@Reeze Tyler don't compare your first draft to Kendrik Lamar's final draft. keep writing, Reeze. you'll get there.

@Reeze Tyler listen it's completely natural! my tone with that was, "I support you." I'm affirming you in that, what you hear when you hear Kendrik is his FINAL draft, after the editing. so don't feel intimidated because your first draft isn't as good as his final draft. I'm sure if you read his first draft, you'd realize it's imperfect too. your story deserves to be told. your art is worth listening to. be encouraged, fellow artist! keep creating, improving, editing, and sharing your work. who knows, someone will be inspired by YOUR art and think "wow, I wish I could create something that amazing".

@Ian Sanchez okay, thanks! this definitely adds more context. so it's kinda like a "how many people are waiting for this to drop?" button

that's a good question. In my experience, I've had to add it manually, or send it manually when radio stations have requested it. So I have no idea

@Sasha Frank I hope this was helpful?

yo, as someone who had to make my own beats for my albums out of necessity... I respect this on another level. THIS IS GOOD! please send me something, I'll DM you my e-mail.

I find I have to split it up. I self-produced my album and was learning how to, in real time. So I had to use all my brain power for that lol. When I finished my album, THEN I started promoting (interviews, getting onto playlists, etc.). I took breaks between each thing, though, which makes a HUGE difference in the quality of the work (cause it's hard to create when you're burnt out). Now that I'm going through the classroom courses, my music is already done, and I've had enough of a break that I have energy to move onto the next phase. So, long story short, get the music done first. Make sure it's to your liking; don't rush that part. Take a break to celebrate your accomplishment. Then get it out there. Obvi, if you're following a particular strategy, release your music according to that timeline. But my advice is, just get the music done & have it on you before you start promoting.

Just on some real talk, I found that ideas for content come through listening to my music as I go through my day. Even just singing my own songs without the track. I start thinking, "this would sound cool if I performed it like that" or "what if I made a TikTok / shorts series on cool date ideas and have this love song I made in the background?" ;)