What Is an EPK (Electronic Press Kit)?

Think of an EPK as a portable pressroom. It’s a digital package that contains everything a venue, label, journalist, or booking agent might need to get a quick but thorough sense of your music career. Instead of sending scattered links and files, you give them one clean link or file that does the talking for you.

Whether you’re applying to festivals or pitching to the press, a professional EPK shows that you’ve got your act together. It’s not about being flashy. It’s about being clear, complete, and credible.

The best EPKs are easy to skim, quick to impress, and versatile enough to use for different situations. Think: one version for promoters, one for media, one for industry contacts. The content can overlap, but the focus shifts depending on who’s reading.

Who’s Reading Your EPK (and What They’re Looking For)

Your EPK isn’t just for one type of person—it serves a few different gatekeepers in the music world. And each one is looking for something slightly different. Understanding who’s reading your EPK can help you present the right information in the right way.

Talent buyers and industry professionals—including booking agents, venue managers, label reps, and artist managers—are often reviewing dozens (or hundreds) of artists. They’re skimming for key signals: Are you polished? Can you draw a crowd? Do you have live experience? Is your setup professional? They want high-quality music samples, a short bio, solid performance photos, and possibly a downloadable stage plot or tech rider. Your goal is to make their decision easy.

Press and media—like bloggers, radio hosts, or freelance writers—are on the lookout for a good story. They care about your bio, your aesthetic, and any recent momentum (like a new release or notable live show). Make it easy for them to grab a quote, download images, and reference your work without chasing down missing details. The more media-ready your kit is, the more likely they are to cover you.

What to Include in an EPK

1. Your Bio: Keep it short but rich with story. Tell people where you come from, what you stand for musically, and what makes you different. Skip the long-winded history unless it’s really compelling.

2. High-Quality Photos: Visuals matter. Include press-ready photos in landscape and portrait orientation. Avoid selfies or over-filtered shots. These images may be used in articles, gig listings, or promotional materials.

3. Featured Music: Highlight 2–3 of your best tracks. Link to clean streaming versions or embed audio where possible. Make sure these represent your current sound and vibe.

4. Videos: Include one or two videos max—music videos, live sessions, or performances that capture your energy. Don’t go overboard; quality over quantity.

5. Press Quotes and Highlights: Got a shoutout from a blog, local radio, or venue? Include it. It’s proof that others take you seriously, which helps strangers take you seriously too.

6. Show History: If you've played notable venues or supported well-known acts, list them. A simple bulleted format works great here.

7. Contact Information: Always include a name, email, and a link to your full website or socials. Make it ridiculously easy for someone to reach out.

Common EPK Mistakes

Overstuffing: Your EPK isn’t your hard drive. Keep it tight. Don’t add every photo, every track, and every review you’ve ever had. Curate.

Outdated content: Having an EPK with broken links or old headshots is worse than not having one at all. Keep it fresh. Update it regularly with new music, new press, and updated images.

No focus: A generic EPK may not cut it. Create versions tailored to the situation—a streamlined version for press, a tech rider-ready version for venues, a story-rich version for publicists.

How to Structure Your EPK

There’s no single perfect layout, but here’s a solid structure that works for most artists:

1. Artist Name & Short Tagline 2. Bio (2–3 paragraphs) 3. Featured Tracks (links or embed) 4. Videos 5. Press Highlights or Quotes 6. Tour or Gig History 7. Photos 8. Contact Info 9. Downloadable assets (if needed, like a stage plot)

Stick to a clean layout. Make navigation easy if it’s a web-based EPK. If it’s a PDF or single page, use bold subheadings and avoid clutter.

Should You Include Social Media?

Yes, but strategically. Don’t just dump 10 links. Choose the 2–3 platforms where you’re most active or that best reflect your music presence. Make sure those links work and that your profiles look active and professional.

If your social media presence is thin, prioritize building it out before linking it prominently. Nothing screams “not ready” like a Twitter account with 12 followers and no posts since 2022.

Where to Host Your EPK

Many artists opt to embed their EPK on their website or use a dedicated platform that lets you build it without needing code. You want a layout that looks good on mobile and desktop and loads quickly. Avoid Dropbox links or cluttered Google Docs—those aren’t EPKs.

If you’re using a platform, make sure it allows for easy updates, media embedding, and sharing. Most importantly, make sure your EPK looks and feels like you. A polished presentation is good—but an authentic one is even better.

Final Thoughts: Your EPK Is a Living Document

An EPK isn’t something you make once and forget about. It should grow with you. Each time you release new music, play a big show, or get press, update your kit. Keep it current, keep it concise, and always keep your audience in mind.

If you’re just starting out, don’t overthink it. A simple EPK with good music and clear info will take you far. Focus on making it clean, focused, and true to your story. That’s what people respond to. You don’t need to fake being “big”—you just need to come off as prepared and professional.

In a sea of artists, a well-made EPK is one of the few things that can actually help you stand out. So take the time. Get it right. Your future self (and your inbox) will thank you.