PRESS KIT AND MARKETING MATERIALS

How do you get the attention of radio programmers, press people, and record labels?  You set yourself ABOVE the rest.  You show them you are a PROFESSIONAL.

Quote from industry person-

"It doesn't matter how good your music is if your press kit (or lack of one) makes you look like an amateur.  A poor press kit will have your CD on a direct path to the trash bin."

What is a press kit?

A professional press kit is a marketing tool you use to sell you and your music to the music industry. A bad Press kit will kill your chances in a heartbeat.  So, give your music the chance it deserves and get a professional press kit NOW!

A press kit consists of the following components:

        Must Haves

                Cover letter            

                Bio

                Picture

                CD

        Additional items

                One Sheet

                Cut by Cut

Cover Letter

The cover letter is the first thing someone sees when they open your press kit.  It must be professional in tone without any spelling or grammatical mistakes.  It should be addressed to a specific person and be short and to the point.  

This is one of the most important pieces in your press kit because it is what will compel the reader to continue looking at your press kit and listen to your CD.  If you don't hook the recipient of your press kit at this point, you'll have no chance.

Bio

Your bio serves several purposes.  First, it tells the reader more about you.  Second, it could even be used as a write up about you if a busy press person doesn't write up something on their own.  

Your bio needs to tell a compelling story, but also needs to be on topic.  The reader does not need to know that you ate paste as a school child, unless of course it relates to your song “Why I Love Paste” on your new album.  

Your bio must be concise and entertaining and should be no more than 2 pages, with one page being the better way to go.

One Sheet

A one sheet gives the reader a quick snapshot of your CD (title and songs), what people are saying about your music, and maybe a little information about you.

This is where you want to put any good quotes you have from DJs, the press, or your producer.  A quote from your mom is probably NOT a good choice here.  What is comes down to is that if you have several people saying how great your music is, the recipient is much more likely to take a listen to your music.  They don't want to be missing something good!

Cut by Cut

This is another tool to convince people to listen to your CD or play a song.  A cut by cut lists each song on your CD with a few sentences about why you chose the song or what it means to you.  This can help build a connection with a song before the reader has even heard the music.  It can also provide good information for a reviewer.

Press Release

When you release a new CD you MUST issue a press release.  A press release service will send your news item to media outlets around the country, which will generate interest in you and your music...if the release is written well.

A well-written press release can bring people knocking on your door to know more about you and your music.

Newsletter

To be a successful indie artist, it's important that you build and grow a strong fan base.  One of the best ways to do this is to have a regular newsletter that keeps your fans up to date with what's going on in your career.  The more your fans are invested in your success, the more they'll support you every step of the way.  

A newsletter doesn't have to be fancy, but it does have to be professional and consistent.  The more fans you have, the more success you will have.

WHAT DOES IT COST?