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When the internet first began to take over the world, it changed how everything was done.

The music industry was rocked in many ways, as fans began pirating music, artists could sell their CDs and songs to the entire world much easier than ever before, and soon something called an EPK popped up and instantly became a must-have.

EPK is short for Electronic Press Kit, and it is any package that includes information and media from a musician. It will likely feature songs, videos, photos, tour dates, press reviews, a biography, and so much more, depending on the act. For many years, they were necessary if any up-and-coming talent wanted to book a tour or play at a festival. In fact, even bigger names signed to major labels had them made, updating their EPKs every time they had new music to share.

These days, EPKs are both worth having and not entirely necessary. They are still valuable, and even required for some big opportunities, but they don’t hold the same power they did several years ago. That said, it’s easier and cheaper nowadays to make EPKs than ever before, so there’s little reason for any musical act not to create one.

Read on to learn everything about EPKs, and then decide for yourself if you should spend the time and money to craft one of your own.

EPKs Explained

How much does an EPK cost?

Hugh McIntyre

The price of creating an EPK that can help you book gigs and reach influencers has dropped considerably in the past decade or so, which is great news for musicians. Estimates from years back, when EPKs were first coming into fashion, start at $500 and rise to well above $2,000. That’s a lot of money, and it felt like even more back in, say, 2008, when those figures were expected.

Now, there are plenty of services that allow artists to create EPKs for a small price tag, or even for free. In fact, it’s now less about crafting the package and more about the access that can be “purchased” afterward, making the EPK more effective. Sonicbids, a pioneer in the EPK space, offers plans that start at absolutely nothing. Those who are willing to pay just $5 a month are able to upload unlimited media, send it to anyone at any time, and do even more.

Symphonic, an online distribution service, offers an EPK creation service for $195 per package. These days, that sounds like a lot, but it is still just one-tenth the price that many artists paid when the internet was first changing the music industry.


How do I get an EPK?

Hugh McIntyre

There is no one way to get or to make an EPK, which is good news for artists, as options are always helpful. There are plenty of companies that have sites and services that allow any musician to quickly create their own, submitting pictures, videos, text, and, of course, music, and it all comes out the other side as a well-crafted product. Firms like Sonicbids have been doing this for a long time, and they’re now experts. Sometimes it’s best to stick with companies that are known for making EPKs, as some festivals and venues are only interested in receiving that information in one familiar form, while others actually have an exclusive deal.

Artists can also go on websites where freelancers offer their services, such as Fiverr, Upwork, or even Craigslist, and hire someone to create one for them. These days, there are enough web design templates and simple tools that musicians might be able to make their own EPK. Of course, sometimes these finished products aren’t eligible for some opportunities, but they will get the job done for many others.

If you’re going to create your own EPK, either entirely solo or with a designer, make sure to do your research before you begin. Learn everything about EPKs, including what’s featured in them and why. If your EPK doesn’t have all the media and information that those receiving the package need, it’s not going to do you any good.


What are EPKs used for?

Hugh McIntyre

EPKs are helpful for anyone in a decision-making position in the music industry to learn about any artist or band in an expeditious manner.

EPKs are like resumes and portfolios for those making music, as they put all relevant information and media in one place. It makes it easy for someone booking a concert, filling spots on a music festival’s bill, or possibly looking for an act to sign to a label to learn, see and hear everything they need without requesting anything else or having to go to several different websites. EPKs are less for the musician and much more for someone who doesn’t know them yet, but who is on the lookout for new talent for any opportunity.


What is in an EPK?

Hugh McIntyre

EPKs can be fairly simple or more involved, but they must include music, photos, a bio, and contact info. More detailed versions may also feature videos, touring info, merch, and so on.

We’ll dive into all of these a bit further below, but just know that EPKs should contain anything and everything related to your music career, though only that info and content that will really grab people’s attention.


What's the meaning of the phrase EPK?

