How to Release a Press Release and Create a Killer EPK for Your Music

Article by Manuela Bittencourt – 08/01/2025

Releasing music in today’s industry isn’t just about dropping tracks — it’s about telling your story, building a brand, and catching the right attention. One of the most important tools in your promotional arsenal is your press release and Electronic Press Kit (EPK). These materials help the media, tastemakers, and even potential business partners understand who you are, what you’re doing, and why they should care.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to crafting and distributing both, with industry standards and key distinctions explained clearly.

What is an EPK (Electronic Press Kit)?

The term “EPK” is often used interchangeably with “digital press kit,” but they’re not quite the same. Here’s what you need to know: 

• Digital Press Kit (DPK): A collection of documents, usually sent via email. It typically includes PDFs of your bio, press release, photos, and links. Think of it as your artist résumé.
• Electronic Press Kit (EPK): Historically, this referred to a video promo reel — a “sizzle reel” made for journalists, not fans. It includes:
  • Interview clips
  • Behind-the-scenes footage
  • Live performances 

When you’re talking to a publicist or journalist, clarify which one you’re referring to — some still distinguish between the two.

Best Practice: Always have digital versions of everything. If needed, print a physical version with embedded URLs or QR codes for mailing.

What Goes Inside Your Press Kit?

Whether digital or physical, your press kit should contain the following essential materials: 

1. The Pitch Letter

This is your direct communication with the journalist or media contact. Think of it like a personalized letter:

• Tailor it for each specific outlet and journalist.
• Research the past work and audience preferences.
• Show why your story is a perfect fit.
• Start strong. The first sentence must hook them — assume they won’t read past it.
• Use a professional business letter format (e.g., Dear [Name], not To Whom It May Concern).
• Keep it concise but compelling. 

2. The Artist Biography

This is not a list of achievements—it’s a narrative. Written in the third person and without exaggeration, your bio should:

• Open with a clear sentence stating your name, genre, origin, and a tastemaker quote (if possible).
• Mention current projects (album, tour, etc.).
• Give context: background, formation, past accomplishments.
• Conclude with a summary and future plans.
• Avoid superlatives. Let quotes from industry pros do that talking.
• Link to your social media, streaming profiles, and website.

Consider hiring a writer if you’re not experienced — bios should read like something out of Rolling Stone, not a DIY blog post.

3. The Press Photo

Make sure you send high-quality, professional images:

• High-res, full-color, no distractions in the background.
• Ideally 8×10 inches.
• Studio or controlled settings preferred.
• Include contact info in the image metadata or as a caption/margin.

4. Press Clippings

Have you been featured anywhere? Include those reviews:

• Keep it to a single 8 ½ x 11 sheet.
• Include publication name, date, and URL.
• Shows credibility and momentum.
• Consider a professional clipping service if you’ve had lots of coverage.

5. The Cut-by-Cut

If you’re releasing an EP or album, provide a mini-bio for each track:

• Talk about the writing process, lyrics, recording stories, collaborators, etc.
• Useful for journalists looking to write deeper features or conduct interviews.

6. Music and Lyrics

Send music and lyrics in a clean, accurate, and requested format: 

• A streaming link (Spotify, Soundcloud, etc.)
• A downloadable link (Dropbox, private site, etc.)
• Lyrics as a typed PDF — don’t copy-paste from lyrics sites; they’re often wrong.

How to Write a Press Release That Actually Gets Noticed

The press release should only be used when there’s something newsworthy— a new album, signing, tour, award, etc.

Here’s how to format it:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

(Near the top of the)

[Headline in Title Case]

Make it factual and engaging — journalists want new, not hype. 

[Subheadline in Title Case (Optional)]

Adds more context if needed.

CITY, STATE (Month Day, Year)

Begin with a clear summary of who, what, where, when, and why it’s important.

Paragraphs 2-3:

Expand on the context — background on the artist, how this moment fits into your journey.

Final Paragraph:

Include a short boilerplate about your label, management company, or yourself as an artist.

###

Centered on the line after the last paragraph — this marks the end of the press release.

Contact Info – Make it easy for the reader to reach you or your team. Include name, email, phone, and website/socials.

DO NOT DO IT: Avoid overused words like “groundbreaking” or “next big thing.” Let the music and facts speak for themselves.

Final Tips Before You Hit Send:

• Always proofread. Typos make you look unprofessional.
• Follow up. Wait a few days, then check in politely if you haven’t heard back. 
• Use a service. If you’re unsure, consider working with a PR professional or distribution service to send out your materials properly.
• Keep it updated. Refresh your EPK regularly as your career evolves.

Checklist: What to Include in Your EPK /Press Release Package

• Pitch letter (customized for each outlet)
• Artist bio (professionally written)
• High-resolution press photo
• Press clippings
• The cut-by-cut (if promoting an album or EP)
• Music (stream + download links)
• Lyrics (PDF)
• Press release (for newsworthy moments)
• Contact info in all materials 

Building a polished press kit and press release takes time — but it’s worth it. Done right, it puts your music into the hands of the right people and sets the tone for your public narrative. When the media looks you up, you want to look ready.

Let the story behind your sound speak for itself — and make sure it’s packaged professionally when it does.