Chances are, if you're a band, you've heard about an EPK, or an electronic press kit. What is an EPK you ask? It's a resource for venues, promoters, and basically anyone in the industry to get a quick glimpse of your band and your music. If you're out playing shows, but feel that you want to raise the bar a little and start ranking in with those acts that bring in hundreds, if not thousands of people, then you need to develop an EPK that will outshine the rest.
There are three different things that most promoters or venues are looking for; professionalism, quality of music, and fan base. If you can bring in a crowd, chances are you won't have any problem booking a gig. But when you're just beginning, or haven't really established a name, or much of a crowd yet, this is a great way to show the promoter that you have the other two areas handled.
Professionalism - This includes your biography, pictures, and overall content for your EPK aside from the music. When you're getting ready to take pictures, do not skimp out and use your moms digital camera. Professional pictures say a lot more than amateur pictures, always. It's hard to take a band seriously, when the background of the bands pictures are up against moms house, or in the back of a garage. You need to spend a couple bucks to hire a professional photographer, or call in some favors from your bud who has a great camera and editing skills. Craigslist is a great way to find photographers who are good, but work for cheap.
It's always good to get plenty of full band shots in various locations, and also individual band member shots. The full band shots will always be more important than individual pictures, but we want this promoter to see who you are as a whole, and as individuals.
Biography - Same rules apply. Don't skimp out on a biography, this needs to pinpoint your message, and your skill, without going on about trivial facts. Mentioning other bands that you have played shows with is always a plus, but is not required. Remember, when you are writing a biography, no one cares about when you started, or how the band was made, they want to see what you are now. If you have ever been to a car lot, and picked up a pamphlet explaining a car, you'll never find anything about how Henry Ford made the Model T; you'll find current facts, and information that are going to make you want to buy that new car. Use that same principle for your band. If you have to, hire a professional writer, or someone who can write exceptionally well. Interview a few people from the all mighty craigslist.
Band Graphics - Make quality graphics, and that's that. If your band doesn't have a logo, find someone who can make you an excellent logo, or do it yourself if you have the know how. There really isn't much to making a good logo, but remember, once you pick a logo, make sure it's something you'll want to have to represent you for a long, long time. Logos change, but most of the time, they are static.
Quality of Music - Make sure you have at least 3 demo songs, preferably your best pieces of music. Go to a professional studio, and record them, and have them mastered. It is worth the time and money. If you have a garage recording or anything right now, it is fine for a makeshift demo, but do not rely on this bringing you the gigs. Professional demos show that you're a dedicated band, who are willing to invest in their music and future. Promoters will value high quality recordings over garbage ones because a professional recording says that you go above and beyond, and don't settle for the least amount of work. If you don't know what your best pieces of music are, maybe because you haven't played a show yet, then set up a few shows and see what songs get the best reactions. This should be the deciding factor as in whether or not this or that song is demo material, not your bands attachment to the song. Just because you guys think it's a hit, doesn't mean the fans will.
Fan Base - it's great to show on your EPK shows that you've played, and bands that you've played with. But more importantly, shows that are booked already. If you can get a few shows booked when you are putting together your EPK, it creates a sense of value. The promoter will think since other places are booking you, then perhaps there is more to you than meets the eye (which, if you've followed the steps above, is a lot.). The ability to bring in a crowd is more important than anything else, but it will always prove more beneficial if you can show that you're professionals, and that you have quality music along with the ability to bring a crowd.
Now, where do you make an EPK? Look online for sites that host EPKs. Sonicbids is a great website that many promoters use to find new talent. It'd be a great place to start. Remember, a first impression is always key when trying to book a gig, so why not blow them away?
Take care, and Rock on
Music can bring you anywhere...
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