Hugh McIntyre

EPK stands for electronic press kit. EPKs are digital packages that allow musicians to put all important information about them and their careers in one place. Musicians make EPKs to share with the media in hopes of getting press coverage. Think of them as something of a mix between a resume and a headshot, but for bands.


What does an EPK look like?

Hugh McIntyre

An EPK will include the following:

  1. Bio
  2. Photos
  3. Artwork
  4. Music
  5. Videos
  6. Press
  7. Social Media
  8. Contacts
  9. Credits
  10. Tour information

Who Is an EPK For?

EPKs are used in the music industry by quite a few tastemakers, gatekeepers, and by people in positions of power. Those who might be interested in seeing EPKs include Journalists, Bookers, Managers, Label Executives, and Radio Programmers. Since they contain so much information, they’re useful in sharing with a wide array of professionals in the music space.

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Can You Make Your Own EPK?

The simple answer is yes, you can make your own EPK, but there are other factors to consider. Sure, you can package all your promotional materials and music together into some folder that can be shared with those who need this content, but at this point, it might not be worth the hassle. Working with a company to create your EPK typically doesn’t cost much money, and it can often save you time. Also, there are instances when only certain kinds of professionally-assembled EPKs are accepted, such as when you may apply to play a particular festival or venue.

Which Companies Can Put Your EPK Together?

EPKs are nothing new in the music industry, so there are plenty of companies that offer either templates you can follow or possibly programs that allow you to put everything together online. Sonicbids was one of the first options for crafting an EPK, and it remains a favorite for many reasons. In fact, there are still some opportunities you may be interested in that only accept submissions from that company.

If Soncibids doesn’t fit your bill, look to competitors like Bandzoogle, Wix, and EPK Builder. A quick Google search will show you plenty of other options as well.

The 11 Items You Should Have in Your EPK

Several items that should be included in your EPK were mentioned above, but why are these pieces important, and are there more things that should fill out the complete package? Yes! Let’s dive in now!

1. Bio

The single most important part of your EPK isn’t your music, surprisingly, but rather your bio. That’s because in a worst-case scenario, someone can probably locate your tunes online if they look, but a well-written biography about you and your band is something they can likely only get directly from the source.

Your bio should be concise, not too long, and flush with actual information, instead of fancy descriptive words. Use the space to talk about your origin story, who you and your bandmates are as people, and what you’ve done as an act…instead of just talking about your music, which the reader will almost surely be listening to anyway.

The bio is the place to include any awards you’ve won, and impressive numbers connected to sales, streaming, or selling out shows. You can also highlight big venues or festivals you’ve performed at, as well as well-known musicians you’ve worked with or opened for.

You can have some fun writing your bio, but please keep it professional. Many artists opt to hire a Writer to put it all together in a detailed but direct manner. That’s up for you to decide, but this is an incredibly important document, so please don’t skimp here!

2. Photos

You and your band should have a handful of photos that you use as promotional images, and these should be included in your EPK. No selfies! You also want to make sure that while everything must fit your vibe and the tone of your latest era (whatever that may be), you want to give options.

As a Journalist, it’s very annoying when only one picture is supplied, and for some reason, it doesn’t work. Try different orientations (horizontal vs. vertical), new focuses, and perhaps even some in black and white to offset those in color. Make sure they’re all hi-res, too!

3. Artwork

If you’re sending out an EPK, chances are it’s because you have some new collection you’re promoting. If you want people to include the cover of your latest album or single in their write-up, on a flyer, on social media, or on someone’s website, you have to actually supply them with that image! Don’t make them ask for it, because any time you require someone to go the extra mile to help you in some way, chances are they might not. Again, make sure any pictures are hi-res!

4. Music

The second most important item in an EPK is, obviously, your music! There are different lines of thought when it comes to what to include in regards to how much music, and I would personally say it depends on what kind of EPK you’re sending. You want to be mindful of space, because some people will be downloading the entire thing, and you don’t want to crash their computers.

