Frontline Release
A new release receiving active marketing and promotion from a label.
Definition
A frontline release is a new album or single receiving active marketing support from a label, as opposed to catalog releases from the back catalog. Frontline titles get promotional budgets, playlist pitching, radio campaigns, and publicity efforts to maximize their initial commercial impact.
The frontline/catalog distinction affects how labels allocate resources and how royalty rates are sometimes calculated (with higher rates for catalog).
Why It Matters
Understanding frontline status helps artists know when they're receiving full label support versus being treated as catalog. Frontline periods are the window for maximum impact.
Release strategies should maximize the frontline period when promotional resources are available.
Examples in Practice
A new album receiving a 12-week frontline campaign before transitioning to catalog status.
Frontline releases getting priority playlist pitching and advertising budget from the label.
An artist extending their frontline period through strategic single releases maintaining momentum.