How To Build The Perfect EPK To Get You More Gigs

This week, I plan to teach you how to make your career lifestyle easier, not only for you, but for your business partners(managers and agents). Next in the series is the lingering question that every artists asks me every day. Even more than how to get distribution: "How do I get more gigs?" Besides the obvious answer of "play better", I always ask them "what's your EPK looking like" and they give me the blankest stare. Please people, let's change that today. lol

What's An EPK?

EPK is the abbreviation for Electronic Press Kit. THIS is what promoters look at to judge the level of quality, professionalism and profitability of your work. It's your reseme to your next act and can make or break your shot at your next performance. Most importantly, it's especially needed if you want to move on to find greater regions outside of the territory that's already local to you.

What Do I Put In My EPK?

1. Bio:
The Band/Artist biography is a tricky thing, because most promoters are only going to glance through this unless their eyes are caught on something immediately. So, be sure to put in the basics with the rest of the info: Age range, Location, Who Inspired You.
That last one is a major factor. Usually, when promoters are looking for a particular sound or style, they already have a chain of reference in their heads. The people who inspire you just may be on that list.

2. Demographics:
This is quite possibly the most important. Know what crowd you are aiming for because the promoter NEEDS to know! Be sure that if you are Hip-hop/Rock blend, to make sure that your EPK represents this well.
Show statistical numbers of the age range you gain the most response from and what musical genres/crowds have been on record to return to your music. If you have any quotations with reliable sources linked to them in relation to fan reactions, add them to your Demographics page. Be sure to let your promoter know what type of artist you are.

3. Past Show Info:
Just like a reseme, use this as a chain of reference. If you've worked past shows and had positive results, be sure to leave your past promoter's number available. Be sure to also let them know the max number of people who were capable of attending the venue(be sure to notice how I worded that). And of course, this where you are going to want to show...

4. Pictures:
There's an art to this like everything else. Yes, everyone can add their head shots or group photos and album covers. Just don't overdo it, because the ones that are obviously going to be getting the most attention are live performance pics. There are a few rules I abide by when I add a picture to the EPK:
A. Does it give a positive vibe of the band?
B. Does it reflect on the quality of the performance?
C. Is there a really great shot of the crowd enjoying themselves?
D. Does it show how large the venue is? If not, is it questionable?

Like I said, remember the rules of demographics.

5. Professionalism
Does this really need to be said at this point? When making the EPK, easy on the slang, the swears and short hand. If you have anything to spice up the EPK, like designs or logo's, put a classy, subtle touch to it, but make sure it's your own. If you have any links to websites or pages, make sure they're 100% presentable. And where ever your music is being distributed(in all honestly, if your music isn't being sold/distributed, you shouldn't even focus on live performances left. You skipped a step), make sure it's in full access for them to see.

This is your career. Let's take it seriously.