How far in advance should I upload to EMPIRE?

EMPIRE recommends Set with your rep, not self-serve. Their stated minimum is not published. Application-based and selective. It works best for artists who already have traction.

When do I have to pitch Spotify editorial?

Spotify sets 7 days as the hard minimum for pitching through Spotify for Artists and recommends 4 to 6 weeks. Third-party campaign data suggests tracks pitched 14 or more days out see roughly double the editorial consideration rate of ones submitted at the 7-day minimum.

EMPIRE Release Plan: 90, 60 And 30 Days Out

How far in advance to upload to EMPIRE, which of their deadlines you have already missed on a short runway, and what a 90, 60 or 30 day plan looks like. EMPIRE recommends Set with your rep, not self-serve.

EMPIRE is a label, distributor and publisher rather than an upload form. It is application-based and works best for artists who already have traction, with marketing and playlist pitching bundled into the relationship. Like ROC Nation, there is no public lead time, so your real first deadline is getting the deal done.

Recommended lead time: Set with your rep, not self-serve. Stated minimum: Not published. Application-based and selective. It works best for artists who already have traction.

Before the calendar starts

Apply. This is a step in the plan, not a formality, and it is not an open upload form.
Get the lead time in writing. Marketing and playlist pitching are bundled, so their calendar constrains yours.
Confirm what non-exclusive means for anything you have already released elsewhere.
Terms are roughly 80/20 in the artist's favour. Confirm against your paperwork.

How EMPIRE actually works

Pre-save: Set with your rep.
Pitching: Bundled into the partnership, including radio and press campaigns.
Payout: Roughly 80/20 in the artist's favour, non-exclusive.

The 90 day calendar on EMPIRE

Day 90: Lock the release date and stop moving it. Every deadline counts backward from it.
Day 85: Final masters delivered. No more revisions.
Day 75: Artwork finished at 3000 x 3000, and readable at thumbnail size.
Day 70: Clear every sample and feature in writing.
Day 21: Push pre-saves properly. It is the strongest day-one signal you control.
Day 14: Confirm every piece of release-week coverage has your assets and the right date.
Release day: Release day. Work the day, do not just watch the numbers.
Day 21 after: Third asset, and pitch playlists that only take already-released tracks.

EMPIRE on a 90-day runway: Comfortable

The runway an application-based partner assumes. Get onboarded, then run the 90-day plan from the confirmed date.

EMPIRE on a 60-day runway: Tight

Fine if you are already onboarded and your rep confirms delivery. Not fine if you are still in conversation.

EMPIRE on a 30-day runway: Already late

Only viable as an existing partner with a confirmed slot. Otherwise pick a date you control.

What happens if you miss the EMPIRE deadline

Same shape as ROC Nation: the risk is not a missed queue, it is planning a date around a partnership you have not closed.

Not an open self-serve platform. Applying is a step in the plan, not a formality.
Bundled marketing and pitching means their calendar constrains yours. Ask for the lead time in writing.
Non-exclusive terms are the selling point. Confirm what that means for anything you have already released.

Start your order or view pricing.