Make sure you include your latest releases, such as an album or EP, and the singles featured on the title. You can also make it clear you’re happy to send older items, or supply links where they can listen to everything on all streaming platforms. If size of the EPK is no issue (perhaps it’s hosted online and those viewing can choose which pieces they want to download), upload everything you’ve released publicly!

In addition to your music, you can also feel free to include some descriptions of your work. Don’t make these long, complicated, or overly self-congratulatory, but feel free to dive into the meanings, stories behind the tunes, or to use some colorful language when discussing the art included in your EPK. Just as is the case with press releases, sometimes people, such as journalists, bloggers, influencers, or those who have to write something about you for any other reason, will copy and paste what you’ve shared. It makes their job easier, and it benefits you if they do this, so make sure the language is usable and what you’d love others to say about your music.

5. Videos

Again, if you’re concerned about the size of your EPK or if there are space limits, I wouldn’t advise you to include videos, but rather links to your music videos and any other special content. Make it very easy for anyone browsing to locate your YouTube page.

If you’ve gone with a company that offers you unlimited space or perhaps you’ve created a website of your own, letting those who have access to your EPK download your actual videos is a great idea. Very few will do anything with this option, but it doesn’t hurt to make them available!

6. Press

This is one section where you don’t want to rely solely on links because sometimes websites shut down or articles disappear. If you and your band are the focus of a review, interview, or piece of any kind, do your best to save the words and photos in some kind of document, as well as the actual web address.

There should be a section of your EPK dedicated to all these write-ups, and the more the merrier, as it shows there is real interest in you and your work from those in positions of power. These endorsements may very well convince others, such as fellow Writers or those making playlists or those working at radio stations, to look upon you favorably.

While it does look great to have many interviews, reviews, and features all together in one place, it’s probably a good idea to organize things a bit. So, instead of simply throwing a ton of full articles into your EPK, you might want to think about picking a handful of the most prestigious publications, featuring their logos and a line or two, and linking out to the original article (while also saving the complete piece somewhere, in case the website erases it). This way, everything looks clean, and those reading through at your EPK can grasp how accomplished you are in this realm in a quick glance, but should they want to read more, that’s an option as well.

7. Social Media

If you’re creating an online-only EPK, there will probably be an option to actually connect your socials, so those viewing can see your posts on Instagram and Twitter live. If not, make sure you have both links to these pages (and more) as well as up-to-date stats of how many likes and views you’ve accrued.

8. Contacts

Make sure to include contact information for all your representatives, as this EPK may be used in many different fields. Your management, Booking Person, and press team should be the bare minimum. As an up-and-coming act, you may not have more than that to share, but if you do, such as licensing or merch people, those may be a good idea as well.

9. Credits

This is perhaps the one item I see missing from EPKs the most, and it almost always causes an issue for me as a Writer. You can have one sheet with all this info, or include it in each individual section, depending on how you want to put everything together, but please make sure you don’t forget to feature credits for those you’ve worked with.

I’m talking who shot your promotional photos (the most important), the Director of your music video, the Designer who created your album artwork, what studio your single was recorded at and so on. It might not sound vital to you, but there are occasions when people need this data, and it’s so much easier to compile it all at once and move on than to have to respond to requests one-by-one.

10. Tour Information

Again, if you’re putting together an EPK, chances are it’s because you have something exciting coming up. That could be the release of a single or an album, or perhaps you’re about to embark on a tour. If it’s the latter, you have to make sure to include all relevant info connected to your trek. Dates, venues, times, other bands playing, and links to buy tickets are a must! That way, if someone wants to promote the venture in some way, they have everything they need right there.

11. Achievements

“Achievements” can mean whatever you want it to mean, or, more likely, whatever you have to share. This is a place where you can mention awards you’ve won or been nominated for or contests you’ve taken part in and where you landed. You may also want to discuss impressive numbers, such as streaming figures, sales totals, radio airplay, the capacity of venues you’ve sold out, and more. You can also highlight big concert halls or festivals you’ve performed at, as well as well-known musicians you’ve worked with or opened for.

