Instead of releasing a full-length album for a new band do one song or two songs, then one song... Then an EP. Then where you have a following do a full-length release. Starting a new band and releasing a full length right from the start can be tempting. If you do not have everything below already setup then it will may not bring you want you want from the start.
You have to start building a network before you start your band/recording. This will take several months to get everything going. So, start this BEFORE you do anything else with your band.
1- Advocates - people who already have their own network
Examples music journalists, bloggers, people who run a podcasts, or run a radio show etc.
You first need to find the right ones. Example, find the radio show that plays only your niche of music and target them. Do the same with blogger etc.
When you look for these people be interested in them. Tell them they have a great show and you found several bands they talked about that you really like. Just start a conversation with them then later bring up your band. Later could be 2 week later or 2 months later. Just offer to help them first. Tell them you loved the band they had in last week. Tell them you are friends with this other great band (only if you actually are) and he/she should check them out and maybe have them on the show. Do what you can to help them out and they will probably return the favor weeks or months later when you bring up your band.
Do not just do this with one DJ or blogger do it with 5 or 10 at the same time. Then set it in your calendar to follow up with them. The follow up is the MOST important thing you can do. This will keep the communication open and you will be top of their minds when the right time comes.
2- Allies – other bands/people who you can cross platform with play shows together tour with etc
Other musicians, or engineers, producers, videographers, cartoonists, etc.
Depending on your genera of music you can collaborate with other artists. Have another band do a vocal track on one of your songs. Have someone play keyboard of your songs. Play on their song if you can. Go on tour together. Put out a split EP. Contact people involved in media, cartoons, youtube etc. Tell them you have a band and you would love them to use one of your songs. Do this with as many this as you can. Remember to ALWAYS follow with ALL of them.
3- Audience –
You need to perform live as much as you can. You need to play outside of your area. You need to do this as much as you can. Do not just play locally. Do it again and again and again. The more you play live the more people will hear your music. When you play make sure you have merch to sell. This is how they will remember you. CDs (yes, these are still a top seller at shows), t-shirts etc.
4- Hired guns
PR people, people who can help you promote. You need to have all the steps above done before you start to look for a person to PR or manage your band. Having all these 4 steps done and working and continue to be working is what record labels look for. You do not have to have the best band around to make this work. You could be the best band in the world but if you do not do these steps you will probably fail. If your band is mediocre and you follow these steps you will probably have a much greater chance than the better band who does not follow these steps at all.
Follow these above steps and you will be years ahead of other bands who do nothing (which is most of the bands around today).