marketing

Electronic Press Kit (EPK) Templates for Bands 2025

Free EPK templates and guides for creating professional press kits.

Electronic Press Kit (EPK) Templates for Bands 2025

An Electronic Press Kit (EPK) is your band's professional introduction to venues, promoters, media, and industry professionals. This guide provides templates and best practices for creating an effective EPK.

What is an EPK?

An EPK is a digital package containing all the essential information about your band in one easily accessible location. It's your professional calling card in the music industry.

Purpose:

  • Book gigs
  • Secure press coverage
  • Attract industry attention
  • Professional presentation
  • Easy information sharing

Essential Components:

  • Band bio
  • High-quality photos
  • Music samples
  • Videos
  • Press quotes/reviews
  • Contact information
  • Social media links
  • Technical rider (for booking)

EPK Template Structure

1. Band Overview (Above the Fold)

[BAND LOGO]

[BAND NAME]
[Genre] from [City, State/Country]

[One-sentence hook - your elevator pitch]

[CALL TO ACTION BUTTONS]
[Listen Now] [Watch Video] [Book Us] [Download Press Kit]

[Social Media Icons with Links]

Example:

THE MIDNIGHT RIDERS
Alternative Rock from Austin, Texas

High-energy rock with a modern edge, blending classic influences 
with contemporary sound.

[Listen on Spotify] [Watch Live Video] [Book a Show] [Press Kit PDF]

[Instagram] [Facebook] [Twitter] [YouTube] [TikTok]

2. Band Bio

Short Bio (50-100 words):

[Band Name] is a [genre] band from [location] known for [unique quality]. 
Formed in [year], the band has [notable achievement]. Their sound combines 
[influences] with [unique elements], creating [description]. 

Recent highlights include [recent achievement], [another achievement], 
and [third achievement]. [Band Name] has shared stages with [notable acts] 
and performed at [notable venues/festivals].

Long Bio (200-300 words):

[Expand on formation story]
[Detail musical evolution]
[Describe sound and influences]
[List major achievements]
[Mention releases]
[Highlight notable performances]
[Include press recognition]
[Current activities and future plans]

Bio Writing Tips:

  • Write in third person
  • Lead with most impressive info
  • Be specific with achievements
  • Avoid clichés ("unique sound")
  • Update regularly
  • Include personality
  • Keep it professional

3. Music Section

Streaming Links:

LISTEN NOW

Latest Release: [Album/EP/Single Name]
Released: [Date]

[Spotify Embed]
[Apple Music Link]
[YouTube Link]
[Bandcamp Link]
[SoundCloud Link]

Previous Releases:
- [Release Name] ([Year])
- [Release Name] ([Year])
- [Release Name] ([Year])

Music Player Best Practices:

  • Feature your best 3-4 songs
  • Start with strongest track
  • Use high-quality embeds
  • Include download option
  • Link to full catalog

4. Photos

Photo Gallery:

PHOTOS

High-Resolution Press Photos
[Download All Photos]

[Thumbnail Grid of 6-8 photos]
- Band promo shots (3-4)
- Live performance (2-3)
- Candid/lifestyle (1-2)

Photo Credit: [Photographer Name]

Photo Requirements:

  • High resolution (300 DPI minimum)
  • Various orientations (horizontal, vertical, square)
  • Professional quality
  • Recent (within 1-2 years)
  • Properly lit and composed
  • Downloadable
  • Credited photographer

Photo Types Needed:

  • Full band promo shot
  • Individual member shots
  • Live performance
  • Candid/behind-the-scenes
  • Album artwork
  • Logo (various formats)

5. Videos

Video Section:

VIDEOS

[Featured Video Embed - Music Video or Live Performance]

Additional Videos:
- [Music Video Title] - [Link]
- [Live Performance] - [Link]
- [Behind the Scenes] - [Link]

[View All Videos on YouTube]

Video Best Practices:

  • Feature best quality video first
  • Include music videos
  • Add live performance footage
  • Keep videos under 5 minutes
  • Use high-quality embeds
  • Ensure good audio quality

6. Press and Reviews

Press Section:

PRESS & REVIEWS

"[Compelling quote from review]"
- [Publication Name]

"[Another strong quote]"
- [Publication Name]

"[Third quote]"
- [Publication Name]

