DISTROBOLT ARTIST GUIDES
How to choose the focus track for an EP or album
The focus track is the recording that leads your campaign message. Choose it using the release purpose, audience fit and available material, rather than assuming that the longest song or earliest track must lead.
Agree the decision criteria
Score a shortlist against four questions: Does it represent the project? Can the artist explain its story clearly? Is there a relevant audience? Are the master, permissions and promotional assets ready? Use a simple one-to-five assessment with a short reason for each score. The numbers help a discussion; they do not predict streams.
Compare actual candidates
Imagine one track has the strongest visual story while another best represents the live set. Choose which campaign objective matters first and record the reason. Use approved listener feedback as evidence, with its context, rather than presenting a few private reactions as statistically representative demand. Keep the artist involved in the final choice.
Separate campaign focus from editorial pitching
A focus track can guide your website, press note and clips without promising playlist support. Spotify has eligibility rules and allows one song pitch at a time. Check the actual unreleased music and account access before choosing a pitch. A song that is already public may still lead a campaign even when it is not eligible for that pitching route.
Create one practical brief
Write the approved track title, recording reference, short story, intended audience, lead link and available assets. Name the person approving any new clips. If the focus changes, update those materials and explain the decision to the team. Do not change album metadata or collaborator shares just to reflect a marketing preference.
Sources and review
Reviewed 4 November 2026. Platform requirements and plan terms can change. Examples are planning aids, not a promise of account access, release acceptance or earnings.
Continue your release planning
- Plan overlapping releases without competing with yourself
- UPC versus ISRC: identify the product and the recording
- Contact distribution support with a case they can resolve
Ask the DistroBolt team about your release. Send a concise question and release reference; never send account passwords or verification codes.