This quick start guide will answer what is an EPK in music, what they are used for, why they are important, and tips for creating one.
What Is An EPK in Music?
EPK stands for Electronic Press Kit. It is a music artist’s resume to help gain exposure, land a show, or connect with the media. EPKs include music, biographical details, and professional images. Having your EPK available online is suggested, but PDF files may be best for sending a press kit.
- What Is An EPK in Music
- EPK Examples
- What Is Included In An EPK
- How Do I Make An EPK
- Are There EPK Templates To Use
- Are Electronic Press Kits Still Relevant
- Where Can I Create An EPK
- What Format Should An EPK Be
- Why Do I Need An EPK
What Is An EPK in Music?
An EPK (Electronic Press Kit) is a music artist’s resume or CV. To gain exposure, get a show, or to have connections with the media, your artist bio should include information that labels, agents, music supervisors, venue talent, buyers, and the media can learn more about you as an artist.
Music, biographical information, and relevant images are included in an electronic press kit (EPK) to educate the media and other interested parties about an artist and their music releases. A project’s website or an EPK service provider can host an electronic press kit.
Physical items such as records and merch are typically included in a traditional press kit. These kits are sent to media members via snail mail, and they’re expensive to make (you need to print inserts, produce merch, etc.). This isn’t the most effective or cutting-edge way to get your name out there.
Instead, an EPK is a single document or webpage that contains links to a band’s resources and music. An EPK is less expensive to create, maintain, and distribute than a traditional website.
You can try out different things with EPKs and see what works and doesn’t.
Instead of driving to Rolling Stone headquarters to snag the record from a writer’s hands, you can change the featured song in a traditional press kit. As a result, the music industry has adopted EPKs.
There’s a big difference between a PR media kit and an advertising media kit, which a newspaper or magazine puts together for potential advertisers. It is typical for advertising media kits to include detailed audience profiles, a rate card, and upcoming special features.
Related: 18 Music Branding & Marketing Tips
What Are Some EPK Examples? ( 12 Examples )
It is theoretically possible to find examples of electronic press kits in almost any industry. We could discover music press kit examples or film EPK examples if we searched hard enough. EPKs can come in a variety of formats. To get your creative juices flowing, here are a few EPKs.
Claire Morales, a Denton-based performer, uses her website’s bio page as an EPK. This section includes a full-length bio, links to high-resolution official photos, and a fact sheet about her and her band.
More EPK Examples:
In any industry, to get their music heard by potential venues or record labels, bands may have to advertise themselves. EPKs can help with this.
What Is Included In An Electronic Press Kit?
A music EPK should be stylistically and content-wise representative of who you are as an artist.
An EPK should contain the following elements:
- Music
- Artist biography – Write a short bio.
- Promotional Photos
- High-Quality Music Videos
- Recent Accomplishments
- Social Media Profiles
- Streaming Links
- Contact Information
Let’s take a look at some of them:
Your music is the most vital component of your EPK. Make your music a focal point of the page. You don’t want a music critic or blogger to have to scroll forever to find it.
It’s an effective way to add music videos, promotional photos, or a professionally shot live performance of a song from your new album to your EPK.
Include some text to demonstrate how your songs are being distributed and received. This could be in the form of a list with a few easily-read statistics.
Include your social media profiles and contact info in your music EPK. This makes it simple for an industry professional to click through and get a sense of your vibe.
How Do I Make An EPK?
On creating an EPK for your website, you should focus on the following goals to make your EPK effective and engaging:
1: Establish The Goal For Your EPK
A digital press kit is frequently used to solicit press. While an EPK can be used to generate buzz for an imminent release effectively, it can also serve as a general resume for your music career if it is hosted on your website. A Digital version of your press kits and musical identity is highly recommended.
2. Collect All The Content For Your EPK
Once you’ve chosen an EPK template, gather all of your pertinent content to populate it. Your relevant content must include:
- Music.
- A brief bio.
- Promotional photos and videos.
- A list of recent accomplishments.
- Links to your social media accounts.
3. Evaluate & Tweak The Design Of Your EPK
You must select an EPK template that corresponds to your music’s objective. After you add a bio, photos, and music, customize the page to create a unique layout.
Are There EPK Templates To Use?
