From Studio to Spotify: Help Me Decide How to Release My New Song.

If you’ve followed my work — whether through my blog, past performances, or my creative projects — you might’ve noticed I’ve been quiet on the music front. No new releases. No live shows. Not even casual SoundCloud drops. And truthfully? That was intentional.

I didn’t fall out of love with music. I just… stepped away from it.

For a while, music became something I kept in the background — part of me, but not the part I was ready to share. I explored other outlets, lived some life, let the noise settle. And over time, something interesting happened: I felt the spark coming back. Slowly. Gently. Then suddenly.

And now? I’m ready to return — not with an album, not with a tour, but with one song. One track that’s been sitting with me long enough to know it needs to go out into the world. It’s the first in what I hope is a new wave of creativity. A test. A signal.

But before I release it, there’s one question I didn’t expect to be so tricky:

Where do I put it?

The Distribution Dilemma.

The digital music landscape has changed. A lot. When I last put out music, distribution felt straightforward. Now it’s a web of options — each with different price models, royalties, and opportunities for licensing, publishing, and sync.

I used DittoMusic before, and it served its purpose. But this time, I want something that fits the new version of me as an artist — something sustainable, fair, and maybe even strategic.

So I went deep — research rabbit holes, comparison charts, artist forums. I wanted to know:

What’s the best way to release a single in 2025 as an independent artist?

The Finalists.

1. RouteNote — Free to use (they take 15% of royalties), or you can pay a flat fee to keep 100%. Includes YouTube monetization and publishing options. Flexible, with a solid reputation, especially for budget-conscious artists who want more than just distribution.

2. UnitedMasters — Big sync energy here. They’ve placed songs with the NBA, ESPN, and other major brands. The “Select” plan includes publishing support, advanced analytics, and priority placements — ideal if I want this song to reach beyond playlists.

3. Amuse — Built for the mobile-first artist. 100% royalties on the free plan, and the Pro version offers mastering, publishing admin, and faster release times. Feels sleek and intuitive — especially for someone easing back into the rhythm of releases.

4. Soundrop — Best known for cover song licensing, but great for originals too. Low per-song fees and automatic licensing if I ever drop reinterpretations or experimental releases.

5. Level Music — Clean and simple. Totally free, with fewer features but strong distribution to the major platforms. A good option if I want to focus solely on getting the song out without the extras

So… What Now?

Here’s the truth: I haven’t made a decision yet.

Not because I’m stuck — but because this release matters more than just “putting it out.”

It’s symbolic. It’s the first step in reintroducing myself, creatively. And how I choose to distribute it isn’t just about platforms or payouts — it’s about aligning with the kind of artist I’m becoming again.

And that’s where I want your input

Help Me Choose the Platform.

You’ve read my words. Maybe you’ve heard my earlier music. Or maybe this is your first time tuning in. Either way, I’d love to know:

Which of these platforms do you think best fits an independent return?

Have you used any of them as an artist — or noticed artists who stand out on certain ones.

Do you care about sync potential? Full royalty splits? Publishing?

Drop your thoughts in the comments. Send smoke signals.

This song already feels like a conversation — I want the release process to be one, too.

Thank you for still being here. Let’s figure this out together.