Band press kits are what all bands or musicians need to get promotions, gigs, and booking agents. They are sometimes known as media kits or artist bios and are taken to potential venues in hopes of being booked. Here is a step-by-step guide as to how to make this happen
1. Make a press kit cover page. This should include the name of your band, logo, what type of music you play. Also include contact information (band name, address, email, phone number, band website, and any other information possible).
2. Create an Artist Bio page. This serves as an introduction to your band. State what genre of music is played, introduce your band members, the types of gigs you’ve played and where you’ve played them. Include specific information about the band, such as if you have a fan base (if you don’t have a fan base, open mic nights are a great way for people to hear your music. Besides, venues can’t fill themselves up!), or if you have people who lights or sound for live performances (if not the venue will most likely provide one).
3. Get some band photos. To make your press kit pop, you need some professional 8×10 photos of your band. If you can’t get professional ones, have someone take really kick-ass pictures of your band and blow them up 8×10. You’re more likely to get booked if you put faces to the music.
4. Make an Equipment Page. These are all the people who help with the technical issues. Include the type of equipment your band uses, if you have your own microphones, mic stands, etc., if you have sound and light guys, and if you have a PA system and someone run. These things can be provided by the venue but it looks better (and more professional on your part) if you have all of this.
5. Booking Information. PUT THIS EVERYWHERE IN YOUR PRESS PACKAGE! This includes contact names, phone numbers, email, fax number, band website. It makes it easier for venues to find it quickly.
6. Make a Demo CD. You can make a tape but do people listen to those anymore? Three to four songs will do and include song titles and booking information. You can also use a flash drive but that is more for record companies. For local venues, a CD is fine.
7. Have a Song List and gig sheet. List some of the songs your band has performed. This includes cover songs as well as original music. The gig sheet just states where you have performed and where you plan on performing in the future.
8. Newspaper clippings. If your band or music has been reviewed or featured in newspapers, put them in your press kit. Bands starting out may not have this yet so don’t be afraid to ask local papers, or if you’re a college band, the school paper, to cover a show. Clippings are fine but if you can find the article online and print it out, do that for a more professional touch.
9. Business Cards. You can do this on any word processing programs that offer business card templates (Word, Publisher, etc.) Include the band name, email address, phone number, and the name of who to contact. Throw in some cool graphics if you can.
10. BE CREATIVE! Show a sense of individuality when making your press kit. No one will want to look through a press kit that looks like a class paper. Experiment with colors, graphics, fonts, and have fun with it. It reflects who your band is and if your press kit looks boring, venues will think you’re boring.
Here are some local places in the New Haven area you can check out:
