Most buyers, agent and promoters want to receive this through email, but others will insist on a physical kit. We will address the latter first, as it is comprehensive.

     What to include for an in-hand kit?

     The kit should be in a folder. If you can have your band picture printed on the front with a little avatar on the bottom corner with your contact info, all the better. However, printing a custom folder may be expensive in your area, in which case you may opt to print labels with your photo or logo and contact info - make the background colour of the label the same as the colour of the folder.

      Include a business card in the opening page sleeve.

     First thing that comes to mind is a BIO. Let them know the type of music you do, how many performers are in your band, their names and a brief description. Tell them if you have a sound system and a lighting system, and whether you have your own techs or not. Mention your fan base (do not exaggerate) or lack thereof. If you are an original band with no fan base it is important to let them know how you will be promoting the show to assist in filling seats (ie: indicate if you can provide your own posters, your website, social media sites (include numbers of followers if your numbers are impressive), interest in volunteering time for radio interviews in the area etc).

     Give a description of your show. You need to describe what you do and provide a bit of back history. This back history needs to be concise and to the point. No filler, don’t mention something unless it will contribute to the overall image you are trying to promote. One page is best here, and you can hint that your track record can be discovered by browsing your fact sheet. There is an expectation of a maximum of two pages, do not exceed that or it will likely be thrown in the garbage for having broken the rule.

     They will want to see what you look like, and you need to supply an 8 x 10 photo. Provide something that is high resolution and could be used in printing flyers, posters and also be suitable for newspaper reproduction (300 dpi is best).

     Now you need to include a three or four song demo. Think about what this promoter or event might want and give it to them. Go for your best material. This should be in the form of a CD that has your band name and contact email on the CD and on the cover, both front and spine. Make this CD look as professional as possible.

     The Fact Sheet acts as your musical resume. Here you can list your musical accomplishments. Include: radio and television appearances in both interviews and performances; commercials and your contribution to them as performer, writer or producer;  movie appearances and impressive bookings such as festivals, events, concerts and performing as an opening act for a headliner. Provide a list of music venue bookers as references. Ad a press page with selected quotes and reviews from newspapers and magazines. A list of released CDs and if it applies a list of all radio stations that are currently playing your latest release. If you do not have any of this history, consider how you gain some experience for this fact sheet such as playing for charity or community events. Do not mention any open mic performances.

     A Stage Rider is a list of equipment that you will be bringing to the event. Describe your back-line. Let them know if you have a P.A. system and someone to operate it. Let them know if you have a lighting system and operator or whether you will be relying on them to supply a tech. If you have specific monitor needs mention it in the rider. Supply a diagram of the equipment set up on stage, number the microphones and mention how many channels you need in XLR and if you need any direct boxes. If you posses everything that you need to play, tell them right off the top that you are self sufficient. They want this to be as easy as possible. Don’t word anything to make it sound difficult or demanding.

     If you include a Show Page, this would have a list of shows that are currently booked. Provide the name of cities and states or provinces.

Include contact information: website URL, a list of social links - Facebook/artist page, ReverbNation, Twitter and MySpace site. Remember the importance of including a contact person’s name and phone number and email address, and I recommend that you have an avatar or logo which is always printed next to your contact information. Place this inconspicuously on each and every page of your material.



     EPK – Electronic Press Kits

     You will most commonly find no need for a physical press kit in today’s electronic world and sending a client, promoter or agent to your website may be all that is necessary. Still, some will insist on an EPK. This allows the venue or promoter to have an online reference file for each prospected entertainer. Here is a list of companies that can supply you with an EPK for a nominal fee or in some cases for free:

• Sonicbids -  https://www.sonicbids.com/ – yearly fee
• ReverbNation  - https://www.reverbnation.com/ - EPK - Monthly fee based EPK for bands
• Artistecard - http://artistecard.com/ - Free EPK's for bands
• Presskit - https://www.presskit.to/ - Fee based mobile friendly EPK and responsively designed for tablets etc.
• ePressKitz - http://epresskitz.com/ - Free and fee based EPK packages with mobile design friendly


Promotion: as important as food.

Regards,
Professor Douglas Fraser