Why would I need a Press Kit?

Press kits are a brief introduction to who you are, what you or your company does, and what you have accomplished while doing it. You do not always get a chance to interview with the media, corporate sponsors, or even music executives. However, you can introduce yourself with a comprehensive and well-put together press or media kit. An impressive and professional press kit could open that window of opportunity to work with a company or executive you have been wanting meet to take it to the next level.

A good press kit will give the reader detailed, accurate and relevant information on the artist. This would include a cover letter, an artist bio, recent press acknowledgement or coverage, a recent photograph or headshot, list of performances and upcoming events, any audio or video files of performances, frequently asked questions, and management contact information, including web site links. With this information, artist’s management can provide the media with essentially a resume that demonstrates the client’s talent. If you are creating a media kit for your company a few changes would be company history, news features, case studies on a particular service or product, and any video of commercials.

Since press is a continual process, it is best to have a base kit assembled while additions can be made as necessary. It should be in a clean, neat and professional folder with the artist’s name printed. Music or video files should be easily accessible – by removing shrink-wrap. When working with an Entertainment Attorney she passed music over because it was still in the shrink-wrap. She would give pass the music on. That little tidbit can give the artist a competitive advantage over the competition. Physical press kits are also more effective than digital or electronic press kits (EPK). Also websites like www.reverbnation.com have electronic press kits and it includes your music, tour dates – past and future, biographies, etc.

Resources:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/57260