Run a relay

Last updated 22 October 2026

One track, passed hand to hand. Nobody starts from scratch.

Someone writes a short idea and passes it on. Each person builds on what is already there, and what comes out the other end is something none of you would have made alone. Collabspot keeps track of whose turn it is, and only they can upload.

It isn't only for producers. A vocalist, a guitarist, a mix or mastering engineer can each take a turn, and everyone brings their own style.

1. When it is your turn

You get an email. If you were tagged from outside the project, accept the invitation under Needs you on your Projects tab. Then open the project: everything you need is on the relay card at the top.

1. Download the latest version, and the Stems if the person before you left a link.
2. Make your part. Add, layer, flip it, take it somewhere new.
3. Upload your part: the full bounce, everything so far plus yours. Name it for what you did, like added 808s and a vocal chop, so everyone can follow the track changing.
4. Who's next? Pick someone on the project and their turn starts straight away. Or type anyone's artist name, or switch to Email for someone not on Collabspot yet: their turn starts when they accept.

Can't make it? Pass without uploading and still pick who is next. Changed your mind before they accept? Untag them and pick again. Until it is your turn you can listen to every version and leave notes.

2. Starting one

Make a fresh project, because a relay of ten needs room for ten versions, and tap Start a relay under the people on the project page. Choose how many people, two to twelve including you, and how long each turn gets: 24, 48 or 72 hours, or no limit. You go first: upload the idea, then tag who is next.

Already uploaded the idea? The setup asks whether it counts as your turn. Count it and you go straight to tagging who is next; it becomes Relay #1. Versions from before the relay don't count otherwise: they're where your first turn starts.

As the owner you can Skip someone who has gone quiet and pick who goes instead, untag anyone's pick, or pick for someone who hasn't. Anyone who doesn't pick gets an email nudge. Stop the relay for everyone ends it early, and every version stays.

3. House rules

Agree these before the first note. They are what stops a relay falling apart at leg six.

• Build on it, don't replace it. The point is to hear where the idea goes. "Add only" is the simplest rule and makes the best story.
• Upload the full bounce. One stereo file of the whole track so far, same tempo and key.
• Stems are a link, not a requirement. Paste a Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive or WeTransfer link when you name your version.
• Start small, keep the clock short. A short loop leaves room for nine other people. 48 hours is long enough for a real idea and short enough that nobody sits on it.
• Post every leg. Each upload is a before-and-after: play the last version, then the new one, and tag who is next.
• Stay on the project until the credits are signed. Leave early and your credit cannot be.

4. The finish line

When the last person uploads, the card reads Relay complete. Every version stays, marked Relay #1 to the last, so you can play the first idea next to the finished track. The owner taps Sign the credits, everyone who uploaded is already down for production, everyone signs, and the track lands on all your maps.

Ready?

• Open Collabspot and start a project for it.
• New here? Getting started covers everything else.
• Stuck? Write to support@collabspot.app.