In today’s digital age, having a well-crafted electronic press kit (EPK) is essential for musicians looking to promote their music and connect with industry professionals. An EPK serves as a comprehensive package that showcases your talent, highlights your accomplishments, and provides essential information to media outlets, promoters, and record labels. In this blog post, we will guide you through what to include in your EPK so that you can make a lasting impression on those important industry professionals.
Types of EPKs
The One-Sheet
A one-sheet EPK is a concise, single-page document that provides a snapshot of the artist or band and their work. One-sheet EPKs are a great way to quickly grab the attention of the recipient and tend to be the most effective.
They’re often used for promoting a release, getting your music playlisted, booking a gig, etc. A common way to make an efficient one-sheet is by creating an eye-grabbing pdf and using hyperlinks to share your music, videos, social media, etc. You want your one-sheet to look clean and professional, so we recommend using a service like Canva or Visme to create it.
Website EPK
A website EPK is a dedicated section or page within a website that provides comprehensive information about the artist. The website EPK provides a more immersive and comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to dive into the artist’s work in greater detail than a one-sheet. It can be continually updated with new content and serves as a central resource for press inquiries, collaborations, and networking. Some recommended services for creating a stellar website are Wix, ReverbNation, and Squarespace.
What to Include in Your Press Kit
1. Professional Biography
The first step in creating an EPK is to craft a compelling artist biography. This section should provide an engaging overview of your musical journey, highlighting your influences, accomplishments, and unique selling points. Make sure to include any notable performances, awards, collaborations, or press coverage to establish your credibility as an artist. Check out our guide to craft your perfect bio.
2. Select High-Quality Press Photos
Visuals play a significant role in capturing attention. Include a selection of high-quality, professional press photos that represent your brand and musical style. Hire a photographer who specializes in capturing musicians or invest in a quality camera to take eye-catching pictures. Remember, your press photos should be visually appealing and reflect your personality as an artist.
3. Showcase Your Music
Your EPK should feature a section dedicated to showcasing your music. This is one of the most important sections since those promoters and bookers are going to want to hear what your music is all about before anything else.
Include a variety of your best tracks to demonstrate your versatility as a musician. Provide streaming links for easy access.
4. Include Videos
Videos are powerful tools for engaging audiences and showcasing your stage presence. Incorporate high-quality performance videos, music videos, or behind-the-scenes footage to give industry professionals a taste of your live performances and visual aesthetic. If possible, include links to your YouTube or Vimeo channels to encourage further exploration.
5. Press Coverage and Testimonials
In this section, include any positive press coverage you have received, such as reviews, interviews, or features in reputable publications. These accolades serve as social proof and validate your talent.
Additionally, consider incorporating testimonials from industry professionals, fellow musicians, or satisfied fans to further establish your credibility and likability.
6. Achievements
If you have achieved any notable milestones, such as chart placements, awards, or industry recognition, be sure to include them here.
7. Contact Information
Make it easy for industry professionals to get in touch with you. Include your contact information, such as your email address, phone number, and links to your official website and social media profiles. Ensure that the information is up to date and that you are readily available for inquiries or opportunities.
While it’s important to include all relevant information, keep in mind that industry professionals receive numerous EPKs daily. Ensure your EPK is concise and easy to navigate, focusing on the most important aspects of your music career. Use a clean and organized layout with clear headings, subheadings, and sections to enhance readability.
By following these steps and paying attention to the quality of your content, you can create an EPK that effectively showcases your talent and attracts the attention of industry professionals. Remember to regularly update your EPK to reflect your latest achievements and keep it relevant in a fast-paced industry.