What we talk about when we talk about release

This year you’ve heard us repeatedly extoll the importance of releasing our work as artists and creative people. What do we mean when we say release?

A release is a way of honoring a work

As Tyler the Creator told us this summer, when we put out creative work we’re not promoting ourselves, we’re honoring the time and effort that went into making it. Too many people treat their creative output like fast fashion (h/t Nick Susi). We owe it more.

A release introduces a new work in your catalog

A release is something you’re saying belongs in your canon. Part of your legacy. It’s not some throwaway thing. This one counts. Taxonomies and catalog numbers help establish this deeper universe.

A release shares the context and why

Content is king and context is queen. Understanding where a work comes from and what universe it exists within is what makes something special and valuable. Releasing establishes the context that lets the work be properly seen.

A release invites others to participate 

A release is not meant to be passive. It invites an audience to engage, watch, purchase, attend, or exchange. Releases are established ways for creative people to monetize their work and be rewarded for what they do.

Releasing versus posting

Posting is how creative people have shared work for the past decade. Releasing much more enthusiastically celebrates creative work.

We’re not going to make a more enriching, empowering, and uplifting creative ecosystem by posting more. We’ll make it, together, by re-discovering what it means to release.

A future release

In October, Metalabel will introduce a new universe for all creative people to release. If you’re interested in being a part of it, tell us about what you’re working on here.