For an independent musician, the traditional text resume just doesn’t cut it. Your electronic press kit, or EPK, is an indispensable tool for getting you and your music in front of promoters, booking agents, journalists, and other industry professionals.
A well-constructed EPK can make all the difference. Make sure these elements are included in your own EPK.
- Musician bio
Your bio serves two important purposes. Not only does it tell the reader who you are, but it helps create a connection with you as an artist.
Since different promoters and bookers will have their own requirements, create several versions of your bio to be used as appropriate.
- The “elevator pitch” is just what the name implies: one or two sentences that sum up the essence of who you are.
- You should also have short (1 paragraph), medium (2-3 paragraphs) and long (4+ paragraphs) versions prepared.
- Each one can be included as a downloadable file if you don’t want your EPK to appear cluttered.
As the saying goes, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, so put in the time to create bios that truly shine.
- Professional photos and album art
This is not the place to upload a photo that your friend snapped on their iPhone at your last gig. These should be carefully curated professional photos that can be used in layouts for marketing materials.
Choose images that promote your brand and communicate the image you want to convey. This could be pictures from live shows or inside the studio as well as personal shots from your everyday life.
Photos should be high-resolution with a mix of vertical and horizontal formats. Large graphics files can be uploaded to a cloud service and you can include a sharable link.
- Press and testimonials
Don’t be afraid to toot your own horn here! Include any mentions you’ve had in the press, such as positive reviews and quotes from interviews, along with testimonials from industry professionals. These all go a long way towards establishing your credibility.
- Audio links
It’s all about the music, so include links to audio files of your songs, whether they’re on Spotify, YouTube, or Soundcloud. It’s helpful to have a player with a play button loaded into your EPK so the music is just one click away. A sentence or two describing your music can add context. Some acts have started offering a free download as part of their EPK.
- Tech rider
Make life easier for booking agents by specifically listing tech needs for live shows, such as number of mics and plugs. This is a handy reference for any venue that you may end up playing.
- Social media links
Let’s face it. In this digital age, it’s virtually impossible to build a following without an online presence. Include links to your website along with your profiles on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms.
- Tour dates
Let people know when and where they can see you. Sharing information about upcoming appearances also gives people a chance to spread the word to others.
- Contact information
No matter how stellar the rest of your EPK is, it’s all for nothing if people can’t reach you. Include your email address, phone number, and any other contact resources. This is also a good place to link to a contact form on your website.
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Make sure you have professionally crafted music to go with your EPK. Contact us at Clear Lake Recording Studios to learn more about our comprehensive assortment of services.