If you don’t have much in the way of achievements (yet), fold the one or two worth mentioning into the Bio section.

Sharing Your EPK

I would suggest you don’t actually send your EPK, as it’s likely a sizable download, but rather a link to it. You can do this several ways:

1. Create a Website

You can make a very simple website that serves as your EPK, which means you get to update it whenever you want. Make it private if you like (so someone must enter a password in order to view the contents), but this way all you need is the address and everyone’s all set.

2. Use an EPK Creator

If you’re interested in any of the companies mentioned above, or possibly others, chances are they’ve already handled the issue of how to send your EPK. Also, many of them allow you to simply send a link as well, especially if applying for an opportunity directly through them.

3. Send It Via Google Drive Or Dropbox

You can use any hosting site or program to upload all the contents of your EPK, whether they be photos, videos, GIFs, or documents with important information, to folders on Google Drive, Dropbox, or other alternatives. Then you can simply share a link to that space. Make sure the settings are adjusted so anyone with the link can access and download the pieces and it should go just fine.

Video EPKs

Some artists have chosen to create a video EPK in lieu of a more traditional (while still modern) version. This is something you can consider, but it’s best to stick with what those in charge want, which is the normal EPK they’re used to. It works for them, they know what to do with these files, and sometimes, downloads in certain formats are all a label, company, or festival will accept.

Having said that, you can get creative and make a visual trailer, which some have also referred to as a video EPK. These are short clips that include music, perhaps interviews, performances, or even parts of your official music videos. Think of them more like commercials for you than actual, professional collections of all relevant information about your career.

Here are a few examples of well-made video EPKs. It’s easy to think that these are more fun and exciting–and they are!–but they’re also missing quite a bit of vital info. They’re not really a replacement for an EPK, but rather an excellent additional marketing item you may want to invest in.

EPK Best Practices

Creating and updating an electronic press kit can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and attention to detail, you can make a lasting impression on industry professionals and effectively promote your music. Now, we’ll explore some best practices to help you navigate the EPK creation process and ensure that your EPK stands out from the crowd.

Keep It Updated

So, you’ve put together your EPK. Great! But this isn’t something you need to address just once and forget about. As your career grows, as you achieve new things, and release more music, you’ll have to continually update this package. Failing to do so will only hurt you, as eventually important things will be missing, and those may be the very details that could score you a brand deal, a placement on a show, or perhaps even a record deal.

You don’t need to update your EPK any time you drop a song or play a new show, but you should regularly change it up, whenever it’s appropriate–especially when you kick off a new era of your career.

Focus

There are different schools of thought regarding how focused your EPK should be, but many who write about and work in this sector of the music industry agree–your EPK should be at least somewhat focused. So, if you’re in the process of releasing singles from an upcoming album and promoting it heavily, you should do everything you can to ensure your EPK reflects your current efforts.

Change out the songs for newer ones, especially focus tracks like singles and promo cuts. Swap older images for the ones you just had taken, as those are the pictures you’d want anyone to use at the moment. If you’ve just done a round of interviews and received some reviews, those should be at the top of the page, while most from your past can either be moved down or removed entirely.

What’s tricky about this suggestion is knowing what to include and what to remove. While you want your EPK to reflect who you are and what you’re doing now, you don’t want to completely ignore other major moments and releases from throughout your career. Keep some of the best songs, photos, videos, accomplishments, and reviews–but only the biggest and most eye-catching.

If you like, you can also either create a separate, more complete EPK, or perhaps keep all the old items somewhere further down where they’re not the focus. It’s up to you, but make sure your current era is featured prominently.

Make It Easy To Find!

If you’ve spent time and effort creating a great EPK, you don’t want to hide it! Make sure it’s available on your website, and that people don’t have to look too hard to find it. Your EPK should be easy to locate and download. The worst thing you can do (aside from not having one at all) is forcing people to search high and low, or even worse, email to ask for it. Remember–the people who want to see your EPK are busy, and they are usually the ones who have the power to change your career for the better, so anything you can do to make their job (which is to help you out) easier, you should.

