Your Press Kit
Nowadays bands really need to set themselves apart with a good looking press kit. Make yourself stand out, do something creative but DO NOT make it annoying. Labels and Venues aren't making as much money and don't take chances like they use to, they want a band that's already out there making things happen for themselves. Here are some items that are crucial in a successful press kit presentation.
Cover Letter
Always include a cover letter attached to the front of your press kit. Address the letter to the person you are sending your press kit to. Let them know why you are sending it, especially if you've met or had a conversation in some way. (Email, Phone, Etc.)
Press Kit Front Page
Promo Photo
I great promo shot is crucial, get a real photographer to make the band look great. Usually the girlfriend coming in snapping photos is not going to cut it. Labels, especially want a product they can sell. Look up a few signed bands, check out there photos and go for that kind of quality. A black and white photo with your band logo and contact on the bottom still seems to be a good standard.
Press Kit Backside
Bio
Let them know what the band is all about, where you came from what your goals are and who the members are. Keep it short and to the point, whoever is reading it probably has hundreds of others to go through.
Press Info
Include basic one or two line quotes from recent press coverage including interviews, reviews, writeups etc. Hopefully this area will get better as your band matures along.
Included materials:
CD
Make sure the first song sounds great and is well written, you'll probably have about 30 seconds or less to grab someone's attention. There is no excuse for a poor sounding recording these days with so many affordable project studios popping up. I would recommend sending your 3 best songs, they'll ask for more if they are interested. Get the cd's pressed and clearly labeled with your contact on the case and on the cd!
Extra
Video Footage
If you have some great live footage or a well put together video include a separate cd, clearly labeled.
Tour History
If you've toured a bit list the basic details on a separate sheet. A tour history definitely shows them you're out there working hard.
Include your contact info on EVERYTHING
Cover Letter
Always include a cover letter attached to the front of your press kit. Address the letter to the person you are sending your press kit to. Let them know why you are sending it, especially if you've met or had a conversation in some way. (Email, Phone, Etc.)
Press Kit Front Page
Promo Photo
I great promo shot is crucial, get a real photographer to make the band look great. Usually the girlfriend coming in snapping photos is not going to cut it. Labels, especially want a product they can sell. Look up a few signed bands, check out there photos and go for that kind of quality. A black and white photo with your band logo and contact on the bottom still seems to be a good standard.
Press Kit Backside
Bio
Let them know what the band is all about, where you came from what your goals are and who the members are. Keep it short and to the point, whoever is reading it probably has hundreds of others to go through.
Press Info
Include basic one or two line quotes from recent press coverage including interviews, reviews, writeups etc. Hopefully this area will get better as your band matures along.
Included materials:
CD
Make sure the first song sounds great and is well written, you'll probably have about 30 seconds or less to grab someone's attention. There is no excuse for a poor sounding recording these days with so many affordable project studios popping up. I would recommend sending your 3 best songs, they'll ask for more if they are interested. Get the cd's pressed and clearly labeled with your contact on the case and on the cd!
Extra
Video Footage
If you have some great live footage or a well put together video include a separate cd, clearly labeled.
Tour History
If you've toured a bit list the basic details on a separate sheet. A tour history definitely shows them you're out there working hard.
Include your contact info on EVERYTHING
