How to write a music press release (with band press release examples)

Getting your music noticed by journalists, bloggers, and industry tastemakers isn’t easy. Whether you’re an independent artist or part of a band, the right press release can make all the difference in getting your sound out to the world.

But writing a music press release that stands out takes more than just listing your latest track.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to craft a music press release that grabs attention. You’ll learn what a press release is, why it’s essential, and how to write one that music journalists and bloggers will want to share.

A music press release is a concise, professional document designed to promote your music to the media. Whether it’s announcing a new single, an upcoming album, or a tour, a good press release and, specifically, an electronic press kit (EPK) help convey your story and news in a way that’s easy for journalists to understand and share.

A well-crafted press release can help your music reach the right audience and build credibility within the music industry. Here are five key benefits:

A music press release is the first step in creating excitement about your new project – whether it’s a single, an album, or a video. Including captivating album art can further enhance the visual appeal and general vibe of the release.

A clear and professional press release makes it easier for journalists and bloggers to cover your music.

By presenting your music through a structured press release, you demonstrate that you’re serious about your craft.

A press release ensures your story is told your way, highlighting the elements of your music and career that matter most to you.

When published online, press releases can help improve your search engine ranking, making it easier for fans and media to find you.

Timing is everything in the music industry. You should write a press release when you have newsworthy events to share. Examples include:

• Announcing a new single, album, or EP
• Launching a music video
• Starting a tour or live performance series
• Collaborating with other artists or producers
• Winning awards or reaching milestones

By writing a press release at the right moment, you can maximize its impact.

Creating a compelling press release involves a few key steps. Here’s how to do it:

Your headline should grab attention and summarize your news. For tips, check out how to write an effective press release headline.

The first paragraph should cover the essentials: what you’re announcing and why it matters. Make it concise and compelling.

Expand on your announcement with additional context, such as your inspiration, production details, or collaborators.

Quotes add a personal touch to your press release. Learn how to write effective press release quotes.

Provide links to your music, socials, and press kit. For distribution tips, see press release distribution strategies.

A well-structured press release is an essential part of an effective EPK. Here’s a suggested structure and format to follow when writing a press release:

1. Headline: Craft a compelling headline that grabs the attention of music industry professionals. Keep it concise, yet informative
2. Introduction: Begin with a brief introduction that sets the tone for the press release. This should include the artist’s name, genre, and a hook to draw the reader in
3. Body: The body of the press release should provide more detailed information about the artist, their music, and any notable achievements or press coverage. Use this section to tell the artist’s story and highlight their unique selling points
4. Key elements: Include key elements such as album artwork, promotional photos, and music samples to give industry professionals a visual representation of the artist’s brand
5. Call-to-action: End the press release with a clear call-to-action, such as inviting industry professionals to contact the artist for more information or to request a press kit
6. Contact information: Include the artist’s contact information, such as their website, email address, and social media handles, to make it easy for industry professionals to get in touch

Press release formatting:

• Use a standard font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, in size 12 points
• Keep the press release to one or two pages in length
• Use bullet points or short paragraphs to make the content easy to scan
• Include relevant keywords, such as “electronic press kit,” “music industry,” and “press coverage,” to improve the press release’s visibility in search engine results

Tips:

• Use a conversational tone that reflects the artist’s personality and style
• Keep the language concise and free of jargon
• Use active voice instead of passive voice to make the content more engaging
• Proofread the press release carefully to ensure it is error-free and polished

By following this structure and format, you can create a press release that effectively showcases the artist’s music and personality, while also providing industry professionals with the information they need to take action.

An Electronic Press Kit (EPK) is a digital package that showcases a musician’s music, bio, and promotional materials to industry professionals, such as record labels, promoters, and media outlets.

In the competitive music industry, having a well-crafted EPK is essential for getting noticed.

It provides a concise and organized way to present your music and story to potential collaborators, booking agents, and press. A good press kit can help you stand out from the competition, increase your chances of getting publicity, and ultimately, advance your music career.

Consider creating an EPK page on your website to provide easy access to your materials for industry professionals.

