Have you ever read an article about one of your favorite keyboardists or musicians and gotten the scoop on their next release or tour dates? Have you ever wondered how the press got the information about these seemingly unannounced events? In this piece, we’re going to show you how your favorite artists get the word out about their next tour, their next shows, and their latest news and releases, and even better – how you can accomplish this as well.
For professional musicians, it’s all about the Electronic Press Kit (EPK). You may have heard of a press release, and at its essence, that is what an EPK is. It is a package of documents designed for press pros to check out your latest news – usually releases, tour dates, or what have you.
An EPK, if done correctly, can be a major asset to your aspirations as a musician or keyboardist, so buckle up, because we’re going to take you through what you need to make one that can supercharge your career. But first, the obvious question:
What Exactly is an EPK?
An EPK is essentially a resume for musicians. It contains all of the vital information that the press needs to ensure they are promoting the real deal, as well as the media required to do so. An EPK should highlight all of your accomplishments as a musician, include a bio so that readers can get to know you, and above all else, state what you are currently doing with your career.
Why Do I Need an EPK
Just like a resume, it is almost impossible to get work without one. If you want to get a good job, you need to put some effort into your resume. As such, the same principle applies to an EPK.
Sure, you can get gigs without one – but do they pay? Do they have a large audience? Maybe to an extent, but if you want to practice your music at a professional level, you’re going to have to come to terms with this document, as it is going to open bigger and better doors than would ever be available to you without it. Ok, so we’re sold on needing one – so how do we put it together?
The Fundamental Elements of an EPK
There are a few things that you are going to need to understand. First of all – you need to have some professional photographs taken. Yes, it costs money, but this is an investment into your career, and it isn’t an area we can recommend being cheap around. The same applies to your logo. A few bucks here will go a long way, so trust in the fact that you are investing to make a return.
Second – unless you are experienced in writing – you may want to have somebody help you write it. Using persuasive language and understanding the angle of the story is going to pay dividends when press professionals unpack this kit and start reading through it, and this brings us to our next point.
Tell A Story
The press isn’t there to promote you, unfortunately. They are looking to tell a story and this means finding the conflict. What struggles did you overcome to achieve what you are doing? How was this music made? Who are you? It is vital to find the story behind your music to create an effective EPK.
The Music
Of course, an EPK isn’t just a statement of intent and some nice photos of you – you must include the music in there too! Here’s the most important piece of that – the best songs go first. You have to bear in mind that the press is fed an unending stream of EPKs, and they don’t have the time to listen to every second of every song. They are going to be cutting through and sampling, so organize your music from most popular to least.
You need to put your best foot forward to stand out, and with that in mind, we recommend taking some courses from MI College of Contemporary Music. These courses will help to equip you with more knowledge than could ever be conveyed in one article, including how to make a top-notch EPK that gets results.