Putting A Press Kit Together

Getting your music heard is the first step, and getting shows is the next! If you’re a local band or musician looking to book gigs at bars and clubs in your area, you need to make a solid impression. That’s where a press kit comes in. Think of it as your professional resume and portfolio all in one. Here’s how to put together a press kit that will catch the eye of local venue owners and talent buyers.

​What to Include in Your Press Kit

​A good press kit doesn’t need to be a 20-page novel. Keep it concise, professional, and easy to digest. Venue managers are busy people, so you want to give them the information they need without overwhelming them.

​A Killer Bio: This is your chance to tell your story. Keep it brief—one page at most. Write about who you are, what kind of music you play, and what your unique selling points are. Mention your influences, any notable shows you’ve played, or a cool story about how your band formed.

​High-Quality Photos: You need at least one high-resolution, professional-looking band photo. Make sure it reflects your style and energy. Include a few different options: a group shot, some individual shots, and maybe a live photo to show you in action.

​Your Music: This is the most important part! Include a link to your best three to five songs. Don’t send a link to your entire discography. Curate a playlist of your strongest, most representative tracks. A link to your Bandcamp, SoundCloud, or Spotify page is perfect.

​Live Performance Video: A short, well-shot video of a live performance can be a huge asset. It shows a venue manager what you’re like on stage and that you can command an audience. It doesn’t need to be a multi-camera production; a good-quality phone video can work in a pinch.

​A List of Past Gigs and Accomplishments: Show that you’ve been around the block. List some of the venues you’ve played at, any bands you’ve opened for, or any local press you’ve received. This builds credibility and shows that you can draw a crowd.

​Contact Information: This is non-negotiable! Make sure your press kit clearly lists a point of contact, including their name, phone number, and email address. You can also include links to your social media pages and website.

​How to Distribute Your Press Kit

​Once you have your press kit assembled, you need to get it into the right hands.

​Email is King: Most venues prefer to receive press kits via email. Create a professional, well-written email with a brief introduction and a link to your press kit. You can use a Google Drive folder, a dedicated page on your website, or a service like Dropbox to host your materials.

​The Old-Fashioned Way: Don’t be afraid to visit a few local spots in person. Bring a physical folder with your materials and a business card. Ask to speak to the booking manager or owner, but be respectful of their time. If they’re busy, leave the folder and a polite note.

​Network, Network, Network: Go to other local shows and get to know the bands and venue staff. You’ll build relationships and learn which spots might be a good fit for your music. Word-of-mouth can be a powerful tool.

​Putting together a professional press kit is a small investment that can lead to big opportunities. It shows that you’re serious about your music and ready to take the next step. So, get your kit together, start reaching out, and we’ll be hearing you on the radio soon!

BY OURTOWNRADIO