Also, make sure you include a line somewhere that states that if anything else is desired, all it takes is an email and it will be shared quickly.

Presentation Matters

Sure, you could put all the listed items onto a plain white EPK and call it a day, but that’s not very exciting, is it? There are countless EPK templates and online creators that can help you inject a little on-brand fun into your package. Pick colors, fonts, and other elements that fit with who you are as an artist, all while also ensuring the final product is pleasant to look at.

Make it Look Professional

The visual presentation of your EPK is crucial. Design it in a clean and professional manner, with a cohesive layout that reflects your brand. Pay attention to typography, color schemes, and overall aesthetics to create a visually appealing EPK that leaves a positive impression. Usually, the programs available to create EPKs make this easy, so you usually don’t have to stress too much over this aspect.

Use Hi-Res Images

High-resolution images are essential for a professional-looking EPK. Include high-quality artist photos, album covers, and any other relevant visuals to enhance the visual appeal and professionalism of your EPK. Low-resolution images can diminish the overall quality of your presentation, so ensure that all images are crisp and clear. Also, if anyone wants to use these images, they won’t be able to if they’re not hi-res enough.

Organize Information in a Logical Manner

Structure your EPK in a logical and user-friendly manner. Use headings, subheadings, and clear sections to categorize the information effectively. This makes it easier for industry professionals to navigate and find the specific details they are looking for, whether it’s your discography, touring history, or press quotes.

Put Your Contact Info Front and Center

Ensure that your contact information is prominently displayed and easily accessible within your EPK. Include your email address, phone number, website, and social media links. Making it easy for people to reach out to you increases the likelihood of receiving booking inquiries, media coverage, or other opportunities. Don’t only include this info in one spot–copy and paste it everywhere so if the inspiration to reach out to you strikes at any moment while someone important is reading, they don’t have to go searching for what they need.

Keep it On Brand

Consistency is key. Maintain a consistent visual identity and brand presence throughout your EPK. Use your logo, color palette, and fonts that align with your overall brand image. This helps to create a cohesive and professional impression and reinforces your brand in the minds of those reviewing your EPK.

Make Everything Easily Downloadable

Make it simple for users to download all the necessary files and assets from your EPK. Provide downloadable links for music samples, press releases, photos, and any other relevant materials. This ensures that industry professionals can easily access and share your content, increasing the chances of your music being heard and your story being told.

Other Things To Put In Your EPK

Earlier in this article, we covered the essential components of an electronic press kit. Now, let’s explore some additional items that musicians may consider including in their EPKs if they have the space or are creating a comprehensive EPK website. These don’t need to be included, but sometimes, the more the merrier.

Streaming and Sales Stats

Including streaming and sales statistics can provide industry professionals with valuable insights into your music’s popularity and market reach. Highlighting the number of streams, downloads, and sales can showcase your fan base and success, making a compelling case for potential collaborators, labels, or venues. These days, data drives the music industry, so including this is a near-must…unless the numbers are really really low.

Discography

While music samples are typically provided in an EPK, having a complete list of all your releases can be beneficial. Including a comprehensive discography helps industry professionals and fans alike understand the breadth and evolution of your musical career.

Press Releases

Including press releases in your EPK can be advantageous in garnering attention from media outlets. Press releases are valuable for announcing new releases, upcoming tours, collaborations, or any significant milestones in your musical journey. These documents offer journalists a concise and professional summary of your news, increasing your chances of media coverage and exposure. While many of them may be out of date by the time someone reads them, it doesn’t hurt to include them!

Lyrics

While music samples showcase the melodies and instrumentation of your songs, providing lyrics can add another layer of depth and engagement to your EPK. Including the written words allows industry professionals to appreciate your songwriting skills and the messages conveyed in your music. It can also assist journalists and reviewers in crafting accurate descriptions and reviews of your work.

