Example of an EPK
WHAT IS AN EPK in Music?
What does EPK stand for? An EPK or electronic press kit is a professional music resume for musicians, artists, bands, and DJs. It’s your online media and marketing portfolio, designed to provide simple access to your essential information.
An EPK also showcases your talents to the music industry. It helps promoters, booking agents , music journalists, record labels, fans, and other industry professionals learn more about you and your music.
This essential tool will help you make the best first impression on the music industry. That’s why creating the perfect EPK is vital to your success as an artist in this competitive environment!
------------------
An EPK should feature your artist bio, music, promotional photos, tour dates, high-quality videos, relevant media, achievements, links to your social media, and contact details. A successful EPK represents you as an artist, your brand, and your musical identity.
Before you create your press kit, consider these best practices:
- Keep your EPK simple and to the point . Provide all your relevant information in a way that’s scannable and easy to read. Also, keep your EPK concise and relevant.
- Include your best material and important details . Put your best foot forward, and make a great first impression.
- Make sure your EPK represents your brand accurately . Don’t overhype, exaggerate, lie, or include irrelevant information.
- Create an EPK that stands out from the competition . Make it eye-catching and unique without going overboard.
- Be cautious of the file size when attaching it to emails . Large digital files may get flagged, sent to the Spam folder, or rejected by the recipient. Instead, link to your content on the web such as SoundCloud and YouTube.
- Avoid sending .zip files or other compressed file attachments with your email . These files will not get opened.
---------------------------
1. LINKS TO YOUR MUSIC
Your music is one of the most crucial elements in your EPK. Provide links to stream your best songs instead of music files. This way, people can listen to your music without having to download it first.
Also, people may only play the first few songs featured, so make sure your three best tracks are at the top of the list! Not sure how to rank your music? Turn to fan feedback, purchase history, production quality, or stream counts to help you decide.
2. ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
This section showcases your music career. Include brief details of previous or upcoming releases, milestone achievements, collaborations, recent shows at notable venues, compelling quotes, and any significant endorsements.
Artist bios should be relevant, well-written, clear, and concise. Provide enough detail to give insight and sell your great story, without making it tiresome to read. Avoid telling your entire musical journey.
3. PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS AND ALBUM ARTWORK
Also, include a variety of vertical and horizontal hi-resolution images. Give media outlets, publicists , and promoters options to use photos for varying layouts. For example, in a press release, flyer, blog, web page, etc.
Think about the vibe and style you want to convey. Consider shots of live shows, music studio, daily living, your fashion, etc.
4. LOGOS AND BRANDING ASSETS
Provide your logo or branding material if you have any. Also, include a scalable vector image of your logo for promoters and venues. They will likely use these assets on promotional materials.
5. HIGH-QUALITY MUSIC VIDEOS
Videos that capture your artistic personality or demonstrate your live performances will likely help you. Music and promotional videos also provide media content for writers to share with their readers.
Moreover, media outlets are more likely to feature an artist with impressive videos that accompany their music. Similarly, promoters are more likely to book you for a gig if you have a great live video showing off your chops and stage presence.
6. EMBEDDED LINKS TO YOUR ASSETS
Provide clear links to your online presence. Include a direct link to your website, social media, music, videos, merch store, and other important details about your brand.
7. PRESS AND TESTIMONIALS
Have you been featured or interviewed on music websites or magazines? Include short quotes, relevant mentions, and links to press coverage.
Also, add a few of the best favorable reviews or testimonials from the most notable and respected industry professionals. A few key points of interest will help build your profile, credibility, and presentation.
8. TOUR DATES AND SHOW INFORMATION
Do you have upcoming events or tour dates? Listing forthcoming gigs, tours, or shows helps booking agents work around your current schedule. Also, anyone who mentions you on the radio, in a blog post, or podcast can help promote those gig dates.
Moreover, ensure you’re providing an updated calendar with relevant show information. You never know who may come to your next show and change your music career!
9. CONTACT DETAILS
Finally, don’t forget to provide your contact information. Make it easy for people to reach you. Provide your email, contact number, etc. Also, include your management team’s contact details, if applicable.
If you have an artist website, consider linking to a contact form. Here, people can ask questions, submit inquiries, etc.