Track-readiness questions
What makes a track playlist-ready?
A clean, professional mix and master; a memorable hook in the first 30 seconds; loudness consistent with the genre (typically -9 to -7 LUFS for dance music); correct metadata (ISRC, splits, genre tags); and a clear genre identity. Curators decide in the first 30 seconds — give them a reason to listen further.
How loud should my track be for Spotify?
Spotify normalizes to -14 LUFS integrated. Modern dance and pop masters land between -9 and -7 LUFS; quieter tracks sound weaker after Spotify's normalization. Don't crush peaks — leave -1 dBTP true peak headroom.
Should I release a single before submitting to playlists?
Both work. Pre-release lets curators add the track at release. Already-released lets them check algorithmic performance. The submission link must be Spotify, SoundCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox — but the track itself needs to be released to Spotify by the time it's added to a playlist.
How important is artwork for playlist submissions?
More than artists realize. Curators scroll fast through submissions. Cohesive artwork that matches your sonic identity signals professionalism and helps you read as a "real" artist worth listening to in full.