In the old days, physical press kits were paper-based and mailed old skool.
Today, music artists can use digital media for promotion. This is known as an electronic press kit, or EPK.
What is an EPK?
An Electronic Press Kit is a digital resume for all audiences that is the promotional materials, giving everyone an easy way to see what the band or your music is all about. Artists can use electronic press kits for a variety of reasons:
- Press coverage
- More bookings
- Reviews
- and so much more
What should I include in an Electronic Press Kt
- Bio
- Brand Material
- Photos/ Pictures
- Videos
- Music
- Press Articles or Reviews
- Any Achievements
- Social Media
- How do people Contact You
Artist Bio
A band bio should have two sections: the introduction and the body. Think of the introduction as your elevator pitch. Key things to mention in your intro include who you are, the genre of music you play, and your most impressive accomplishments. What headline would you create for you?
In the body, you want biographical details. You will find that you will need many at different lengths. Create a short and a long version of your bio.
Brand Material
You are not just selling your music, you are selling your entire brand. If you don’t have a logo, get one.
Photos
Spend the money and hire a professional to make you look amazing. A great photo will convey a professional first impression. It should make an industry professional instantly want to work with you. Ideally, you have several photos in different sizes and styles to meet various needs.
Videos
If you have music videos use them. It’s the best way to show off your music in today’s online world. If you’re trying to book more gigs, then be sure to include clips from live shows. If you’re promoting your new album and don’t yet have an official music video, include in-the-studio clips.
Music
This is the most important part
Put your best song(s) first. If you are promoting your latest release, put that song/album first.
Be sure to include descriptive text and/or quotes from reviews to give listeners some context before they listen. If you worked with another professional make sure to mention that, too. Just keep this text short and punchy.
Reviews, press, testimonials
Nothing adds legitimacy like glowing reviews, articles, or killer testimonials from music industry professionals.
Achievements and Highlights
- Have you won any awards?
- Have you opened up for a major artist?
- Been featured on a successful artist’s song?
- Played any notable venues?
Here’s where you want to brag about this.
Choose only your best achievements and be sure to keep this section updated.
Social media links
You not only want to include social media links to your accounts and pages, but also link to any streaming platforms you’re active on. This gives people an easy way to hear your music and adds legitimacy to your brand.
Contact information
You want to make it easy for the music industry to get in touch with you.
Be sure to include a call to action in your electronic press kit that drives people to do what you want them to.
Important things to remember
- Keep your EPK simple
- Keep it up-to-date
- Make it bold and professional
- Look at other artists’ EPKs to get ideas
- Keep file sizes small
- Have a printed version — aka a good old-fashioned physical press kit — ready to hand out at events and conferences.
- You know what goes great with an electronic press kit?
- Speaking of printed versions of EPKs, professional CDs are an amazing promotional tool, offering an easy way for industry pros to see and hear what you’re all about. Include URLs to your website and EPK on your CD artwork and all your promotional materials.