Electronic Music Release Checklist: Beatport, Atmos and Artwork
Illustration: WBBT Records.
An electronic music release can involve several related deliveries: the stereo recording, a specialist store release, an immersive mix and moving artwork. Each needs its own preparation. Treating them as one upload can hide approval or asset requirements until close to release day.
Start with a dependable stereo release package, then add the formats that serve your audience and budget. A strong release plan does not require every available format. It requires accurate assets, clear rights and enough time to resolve corrections.
Prepare the core audio release
Archive the final lossless master, approved square artwork, artist roles, contributor credits and release date. Confirm the exact version name. A radio edit, extended mix, remix and original recording should be distinguishable in your catalogue records and supplied according to the relevant metadata requirements.
Check sample and vocal permissions before delivery. A licence to release a recording may have restrictions on other uses, including automated rights claiming. Keep the underlying documents available so that a rights question can be answered without delaying the whole release.
Plan Beatport approval and exclusivity separately
WBBT supports Beatport distribution, including Beatport-exclusive arrangements, subject to the applicable approval and release requirements. Contact support before announcing an exclusive. Label approval, genre placement and the proposed release window need to be discussed as part of the delivery.
Ask what the exclusivity applies to, which destinations are affected and when wider delivery should occur. Do not infer the duration or scope from another artist’s release. Put the agreed schedule into your campaign calendar so store availability and public announcements stay aligned.
An exclusive release is a timing and availability arrangement, not a promise of chart placement or editorial support. The Beatport distribution page is the starting point for a support conversation about your label and release.
Treat Dolby Atmos as a dedicated production deliverable
Dolby Atmos delivery requires an appropriate immersive master and the assets required by the receiving workflow. A stereo file relabelled as Atmos does not become an immersive mix. Work with a qualified engineer and ask support for the current technical requirements before commissioning the final delivery.
Keep version information and identifiers coordinated between stereo and immersive deliveries. Discuss how the versions should relate in the catalogue, which destinations are supported for the account and whether the proposed schedule leaves time for review. Avoid promising listeners availability on every device or service.
WBBT supports Dolby Atmos distribution through a support-led workflow. Confirm the requirements for your release before setting a public deadline.
Prepare Apple Music motion artwork as its own asset
Motion artwork needs creative and technical preparation beyond exporting a static cover. The movement should support the release’s visual identity and remain legible in the display contexts required by the platform. Ask for the current specifications, including the required square and portrait versions, before approving a design brief.
Keep the original artwork consistent with the motion treatment and check the rights for any footage, textures or other incorporated material. A visual artist should know the intended delivery format at the start of production. That reduces the need to rebuild a finished animation for a different aspect ratio.
WBBT supports Apple Music motion artwork through support. Eligibility and approval still apply. Motion artwork is distinct from music video distribution, which is not currently active at WBBT.
Check Content ID before enrolling electronic tracks
Electronic production often involves sample libraries, leased vocals or non-exclusive beats. Those elements can affect Content ID eligibility even where the recording can be released to streaming stores. Explain the source material to support before submitting a reference for automated matching.
Also check whether another party already administers the recording. A distribution transfer and a Content ID handover are separate tasks. The WBBT Content ID guide explains the relevant rights checks; submission does not guarantee acceptance or monetisation.
Check every delivery before announcing completion
- Confirm the final stereo master, artwork and credits.
- Record permissions for samples and other third-party material.
- Agree Beatport approval and any exclusive window with support.
- Confirm immersive-master requirements before Atmos delivery.
- Approve motion artwork against the current asset specification.
- Keep Content ID administration clear and non-overlapping.
- Check the live artist profiles and available formats after delivery.
Use a simple status record for each destination or format: prepared, submitted, correction requested, approved and live. This makes it easier to distinguish a file upload from a completed store release. Leave time for correction rather than scheduling every task on the announced release day.
Build a release plan with WBBT
Review music distribution and current plans, then bring specialist delivery requirements to support. For an artist introduction from the WBBT project community, meet OB/SED and their debut single Obsessed.
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