When your band is ready to start getting reviews, it's time to make a band press kit. It is the same as a promo package, and the terms can be interchanged. In the electronic age, your band press kit can be available electronically (known as an electronic press kit, or EPK), but you will still need a physical package for the convenience of those who review or book music but cannot access a computer easily. The important components of a promo package are: A demo tape or CD, Photo, Bio, and Press Clips.
The quality of your press kit package is very important. Its look can influence a talent booker to call you back, or not. Like it or not, the recipient will begin reviewing your kit as soon as they open it, before they even listen to your music. So presentation is important. Choose folders that match your musical style, and add a touch of your personality.
CD/Demo
The centerpiece of your package is your CD. If your CD is a demo, offer three songs max on it. Three is enough to give the listener an idea of what your band sounds like. The songs should have the best quality production that you can afford. In regard to the order, the strongest songs, uptempos especially, should go first.
Photo
Your photo gives a visual image of the band. The picture should tell a story of what kind of band you are, and what kind of music you play. If you are a hip-hop artist, a picture that you used when you were a rocker will not cut it. Again, the quality is crucial. If you send an amateur photo, you will be perceived to be an amateur band. When choosing a photographer, ask to see samples of their work. Photographers can specialize in different styles, and it's a good idea to know their style before you go to a shoot. If you're really strapped for cash, a talented photo student may be able to help.
Bio
Many newspapers and magazines will reprint your bio, word for word, so make sure it reads like an article. The bio should fit onto one page, double spaced (for editing ease). It should be typed, in an easy to read typeface. The purpose of a bio is to entice readers. What's interesting about the band? Do you have any cool quotes from the members, the fans, or the music industry? What about funny anecdotes of things that happened on tour? Tell them why the world needs to know about you, but keep the hype to a minimum.
Press Clips
Press clips are past articles written about you or your band that reflect on your music. If you have an abundance of clips, by all means include them in your promo kit, but limit them to your best five or six. Create a quote sheet of your review highlights.
Carla Lynne Hall is a musician and music marketing consultant based in New York City. Her mission is to make music and share her knowledge with other musicians. As a musician, she has released three CDs on her own label, and has toured the world as a singer/songwriter, and professional vocalist. In addition, she also has spent a number of years behind the scenes in the music industry, in publishing, management, publicity, and radio promotion.
Carla has given indie music lectures at many venues, including ASCAP, Songwriter's Hall of Fame, The Indie Music Forum, and Philadelphia Music Conference. As well as being the former music business columnist for Vibe Magazine, Carla has written articles for http://www.musicdish.com/ and other publications around the world, and is the author of The DIY Guide to the Music Biz and Twitter for Musicians. Carla blogs about the life of the indie musician at http://rockstarlifelessons.com/. Promote your band, build your fanbase, and sell your music!
No comments:
Post a Comment