FEATURED IN:
[Logo/Name] [Logo/Name] [Logo/Name] [Logo/Name]

[View All Press]

Press Tips:

  • Use best quotes only
  • Include publication names
  • Link to full articles
  • Keep updated
  • Feature most prestigious first
  • Include logos if permitted

7. Live Performance Info

Shows Section:

LIVE SHOWS

Upcoming Shows:
[Date] - [Venue Name] - [City, State] - [Tickets Link]
[Date] - [Venue Name] - [City, State] - [Tickets Link]
[Date] - [Venue Name] - [City, State] - [Tickets Link]

[View All Shows]

Notable Past Performances:
- [Festival/Venue Name] ([Year])
- [Festival/Venue Name] ([Year])
- [Festival/Venue Name] ([Year])

Shared Stage With:
[Notable Act], [Notable Act], [Notable Act], [Notable Act]

8. Contact Information

Contact Section:

CONTACT

Booking:
[Name]
[Email]
[Phone]

Press/Media:
[Name]
[Email]
[Phone]

Management:
[Name]
[Email]
[Phone]

General Inquiries:
[Email]

Mailing Address:
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Contact Best Practices:

  • Provide specific contacts
  • Include response time
  • Keep information current
  • Use professional email addresses
  • Include phone numbers
  • Add time zone if relevant

9. Technical Rider

For Booking EPKs:

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Stage Plot:
[Diagram or description of stage setup]

Input List:
- Drums: [X] channels
- Bass: [X] channels
- Guitars: [X] channels
- Vocals: [X] channels
- Keys: [X] channels

Backline Needed:
- Drum kit (specify if bringing own)
- Bass amp
- Guitar amps
- Keyboard amp
- Monitors

PA Requirements:
- [Specify PA needs]
- Monitor mixes needed: [X]

Lighting:
- [Basic/Standard/Specific needs]

Power:
- [Number] of 20-amp circuits

Stage Size:
- Minimum: [X] ft × [Y] ft

Load-In:
- Time needed: [X] hours
- Crew: [X] people

[Download Full Technical Rider PDF]

10. Statistics and Achievements

Stats Section:

BY THE NUMBERS

[X]M+ Spotify Streams
[X]K+ Monthly Listeners
[X]K+ Social Media Followers
[X]+ Shows Played
[X] States/Countries Toured

ACHIEVEMENTS
- [Award/Recognition]
- [Chart Position]
- [Notable Placement]
- [Festival Appearance]
- [Media Feature]

EPK Platforms and Tools

Website-Based EPKs

1. Your Own WebsitePros:

  • Full control
  • Professional appearance
  • Custom domain
  • No platform fees
  • Integrated with main site

Cons:

  • Requires web development
  • Maintenance needed
  • Hosting costs

Best For: Established bands with existing websites

Tools:

  • WordPress
  • Squarespace
  • Wix
  • Webflow

2. Dedicated EPK Platforms

Sonicbids

  • Cost: $10-20/month
  • Features: EPK builder, gig opportunities, submission tools
  • Best For: Bands actively seeking gigs and festivals
  • Website: sonicbids.com

ReverbNation

  • Cost: Free tier available, $10-30/month for premium
  • Features: EPK, distribution, promotion tools
  • Best For: Independent artists starting out
  • Website: reverbnation.com

Bandzoogle

  • Cost: $10-20/month
  • Features: Website + EPK, music player, store
  • Best For: Bands wanting all-in-one solution
  • Website: bandzoogle.com

Haulix

  • Cost: Free tier, $20-40/month for pro
  • Features: Secure music distribution, press kit hosting
  • Best For: Sending music to media and industry
  • Website: haulix.com

3. PDF EPKs

When to Use:

  • Email submissions
  • Print materials
  • Offline sharing
  • Backup format

Tools:

  • Canva (templates available)
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Google Slides (export as PDF)

PDF EPK Structure:

Page 1: Cover (band photo, name, contact)
Page 2: Bio and key info
Page 3: Photos
Page 4: Press quotes and achievements
Page 5: Contact and links (with QR codes)

EPK Design Best Practices

Visual Design

Do:

  • Use consistent branding
  • Choose readable fonts
  • Maintain visual hierarchy
  • Use high-quality images
  • Keep it clean and professional
  • Make navigation intuitive
  • Ensure mobile responsiveness

