Hey guys! Want to get your music out there? OneRPM is a great platform for independent artists, and in this guide, I'm going to break down exactly how to upload your single. Let's get started!

Creating Your OneRPM Account

Before diving into the upload process, you'll need an account with OneRPM. This is your artist hub, so take your time and fill everything out accurately.

• Sign-Up: Head over to the OneRPM website and look for the sign-up or registration button. It's usually pretty prominent.
• Account Type: Choose the account type that best suits you. If you're an individual artist, select the artist option. If you represent a label or multiple artists, there will be other options for you.
• Personal Information: Fill in all the necessary personal details like your name, email address, and country. Make sure the email address is one you actively use because OneRPM will send important notifications there.
• Artist Name: This is crucial! Enter the exact artist name you want to appear on streaming platforms. Consistency is key to avoid confusion for your fans.
• Payment Information: You’ll need to provide payment details so OneRPM can pay you your royalties. Make sure this information is accurate to avoid any payment delays.
• Read and Agree to Terms: As with any online service, read the terms and conditions carefully before agreeing to them. Pay attention to details about rights, royalties, and content usage.
• Account Verification: After submitting your information, OneRPM will likely send a verification email. Click the link in the email to verify your account. This is a necessary step to activate your account.
• Dashboard Overview: Once logged in, familiarize yourself with the dashboard. This is where you'll manage your releases, track your earnings, and access various tools and resources OneRPM offers.

Guys, pay close attention to the details when setting up your account. Accuracy here will save you headaches later on!

Preparing Your Music and Artwork

Before you start uploading, it’s super important to get your music and artwork prepped. Think of it like packing for a trip—you want to make sure you have everything you need before you leave the house.

• Audio File Format: OneRPM prefers WAV files. WAV files are uncompressed, meaning they retain all the audio data from your recording. This results in higher quality audio compared to compressed formats like MP3s. Make sure your WAV files are 16-bit or 24-bit, with a sample rate of 44.1 kHz. This is the standard for digital distribution.
• Mastering: Get your track professionally mastered. Mastering is the final step in audio production that makes your song sound its best across different playback systems. A good mastering engineer will optimize the volume, EQ, and overall sonic characteristics of your track to ensure it sounds polished and professional. Trust me, a well-mastered track makes a HUGE difference! Mastering can be done by sending the file to professional studios or using online AI services.
• Metadata: Embed all necessary metadata into your audio file. Metadata includes the title of the song, artist name, album name, track number, composer, and copyright information. This information helps streaming platforms identify and categorize your music correctly. You can use software like iTunes or Mp3tag to add or edit metadata.
• Artwork Dimensions: Your cover art needs to meet specific dimensions. OneRPM typically requires artwork to be at least 3000 x 3000 pixels. The higher the resolution, the better it will look on high-definition displays. Make sure your artwork is a JPG or PNG file.
• Artwork Content: The content of your artwork is just as important as the technical specs. Your cover art should be eye-catching and representative of your music. Avoid using blurry or low-quality images. Also, make sure your artwork doesn’t violate any copyright laws. Originality is key! If you’re not a designer, consider hiring a professional to create your cover art.
• File Naming: Use clear and consistent file names. For your audio file, use a name like “ArtistName - SongTitle.wav”. For your artwork, use a name like “ArtistName - SongTitle - CoverArt.jpg”. Consistent naming makes it easier to keep track of your files and ensures a smooth upload process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Uploading Your Single

Okay, with your account set up and your files prepped, let’s get your single uploaded. Here's how to do it, step by step:

1. Log In: Log in to your OneRPM account. You'll be taken to your dashboard.
2. Create a New Release: Look for a button or link that says something like "Create Release," "New Release," or "Upload Music." Click it.
3. Single or Album: Choose "Single" as the release type. If you’re uploading multiple tracks together, you’d choose "Album," but since we’re focusing on a single, go with that.
4. Track Information:
   • Song Title: Enter the exact title of your song.
   • Artist Name: Confirm that your artist name is correct. This should match the artist name you set during account creation.
   • Featuring Artists: If your song features another artist, add their name in the designated field.
   • Version: Indicate if the track is a radio edit, remix, or acoustic version. If it's the original version, leave this field blank.
   • ISRC Code: If you already have an ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) for your track, enter it here. If not, OneRPM will assign one to you. ISRC codes are unique identifiers for your songs, so they're important for tracking and royalties.
   • Language: Specify the language of the lyrics in your song.
   • Genre: Select the primary genre and a secondary genre for your music. This helps streaming platforms categorize your song and recommend it to the right listeners.
   • Explicit Content: Indicate whether your song contains explicit lyrics. Be honest about this to avoid any issues with streaming platforms.
   • Lyrics: If you have the lyrics for your song, you can add them in the provided field. This is optional but can enhance the listener experience.
5. Upload Audio File: Upload your WAV file. Make sure it’s the correct version and that the metadata is embedded.
6. Upload Artwork: Upload your cover art. Ensure it meets the size and resolution requirements.
7. Territories: Choose the territories where you want your music to be available. You can select specific countries or choose "Worldwide" for maximum reach.
8. Release Date: Set your release date. This is the date your single will go live on streaming platforms. You can choose a date in the future to give yourself time to promote your release.
9. Pricing: Some platforms allow you to set a price for your single. OneRPM will guide you through this if it’s applicable.
10. Review and Submit: Review all the information you’ve entered to make sure it’s accurate. Once you’re satisfied, submit your release. Double-check everything, guys! You want to make sure there are no mistakes before you finalize.
11. Approval Process: OneRPM will review your release to ensure it meets their guidelines. This process can take a few days, so be patient. You’ll receive a notification once your release is approved.

Promotion and Marketing

So, you’ve uploaded your single—awesome! But the work doesn’t stop there. To get your music heard, you need to promote it.

• Social Media: Share your new release on all your social media platforms. Create engaging posts, stories, and reels to get your followers excited. Use eye-catching visuals and snippets of your song to grab attention. Don't forget to include a link to where they can listen to the full track!
• Email List: Send an email to your subscribers announcing your new single. Email marketing is still a powerful tool for reaching your fans directly.
• Music Blogs and Playlists: Reach out to music bloggers and playlist curators. Getting featured on a popular playlist can significantly boost your streams.
• Collaborate with Other Artists: Team up with other musicians to cross-promote each other’s music. This can help you reach new audiences.
• Create a Music Video: A music video can add another dimension to your song and attract more viewers on platforms like YouTube.
• Run Ads: Consider running targeted ads on social media or streaming platforms to reach potential fans who might like your music. Targeting is key here; make sure your ads are shown to the right audience.

Monitoring Your Performance

Once your single is out, keep an eye on how it’s performing. OneRPM provides analytics that can give you insights into your audience and the success of your release.

• Track Streams: Monitor the number of streams your song is getting on different platforms. This will give you an idea of where your music is most popular.
• Audience Demographics: Pay attention to the demographics of your listeners. This information can help you tailor your marketing efforts.
• Sales Data: If you’re selling your music, track your sales to see how well it’s performing.
• Engagement: Look at metrics like likes, shares, and comments on social media to gauge how engaged your audience is with your music.
• Adjust Your Strategy: Use the data you collect to refine your marketing and promotion strategies. What’s working? What’s not? Adjust accordingly.

Conclusion

Uploading your single to OneRPM is a straightforward process. Just remember to prepare your music and artwork properly, follow the steps carefully, and promote your release effectively. Good luck, and I hope your single becomes a hit!