Knowing how to make an EPK — an electronic press kit — is one of the highest-leverage things you can do as an independent artist. It’s the single link you send to promoters, bloggers, playlist curators, and venues that tells them, in one place, who you are and why you’re worth their time. A good EPK gets you booked and covered; a missing or messy one gets you ignored.
The quick version: an EPK is a one-page, link-friendly summary containing your bio, music, photos, video, press, and contact details. You can build it on its own web page or as a clean PDF. Here’s exactly what goes in it and how to put it together.
What an EPK actually needs
Every effective EPK includes the same core elements. Skip any of these and the person reading has to chase you for it — which usually means they move on.
- Short bio — one tight paragraph plus a longer version. Write in third person.
- Music — embedded or linked streaming/audio so they can listen in one click.
- Photos — high-resolution press shots they can download and print.
- Video — a live clip or music video that shows you perform.
- Press & achievements — quotes, features, notable shows, playlist adds, stream milestones.
- Social & streaming links — so they can verify your reach.
- Contact — a real email and your manager/booking contact if you have one.
If you’re unclear on the bigger picture before building one, start with what an EPK is and why it matters.
Step 1: Write a bio that gets to the point
Lead with what makes you interesting now — your latest release, your sound, a standout achievement — not your life story. Keep the short bio to about 100 words and a long version to roughly 300. Avoid clichés (“genre-bending sonic journey”) and write the way a journalist would quote you. Update it every time something noteworthy happens.
Step 2: Gather strong assets
Your EPK is only as good as the material in it. You need at least two or three high-resolution press photos (a tight crop and a wider one), one solid video, and your best music ready to embed. If your recordings aren’t release-ready, get them there first — a polished master makes a real difference to how seriously you’re taken. Curators and bloggers can tell the difference between a demo and a finished track.
Step 3: Add proof and press
This is the section that builds trust. Include any blog features, radio play, notable support slots, playlist placements, or stream counts. No press yet? That’s fine — pull short, genuine quotes from comments or include concrete numbers like monthly listeners. Working on coverage to fill this section is worth it; see how to submit your music to blogs.
Step 4: Build it as a page or PDF
You have two solid options:
- A web page on your own site or a dedicated EPK tool — best because it’s always up to date, embeds media, and is one clickable link.
- A PDF — good for emailing directly, but keep the file size reasonable and host media as links rather than embeds.
Whichever you choose, make it skimmable. The person reading is busy; they should grasp who you are within ten seconds.
Step 5: Keep it current and use it
An EPK is a living document. Refresh the bio, photos, and press after every release. Then actually use it — attach the link when you pitch venues, curators, and press as part of your broader music marketing. A great EPK that nobody sees does nothing.
Common EPK mistakes to avoid
- Burying or omitting your contact email.
- Low-resolution or selfie-quality photos.
- A bio that’s three pages long, or written in first person.
- Dead links and outdated info.
- Making people download a giant file to hear one song.
Frequently asked questions
Should my EPK be a web page or a PDF?
A web page is usually better — it’s a single link, always current, and lets people stream and watch in place. A PDF works well when you need to email a fixed document directly, but keep it lightweight and link to media instead of embedding heavy files.
What if I don’t have any press yet?
Use concrete proof instead: monthly listeners, stream counts, notable shows, or genuine quotes from listeners. Then work on earning coverage so you can fill the press section over time. Everyone starts with an empty press section.
How long should an EPK be?
One page, or one scrollable web page. The goal is for a busy promoter or curator to understand who you are and hear your music within a few seconds, then find your contact details easily.
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