You’re ready to book shows, pitch press, land playlist placements, or impress a label. Great! But first, a question: do you have an EPK? And no, not just a folder with your headshot and that one review your cousin wrote.
An EPK — Electronic Press Kit — is your all-in-one passport to the music industry. Think of it as your band’s digital résumé, bio, elevator pitch, tour poster, and awards wall all rolled into one. It tells your story, shows your professionalism, and gives busy people exactly what they need to say “yes” to you.
Here’s what every EPK should include — and why.
1. Bio (Short and Long Versions)
You need two versions: a short bio for quick social and media blurbs, and a longer one for press, festivals, and grants. Your bio should capture your sound, your story, your influences, and what sets you apart — in a voice that feels like you. This is the first thing most bookers, journalists, and industry folks will read. Make it count.
2. High-Quality Photos
You don’t need to look like Beyoncé on a Vogue cover — but you do need high-res, well-lit, recent promo photos. Include both portrait (vertical) and landscape (horizontal) formats. These are for concert posters, playlists, articles, thumbnails, and social banners. No blurry iPhone shots from last year’s basement show, please.
3. Music (Stream & Download Links)
Include links to your latest singles, albums, or EPs — ideally on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, or SoundCloud. Want to go above and beyond? Provide private download links for media who need WAV/MP3 files. Make it easy to hear what you sound like — and keep it updated.
4. Video
Bookers and media want to see you in action. Include one or two live performance clips, a music video, or a promo reel. This is where your stage presence and personality shine. A great live clip can be the deciding factor between getting booked or being passed over.
5. Press Coverage & Quotes
If someone’s said something nice about you, show it off! Paste a few key quotes from blogs, radio hosts, or reviews — even if they’re smaller outlets. Don’t overdo it with a wall of text — just a few strong lines that capture your sound or vibe.
6. Notable Achievements
Charted on a local playlist? Opened for a name artist? Funded by a grant or played a showcase? List your highlights — festivals, radio spins, sync placements, tour dates, awards, or milestones. These give industry folks a snapshot of your momentum.
7. Contact Information & Socials
You’d be amazed how many artists forget this. Make it easy for someone to get in touch with you or your rep. Include:
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Email
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Management or booking info (if applicable)
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Website
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Links to Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.
And make sure your social handles match across platforms if possible — that’s branding 101.
8. One-Sheet (Optional but Awesome)
Want to impress a label, grant panel, or festival curator? Include a one-sheet: a single PDF that visually summarizes your bio, links, photos, and press in one quick-glance page. Think of it as your “band on a page” poster — it shows you’re organized, serious, and press-ready.
Your music is amazing. But don’t make people dig for it. Your EPK is your first impression, your calling card, and your chance to stand out in an industry where attention spans are measured in milliseconds.
Give them everything they need to get excited about you — fast, clean, and confidently. If you’re still looking for help, or have any questions, or looking for more information, email me, I’ll be happy to chat – Eric@ThatEricAlper.com and talk soon!