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?