International Music PR implementation Checklist

Identify key music publications, bloggers, radio stations, and streaming curators specific to each market. Don't assume UK-tier outlets exist everywhere—research what actually matters in Germany, France, Scandinavia, or your target regions.

Confirm which territories require press materials in local language, whether artist names have regional spellings, and if track titles need translation or cultural adaptation. Some territories will work with English, others won't.

Decide whether you're doing simultaneous global release or staggered territory releases. Map time zones for embargo lift times—what works for UK press (Friday 8am) may need adjustment for US East Coast or Australian media.

Confirm currency preferences, payment methods, VAT/tax requirements, and invoice deadlines for international partners. Some territories require paperwork weeks before services are rendered.

Verify that the release has proper mechanical licensing, publishing clearances, and rights administration for each territory. Some countries have specific registration requirements for radio promotion.

Write one comprehensive brief including artist bio, campaign narrative, key messages, and target press. Include territory-specific angles or variations rather than sending different briefs to different partners.

Set expectations for email response times, which contacts handle what, and how urgent updates flow between markets. Time zone delays are real—don't assume real-time collaboration.

Don't rely on outdated contact sheets. Verify that each territory's contact list has been checked within the last 3 months and includes direct emails where possible, not just generic mailboxes.

Itemise costs clearly: press outreach, radio plugging, blogger relations, playlist pitching, and any translation or local campaign adjustments. Get written confirmation before any work starts.

Use a shared document or project tool (Google Sheets, Asana, Monday) to track deliverables, embargo dates, and confirmation of coverage by territory. Everyone needs the same deadline calendar.

Create master press release, artist bio, and fact sheet in English. List which assets need professional translation for specific territories—never use automatic translation for official press materials.

Ensure artwork meets territorial broadcast standards (some countries require specific metadata, others have different technical specs). Provide one master file set and specify format variations needed per region.

Provide pre-release links for Spotify, Apple Music, and regional platforms (Tidal, Deezer, NetEase). Test that every link works from within each territory's geographic region.

Provide ISRC codes, duration, BPM, genre classifications, and any broadcast restrictions (explicit content, political themes). Radio stations won't play without proper metadata.

Choose one global embargo lift time or staggered times by region. Confirm with every territory contact that they understand the exact date and time (including their local time zone). Document this in writing.

Once briefings are approved, distribute to all territories on the same day so no one gains unfair advantage. Use a master distribution email with clear deadlines and confirmation requests.

Check for any embargo breaks in each territory immediately after lift time. Set up Google Alerts or use a monitoring service to catch unauthorised early mentions. Document breaches for future reference.

Create a tracker showing who has committed to coverage in each territory. Follow up after embargo lift to confirm stories ran, and chase outlets that went silent. Don't assume silence means 'no'.

Gather links, screenshots, or PDFs of all published coverage by territory. Create a summary showing coverage count, reach estimates, and key outcomes for client reporting.

Decide whether key territories need dedicated radio pluggers or if you'll pitch directly. Some territories have radio plugging unions or requirements—check before assuming you can contact stations directly.

Ensure radio version meets broadcast standards (silence at beginning/end, no unexpected drops or transitions). Include any content warnings or lyrics notes that radio requires.

Identify relevant Spotify, Apple Music, and local platform curators for each territory. Develop territory-specific curator outreach rather than generic global pitches—personalise by region.

Monitor which playlists accept the track in each territory and which radio stations add it to rotation. Document adds by territory and reach—this data proves ROI to the client.

Provide client with detailed breakdown: coverage count, outlets, reach, broadcast/playlist adds, and estimated audience impact per territory. Include comparisons to previous campaigns if available.

Note which outlets, curators, and channels delivered strongest results per territory. Identify any bottlenecks (slow response, technical issues, cultural misalignment) to improve next campaign.

Verify all invoices match agreed rates and deliverables. Document currency conversions and payment dates for accounting. Flag any disputes immediately rather than letting them accumulate.