One of the most important elements of a new musician's introduction is the press kit. Often, a press kit can make or break an opportunity. A musician cannot possibly meet with everyone in person. Further, making an impression from the beginning is vital. Therefore, the press kit is a musician's chance to make a bold impact.
Press kits can be electronic (EPK) or hardcopy. Whatever format
you choose do not cut corners. Remember, this is your introduction and it will
speak volumes for your brand in the long run. This does not mean that you have
to spend every dime your have creating your press kit. Find the best value for
your budget and take your time deliberating what illuminates your image best.
Your press kit should include your biography, demo cd,
promotional photos, and any press articles about your band. Live Unsigned Blog lists
some additional components that you may wish to consider including like a cover
letter. However, it’s important to make sure that you get the basic components
well organized. Presentation is everything.
Because your press kit will go places that you will not
making it look good is paramount. MusicThinkTank provides a few suggestions
that you can use to make your kit stand out among the many. As a programming
director for an Internet radio station, I can attest that unprofessional kits
do not get heard. If a press kit hits my desk that has the contact information
written on a CDR in Sharpie marker, it’s unlikely that I will listen to it. The
content may be stellar but if you don’t take the time and care to package it
properly then what does that say for your intent as an artist?
The bottom line is that you must consistently put your best
foot forward. Your press kit will proceed you in most of the situations that
are important to your career therefore, make certain that it makes a proper
statement about you. Take your time and make sure every element looks
professional. One additional tip is to make certain that you put your contact
information on everything. If elements should become detached from the package,
executives can still contact you rather than walking around with your hot track
lamenting the opportunity to work with the next musical genius.
Looking for electronic press kit (EPK) resources? Try these...
Dawn,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very helpful post and you make a great point. It is so important for artists to take their gifts and crafts seriously. The amount that people invest in their own dreams reflects how much they value themselves and what they have to offer. I once went to a seminar that comedian Akintunde hosted and he stated that he knew of comedians who got booked based on their press kit material and when they performed they were good, but their kits reflected greatness. Press kits allow everyone to put their best foot forward and the opportunity should be taken advantage of! An impressive press kit combined with a stellar performance definitely increases the opportunity for success! Thanks!
Dawn,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post! Before reading your post, I had no idea what was included in a press kit. However, after reading your blog I have a better understanding of what is. You are right. When an artist wants to break into any industry, how an individual presents themselves can either make or break them. If the artists truly desires to be in the music industry, their press kit really will tell you that from the time that they put into it. If its neat and looks professional you can tell they are serious about their craft. It seems to be like sending a resume'. If there are repetitive errors, no one is going to want to take the time to review your resume'. Your post was very informative, and it will really help those artists who want to break into the industry.
Dawn,
ReplyDeleteThank you this is very helpful because I deal with EPK's myself and I definitely will take your advice as far as not putting all my money into a press kit. I think a press kit in todays technology is so much similar to a resume as we use to call it. Presentation is ALWAYS key. If an individual want's that gig then he or she will take the time to get their press kit together.
Best of Luck!!