The First Step into a Venue Begins With a Press Kit
Megan Wetzel of MW Sound Promotions shows you how to put a press kit together to ensure your band gets noticed
Press kits are an integral part of any music career. Sometimes they are referred to as media kits, artist bio or music kits. Band Press Kits are used for music promotion, music publicity, booking agents and general band promotion. This article will talk about the different aspects of the Kit and how to properly present this information to the public. Venues and Entertainment Directors expect the kits to be professional, organized, and complete with all the necessary information. If you are a serious band or musician, you must have a promotional kit/packet.
Music Venues, bars and restaurant’s will either ask you to mail in the kit or use an online mail kit which is getting more attention now that email and the internet have become more popular. (Ask your promotions company which online press kit is most acceptable). When putting together a hard copy press kit you should have the following included:
A Cover page:
Include information about your musical purpose and introduce your band to the reader. Explain to the booking agent what type of music you play. TIP It should display your Local Band Logo in an Eye Catching manner. Always add your contact information whenever possible. Include your Name, Band Name, Phone number, Address, E-mail address, Website URL, and any other contact info necessary.
A Band Biography Page:
(Separate from the cover page) Most bands have their own version of the band bio, but it may be a good idea to have an industry leader or booking/promotional professional to read and / or edit your band bio. If you are writing your own, follow some of these tips: Introduce the band by explaining your genre of music, names of the members, specific info about your band or style of music, name some quality clubs that you have played, and what areas or cities you have performed in. It’s important to also add information about your sound / lighting abilities. (Does your act have a sound guy for live performances or will the venue need to provide one? Does your band have lights or a light show?) Highlight this information and any key characteristics about your act. Include your Fan Base, (Do you have one?). Are you a Tribute, Original band or an Acoustic act?
A Large Picture (Usually 8X10) (1) in color and (1) in Black/white of the entire band. There are many photographers willing to take your band photo for a reasonable price. The better the Picture quality, the more seriously someone important may look into your press kit. Not all photographers out there are expensive. Just do some research to find what’s best for your band.
Demo or EP:
Include a couple copies of your most recent CD. A venue or club will want to hear what they are paying for. Ask your local recording studio for help with this to make sure you get the most professional demo CD made.
A Business Card:
with your contact information/booking information/promotional information. Have a promotions company design and print your cards for a professional look. Make sure they include the Band Name, Contact Name, Phone, Website URL and E-mail address.
Letters of Recommendation:
Submit a letter with Local or out of state venues, entertainment directors, other successful musicians (You may have shared the stage with). Ask these places/people to send you recommendations on plain, white paper to be included in the kit.
A list of Venues:
Add a list of venues you have played in the past and will in the future. Sometimes add an updated Calendar of shows because some booking agents will want to come see you play. Add songs played, original songs/cover gig list.
Remember that the packaged kit is as important as what’s inside! Use a professional folder with clean edges in a color that isn’t too bright (which could come off as obnoxious) an envelope with your bands logo on it, or get more creative and use other materials. Your promotions company will have excellent ideas and suggestions when putting together your kit.
Sometimes it will take months to hear from these people—even with follow-up calls. Don't give up. Don't get frustrated. Remember that they're getting the same kinds of packages from hundreds on a daily basis.
Megan Wetzel owns MW Sound Promotions, a publicity agency located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Megan and her team have helped many up-and-coming and established bands get noticed in the Philadelphia and New York area club circuit.