TIP: If you want to read about some examples of artists with killer stories, head over to NME.com and check out the NME Radar section. Every headline is an opening line into a backstory about the artist. Pretty cool, huh?
Your press release should contain all the essential information about your release, saved as a PDF document saved on a public link. Whether you’re doing PR in-house or using an external press company, you need to include the following:
- Artist/Band Name
- EP Name
- Track Names
- Release Date
- Record Label Name
- Artwork
- Artist Background, Bio and Recent News
- Artist Online Links:
- Website
- Soundcloud Link
- Facebook Link
- Instagram Link
- Twitter Link
- Other Links (Snapchat, etc.)
- Link to Artist EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
- PR Contact Information (Phone Number and Email Address)
When it comes to writing the story around your artist background, bio, and recent news, break it down into three paragraphs.
Paragraph One:
This should include the most important information about the release. If you’ve had a previous release, mention it here. If this is a debut release, give a short introduction to the artist. Keep it short and sweet, as detailed artist information can go in the EPK. This is also where you should mention any key interesting information, like support from a well-known artist, recording in a famous studio, or produced by someone with credits to well-known artists. Use comparisons to other artists to give people a quick idea of what to expect.
Paragraph Two:
If you have a quote from the artist, start the second paragraph with it. Include details about where the artist is based, who their influences were, or any other projects they’ve been involved in. If you’re a new artist, use this space for extra biographical information. If you’re an established artist, you might want to talk about previous singles, EPs, or recent tours or gigs.
Paragraph Three:
This is where you mention how the release will be promoted. This might include any DJ promo or other PR companies you’re working with, a music video, or any already secured support, such as a premier on a blog or YouTube channel. People need to know how you’re actively working on selling the release.
Make sure to create private Soundcloud links for press. Upload your release to Soundcloud and set it as private. You can attach the private Soundcloud link to the release so that people can check out your music and see if they want to support it.
Lastly, let’s talk about the different types of press releases.
You should have two press releases for your EP/single. The first is the Pre-Press Release, which is sent about four weeks ahead of the release date. The aim of this press release is to generate a buzz around your release and gain some premiers, write-ups, and interviews.
The second press release is the Post-Press Release, which goes out on release day or just after. This press release includes DJ support and any mentions from premier channels, plus any other notable news around the release that has been gained from your first Press Release such as support on radio.
So there you have it, a guide to writing a press release that takes your fans on a journey and generates buzz around your release. It may take some time to create a great press release, but with a little effort, you can do it yourself. Trust me, it will be worth it!
For a Pre-Press Release we offer you a EPK on Disco for secure submissions and downloads to Medias, via Link or we submit it to your Media Pool, which we host.
The Post-Press Release on the release day, we’ll send to our Media Pool.
You can enter your Press Release Text while your release content submission, at the PR Text form.
