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The primary goal in
creating a press kit is to generate interest in an artist and the music
they sing or play. A press kit includes background information, photos,
samples of music, a listing of past and future gigs you've scheduled, and
any other pertinent information. A press kit is used as a way of
introducing an artist to newspapers, the media, promoters, and music
industry leaders. You will want to create a press kit that is mailed to
the appropriate recipients. It is a good idea to have an electronic form
of your press kit that can be emailed and posted on web sites. Things that should be included in your press kit: Offer a some what limited a mount of information about yourself, your band, and your style of music. Try not to give the reader more information than they want. If your introduction is too lengthy, you will lose the interest of the reader. Talk about your music, how you perform your songs, your sound, and who your influences might be. You will want to give a good idea of what you sound like in the descriptions mentioned above. Don't be afraid to include a little humor into your descriptions. You will want to get the reader's attention during the very first minute or even seconds that they open your press kit. If you don't captivate them immediately, they'll lose interest. Describe the things that make you special in comparison to other acts or artists. What are your skills and experience level? What would a record promoter, executive or venue manager gain by giving you a chance to perform, record and/or market your music? Record companies spend great sums of money in promoting new artists. You must make it clear why you would be a good investment. Include in your kit press clippings and quotes as they become available. Remarks made about you by a reputable person will go far in making your press kit credible. These things will let the reader know that you have been recognized as a talent to be reckoned with and might possibly create extra momentum for you while you are trying to launch a career. Whether you are preparing a singer, musician, or actor press kit, recognition from others involved in the business is a great tool in promoting yourself or act. You really need only one page of your press kit to be devoted to a biography and another page that includes quotes and press clippings. This rule applies even with an online portfolio. If you keep each topic on a simple page, you are much more likely to hold the interest of the individual who receives your press kit. Be sure the tone of your band press kit is in line with who you are as a band and a person and the type of music you perform. A high quality CD sample of your music in the form of clips that can be heard in an electronic press kit are critical. Make sure you label the CD with your name or the name of your band along with contact information. If someone loves your music or act but has misplaced the rest of your press kit, you will want this information to be readily available to them. Be careful that you don't overdo the self-promotion. You will want to be positive and state your ambitions and goals, but shameless self-promotion will make you look unprofessional and much less credible. Also try to avoid including too much personal information. No one really cares (yet) about your first pet, your grades in school, or your personal phobias. Keep the focus on your act, music and your accomplishments. You will want to be sure that you don't look desperate for work, even if you really are. Include a personal cover letter to the person you send your press kit to. Try to avoid sending your performer press kit unsolicited. You will find that it is always better to have a referral from a friend or associate of the person who will see your material. In some sense, a press kit could be likened to a resume, the easier the recipient can find the necessary information, the greater the result. No doubt how you put the information together is up to you, but, be creative, and keep it simple. |
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 Thank you for reading and I hope this information is helpful in furthering your career as an artist. |