Press Kit 101

Press kit 101 BY Nickoles Franklin (CK Management)

What is a press kit and why do I need one?

            A press kit is a package that contains things like photos, bios, demos, media and information that pertains to you or your band. Record, management, booking and promotions  companies will need to have a press kit to considered you it be added to there roster. The press kit is the first step in becoming a professional artist or entertainer.    

How to put a press kit together?

Photo

You will have to have photos taken of you or your band preferably by a professional. You will need good clear photos of each band member and band members as a group with a suitable back drop that will help repinsent you or your band’s image. Most press kit photos are 8.5’’ by 11 in size as a rule. It can help to include other pictures that you have taken at shows or similar engagements that you or your band has been a part of.    

Bio

A bio of the artists or artist is necessary to the viewer. The bio will need to include such things like where you and your band members are from. What brought you together to make music, what and who are your influences and why. (You can go on and on with a bio however I would keep it to a max of two pages)

Demo

The demo is the single most important part of the kit so do not take any short cuts at this part. A demo needs to have at lest 3-or more songs.  It needs to accurately represent your music and idea of what it should sound like. It is very importance to go studio shopping.  Shop all the recording facilities in your area and price range look for past bands and artists that the studio has worked with. Do not be afraid to ask for outside samples about the studios works and projects .ask a lot of questions in doing this it you will help make your demo sound the way you and your band want it to.   

Other things to include

·         News clippings

·         My space info  ( web site hits ,fans ,and friends  by the numbers only )

·         Upcoming shows

·         Web address

·         E mail address

·         contact info

·         A letter that is personalized to the whom is reviewing your press kit thanking them for there time

·         Remember that this press kit is the only thing that is representing you or you band so make it count.