How to Make an Electronic Press Kit for Musicians | EPK Best Practices Pt. 1

Summary

In this video, Ryan from Libeled Records explains the importance of creating an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) for independent artists. He emphasizes that an EPK, a hidden and password-protected webpage, is essential for showcasing your work to industry professionals like venues, booking agents, and bloggers. Ryan provides tips on what to include in your EPK, such as music, videos, photos, bios, and contact information. Additionally, he suggests creating multiple EPKs for specific purposes, like promoting a single or booking shows, to maximize your reach and professionalism.

Takeaways

• 🎯 An Electronic Press Kit (EPK) is crucial for standing out in the music industry.
• 🌐 An EPK is a password-protected webpage containing all the important information about an artist, tailored for industry professionals.
• 📸 EPKs should include photos, music, videos, and a well-written bio.
• ✍️ It's important to invest time in writing a good bio, as it's a key component of an EPK.
• 🎶 Avoid embedding Spotify players in EPKs; use more accessible audio players like SoundCloud or built-in website players.
• 📧 Include real and accurate contact information in your EPK, especially if you're an independent artist.
• 🔑 Customize EPKs for different purposes, like promoting a specific song, booking, or reaching out to bloggers.
• 🎥 For song-specific EPKs, include full tracks, videos, album artwork, lyrics, and behind-the-scenes stories.
• 📑 Multiple EPKs can be created for different purposes, each targeting a specific audience within the industry.
• 🤝 An effective EPK helps industry professionals discover more about an artist and makes it easier for them to engage and follow up.

Q & A

What is an EPK, and why is it important for artists?

An EPK, or Electronic Press Kit, is a digital portfolio that provides all the essential information about an artist, such as music, photos, bios, and videos. It is crucial because it helps artists stand out in the industry, making it easier for venues, booking agents, and media professionals to discover and promote their work.

Why should an EPK be a hidden and password-protected page?

An EPK should be hidden and password-protected because it is intended for industry professionals, not fans. This ensures that the content is presented specifically for those who may want to book, promote, or collaborate with the artist, without cluttering the public-facing website.

What are the essential components of an EPK?

The essential components of an EPK include photos, music tracks, music videos, a well-written bio, and contact information. These elements provide a comprehensive overview of the artist's work and identity, making it easier for industry professionals to evaluate them.

Why is it not recommended to embed a Spotify player in an EPK?

It is not recommended to embed a Spotify player because not everyone uses Spotify, and it may limit access to the artist's full tracks. Instead, using platforms like SoundCloud or built-in audio players ensures that anyone can listen to the music without restrictions.

What should an artist do if they don’t have a professional team for booking and management?

If an artist does not have a professional team, they should be honest and provide their real contact information in the EPK. It’s important to be transparent about being an independent artist, as pretending to have a team could damage credibility.

How can an artist customize their EPK for different purposes?

An artist can create multiple EPKs for different purposes, such as one for general promotion, another for a specific song release, or one targeted at booking shows. Each EPK can be tailored with specific content like album artwork, song lyrics, or behind-the-scenes stories to fit the intended audience.

What additional content can be included in a song-specific EPK?

A song-specific EPK can include the full song, unreleased music videos, album artwork, lyrics, and behind-the-scenes stories about the song’s creation. This targeted approach helps bloggers, DJs, and other media professionals gain a deeper understanding of the song and the artist.

Why is it important to have a well-written bio in the EPK?

A well-written bio is important because it provides industry professionals with a clear and compelling narrative about the artist. A good bio helps convey the artist's identity, career highlights, and unique qualities, making them more appealing to potential collaborators and promoters.

What should an artist do if they struggle to write their own bio?

If an artist struggles to write their own bio, they should consider seeking help from a professional writer or researching how to write a compelling bio. A well-crafted bio is crucial for making a strong impression in the industry.

Why should an artist consider making multiple EPKs for different purposes?

An artist should consider making multiple EPKs to target specific industry needs, such as one for song releases, another for booking, and one for general promotion. This allows the artist to present relevant information in a more organized and effective manner, increasing their chances of success in each area.