You finish a song, find a music blog that suits it, and open a new email. Then comes the slow part. Where is your latest photo? Which link should you send? How much of your story does the writer need? An electronic press kit, or EPK, puts those answers in one place. It gives someone a quick way to hear your music, learn who you are and find the files they need.
You can make a useful music press kit before you have a large following. It does not need awards, a manager or a costly design. Start with clear facts and working links. This guide gives you a simple plan for a first kit, plus a check you can use before your next pitch.
What is an electronic press kit?
An EPK is a page or document that brings together your artist story, music, photos and contact details. Think of it as the information someone needs to cover your release or consider you for a show. Bandzoogle's own EPK help page lists music, a short bio, promotional photos and career highlights among its usual contents.
The steps below are a practical starting plan, rather than rules every artist must follow. A local radio host may need different details from a venue booker. Read the recipient's submission guidance first and put the most useful material near the top.
1. Give the reader a clear first line
Put your artist name and one plain sentence about your music at the top. Mention your sound, where you are based and one detail that makes the project easy to understand. Avoid opening with a long list of influences or claiming you are the next big thing.
For example, a fictional artist could describe their work as guitar pop from Shropshire about starting again after a difficult year. That tells a reader more than calling the music unique or groundbreaking. Use words you would feel happy saying in person. Check that your name matches the name on your music links.
2. Put your strongest music within easy reach
Choose one main track that fits the pitch. Add a clear listening link beside its title and release date. If you are asking for coverage of a new single, make that single the first choice. Do not make the reader choose from your whole catalogue before they understand the project.
For an unreleased track, use a private listening link and test it in a signed-out browser. Check that it plays without asking the listener to request access. Label anything that is not public yet. If you have a strong live video, include it as a second option, especially when you are approaching a venue.
3. Write a short bio people can use
Aim for around 80 to 120 words for your first short bio. This is a suggested length, not an industry rule. Explain who you are, what you make, what the current release is about and one useful part of your story. Write in the third person so someone can adapt it for a listing.
Keep dates and achievements accurate. If you mention stream counts, say which platform and when you checked them. If you have no press coverage yet, leave that section out. A clear, honest bio is useful on its own. You can add a longer version later when someone needs more detail.
4. Choose photos that are easy to use
Include a small set of clear artist photos, with a landscape option and a portrait option if you have them. Add a link to the full files rather than asking someone to save tiny previews. Use simple file names that include your artist name, and put the photographer's credit beside each image.
Check that you have permission to supply the photos for press use. Say how they should be credited. Keep cover artwork in a separate folder so it is easy to tell an artist photo from a release cover. A clear folder with a few useful files is easier to handle than a large unsorted download.
Got a track ready to share?
Put your strongest listening link to work. Send your music to The Hubb through our Groover page so we can hear what you are making.
5. Add the facts that fit this pitch
Create a short release section with the song title, release date and a few lines about its theme or sound. Include credits where they help. For a live booking pitch, add your location, live setup and a performance clip instead. Keep the page focused on what this person needs to decide.
If you include a review quote, link to its source and name the publication. Do not add praise you cannot support. Two relevant facts are more useful than a long page of vague claims. You can also link to your main artist website and one or two active social profiles.
6. Make contact and sharing simple
Add a working email address with a clear label, such as press enquiries or bookings. Use your own contact if you manage the project yourself. Make sure someone checks that inbox. Avoid listing a manager or booking agent unless that person really represents you.
A web page is easy to update and share. A short PDF can be useful when a recipient asks for one. Whichever format you choose, test it on a phone. Keep the main listening link, short bio and contact details easy to find. Follow any file or link rules in the recipient's submission guidance.
Check your press kit before sending it
- Open every music and download link while signed out.
- Check the artist name, release date and contact email.
- Make sure photo credits are clear and files are available.
- Remove old announcements and facts you cannot verify.
- Ask a friend to find the song and contact details on a phone.
Once the kit works, save its link beside your release notes. Use it in a short personal pitch that explains why your song fits the blog, station or venue. The kit supports that message. It does not replace reading their work and sending something relevant.
What to do today
Gather one track link, one short bio, two photos and your contact email. Put them into a simple page and test it. That gives you a useful first music press kit you can improve over time. Review it when you release new music so your next pitch points to current work.
Plan your next release with our guide to promoting a song with a small fanbase.
