Building a Press Kit: An Independent Musician's Guide

So you have a killer demo and now you're trying to pitch it to clubs, publisher's, or a record company. You might be pitching it to all of these. Well all of these organizations want to know a bit more about you or your band than just your name and contact phone number. This is where a press kit comes in. Let's get started.

A common mistake that many people make is building a long press kit. You want to get to the point and fast. If you're a band, do NOT write a bio on each member of the band. Contrary to popular belief, as far as written text, your press kit should not include any more than ONE page. Keep it simple. And I mean SIMPLE. Here's an example.

For A Band

"The Dripping Fudge Dogs have been together for 4 years. They play 3 to 4 nights a week in the Chicago area. Last year, the Dripping Fudge Dogs sold 2546 CD s. Their sound has been compared to that of Jefferson Airplane even though the band is all male."

That little paragraph spoke volumes. 3 to 4 nights a week tells them that you are established and likely have a following. A good following equals a good draw. Club owners want this. Over 2500 CD s sold last year. That tells a publisher or record company that you know how to promote yourself and that you have a following. The fact that the Dripping Fudge Dog's sound has been compared to Jefferson Airplane gives and idea to the potential client what the Dripping Fudge Dogs sound like.

For A Solo Artist or Duo

"Chris Creed has been playing professionally for 3 years. Chris entertains crowds 2 to 3 nights a week in and around Philadelphia. Chris's one man act is more than complete with his voice, guitar, looper pedal and vocal harmonizer. Chris released his first CD 5 months ago and has sold 412 CD s. Chris's sound has been compared to that of Jason Mraz and Ryan Cabrerra."

That little paragraph told how long Chris has been performing. It tells how busy Chris is. (one isn't busy if they're not good or bring attention to themselves.) The fact that Chris uses a looper and vocal harmonizer tells the client that even though Chris is alone on stage, his sound is very complete and non lacking. 412 CD s sold tells the client that you have a following and even for the ones that haven't seen you before, they're likely to stay for the entire show. The fact that your sound has been compared to Jason Mraz and Ryan Cabrerra let's the client know what you sound like.

"That's fine if you have a following and CD s for sale and sold but what if I (or we) am (are) just starting out, have no CD and no following?"

Every successful artist and band has been at this point.. Here's an example:

"Martin Johnson and the Red Neck Hippy Cowboys on Acid have been practicing their material for 7 months. Martin and the boys are eager to get started showcasing their talent to the Orlando area. Martin and the Cowboys sound is similar to their influences of Dave Mason, Marshall Tucker Band, and Foghat"

That paragraph told the client that the band is new and just getting started in the local music scene. Now you all might have to play for little money and/or the door but you can get a gig like this.

Photos And Press

You don't want to include a photo co loge of various performance shots or the whole set of band or artist shots taken at the local Olan Mills studio. Just one page with a single 5" x 7" band or artist photo with the band's or artist's name and contact number below. That's IT.

Place any press quotes concerning you or you band on the same page as your bio. Do not include more than two of them.

There you have it. A killer press kit. Now get to work and good luck!