Music release embargo times
Album drops, single premieres and review embargoes all break the same way. One moment, many timezones. Convert it once, paste the block into your email, and every music journalist reads the same time.
Album drop embargo template
Use this template after the recipient has accepted the embargo.
Subject: [EMBARGOED, {Release date}] {Artist}, "{Track/Album}"
Hi {First name},
Thanks for confirming the embargo.
Please do not publish before:
• 06:00 PT, Thursday 24 September 2026
• 09:00 ET, Thursday 24 September 2026
• 14:00 BST, Thursday 24 September 2026
• 15:00 CEST, Thursday 24 September 2026
Streaming link (private): {link}
Press photos: {link}
Short pitch: {one sentence}
Happy to set up an interview with {Artist}. Let me know.
{Your name}
{Label / PR agency}Need different timezones or a different moment? Open the full Embargo Timer and generate a fresh block in seconds.
Where music embargoes bite
- Global Friday release day is 00:00 local, not one instant.
- Review embargoes usually lift 2 to 5 days before the retail drop.
- Streaming premieres (Beats 1, BBC Radio 1) run on their own clock. Spell it out.
- Time-sensitive interviews should be booked in the artist's home timezone, not the outlet's.
Music embargoes are not all the same
A release date, a review embargo and a premiere embargo can all point to different moments. The release date is when listeners can hear the music. The review embargo is when critics can publish. A premiere embargo is often tied to one outlet, one radio show or one video drop.
Spell out which one you mean. A music journalist should know whether they can post a review, share a quote, embed a stream, publish an interview, or only hold the assets for later.
Album or EP campaign
Send the private stream early, then set a review embargo a few days before release day. Include PT, ET, GMT/BST, CET and JST if the artist has international press.
Single or video premiere
Lead with the outlet's timezone, then add the label and artist markets. If the premiere sits on YouTube, radio or DSP timing, mention that too.
Before emailing music press
- Say whether the embargo covers reviews, interviews, snippets or all coverage.
- Include private stream links, press photos, credits and the artist bio.
- Call out local midnight releases if the track rolls out by market.
- Use one clear timezone block instead of separate times in separate paragraphs.
- Confirm whether quotes can be used before the full review embargo lifts.
Music release FAQ
When do music embargoes typically lift?
Many major music releases use a Friday release cycle, but timing can vary by platform, territory and campaign. Review embargoes for critics often lift a few days earlier so US and European press can publish the same morning.
Should I use the release moment or the review embargo moment?
Use the review embargo moment when emailing music journalists. Use the release moment in advance notice emails to retail and DSP partners.
How do I handle a global Friday release across timezones?
When a release is set to local midnight per market, it is staggered across roughly a full day. Note that clearly in the email, and use one embargo moment (with timezones) when the review or premiere is a single global instant.
What info goes in a music embargo email besides the time?
Artist, release title, format (single, EP, album), label, streaming links (pre-save or private stream), press photos, a short pitch, and interview availability. Keep the embargo line itself short and clear.
Is Embargo Timer free for music PR?
Yes. Free, no sign-up. Convert any moment to PT, ET, GMT, CET, JST and more, and copy a ready-to-paste block.
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Built from real PR work
Hi, I'm Raoul. I spent more than 15 years working on PR campaigns and international launches. At Wrong Floor, I build simple digital tools for work that takes longer than it should. Embargo Timer is one of them.
Got a PR task that still takes too much time, or an idea for a tool that should exist? Send it my way.