Who This Is For

This guide is for:

• Solo creators
• New or small audiences
• AI music as the primary output
• No label, no team, no paid promotion required

If you are publishing music while learning in public, this applies to you.

How to Use This Calendar

• Execute in the current season
• Prepare for the next season
• Expect results after sustained effort, not immediately

If you only show up during the season itself, you are already late.

Simple rule:
If you want attention in Month X, start behaving like that creator in Month X–2.

Key 2026 Attention Anchors (Canada + Online Markets)

These dates reliably shift attention, listening behavior, and spending patterns.

• Jan 1 – New Year’s Day
• Feb 16 – Family Day (many Canadian provinces)
• Apr 3 – Good Friday
• Apr 5 – Easter Sunday
• May 18 – Victoria Day
• Jul 1 – Canada Day
• Aug 3 – Civic Holiday (common Canadian anchor)
• Sep 7 – Labour Day
• Oct 12 – Canadian Thanksgiving
• Nov 11 – Remembrance Day
• Nov 26 – U.S. Thanksgiving
• Nov 27 – Black Friday
• Nov 30 – Cyber Monday
• Dec 25 – Christmas Day
• Dec 26 – Boxing Day

Online attention often follows U.S. retail cycles even for Canadian creators.

Q1 — Foundation & Fresh-Start Season (January–March)

What this season is for

Establishing identity and training both algorithms and listeners to understand what you do.

Audience behavior

People plan, learn, and reset. Attention is quieter but more focused.

Key dates

• Jan 1
• Feb 16

Early-Stage AI Music Creators (0–6 months)

What to do now

• Commit to one clear musical lane
• Release consistently, even if quality varies
• Build a starter catalog (target 5–15 tracks)
• Share process: versions, changes, lessons
• Choose one primary platform and show up weekly

Focus

• Output over polish
• Recognition over reach

AI music grows faster when evolution is visible.

Established AI Music Creators / System-Level Brands

What to do now

• Define themes or arcs for the year
• Organize catalog, versions, and naming
• Publish explanatory or educational content
• Prepare systems that support spring growth

Focus

• Clarity
• Trust
• Repeatable workflows

Ramp-up timing

To benefit from New Year attention, start early December 2025.

Q2 — Spring Growth & Discovery (April–June)

What this season is for

Expanding reach and learning what resonates.

Audience behavior

People explore new creators and share more freely.

Key dates

• Apr 3–5 (Easter window)
• May 18

Early-Stage AI Music Creators

What to do now

• Increase release frequency if possible
• Revisit and improve earlier tracks
• Publish alternate versions or arrangements
• Engage with other AI music creators
• Begin simple audience capture (followers or email)

Focus

• Discovery
• Feedback
• Iteration

Releasing improved versions is normal in AI music.

Established AI Music Creators / System-Level Brands

What to do now

• Release structured projects or themed drops
• Expand intentionally to additional platforms
• Share breakdowns or case studies
• Turn attention into owned audience

Focus

• Momentum
• Connection

Ramp-up timing

Start February to early March to benefit from April–May attention.

Q3 — Summer Dip & Refinement (July–September)

What this season is for

Improving quality and preparing for fall.

Audience behavior

Mid-summer engagement often dips. Algorithms still learn.

Key dates

• Jul 1
• Aug 3
• Sep 7

Early-Stage AI Music Creators

What to do now

• Maintain consistency even if numbers slow
• Experiment with formats or genres
• Review what performed best earlier
• Improve structure and sound quality
• Prepare stronger releases for September

Focus

• Persistence
• Improvement

Creators who stop here usually lose Q4 momentum.

Established AI Music Creators / System-Level Brands

What to do now

• Finalize fall releases and assets
• Tighten branding, metadata, and organization
• Segment audience interests
• Prepare Q4 packaging and messaging

Focus

• Precision
• System strength

Ramp-up timing

For Labour Day and fall reset attention, start July.

Q4 — Fall Focus, Conversion & Reflection (October–December)

What this season is for

Commitment, support, and decisions.

Audience behavior

People buy, follow, and decide who they will carry into the next year.

Key dates

• Oct 12
• Nov 11
• Nov 26–30
• Dec 25–26

Early-Stage AI Music Creators

What to do now

• Package your strongest work (EP or themed set)
• Clearly state who your music is for
• Ask directly for follows, saves, and shares
• Share lessons from the year

Focus

• Proof of progress
• Clarity

Late November is not a good time to introduce yourself. Momentum must already exist.

Established AI Music Creators / System-Level Brands

What to do now

• Execute major releases or re-releases
• Lean into monetization that fits your audience
• Publish year-in-review content
• Set expectations for the coming year

Focus

• Conversion
• Stability

Common Beginner Timing Mistakes

• Starting on the date instead of before it
• Releasing one track and waiting
• Disappearing during summer
• Expecting Q4 results without Q3 work

Final Grounding

AI music brands are built through:

• Consistency
• Catalog depth
• Clear timing

What you publish now determines what works next season.