| Nearly every successful band has a band press kit to | | | | definitely not hire-worthy. |
| distribute to agents, producers, radio station managers, | | | | 4. Business Card: People who sign checks use |
| record labels, newspapers, magazines, venues and a | | | | Rolodexes. Business cards fit in Rolodexes. Enough |
| myriad of other engaging prospects. The band press | | | | said. |
| kit is without a doubt the most widely-recognized and | | | | 5. CD/DVD: EPK's (Electronic Press Kits) are hot right |
| accepted form of band marketing and promotion. The | | | | now; many online companies are now offering these. |
| fact that bands and musicians/artists need band press | | | | Though somewhat cost-effective, EPK's are still |
| kits is not the question; the question becomes what to | | | | largely regarded as amateur material on the |
| include in your band press kit? The following six | | | | professional band marketing circuit. Think about it: if |
| elements are integral to the recognition and success of | | | | you're a busy station manager sifting through band |
| your band press kit -- include them in your press kit | | | | press kits, why would you take the time to wait for a |
| and you're more likely to be taken as a serious | | | | CD-ROM to boot up when you can instead scan a |
| prospect for paying gigs, air time and label contracts. | | | | professionally-printed band press kit to decide if you |
| 1. Bio Sheet: In a band press kit, the Bio Sheet is an 8.5" | | | | even want to listen to the band's material in the first |
| x 11" piece of paper that introduces the reader to the | | | | place. For this reason, if you want to achieve success |
| band. It tells them who you are, what kind of music you | | | | you should opt for a pro press kit and include a demo |
| play, what notable accomplishments you've already | | | | CD or DVD as part of the kit, and not as the band |
| achieved; and offers a sample set list and often | | | | press kit in its entirety. |
| equipment available for live venues. | | | | 6. Pocket Folder or Label: A professionally-printed |
| 2. Band Poster: You've seen these tacked to the walls | | | | pocket folder, complete with your band logo and slits |
| of nearly every major live venue and radio station. | | | | to hold your business card and CD or DVD is |
| Everyone loves band posters because they look great | | | | preferrable, but not every band can afford pocket |
| and deliver an identity. They're not only trophies of who | | | | folders on top of everything that must be included in |
| has played where and when, but also living | | | | the band press kit. As a cost-efficient alternative, have |
| advertisements for your band. Every time a new | | | | labels printed that you can simply stick on to stock |
| person sees your poster, it speaks volumes, so make | | | | pocket folders you can pick up at any local office |
| sure you put care and planning into your band poster | | | | supply store. |
| design for maximum band promotion prowess. | | | | Other Considerations: If your band has issued press |
| 3. Band Photo: The obligatory black and white band | | | | releases or has previously been covered in media |
| photo isn't just a tradional leftover of bands past, but | | | | outlets, included copied clippings to demonstrate that |
| an important part of a professional image. The great | | | | you have already been a hit on the stage. Proven |
| thing about band photos is that, when included in a | | | | professionalism can go a long way toward rounding |
| press kit, they can go beyond expressing attitude | | | | out a truly successful press release. |
| because fans love to have these signed. This is | | | | Remember that while your band press kit is only one |
| especially important for bands who are just beginning | | | | way to promote your band, it can also be the most |
| to taste success -- a great band photo encompasses | | | | important and impactful weapon in your band |
| the spirit of your band in a moment in time. And, if for | | | | marketing arsenal. Don't skimp on this all-important |
| no other reason, people who look at band press kits | | | | element, and make sure you include the six items listed |
| expect a professional band photo. Without one, you | | | | here for a band press kit that will be remembered. |
| risk seeming unprofessional, inexperienced and | | | | |