WELCOME TO
Release marketing & growth support for independent artists
A decade in artist & label services
1000+ release campaigns supported
Data led, artist first
Modular marketing support
ABOUT US
Launch Music That Lands
With 15+ years in the industry, Rich Orchard is a trusted release marketing specialist who, over the past decade, has worked across and led hundreds of successful digital-release campaigns - combining best practice strategy with hands-on execution across distribution, playlists, PR, ads and conversion, working across release campaigns for the likes of Jack Savoretti, Lady Nade, Ellie Dixon, McFly, James Walsh, Steps, The Longest Johns, Deep Purple, Beth McCarthy, The Sherlocks and many more.
Having served as UK & European Director for CD Baby (Downtown Music), Head of Digital at Absolute Label Services, and Managing Director at Horus Music, he has experience spanning indies, majors, and a wide range of DIY and self-releasing artists, labels and management teams.
In the music sync world, he previously headed music supervision for Activision Blizzard on AAA videogame franchise titles, Guitar Hero Live and DJ Hero.
A regular speaker at the likes of BBC Introducing Live, AIM Connected, Ireland Music Week, Reeperbahn, Resonate Glasgow, Future Independents and CD Baby's DIY Musician Conference, Formidable Music helps artists ship best-practice digital release strategies that move the needle - with clear goals, precision marketing, and measurable results.
OUR SERVICES
Modular services , tailored to artists
Plans for different stages. At different paces. But all built to meet you where you are, and move you forward with intention.
Testimonials
Our partnership over recent years with Rich has been a cornerstone of our record label success, and instrumental in elevating our small independent label to a world class level. His digital retail marketing knowledge and outstanding support has played a crucial role in our label artists reaching 25 million+ streams, and securing support across numerous DSP editorial playlists. The attentive and proactive service makes them a vital partner in our endeavors, and I'm grateful for our six years of fruitful collaboration.
FAQs
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No pay-for-play. No blasts. All playlists checked for bots. Genuine curators and outlets only.
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We run in two passes to learn, refine, and build momentum.
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All ad pilot campaigns are built manually, directly in Meta and/or TikTok Ads Manager to best-practice industry standards with proper tracking.
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Yes! All ad pilot campaigns include a fixed ad spend budget.
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We build a curated set for your release and run in two waves (learn, refine, re-target). Counts vary by genre and fit. You’ll see the full target list and outcomes in your report.
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No. We don’t pay for placements. What we do guarantee is a fit-first process with transparent reporting and clear next steps - plus options to amplify momentum with smart ads, if you wish.
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Everything is manually built in Ads Manager with clean structure, proper pixel/event tracking where available, and optimised for Engagement and real conversions (clicks through to your smartlink and DSPs) - not vanity metrics.
Book a free 30 minute Discovery call
How may we help? Book a free 30 minute Discovery call to discuss where you are at with your career and project, and how Formidable Music can help and support you achieving your goals.
Let’s plan your release.
Tell us about your next single or EP and where you need help: digital audit, launch essentials, playlist & PR pitching, TikTok or Meta ads, or perhaps something else?
We’ll reply with next steps.