If you can get publications to give you free press, your business has a perfect chance of success. As a result, your product or service is more likely to be sold, leading to a profitable business. You can also create your press kit template to get the attention you desire.
There is an abundance of Electronic press kits available on the internet. Some are free of cost, and some are paid, but the initial step is to design your template, which will give your EPK unique exposure to the audience.
Also, there are many types of EPK templates to choose from, such as basic, event, and blogger template types.
Business companies mainly follow the basic EPK template.
If you’re planning an event and want to get the word out about it, then the event EPK template type is a must-have.
The blogger EPK template helps to establish a blogger’s true essence and brand.
Are Electronic Press Kits Still Relevant?
You may be wondering if you still need a press kit for your band’s promotion. When it comes to getting your name out there, press kits are still the best way to go.
It appears that press kits will not be phased out any time soon. If you’re a musician who wants to expand your audience, you’ll need an electronic press kit instead of a traditional press kit.
All the advantages of a traditional press kit could be gained with an electronic version (EPK), and the only difference is that the EPK is more cost-effective.
Press kits may be the key to tremendous success in the music industry for you as a musician.
Where Can I Create An EPK?
There is no shortage of options today for musicians when putting together an impressive EPK and hosting music online. You don’t have to put your music on every website out there, but it’s a good idea to do some research and pick a few that make the most sense for your artistic goals.
Bandzoogle is a popular website hosting option for musicians because it is a well-known EPK creator and allows you to retain 100% of your music sales.
If you’re an independent musician, Adobe Spark may be a good choice because of its user-friendly design, emphasis on artists, and ability to promote music discovery among fans.
In the music industry, Wix is widely regarded as the go-to platform for EPKs because of its large, active user base of both fans and artists.
What Format Should An EPK Be?
Having your EPK available online is preferable. A PDF file may be the best format for sending your press kit. It is universally accessible and will always open in the same way. Depending on the version of Word the recipient is using, a document you send could be altered.
Sending music via SoundCloud or YouTube is better than sending a link to a private file. If you’re going to send an audio file, it should be compressed like an MP3 unless the recipient specifies otherwise.
Why Do I Need An EPK?
In the music industry, EPK’s are so popular that they have become standard practice.
Even if you don’t have a manager, which most young artists don’t, you still need to present yourself professionally.
As a result, if you successfully get a job, you will get more work.
People aren’t likely to take additional steps to find information, so it should be simple to use and simple to send.
Summary of EPKs
EPK is the abbreviation for Electronic Press Kit. Music artists use EPKs to gain exposure, secure a show, or connect with media. A music EPK includes images, biographical information, and contact information. EPKs should be online, but PDF music files are ideal for sending press kits.
An EPK (Electronic Press Kit) is indispensable for musicians, serving as a promotional package packed with relevant information such as press releases, album artwork, and high-quality photos. The EPK is a gateway through which industry professionals, from booking agents to music journalists, access the band’s profile. It’s essentially your band’s elevator pitch, where you showcase your best songs, live videos, and even your upcoming album, if applicable.
The artist EPK should be versatile, being readily available on your own website as well as social media platforms, and streaming platforms where fans and industry professionals alike can watch videos and listen to new music. It’s also essential to fine-tune your EPK to suit your target audience, whether it’s potential fans, press coverage outlets, or music industry scouts hunting for the next big record deal.
Your band’s EPK should contain a mix of different elements, from short bios that tell the story of the band to promotional materials like music videos and promotional images. Live performances and press coverage can help in generating interest, but remember that quality matters. Make sure your EPK contains high-quality images and not just a few sentences hastily thrown together. A great EPK can do wonders for your band, especially when it’s time to send out press releases for your new music.
Every band or artist should have their own EPK filled with promotional material, such as band photos, album art, and promotional images. It’s not just for music video launches or press coverage; it’s also handy for film festivals, where many artists get a chance to showcase their work. A few examples of high-quality EPKs can guide you in crafting yours.
So, whether you’re a solo artist or part of a band, don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted, high-quality EPK. Not only can it grab the attention of booking agents and industry professionals, but it can also help your fans connect with your music on a deeper level. Remember, your EPK is more than just a promotional tool; it can be a reflection of who you are as an artist.
I hope you found this guide on music EPKs helpful.
If you have any tips or suggestions for creating an EPK, please share them in the comments.
