Before you run out to book gigs and build a tour, you'll need some basic marketing tools so that you're prepared to make a lasting impression and secure the venues you want in this very competitive field. Many bookers and promoters want more than a Myspace site to visit. Below are some suggestions for building an effective press kit. It's important to note that these days, all of this can be done electronically.
The Demo
It is important for bookers to hear your music so that they know if you're a good fit for their venue as well as what bands to bill you with. It's always a total buzzkill to be booked with bands that play entirely different genres and draw very different crowds. For booking purposes, your CD presentation does not have to be extravagantly designed and packaged. It does however need to be simple yet professional. The band name, song titles, and contact information should be easily visible. Writing on a CD with a Sharpie marker doesn't cut it. If you want to be taken seriously, invest some time in creating printed labels or purchase printed CDs that can be packaged inexpensively paper sleeves.
The Bio
Keep it short, focused, and to the point. One page should be all you need. Include a very brief history of the band and its members. Nobody needs to know about the first time you picked up a guitar or how you and the drummer met, only include the vitals. Follow up with a descriptive paragraph about the band's music and artistic vision. Your band's name and contact information should be easily visible at the top of the page. You may also want to jazz it up by including a picture.
The Press
This is usually where bands falter. They either include every shred of press they've ever received or share none at all. Keep it between one full page and three pages. Keep the press current. A review from two years ago is worthless to a booker. If you have no press to speak of, go get some! Many online sites and Ezines will gladly review your record or live show. You can also hit up local college publications and music magazines. Your band's name and contact information should be easily visible at the top of each page.
The Promo Photo
These days it is easy and cheap to print promotional pictures. Depending on your budget, a professionally shot and enhanced photo is advisable. Be sure that your band's name and contact information is easily visible below the picture.
The Poster Sample
When you book a gig, you're going to need posters and flyers to promote it. I recommend designing a template that can be easily altered to include the show's specifics. 11x17 sized posters stand out best. By including a poster in your press kit, you are demonstrating that you're ready to promote your shows. Your band name and contact information should be easily visible on the poster.
The Flyer Sample
You can adjust your poster to a smaller size or create a different template. Once again, create a template that can be easily altered with each show's specifics. You should be able to fit four of these on a standard 8.5x11 piece of paper. By including a pocket flyer, you are demonstrating that you're ready to promote your shows.
The Stage Requirements
While this may not be necessary for all gigs, it's a good idea to include it anyway. Draft a simple document that outlines each instrument and each musician's microphone or monitor needs. Your band's name and contact information should be easily visible.
The Website
Include your band's URL where all of this info - music samples, photos, bio, press, contact info, poster & flyer samples - can be easily accessed.
Since licking stamps gets old real fast, and mailing weighty packages can get pricey, Electronic Press Kits are becoming a popular alternative to snail mail. EPK's make the press kit process easier and faster to use both on the sending and receiving end. Plus they can be used for much more than booking gigs! Be sure to keep your EPK up-to-date and easy to read. The site I recommend using is SonicBids.com.
Rock on!
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