Build an artist press kit people can actually use

Choose the reader and purpose

A press feature, a live booking and a creative collaboration need different emphasis. Keep one reliable core kit, then arrange the most relevant material for the request. A person reviewing a live act may need performance footage; a journalist covering a new single may need the release story and approved images.

A practical EPK contents list

• One-sentence introduction: artist name, a clear description of the music and the current release or activity.
• Short biography: a factual paragraph that can be understood without prior knowledge. Avoid invented superlatives, endorsements or audience figures.
• Listening: a small selection of working links, clearly marking unreleased material and any access restriction.
• Images: approved press photographs and artwork, with filenames, credit wording and permitted editorial use.
• Release facts: title, format, date/status, contributors and a concise explanation of the story.
• Relevant proof: actual confirmed shows, coverage or achievements, with accurate context and permission where needed.
• Contact: a public professional address or agreed representative. Keep private collaborator details out of a publicly accessible kit.

Use a simple file structure

Create folders such as Biography, Photos, Artwork and Links. Name the artist and version in each file, and keep one dated index explaining what may be used. If you offer a PDF summary, retain selectable text and working links rather than only images of text. Do not make the reader request access to an unrelated personal account.

A fill-in introduction

Use this original structure: “[Artist] makes [specific musical description]. The new [single/EP/album], [title], explores [concrete theme] through [one musical detail]. It is [release status/date]. For [press/booking] enquiries, contact [professional address].” Replace every bracket with a checked fact and remove anything that does not apply. This is a template, not a fictional artist biography.

Permissions are part of the kit

Ask the photographer and other contributors which assets you may share, where and with what credit. A file supplied to you is not automatically licensed for every use. Avoid placing unlicensed cover art, personal identification documents or private contracts in a public press folder. For video material, check the rights in the soundtrack and visuals.

Test the kit before sending

1. Open the kit on a phone and a desktop; check every selected music and video link.
2. Check that names, dates and the artist identity match the delivered release.
3. Try the approved public view without relying on your own edit access; respect any unreleased listening restrictions.
4. Remove outdated artwork, duplicate biographies and unsupported claims.
5. Send only what the recipient’s published guidelines request; use the media-pitch guide for the next step.

Where DistroBolt fits

DistroBolt’s Cover Design and Release Promo Pack are separately scoped creative services. This guide does not promise an included EPK builder, booking agent or PR placement. Ask about a specific creative brief before assuming it is part of your plan.