While taking Entertainment and Media Production Distribution, at Full Sail University Online, I put together a mock press kit. “A press kit is a package of promotional material provided to members of the press to brief them, esp. about a product, service, or candidate.” (https://www.google.com/#q=what+is+a+press+kit)
When I first approached this assignment I was a little overwhelmed. Through this blog I will give helpful ideas and websites for putting together a press kit. It is easier than one may think.
The first and most important part of putting together a press kit is writing a query letter. A query letter is similar to a cover page; the letter is used to market the talent or artist. “A query letter has three concise paragraphs: the hook, the mini-synopsis, and your writer’s biography.” (http://www.agentquery.com/writer_hq.aspx) There are many sites out there for step by steps on how to write query letters.
Sites to use for writing query letters:
The second is having all the material you will need to sell your artist. The press kit is simply a marketing tool; therefore the content needs to precise and up to date. If there is one thing left out it could cause the agent to move onto the next press kit. With the internet and technology there is a way to do a press kit online, an Electronic Press Kit (EPK). However, for the purpose of this blog I did a paper version. The two are similar with the main exception that an EPK is on a website or blog. If interested there are sites that also have step by step for EPK. I would suggest using Reverbnation for putting together an EPK. Although an EPK is a good, it is also important to have a hard copy for your files.
What needs to be included in a press kit?
Cover letter/ Query letter- this allows them to know why you are sending the press kit
Artist Cover Page- introduction of the artist
Artist Bio Page
Pictures of the Artist
Music Equipment Page (optional)- some agents will want to know this info.
Booking Page/Band Contact information- this needs to have all the contact info. Phone number, email, website, business card
Demo CD- 3 or 4 songs ONLY
Song list/ Gig sheet- Where has the Artist performed
Lyric sheet if possible
Newspaper clippings- or Artist reviews.
It is important to find an agent to help promote the artist or band. An agent will take a musician more seriously with a proper press kit. With all the information on the web, an artist is half way to getting their name out there. Be creative with the press kit, have fun and do not stress it.
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