Release Process

This page explains how the release process works with Legless Records, what the label does do, what the label does not do, and what is expected from artists once a release is signed.

Please read this carefully before contacting us with release-related questions, as many common issues are already explained below.

What Legless Records Does Do

When your release is signed and scheduled, Legless Records handles the label side of the release process.

This includes:

• scheduling your release
• delivering your release via our distributor
• submitting release metadata
• submitting artist metadata
• managing release setup on our side
• coordinating release assets where required
• preparing the release for delivery to stores and DSPs
• handling label-side release administration

In simple terms:

We handle the label delivery and release administration side correctly and professionally.

What Legless Records Does Not Do

There are parts of the release process that are outside the label’s control, especially once a release has been delivered to third-party platforms.

Legless Records does not control:

• Beatport’s internal systems
• Spotify’s internal systems
• Apple Music’s internal systems
• store-side or DSP-side metadata processing
• platform profile verification systems
• artist page auto-matching systems
• platform-side catalogue mix-ups caused by duplicate artist names
• how quickly stores update after delivery
• how quickly stores fix profile / page issues
• artist-managed claiming, access, or verification systems on third-party platforms

In simple terms:

We can deliver your release correctly.

We cannot control how every platform behaves after delivery.

Artist Names Matter More Than You Think

If you are using an artist name that is already being used by other artists, producers or DJs, this can create problems across stores and streaming platforms.

This is especially common on:

• Beatport
• Spotify
• Apple Music
• YouTube Music
• Shazam-linked artist pages

If multiple artists are using the same name, it can sometimes lead to:

• tracks appearing under the wrong artist page
• unrelated tracks appearing near yours
• temporary profile confusion
• catalogue separation issues after release

This is not always a label or distributor error.

Very often, it is simply a platform-side identity / metadata issue caused by duplicate artist names.

If you are launching a new project, we strongly recommend using a unique artist name.

Artist Name Submission Policy

Artists must send us the exact artist name they want used on all release metadata before delivery.

This includes making sure:

• spelling is correct
• spacing is correct
• punctuation is correct
• capitalisation is correct
• featured artist formatting is correct where applicable
• remix credit formatting is correct where applicable

Artists must double-check and triple-check this information before sending it to us.

Legless Records delivers releases using the information supplied by the artist.

We do not go back after release and ask distributors or platforms to make arbitrary artist name changes because an artist has changed their mind, sent the wrong spelling, or later decided they want the name styled differently.

Stores and DSPs are not in the habit of making artist name changes on demand after release.

For that reason, it is the artist’s responsibility to ensure all naming information is correct before delivery.

Capitalisation & Styling

Artists should also be aware that some stores and DSPs may standardise or alter how artist names are displayed after delivery.

For example:

• MCXx may appear as MCXX or Mcxx
• DJRØB may appear without special characters, like this: DJROB
• stylised casing may be flattened or normalised

This is a platform-side display / metadata behaviour and is not controlled by the label.

Legless Records will always submit the artist name exactly as provided by the artist at delivery stage, but cannot guarantee that every platform will display that name with the exact same styling.

Release Delivery Timelines

Once a release has been delivered to our distributor, it is then processed and passed on to stores and DSPs.

This means:

• Legless Records controls when the release is delivered
• Legless Records does not control exactly when every platform updates or displays the release

Some stores update quickly.

Others take longer.

This can affect things like:

• release visibility
• artist page linking
• chart indexing
• search results
• preview clips
• catalogue display
• profile matching

Please allow reasonable processing time after delivery and after release date before assuming there is an issue.

Not everything appears instantly, even where a release has been delivered correctly.

A lot of what appears to be a “problem” is often just normal platform processing.

Release Materials & Artist Promotion

As part of the release rollout, Legless Records will typically create:

• official release artwork
• a short Pre-Order promo video (approx. 1 minute)
• a short Out Now promo video (approx. 1 minute)
• official release links once available

These materials are provided to support the release and to give artists something clean and consistent to share across their own channels.

Artists are also welcome to submit their own artwork, or arrange for artwork to be commissioned at their own expense.

Important:

Legless Records does not cover the cost of commissioned artist-supplied artwork.

Any artist-supplied artwork must still meet the label’s visual standards and overall release requirements.

For that reason, Legless Records reserves the right to decline artwork that does not meet the required quality level or does not fit the overall visual direction of the label.

Legless Records can provide release links, but we do not currently provide pre-save links, as this is not yet supported by our distributor.

If this changes in future, we will update our process accordingly.

Artist responsibility

Promotion is not 100% the label’s responsibility.

Artists are expected to actively support their own release by promoting it through their own channels where possible, including:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• SoundCloud
• YouTube
• TikTok
• mailing lists
• DJ / producer contacts
• personal audience and network

A release will always perform better when both the label and the artist are supporting it.

In simple terms:

If you want people to hear your music, you need to help push it too.

Artwork, Files & Release Assets

Artists may be required to provide certain materials before a release can be properly prepared and delivered.

This may include:

• final mastered WAV files
• correct track titles
• correct artist naming
• remix credits
• social links where requested
• artist branding / imagery where applicable

Artists are responsible for making sure the information and files they provide are accurate.

Incorrect information supplied by the artist can cause:

• delays
• metadata issues
• formatting errors
• store display problems

Please double-check everything before sending it.

AI-Generated Music Policy

Legless Records does not accept fully AI-generated music.

Any submitted music must be:

• original
• legally usable
• free from undeclared copyright or ownership issues
• properly owned / controlled by the submitting artist

If AI has been used in any part of the creative process, this must be disclosed honestly where relevant.

Failure to disclose this may result in rejection or removal.

Communication Expectations

We are always happy to help where we reasonably can, but we expect all artists to communicate professionally and respectfully.

Please understand:

• not every issue is a label error
• not every platform issue can be fixed instantly
• some matters require patience
• some issues can only be resolved by the artist directly
• some post-delivery issues are simply part of how modern DSPs and stores operate

Legless Records will always do its best to assist where appropriate.

However, abusive, aggressive or unreasonable communication will not be tolerated.

We work best with artists who understand that releasing music is a collaborative process.

Before Contacting Us About a Release Issue

Before contacting the label, please check the following first.

If your issue is release timing-related:

• Has the release actually reached its live date?
• Has enough time passed for platform indexing, search updates, and catalogue updates?

If your issue is metadata or naming-related:

• Did you send us the exact artist name you wanted used?
• Did you check the spelling, spacing and formatting carefully before sending it?
• Did you send the correct track titles and credits?

If you are contacting us about a release issue:

• include your artist name
• include the release title
• include the release date
• include the platform affected
• include a screenshot or direct link where relevant

A lot of “issues” are simply normal store / DSP processing behaviour or incorrect information supplied before delivery.

Final Note

If Legless Records has delivered your release correctly, then many post-delivery platform issues are simply part of how stores and DSPs operate.

We will always help where we reasonably can.

But artists must also understand that some parts of the process require:

• patience
• proper setup before delivery
• accurate information before delivery
• realistic expectations
• direct artist action where required

When both label and artist understand their responsibilities clearly, the process runs much more smoothly for everyone.

Need Help?

If you have a genuine release-related issue that is not covered above, feel free to contact us and we will review it.

Please include:

• your artist name
• release title
• release date
• platform affected
• screenshot or direct link where relevant

This helps us review issues much faster.