An Electronic Press Kit (EPK) is a digital portfolio that provides promoters, booking agents, journalists, and labels with everything they need to know about your band. It’s designed to make it easy for industry pros to learn about you, listen to your music, and book you for gigs.
An effective EPK can:
Get you booked for more shows and festivals.
Secure press coverage and interviews.
Attract label interest or management opportunities.
In short, a well-crafted EPK helps you look professional and ready for bigger stages. Let’s dive into what you need to include and how to make it stand out.
Your band bio is your chance to share your story and connect with your audience. It should be short but impactful, giving readers a sense of who you are and what you sound like.
What to Include:
Origin Story: How did the band form? What’s your journey so far?
Musical Style: Describe your sound in a way that paints a vivid picture. Compare your style to well-known bands to help readers understand your vibe.
Achievements: Mention any notable gigs, awards, or press coverage.
Current Plans: Are you releasing new music or going on tour? Let them know what’s next.
Pro Tip: Keep it concise. Two to three paragraphs are enough. Include both a short version (for quick reads) and a longer version for those who want more details.
Promoters and journalists need great photos to promote your band, so don’t settle for blurry phone pics. Invest in high-quality band photos that reflect your style and genre.
What to Include:
Promotional Shots: High-res images for flyers, posters, and press use.
Live Shots: Photos from your shows to capture your energy and stage presence.
Album Artwork: Include cover art for your latest releases.
Pro Tip: White-on-black band T-shirts look killer in photos. If you need custom merch for your next shoot, hit up My Merch Guy for bold, eye-catching designs!
Your EPK should make it easy for people to listen to your best tracks. Choose songs that best represent your sound and musical style.
What to Include:
Streaming Links: Include links to your music on Spotify, Apple Music, or Bandcamp.
Embedded Players: Make it easy to stream directly from your EPK.
Music Videos: Include links to official music videos or live performance videos.
Pro Tip: Keep it concise. Three to five of your best tracks are enough to showcase your talent without overwhelming the listener.
Video is the next best thing to seeing you live. Promoters want to know how you perform on stage and how you connect with the crowd.
What to Include:
Live Performance Videos: Choose high-quality footage that showcases your energy and stage presence.
Music Videos: Official music videos give a polished look at your artistic vision.
Behind-the-Scenes Clips: Short, candid videos help humanize your band and build a connection.
Pro Tip: Embed YouTube or Vimeo links directly into your EPK for easy viewing.
Social proof matters. If your band has been featured in music blogs, magazines, or has received positive reviews, include them in your EPK.
What to Include:
Press Quotes: Highlight short, impactful quotes from music blogs or magazines.
Full Reviews: Link to full reviews for those who want to read more.
Interview Links: Include links to any interviews or podcast appearances.
Pro Tip: Use bold text or quotation marks to make key phrases stand out.
Make it easy for industry pros to connect with you. Include all relevant contact information and social media links.
What to Include:
Social Media Links: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and any other platforms you’re active on.
Contact Info: Email address for bookings and press inquiries.
Booking Agent or Manager Info: If you have one, include their contact details.
Pro Tip: Keep your social media accounts active and professional. Promoters often check your online presence to gauge your fan engagement.
Make life easier for promoters and journalists by including downloadable assets. This includes high-res photos, your band logo, and a one-sheet with essential info.
What to Include:
High-Res Photos: At least one landscape and one portrait photo.
Band Logo: In both color and black-and-white versions.
One-Sheet: A concise, one-page document with your bio, latest release, and contact info.
Pro Tip: Make the files easy to download by using a Google Drive folder or Dropbox link.
You can host your EPK on your website or use platforms like Sonicbids, Bandzoogle, or even Google Drive for a quick and easy option. Choose a platform that allows for easy navigation and professional presentation.
Pro Tip: If you’re using your website, create a dedicated “Press” or “EPK” page that’s easy to find from your homepage.
An outdated EPK can hurt your chances of landing gigs or press coverage. Make sure to update it regularly with new music, photos, press quotes, and tour dates.
Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder to review and update your EPK every few months or after any major event like a tour or album release.
Creating a killer EPK takes time and effort, but it’s a powerful tool that can open doors to bigger gigs, press coverage, and more fans. Once your EPK is ready, share it confidently, knowing you’re putting your best foot forward.
Need bold, eye-catching merch to go along with your epic EPK? My Merch Guy has you covered with badass merch that makes a statement on and off stage. Contact us today to get started!
