How to Build an EPK for Musicians: Press Kit Checklist

Quick Answer: What is an EPK?

An Electronic Press Kit (EPK) is your professional music resume. It's a single webpage or PDF that contains everything a blogger, playlist curator, or venue promoter needs to know about you in one glance. It turns attention into sustainable growth by making it incredibly easy for the press to write about you.

The Ultimate EPK Checklist

• Artist Bio: A short (1-2 paragraphs) compelling story about who you are and what your music sounds like.
• High-Res Photos: At least 3 professional press shots (horizontal and vertical) with a link to download them via Google Drive or Dropbox.
• Music Links: Embedded Spotify/SoundCloud players so they can listen immediately without leaving the page.
• Video/Live Performance: An embedded YouTube video of your best music video or live performance.
• Press Quotes: 1-3 quotes from previous blog coverage or notable figures.
• Contact Info: Direct email address for booking and press inquiries. Do not use an Instagram DM link.

Common Mistakes

The biggest mistakes are sending a 5GB ZIP file attachment via email, writing a 5-page biography no one will read, and forgetting to include downloadable high-res photos. Keep it hosted online (like a hidden page on your website) and send a simple link.

Pitch-Ready EPK Structure

• Top summary: Open with artist name, location, genre, one-sentence positioning, best current release and the most relevant achievement.
• Short and long bio: Give a 50-word version for quick listings and a 150-250 word version for features, festival pages and venue copy.
• Download folder: Include press photos, logo if relevant, approved artwork, clean music links, stage plot when needed and a simple usage note.
• Proof: Use quotes, playlist placements, support slots, notable venues, audience stats or sync credits. Do not inflate numbers.

Keep the EPK Current

Review the EPK before every release campaign, tour pitch or press outreach batch. Old photos, dead links and outdated bios make an artist look inactive even when the music is strong.

Create one public EPK page and one private folder with downloadable assets. The public page should sell the story; the private folder should make the journalist or promoter's job easy.

After sending a pitch, track who opened, replied, asked for assets or passed. That feedback tells you whether the EPK story is clear enough for the audience you want.