What's expected in an 'EPK'?

Subject: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: coldjam
Date: 10 Jul 07 - 07:18 PM

I have sent elements of our promotional packet as attachments, and steered bookers to our website to sample our music, but I have never really been asked for an "electronic press kit" and wonder what's expected to be sent and how? As an attachment? All in the body of the email? Anybody know?
Thanks!
Judy

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: Hamish
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 05:47 AM

Dunno. But I'd doubt if they are asking for a huge e-mail. I'd think they want samples and quotes. Often people have special pages for press photos on their sites which might contain higher definition images than would normally be polite in general public pages. Such as: myweb.tiscali.co.uk/lombardy/hamishcurrie/presspack/ or even www.cloudstreet.org/media.html

Hope that helps...

--
Hamish

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 10:03 AM

Sonic Bids would be an example of an electronic press kit. Their style has all the information most people would need if they are reviewing an artist for a potential slot.

The EPK's that I receive (or get pointed to on the internet) usually consists of PDF files, .jpg's and MP3's of song clips. There are no set rules, just think of it as what it is - an electronic version of your press kit.

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: Hamish
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 10:11 AM

Ah. You mean Sonicbids. I'd not heard of them before. Yep - I guess they're pretty comprehensive. You can do most of that stuff on MySpace, but Sonicbids has a bit more credibility. otoh, MySpace is free.

--
Hamish

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 10:29 AM

Myspace is free, but many promoters do not look there. It is more than just credibility, it is professionalism. Since Myspace can be constructed in a variety of styles, the profiles can be confusing to navigate.   Most promoters utilize Sonic bids because of the uniformity and the fact that it can deliver "bids" into a profile that the promoter sets up. You can't do that with myspace.

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: coldjam
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 01:39 PM

Thanks Ron. Sonicbid looks great, but being a poor folk musician (category three when you're in line for Gov't cheese by the way) I'll have use what I have or can create. I do have all that info on our website,(and we send most of the elements in a promo/press kit). Is all that info sent as ONE page or as attachments?

I guess I just wasn't sure directing them to our website, for say mp3s, would defeat their wanting something "sent". I sure appreciate your input though.

Hamish, I loved the "Alternate picture for the terminally literal caption! Very cute!

our website is www.mckinneywashtubtwo.com by the way, any input you guys have as regards presentation would be greatfully appreciated.

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 02:33 PM

Judy - what you can do is send an e-mail with a link to your website and your "EPK".   Some people do not like to receive attachments to their e-mails and can have blockers that will prevent it from reaching them. If you send a link, and if they are interested, they will respond.

Unfortunately what you will discover is that everyone is different. Some people won't visit your site, nor will they want a file attachment - they will insist on having a physical copy sent to them.

I do think an e-mail will help determine what they want. Ask a question or two. Having a link is a direct and easy way to have them sample your material, and I think most people have become computer literate and won't complain. The handful of "last century" stick-in-the-muds are dwindling.

Also, never call yourself a "poor" folksinger. If you sing folk songs, you can't expect to drive a Porsche!!   I've never seen any of the "big" names drive up to concerts in BMW's either!   

If you wish to take the step from "folksinger" to "professional folk singer", then you need to consider the investment. If I wished to work as a lawyer I would need money for a good suit and a briefcase.   If you are trying to get bookings outside of your area, then consider the cost of Sonicbids and a trip to a Folk Alliance conference.

On the other hand, you might be happy (and rightfully so) to keep it as a "hobby" and enjoy bookings in your own neck of the woods. In that case, your own website and "home-made" EPK to your potential clients.   You would not want to waste money on fancier kits if you know your market.

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: Hamish
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 02:37 PM

What a great site! Well laid out, clear, informative and just daft enough to make it interesting. I can't see that anybody wanting an EPK could need anything more... unless they're a) lazy, b) stupid* or c) playing for time while they figure out how to say "Er, no thanks"**

* sorry - that was a stupidist remark.
** see (b)

I'm perplexed. (Which is like being caged in dyslexic plastic)

--
Hamish

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 02:49 PM

Yes, a very nice site! I enjoyed the music selections.

If I could make a suggestion - I would add a page called "Press Kit" and put a .pdf file of your bio, a couple of hi-res and low-res .jpgs,and two or three audio clips.   For an example, take a look at Vance Gilbert's webpage - www.vancegilbert.com . You will see on his homepage that there is a link to his "Press Kit" section where you will find the material that I mentioned.   

Vance does not include music clips in his section. Some artists won't bother with them because they are usually well known. Other artists who are trying to reach a new audience will include them. Some agents set up very nice pages, such as this one for the The Arrogant Worms.

Good luck!

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: coldjam
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 03:05 PM

Thanks guys! Really appreciate your time and professional opinions, AND info I can use! Priceless! (In both ways! :) And also thanks for the kind words about our site.

The EPK I'm working on sending is for a place in Florida that says they "prefer an EPK, but if you have to, you can send it regular mail". I suppose I ought to just call and ask what they expect, but it seemed to defeat the purpose they expressed about getting inundated with booking requests, so you helped a lot.

I do realize that we need to step-up, so after CDbaby we'll be looking into sonicbid.The Folk Alliance has been on our list for a while...I'll caste off the "poor" from folksinger, after all I've replaced "homeless" with "on the road"!

I'll definitely check out Vances page and The Arrogant Worms (yes! we have their bumpersticker on our guitar case!)and make the adjustment to our sight (our webmaster will be thrilled I'm sure! I guess I can't really blame it on you Ron...but I can try!)

Many thanks again!
Judy

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 03:35 PM

"Also, never call yourself a "poor" folksinger. If you sing folk songs, you can't expect to drive a Porsche!!   I've never seen any of the "big" names drive up to concerts in BMW's either!"

Hi Ron, Oddetta came to perform at the Mystic Sea Music festival in a Limo, she wasn't driving it either. He,He,He

Barry

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 04:29 PM

Sure, rented by the hour!!!! :)

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: coldjam
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 04:30 PM

Perhaps I should have said "under-financed", or "currently cash deficient"...or a sign on stage while we're playing that says, "Don't laugh-my OTHER job PAYS!"

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 04:57 PM

I was just teasing about not saying "poor". If you look up folk singer in the dictionary is usually says "see poor".

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: GUEST,BB
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 06:40 PM

I attended a workshop at the 2005 Folk Alliance conference on the topic of getting publicity. The workshop panel was an agent, a booker, and a reviewer. Here are my notes on the Press Kit topic:

A GOOD press kit contains:
good concise bio
CD (commercial)
or description of upcoming CD ("sell sheet")
page of press quotes
tour dates (current)
interview clip, if possible

Artist's WEBSITE must have a downloadable pdf press kit available, called "Press Kit," no cutesy, artsy, clever name.
In addition to the above (except for the CD, of course)
Have 1 or 2 black-and-white and 1 or 2 color jpgs, high-resolution (300dpi).
Have downloadable pdf poster.
PDF files can be tweaked by the venue. JPGs cannot be.

"Sending" someone your EPK on your website involves no more than sending them the link to the page. One page. Do not make them run all over your website looking for all the various parts. They won't do it.
Good luck!

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: coldjam
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 05:29 PM

Thanks BB. One page. Got it.

Subject: RE: What's expected in an 'EPK'?
From: GUEST,Holly Clapson
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 01:22 PM

Hello I have one question how do you make your EPK downloadable for your website? I have a website and I got a press kit made on sonicbids but my question is how do we upload it to the website it seems i can only email it to everyone and not have it on my site. Thank for the help.