Music Press Kit Checklist
A music press kit gives journalists, promoters, curators and potential partners the material they need to understand and present your project.
It should not be a huge folder of random files.
The best press kits are clear, current and easy to navigate.
Start with a one-line description
Explain the project in one useful sentence.
For example:
Bristol-based electronic duo combining garage rhythms, live brass and cinematic vocals.
Avoid vague descriptions such as “a unique artist who refuses to be defined.”
Specific details are more memorable.
Include a short biography
Prepare several lengths:
- One sentence
- Approximately 100 words
- Approximately 300 words
A useful biography can include:
- Location
- Genre
- Background
- Key influences
- Current release
- Important achievements
- Live activity
- Relevant story
Write in the third person so publications can adapt it easily.
Provide the music
Include:
- A private advance link where relevant
- Public streaming links
- A downloadable file when requested
- Track title and version
- Release date
- Distributor or label
- ISRC
- Songwriter and producer credits
Do not attach enormous files to an introductory email unless requested.
Add strong photographs
Provide several high-resolution options:
- Landscape image
- Portrait image
- Square image
- Clean press portrait
- Live photograph
Include photographer credits and usage instructions.
Avoid sending only artwork with text covering the image.
Include cover artwork
Supply the final high-resolution artwork separately from the photographs.
Make sure the file is correctly named.
Use:
Artist-Name_Release-Title_Cover.jpg
Not:
final-new-cover-actually-final-2.jpg
Explain the campaign story
Why should someone discuss this release now?
Possible angles include:
- An unusual recording process
- A meaningful collaboration
- A personal story
- A local connection
- A new creative direction
- A significant live event
- An innovative format
- A wider cultural subject
The story should be genuine and connected to the music.
Add selected achievements
Include relevant proof such as:
- Previous press
- Radio support
- Significant playlists
- Live bookings
- Audience milestones
- Awards
- Collaborations
- Sync placements
Do not list every minor mention.
Provide live information
For booking and event contacts, add:
- Live setup
- Number of performers
- Technical requirements
- Recent venues
- Upcoming dates
- Performance footage
- Booking contact
A journalist and a promoter may need different information.
Add contact details
Clearly identify the correct contact for:
- Press
- Booking
- Management
- Label
- General enquiries
Independent artists can use one professional email address for several roles.
Host it somewhere simple
A press-kit page or organised cloud folder is easier than repeated attachments.
Test every link and permission setting in a private browser.
Use a smart link or short URL that is easy to copy.
Update it for every campaign
Remove:
- Old tour dates
- Broken links
- Outdated photographs
- Previous-release language
- Irrelevant achievements
- Expired private streams
A professional press kit saves other people time. That alone makes them more likely to engage with your music.