Touring History

Sharing information about your past touring experience is crucial for establishing your credibility as a live performer. Include details about the venues, cities, festivals, and other artists you have played with during previous tours. This information shows that you’ve been putting in the work for quite some time, and it proves you’re about more than just your upcoming trek.

Music Industry Affiliations

If you have any notable affiliations with music industry organizations, it is worth highlighting them in your EPK. This could include memberships in professional associations, endorsements from reputable brands, or partnerships with established musicians or producers. Such affiliations can bolster your credibility and signal that you are a serious and respected artist in the industry.

Live Performance Footage

While music videos offer a polished representation of your music, including live performance footage can provide a more authentic and immersive experience for viewers. Live recordings showcase your stage presence, interaction with the audience, and the energy of your performances. This visual evidence can greatly influence potential bookers or talent buyers when considering you for live gigs.

What Needs to Be in Your Bio

Crafting an effective and compelling biography is vital for musicians seeking media coverage, press attention, and performance opportunities. Whether you need a one-page or several-page bio, there are many essential elements that should be included to create a comprehensive and engaging narrative.

You can create different sections as outlined below, or work all this information into a few paragraphs that flow well together. However you want to do so is up to you, but make sure it works and feels like you (but a professional you) before you send it out to the world).

  • Introduction and Overview – Begin with a captivating introduction that captures the essence of your style and genre. Provide a concise overview of your musical journey, highlighting key accomplishments and milestones that showcase your talent and dedication.
  • Background and Influences – Share relevant details about your background, including your upbringing and musical beginnings. Discuss early influences that have shaped your sound and artistic direction, providing insights into the origins of your unique musical style.
  • Musical Style and Genre – Describe your distinctive style and genre, emphasizing the elements that set you apart from others. If you incorporate sub-genres or fuse different musical influences, mention them to provide a clearer understanding of your artistic identity.
  • Notable Achievements and Awards – Highlight significant milestones, awards, and achievements that you have attained throughout your career. This may include chart placements, industry recognition, collaborations with renowned artists, or critical acclaim received for your work.
  • Discography – Include a comprehensive list of all the albums, EPs, singles, or notable projects you have released throughout your career. Mention any critical acclaim or commercial success achieved with specific releases, showcasing the breadth and quality of your musical catalog.
  • Touring History – Showcase your experience and prowess as a live performer by providing details of notable tours, festival appearances, and international performances, if applicable. Highlight your ability to engage audiences and create memorable live experiences, as this is what will help you book more gigs.
  • Collaborations – Highlight any noteworthy collaborations you have participated in. This may include working with other artists, producers, or songwriters. Mention significant contributions made or any chart successes resulting from these collaborations.
  • Press Quotes and Testimonials – Incorporate positive reviews, testimonials, or quotes from reputable media outlets, industry professionals, or fellow musicians. These endorsements serve as valuable social proof, affirming your talent and impact on the music scene.
  • Social Media and Online Presence – Provide links to your official website and social media profiles. This allows readers to explore your online presence, engage with their content, and stay connected. Highlight any substantial following or engagement you have amassed on these platforms. This is incredibly important these days, so don’t skip it…unless you really don’t have anything going on via social. In that case, you have something else you need to work on!
  • Future Plans and Upcoming Projects – Conclude the biography by mentioning your future musical plans, upcoming releases, tours, or exciting projects you are currently working on. This offers readers a glimpse into the artist’s ongoing activities and may spark interest in potential collaboration opportunities.

Some Final Tips

Putting together an EPK and thinking of sharing it?

Here are a few parting tips:

  • Ask someone in the music industry to look at it before you decide you’re done and begin sending it around.
  • Try downloading everything on your own. Does it play? Are the pictures coming out blurry? Quality control is key.
  • Go over your checklist more than once. There’s a lot that goes into EPKs and it can be easy to forget something!
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