for your next release.
See How do I use single releases to make an album/EP at a later date? for more information on scheduling releases and using the Existing Tracks feature.