Creating a Promo Package
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Having
an informative and professional promo package can be the thing that sets you
apart from other bands, whether you're approaching record labels , promoting your own music ,trying to get a gig , or if you're an indie record label trying to
drum up some interest in your bands. The following steps will help you put
together a promo package that will rival any promo campaign run by a pricey PR
company.
1.
Choose the Music - The point of your promo package is of course to
get your music heard, so choosing the music to include in the package requires
some thought. Whether you're trying to get the attention of a label, an agent,
the press or radio stations, remember that these people receive A LOT of music
every day. They can't possibly sit down and listen to every album from start to
finish. Make a short demo cd with your best two or three songs, preferably
songs that have strong beginnings, so they capture the listener before they can
push "next."
2.
Write the Bio - Your promo package should include a short -one
page is ideal - artist bio. This step is
where a lot of people fumble. Don't try to be overly cute and don't make it
read like it was written with your thesaurus firmly in hand. The people who do
decide to work with you on the basis of your package are going to need some
useful information about you and your music, but they don't need to know which
song is your Mom's favorite or that you "knew you were going to be a
musician the first time you picked up a guitar/heard such and such a
song/etc." Go for professional over cheesy.
3.
Write the Press Release - If you're sending a demo to a label or trying to
get a gig, you may not have a specific event to promote that requires a press
release. However, if you're trying promote a new album or a tour, your promo
package should include a press release detailing the specifics of the thing you
are trying to promote. The same rules that apply to band bios apply to press
releases - keep it short and include useful information instead of
"clever" fluff. Remember, the point is for someone to read that press
release and use it to write something about your band. Give them something to
work with.
4.
Create a Press Pack - If you have a stack of press clippings featuring
reviews of and interviews with your band, include them in your promo package.
Of course, if you have several you'll have to make some choices about what you
can send. Go for clippings from the highest profile publications you can find.
To make good copies of clippings:
·
Cut out the article, the masthead/title of
the publication, and the date/issue number.
·
Arrange these items on one sheet of paper,
with the title and date at the top, and photocopy the paper.
Keep clippings of all of the press you get, and of
course, don't send the bad reviews!
5.
Include a Photo (Optional) - If you're sending your promo package to magazine,
website, or newspaper, include a color photo in your package. A hard copy of
the photo or a disk with a photo file will work equally well. The media is much
more likely to run a photo if they don't have to chase it down, so including
one in your package dramatically increases the chance they will actually run a
photo. You should always send a color photo, because many publications demand
color photos, and the others can always print the color photo in black and
white. Be sure to include the photo credit information.
6.
The Personal Touch - Adding a short, personal note to each package is
a nice touch, especially if the package is going to someone you have had
dealings with in the past or to someone whose attention you are especially
anxious to receive. If you have any promotional material, like stickers or
badges, throw a few into every package as well.
7.
Reach Me At... - Last, but certainly not least, make sure your
contact information is clearly printed on your demo, your bio, and your press
release. You can include a phone number, but you should never ONLY include a
phone number. People will be hesitant to call you; include your email address
and you will be much more likely to get a response to your package.
Source:Showbiz GH
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