An EPK (or Electronic Press Kit) is a must-have for any musician looking to land gigs. If up until now you weren’t totally clear on what people meant when they name-dropped this essential tool, now you will be. We’ve got your back with this complete guide on how to create a successful EPK.
What is an EPK?
Let’s start with the basics: what is an EPK? To put it simply, it’s an online resume or music website that’s created especially to land musicians gigs. Another way to put it is that it’s an online portfolio of information about you as an artist, including biographical details, press clippings, audio and video recordings of your work, photos, and contact information.
Essentially, an EPK is an effective tool for artists who want to make a name for themselves in the music industry and get their music out there. Like any resume, EPKs are an easy way for people who’d like to work with you to learn more about you, and how to get in touch.
Use this band name generator to find a showstopping name for your band.
How to create an EPK
01. Write your EPK for the right people
Putting yourself out there as a professional musician is a lot like starting a business: you need to make sure you’re using the right tools to market yourself to the right public. EPKs are meant to attract people who are looking to work with you and help you make money as a musician, so it should be aimed at booking agents, record labels, venues, reporters/media, distribution agents, promoters and other potential business partners. When writing the text for your EPK, keep these people in mind to better focus your content and tone.
02. Design your EPK with templates
To perfect your EPK's design, you can start by creating a website and choosing an EPK template that matches your overall aesthetic and fits your style. If you're not sure where to start, look at other EPKs from bands or artists that you admire. What do you like about their design? What elements would you like to incorporate into your own EPK?
Once you have chosen a template, you can start adding your own content. Make sure to use high-quality images and videos, and use a consistent color scheme throughout your design. You should also keep it simple and only include the most important details. That’s how you can create an EPK that is both visually appealing and informative.
03. Include these must-haves in your EPK
An EPK should be professional and easy to navigate so that industry professionals can quickly find the information they need. Start by creating a page devoted to yourself as an artist – this could include past performances, awards won or anything else that will show off your talent and accomplishments.
You will also want to upload some high-quality images and videos of yourself performing live or recording in the studio so people can see what kind of performance they can expect from you if they book you for a gig or sign up for future collaborations.
Now that you have chosen your aesthetic and brand, you need to know what to include in your EPK:
Bio: Your bio should include information about who you are, when you kicked off your music career, stats about band members like what instruments they play and a list of your full discography. This is your chance to tell your story and introduce yourself, so make sure it is clear, concise and engaging.
Contact info: Scouts can’t book you if they don’t know how to reach you. Your representation info and location should take up prime real-estate in your electronic press kit.
Photos: What’s a name without a face? Add your headshots and professional photos to your press kit.
Music: When it comes down to it, your music is your biggest selling point. Add your full discography along with a free download of your most polished tracks or singles to seal the deal on booking your next show. List all important details like track collaborators, lyricists and instrumentalists in the cliff notes of your track listings to add a professional edge.
Video: You didn’t spend all that time creating a music video or perfecting your live act just to keep it to yourself. Add all impressive videos to your EPK to show promoters what they can expect from you on show day. Make sure all videos are well-lit and in focus, and that they accurately represent your music and your brand.
Press: Include any blogs, publications or even local papers that gave your band a shout out.
Social media: Including links to your social media profiles in your EPK gives people a way to connect with you and learn more about your music. It can also help you build relationships with fans and industry professionals.
Tech rider: Help booking agents accommodate your needs on stage by listing technical requirements like how many mics, plugs, stage plots and so on. Be sure to make this list downloadable so that your latest booked venue can have it handy when needed.
On the road: If you’re being booked for out-of-town gigs, give your agent a hand by having your hospitality info easily available online. Information like how many band members will be traveling, how many hotel rooms are needed and any dietary restrictions to consider should be included in your EPK.
Nervous that you’re missing something? Don’t be. Wix has EPK templates that have everything you need to get you noticed. Simply fill in the slots with your own info and images and you’re ready to go.
04. Protect your EPK
Unlike the majority of your music website that you’ll want to share far and wide, your EPK includes sensitive information that you probably don’t want the average fan to see. Aside from information about you, your EPK also contains high-quality audio and video files of your music, which you need to prevent from being pirated or illegally distributed. That’s why most EPKs are kept under a password protected page.
Password protection has the added bonus of potentially creating a sense of exclusivity, helping increase your visibility and getting your music heard by more people. You can also track who is accessing it and how often they are viewing it, helping you better market your work and understand who your fans are.
This is why it’s so crucial to build your EPK with a platform that thoroughly incorporates website security such as Wix, which provides a safe foundation for your website and gathers real-time insights to detect any threats so you can keep focusing on your music.
05. Distribute your EPK where it matters
As you start to market yourself as a musician, think carefully about how to promote your music and the best places to do so.
Your EPK can be shared either on its own dedicated website or as an added section of your band’s main site. If you don't have a website of your own, there's no time like the present to create a music website.
It’s also a good idea to have a printed version of your press kit on hand at events, like festivals or conventions, where you may run into industry professionals. If that sounds like a pain, know that you can always include a link to your EPK (with the password listed) on your business card.
Best practices for working with an EPK
Just because you have your EPK ready to promote doesn’t mean that your work is done. Here are some best practices for creating an EPK for musicians:
Update your EPK regularly. Your electronic press kit should be a living document that you update regularly with new music, photos, videos, and news. This will help to keep it fresh and interesting, and will show potential fans and industry professionals that you're active and engaged.
Get feedback from others. Ask friends, family, and fellow musicians to review your EPK and give you feedback. This can help you to identify any areas that need improvement.
Make it mobile-friendly. More and more people are viewing EPKs on mobile devices. Make sure that your EPK is optimized for mobile devices so that it can be easily viewed on smartphones and tablets. This means using a mobile-friendly design and using clear navigation so that users can quickly find the information they’re looking for.
How to create an EPK FAQ
What format should an EPK be in?
The best format for your EPK is the one that you feel most comfortable with and that showcases your music and your story. For best results, you can use EPK templates on a website builder for great formatting options, with flexibility and control over your design and layout and a more user-friendly interface.
What does a good EPK look like?
A good EPK is well-organized, informative and visually appealing. It should include all of the essential elements, such as your bio, music, photos, videos, tour dates and contact information. It should also be easy to navigate and should be optimized for mobile devices.
How much does it cost to make an EPK?
The cost of making an EPK will vary depending on the format you choose, the number of features you include and the level of design and production you require. However, you can create an EPK for free using a website builder or online EPK templates.