Are you dreaming of peppermint lattes and holiday music… in July? That might be exactly what you need to ensure your holiday music projects and gigs hit the ground running when the festive season arrives! In this week’s episode, host Bree Noble dives into practical, actionable steps to help female musicians maximize the next few months for a successful holiday release and booking schedule.
Why Start Now? Bree stresses that the holiday season sneaks up faster than we think. Many venues and events start booking holiday acts in summer, so setting your plan in motion now can make the difference between a hectic December and a truly rewarding one.
Holiday Release Roadmap Bree walks through a clear, month-by-month timeline—starting as early as July—to help you take your holiday single, EP, or album from idea to fans’ hands:
July – Plan & Book: Map out your vision and secure studio time if needed. Home recorders, start organizing your schedule (childcare included, as Bree shares!).
August – Song Selection: Make a master list of every song you might want to record, then whittle it down. Don’t forget to consider arrangements—whether you purchase, create, or commission them—and think about inviting special guest musicians.
September – Record & Design: Lay down your tracks in the studio or at home, and get your artwork sorted. This is also when to order merch, especially if you’re hoping to offer holiday-themed items at your shows.
October – Prep for Launch: Time for mixing, mastering, and—if you’re making physical copies—duplication or pressing. Bree highly recommends pre-order campaigns, which can help you finance your release before the products arrive.
November – Market & Distribute: Set up your digital distribution, craft your marketing materials, and prep your website for sales. Record behind-the-scenes or story-driven videos now, so you’re not overloaded during release week.
December – Perform, Sell, Celebrate: Support your new music with mini tours, bundle your merch and CDs for easy gift buys at shows, and continue online marketing. Make gifting easy for your fans (wrapped merch goes a long way!).
Tips for Savvy Musicians Bree’s episode is filled with reminders that can help you stand out:
Consider offering both holiday music and themed merch, even if you’re not releasing new music this year.
Get creative with pre-order bonuses and online release parties.
Make your performance merch “gift-ready”—it’s a subtle prompt for fans heading to parties.
Get Involved Bree encourages everyone to share their new releases, submit their holiday songs to her Women of Substance holiday series, and connect with the supportive community inside the Female Musician Accelerator.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to tackle what can seem like a daunting holiday project with clarity and confidence. Ready to sleigh (pun intended) this holiday season? Now’s the time to start!
Catch the full episode for more details, and keep an eye out for more helpful industry insights to help you power your creative business year-round!