Don't:

  • Overcrowd with information
  • Use too many fonts
  • Include low-quality images
  • Make it hard to navigate
  • Forget mobile users
  • Use auto-playing audio

Content Strategy

Prioritize:

  1. Most impressive achievements first
  2. Recent over old
  3. Quality over quantity
  4. Specific over vague
  5. Professional over casual

Update Regularly:

  • New releases
  • Recent shows
  • Press coverage
  • Photos/videos
  • Contact information
  • Achievements

User Experience

Make It Easy To:

  • Find contact information
  • Listen to music
  • Download photos
  • Watch videos
  • Book the band
  • Share the EPK

Loading Speed:

  • Optimize images
  • Use efficient embeds
  • Minimize file sizes
  • Test on various devices

EPK Checklist

Essential Elements

  • Band name and logo
  • Short bio (50-100 words)
  • Long bio (200-300 words)
  • 3-4 best songs (streaming)
  • 6-8 high-res photos
  • At least 1 video
  • Press quotes (if available)
  • Contact information
  • Social media links
  • Recent show history

For Booking

  • Technical rider
  • Stage plot
  • Set length options
  • Booking contact
  • Availability
  • Performance videos

For Press

  • Downloadable press kit PDF
  • High-res photos (downloadable)
  • Press contact
  • Recent press coverage
  • Upcoming releases/news

Technical

  • Mobile responsive
  • Fast loading
  • Working links
  • Functional embeds
  • Updated information
  • Professional email addresses

Common EPK Mistakes

Avoid These Errors

1. Too Much Information

  • Keep it concise
  • Prioritize key info
  • Use "Read More" for details

2. Outdated Content

  • Update regularly
  • Remove old shows
  • Refresh photos annually
  • Update achievements

3. Poor Quality Media

  • Use professional photos
  • High-quality audio
  • Good video production
  • Proper lighting

4. Hard to Navigate

  • Clear structure
  • Intuitive layout
  • Easy contact access
  • Working links

5. Missing Contact Info

  • Prominent placement
  • Multiple contact options
  • Response time noted
  • Professional addresses

6. Generic Content

  • Be specific
  • Show personality
  • Highlight unique qualities
  • Avoid clichés

EPK Distribution

When to Send Your EPK

For Booking:

  • When pitching venues
  • Responding to opportunities
  • Following up on leads
  • Festival applications

For Press:

  • New release announcements
  • Tour announcements
  • Major milestones
  • Story pitches

For Industry:

  • Label submissions
  • Management inquiries
  • Licensing opportunities
  • Collaboration proposals

How to Share

Direct Link:

  • Easy to share
  • Trackable
  • Always current
  • Professional

PDF Attachment:

  • Email-friendly
  • Offline access
  • Print-ready
  • Backup option

QR Code:

  • Print materials
  • Business cards
  • Posters
  • Merch

Measuring EPK Success

Track These Metrics

Website Analytics:

  • Page views
  • Time on page
  • Bounce rate
  • Click-through rates
  • Geographic data

Engagement:

  • Music plays
  • Video views
  • Photo downloads
  • PDF downloads
  • Contact form submissions

Results:

  • Booking inquiries
  • Press coverage
  • Industry contacts
  • Social media growth

Conclusion

A professional EPK is essential for advancing your band's career. Invest time in creating a comprehensive, well-designed press kit that showcases your best work and makes it easy for industry professionals to say yes.

Quick Start Steps:

  1. Gather all materials (bio, photos, music, videos)
  2. Choose platform (website, EPK service, or PDF)
  3. Design with user experience in mind
  4. Test on multiple devices
  5. Share strategically
  6. Update regularly

Resources:

  • Canva (design templates): canva.com
  • Bandzoogle (EPK platform): bandzoogle.com
  • Haulix (press distribution): haulix.com
  • Sonicbids (booking opportunities): sonicbids.com

Remember: Your EPK is often your first impression. Make it count.

Stay Up To Date

Stay up to date with our latest news and product announcements.

Bandmate Footer Background
Bandmate Footer Logo

Bandmate is the complete platform for musicians, bands, and venues to connect, collaborate, and grow. Find bandmates, discover venues, and build your music career with tools designed by musicians, for musicians.