Apr 13, 2019

What Belongs In A Press Kit for Artists?

Create your own in just a few simple steps
To stand any chance of success, artists need to develop their own personal “brand” and then market themselves accordingly. And the best way of doing that is by using a press kit – a must-have tool for artists wanting to showcase their image and skills effectively. A&Rs and editors are especially picky when it comes to your brand. So stick your head out above the crowd, be original and leave a lasting impact – create that WOW factor that makes all the difference.

There are basically two kinds of press kit: electronic (EPK) and physical (PPK). Both of them have their advantages. If you tend to prefer using an electronic version, it’s also really important to have a physical version to hand. Not only do booking agents and labels prefer receiving physical press kits for artists, but they also leave a long-lasting impression and don’t end up in the trash straight away.

OK – So What Should I Include?

  • A cover letter: This is where you briefly introduce yourself and explain your intentions. Don’t include too much info here – it’s just an introduction.
  • Contact details: Make sure to also include your press, management and any other important contact details. It’s also a good idea to include a clear link to your EPK on your homepage.
  • Logo(s)
  • Band Bio: Here’s where you can really make yourself stand out! Write about your band’s history in an exciting and convincing way. And make sure to get it translated into English by a professional! (How a band bio should look like).
  • Demo CD: Although it’s enough to include links to song downloads and SoundCloud in an EPK, with a physical press kit you’ll need to include a good old demo cd. It’s really important to ensure that it’s a professional-quality recording!
  • Photos: They need to be high quality and printed out. The higher the resolution, the better the impact.
  • Discography: This should be as comprehensive as possible, including all of your releases to date.
  • Tour dates: They should be constantly updated and include the date, town/city and venue.
  • Interviews and press reviews: Select them according to your priorities and choose only the most impressive reviews that are likely to make the biggest impact.

 

And A Few Other Things To Bear In Mind:

  • Who, where, what and when are the most important details
  • Use a convincing title
  • Be authentic and individual
  • Short and sweet is best
  • Stick to a maximum of one page
  • Check your spelling and grammar

 

Fact: a physical press kit (PPK) is a lot more expensive and time-consuming, but also a lot more impressive than an EPK. The mere fact of having top quality printed images and text makes a big difference. But remember that the overall package is also really important – you shouldn’t just send a simple piece of paper. Get creative when considering how to make the biggest impact. Because who doesn’t prefer holding something physical in their hand?