How to Make a Digital Press Kit for Music
A musician's or band's publicist will send out digital press kits whenever the musician has an upcoming tour, appearances or a new album. This digital press kit will include an array of items, including a photograph of the artist, a press release and an artist biography. A press kit will provide journalists and bloggers with the information required to report on the musician's new project. In addition to emailing press kits to news agencies, print publications and freelance writers, the documents will be published on the artist's website, the PR firm's website and the website that has been established to promote a new project such as a tour.
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Things You'll Need
- Word processing program
- PDF creator software
- Email account
- PR mailing list
Instructions
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Write a cover letter using the word processing program that will be sent out with emails. The cover letter should be brief and to the point. It must include all basic information -- who, what, when, where, how and why. Include the publicist's contact information, along with information on interview availability and how to request a concert press pass or a copy of the artist's new album for a review.
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Write the press release. The press release will discuss the new album, tour, appearance or project. It will include quotes from the band or musician, background information and all relevant information relating to the project. Save this document in the word processing program or as a PDF.
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Write a band biography. This should include information on the artist's latest project, their accomplishments or awards and the history of the musician or band, including how the band formed. The biography will include a bit of personal information about each musician, like their age, hometown, and fun facts. Many bios also include quotes from the artist. Save this file as a word processor document or PDF.
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Obtain a digital copy of the artist's most recent glossy photograph or call a professional photographer to arrange for a photo shoot. Save the image as a JPEG file.
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Obtain a digital copy of artwork that's related to the project or event that's the focus of the press kit. Tour logos can be obtained from the musician's manager. Album cover artwork can be obtained from the record company or manager. Save this image as a JPEG.
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Email the documents comprising the digital press kit to local and national news outlets, music-related publications and freelance writers and bloggers who are on your PR mailing list.
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Upload the digital press kit to the band website, the PR agency's website and the website that has been established to promote the artist's new project.
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Tips & Warnings
Always include the public relations agent's contact information on press releases.
If you will be scheduling interviews for the artist, the cover letter should include the PR firm's contact information and cut-off date for scheduling interviews.
If desired, include a list of fun or interesting facts about the artist and their work.
A general purpose press kit that's not intended to promote an upcoming event or project should include a press release about the artist's most recent album.
Never email or publish music files online. This can result in unauthorized use and distribution of the artist's works prior to its release date. Virtually all record companies require advance copies of an album to be distributed via CD.
Always consult the artist's manager or a record company representative before posting a track sample online.
References
- Photo Credit Polka Dot RF/Polka Dot/Getty Images
