Digital Urban Collective - Mack And Brown - Music, Art & Tech

5 Features Of A Great EPK [Musician Tips]

post by KM

electronic press kit epk sonicbids
An essential resource material that every musician should take pride in developing is your EPK, electronic press kit. EPKs are like digital resumes or profiles that promoters and individuals within the music industry examine to gauge the level and desirability of artists. A well-prepared and effective EPK can provide you with numerous booking, broadcasting, and licensing opportunities.

Much like crafting a sound job resume, there are key features within an EPK that are instituted for the best results. Here is a list of five requirements that every musician must include to create a powerful electronic press kit.

1. The Bio

This is the place to tell that amazing story about how everything started in the garage.

The bio section of the EPK should provide a brief write-up that includes some background information like hobbies, hometown, musical influences, etc. This information is used to explain to industry professionals what outside forces had an impact on shaping your music. Make it truthful, make it fun and make it count.

2. The Photo(s)

An EPK without a photo is like a movie without a main character.

Promoters and decision makers need to put a face to your music. Adding photos from rehearsals, live performances, the road, or simple head shots are more than necessary.

Tip: Including video and social media links are also worthwhile. Doing so can help to differentiate your EPK from others of similar quality.

3. The Music

As Sonicbids simply puts it "let the music do the talking." 

Uploading songs to your kit allows you to strategically select your best material and showcase your talent to the reviewer. Online services like ReverbNation and Sonicbids provide EPKs equipped with music streaming functionality. And the best part is that you don't need to be a tech wizard to implement this feature.

Tip: Including the lyrics to the track also creates an added benefit to the listener.

4. The Calendar

They say you never know where you're going until you know where you've been.

Promoters want to know where your music has been and will be played. They want to know that you have experience as a live performer. Let them see it on an up-to-date performance calendar. 

Keep a running calendar of gig dates and include it in the EPK. Not only does this convey your experience, but it also shows your work ethic as a live performer.

5. The Press

Sharing all the positive things others are saying about you doesn't make you egotistical. 

The industry professional reviewing your EPK wants to know what others are saying about your music. If at some point someone has written some kind words about you and your music this is the place to share it. 

Whether a blogger has made a post praising a single track or your entire album, or a YouTuber created a video review raving about your latest gig, it is important to add a quote and a link to this content. Displaying the opinions of others can help your cause and influence decision making.

Should you want to learn more about electronic press kits, I've included the following links to aid you in your quest:

If you have any tips or suggestions you'd like to share with us, please use the comments section below. And as always, be sure to share this post and subscribe to our site to get all of our posts via email. Cheers.