Building a Press Kit (EPK)

What an EPK is, what to include, and how to use it to get press coverage and bookings.

What Is an EPK?

An Electronic Press Kit (EPK) is a digital package that contains everything a journalist, music blogger, booking agent, festival programmer, or radio host needs to know about you. Think of it as your professional resume, portfolio, and pitch document — all in one place.

If you want press coverage, festival bookings, or radio airplay, you need an EPK. Without one, you look unprofessional and make the other person's job harder. And if you make their job harder, they move on to the next artist.

What Goes in an EPK

Artist Bio (Short and Long Version)

Write a bio that reads like something a music journalist would write — in third person, focused on your story, your sound, and your achievements. Have a short version (100 words) and a long version (300–500 words). Avoid clichés like "born and raised," "music was always in my blood," and "passionate artist." Write like you're interesting, not like you're applying for a job.

High-Resolution Photos

At minimum, three professional or high-quality photos: one headshot and two action/lifestyle shots. They must be high resolution (at least 300 DPI) so they can be printed. Include links to downloadable files — don't embed only small previews.

Music Links

Link to your best music on Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud. Also include streaming stats if they're strong — "5M Spotify streams," "20K monthly listeners" adds credibility.

Videos

If you have a music video, a live performance video, or a studio session clip — include it. Video content gives bookers and journalists the best sense of what you bring live.

Press Quotes and Coverage

Any previous press coverage, blog features, or reviews go here. Even smaller blog placements matter. Format them as pull quotes: *"One of the most exciting voices in independent hip-hop today." — HipHopDX*

Booking and Contact Information

Make it easy. Include your manager or booking contact's name, email, and phone number. If you're self-managed, include your own contact with a professional email (not a Gmail from high school).

Social Media Links and Stats

Include your Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter handles along with your follower counts. Don't inflate these — people can check.

Technical Rider (For Bookings)

If you're pitching for live shows, include a basic technical rider: what equipment you need on stage, your stage setup, any special requirements. Even a simple one demonstrates professionalism.

Where to Build Your EPK

Dedicated EPK platforms:

  • Sonicbids — widely used by festivals and venues
  • ReverbNation — established EPK platform for independent artists
  • Wix or Squarespace — build a custom EPK page on your website for full control

The simplest option: A well-organized Google Drive folder with a clear index document linking to everything. Fast, free, and easily shareable.

How to Use Your EPK

  • Include the link in every pitch email to blogs, playlists, and venues
  • Include it in your bio link on Instagram
  • Send it proactively to music journalists covering your genre
  • Update it every time you hit a major milestone — new numbers, new press, new photos

Common Mistakes

Don't include your entire discography — showcase your best 2–3 tracks. Don't use low-resolution photos — they communicate that you're not serious. Don't forget to update it — an EPK with a two-year-old bio and outdated stats hurts more than it helps.

Key Takeaways

  • An EPK is your professional pitch document — used for press, radio, bookings, and festival submissions
  • Always include a short bio, high-resolution photos, music links, stats, and contact info
  • Previous press coverage (even small blogs) adds credibility — include pull quotes
  • Keep your EPK updated with current stats and photos — an outdated one hurts your image
  • The simplest EPK can be a well-organized Google Drive link with a clear index document

Glossary

EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
A digital package containing an artist's bio, photos, music, press coverage, and contact info — used to pitch to media, venues, and industry contacts.
Technical Rider
A document specifying the equipment, stage setup, and technical requirements an artist needs for live performances.
Pull Quote
A short excerpt from a press review or feature, formatted to highlight praise — used in bios and press materials.
High-Resolution
Image quality of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) — required for print media and professional press use.
Press Pitch
A brief, targeted message sent to a journalist or blogger introducing your music and requesting coverage.