Your EPK should include:

• Bio: A brief and extended bio that tells your story, including your musical journey, influences, and style. This helps industry professionals understand who you are and what you bring to the table
• Photos: High-quality promotional photos that showcase your musical identity and style. These images are often used in press coverage and promotional materials, so they should be professional and reflective of your brand
• Music: A selection of your best tracks, including streamable links and downloadable options. This allows industry professionals to easily access and listen to your music
• Videos: High-quality videos that showcase your live performances, music videos, and other creative content. Videos provide a visual and auditory representation of your talent and stage presence
• Press: A summary of your press coverage, including quotes, articles, and reviews. This demonstrates your credibility and the interest you’ve generated in the music industry
• Contact information: Your contact information, including a direct link to your website, email address, and social media profiles. This makes it easy for industry professionals to reach out to you for opportunities

This is precisely where using a PR tool like Prezly helps a whole lot. With Prezly, you can embed Soundcloud players, images, videos, contact details and more into your press releases, and publish it all in an online newsroom that functions as your interactive EPK.

Streaming platforms are a crucial part of the music industry. When creating a press release for your EPK, it’s essential to optimize it for streaming platforms to increase your online visibility and reach a wider audience.

Here are some tips to help you optimize your press release for streaming platforms.

• Use relevant keywords: Use keywords related to your music genre, style, and themes to help your press release appear in search results on streaming platforms. This improves your chances of being discovered by new listeners. Learn more about press release SEO →
• Include streaming links: Include links to your music on popular streaming platforms, such as Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music. This makes it easy for readers to listen to your music directly from the press release. If you use a tool like Prezly, you can even embed the media player directly in your press release
• Use eye-catching album artwork: Use high-quality album artwork that showcases your musical style and themes. Visually appealing artwork can attract attention and make a strong first impression
• Highlight your musical style: Highlight your unique musical style and themes to help your press release stand out from the competition. Clearly defining your musical identity can attract the right audience and industry professionals
• Keep it concise: Keep your press release concise and to the point, focusing on the key elements of your music and story. A well-structured and succinct press release is more likely to be read and shared

By following these tips, you can create a press release that is optimized for streaming platforms and helps you reach a wider audience in the music industry.

Example: Paul van Dyk Readies for Festival-debut of New Live Show, ‘AEON by Paul van Dyk’

See full example

Example: Stay metal: Announcing the latest line-up for Graspop

See full example

Example: A single launch that prioritises the music, assets, and pre-order

See full example

Need more inspiration? Check out this music press release example to see how others craft their announcements.

Make writing your press release easier by using our customizable template:

Heading: [Your headline here]
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​Image & Music Links: [Insert press photo and links to your music]
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​Paragraph 1 – The Pitch: Summarize your news in one or two sentences.
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​Paragraph 2 – Supporting Info: Provide more context and details.
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​Paragraph 3 – Artist Bio: Include a brief bio about your music and influences.
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​Contact Info: Add your email, website, and social media links.

Journalists are busy. Get to the point quickly and avoid unnecessary details.

Instead of attaching files, include links to your music and press kit.

Address your press release to specific bloggers or journalists to make a personal connection.

Ensure your press release is free from typos and formatting errors.

PR professionals can streamline the creation and distribution of music press releases using Prezly. This platform offers a suite of tools to:

• Craft visually appealing press releases with rich media using Prezly's press release software
• Manage contacts and build relationships with a PR CRM
• Track performance using analytics tools

Whether you’re an indie artist or a PR pro, Prezly simplifies the entire process.

A music press release should be between 300 and 500 words. It should cover all essential details concisely while remaining engaging and informative.

The cost of a press release varies widely. DIY options can be free, but hiring professionals may range from $200 to $1,000+ depending on the service level.

A good headline is clear, concise, and attention-grabbing. It should highlight the key news and compel the reader to learn more.

Yes, including quotes from the artist or collaborators adds credibility and provides a personal touch that journalists appreciate.

Absolutely. You can distribute your press release through a PR platform like Prezly – even during your two-week free trial.

Crafting an effective music press release takes effort, but the payoff can be significant. By following the steps and tips outlined here – and leveraging tools like Prezly – you can create press releases that capture attention and drive results. Ready to get started? Try Prezly for free today!