Guide for artists and bands
How to build an electronic press kit (EPK)
What to include, how long it should be and how to send it, with a checklist you can work through today.
What is an electronic press kit?
An electronic press kit (EPK) is a single online page or document that gives bookers, venues, promoters, festivals and media everything they need to evaluate an artist or band: a bio, photos, music, video, press, upcoming shows, technical requirements and contact details.
It replaces the old printed press kit. A good EPK lets someone decide in a couple of minutes whether to book you, review you or feature you, without having to email you for basics.
EPK checklist: the 12 things to include
- Short bio: Two to four sentences: who you are, your sound, where you are based and one standout fact. This is the part bookers and writers copy word for word, so write it in the third person.
- Full bio: A few short paragraphs covering your story, members or collaborators, releases and milestones. Keep it current; an old bio signals an inactive act.
- High-resolution photos: Three to five recent, professionally lit images in both landscape and portrait, with the photographer credited. Promoters need them for posters and listings.
- Live video: At least one clean, recent live performance. For venues and festivals this is often the deciding item, because it shows how you hold a room.
- Your best music: Two or three of your strongest tracks first, with streaming links. Do not make anyone search your catalog.
- Press quotes and coverage: One-line quotes with the outlet named, plus links to reviews, interviews and playlist placements.
- Upcoming shows: A current calendar shows you are active and lets promoters spot routing opportunities.
- Performance history: Notable venues, festivals and support slots you have played, and draw where you can state it honestly.
- Stage plot and input list: Where everyone stands and what every channel needs. Sound engineers and production managers will thank you, and it prevents show-day surprises.
- Technical and hospitality rider: Backline, power, monitor mixes, load-in needs and any hospitality requests, stated plainly.
- Booking and contact details: One clear booking contact (name, email, phone) and your management or agent if you have one.
- Links: Website, streaming profiles and the social accounts you actually keep active.
How long should an EPK be?
Short enough to scan in two minutes. Put the short bio, one strong photo, your best track and your best live video at the top, then the supporting detail below.
If you also send a PDF version, keep it to one or two pages and link back to the online EPK for media and full details. Attachments go stale; a link always shows your current material.
EPKs for different kinds of acts
- Solo artists: Lead with your voice or instrument and your songs. If you play with a band live, say so and show it in the video.
- Original bands: Introduce the members and roles, lead with original music, and show live energy in the video.
- Cover and tribute bands: Include a song list or set list, the eras or artists you cover, typical set lengths and the kinds of events you play. Bookers care most about repertoire and reliability.
- Groups and ensembles: State your size and instrumentation, the formats you offer (full ensemble, trio, duo) and the space and power each needs.
How to send your EPK
Send a short, personal message to the right person: who you are, why you fit their venue, event or outlet, the date or opportunity you are asking about, and one link to your EPK. Do not attach large files.
If you do not hear back, follow up once or twice, politely and spaced a week or so apart, and always reference your first message.
Common EPK mistakes
- Out-of-date material: Old photos, past tour dates and a bio that mentions "upcoming" releases from years ago.
- Burying the best work: Your strongest track and video should be first, not tenth.
- No live video: Recordings show your songs; live video shows whether you can deliver them on a stage.
- Missing technical details: Without a stage plot and input list, the sound engineer has to guess.
- Hard-to-find contact details: If a booker has to search for how to reach you, many will not.
Build your EPK free on rhythmhoüz
Every artist and band page includes a free EPK with bio, photos, video, music, press, calendar, rider and history sections, ready to share with venues, promoters, festivals and media. Band Pro adds PDF EPK downloads, tracked share links and Rider Pro stage plots and input lists. See what artists and bands get →
EPK questions
What is an EPK for musicians?
An electronic press kit is a single online page or document that gives bookers, venues, promoters and media an artist or band’s bio, photos, music, live video, press, upcoming shows, technical requirements and contact details.
What should be in a band press kit?
A short and full bio, high-resolution photos, live video, your best music, press quotes, upcoming shows, performance history, a stage plot and input list, a technical and hospitality rider, booking contact details and links.
How long should an EPK be?
Short enough to scan in about two minutes. Put the short bio, a strong photo, your best track and a live video first. A PDF version should be one or two pages that link to the full online EPK.
Should I send my EPK as a PDF or a link?
Lead with a link, because it always shows your current material. Offer a PDF when a booker or festival asks for one, or when a document needs to be filed.
Can I make an EPK for free?
Yes. Every artist and band page on rhythmhoüz includes a free EPK with bio, photos, video, music, press, calendar, rider and history sections. Band Pro adds PDF EPK downloads, tracked share links and Rider Pro stage plots and input lists.