The short answerAn electronic press kit (EPK) is a single page or file that gives venues, promoters and press everything they need to book or write about you. It should include a short bio, three of your best songs, a live video, a few good photos, notable shows or press, your tech needs and your contact details.
If you're trying to get gigs, an EPK is the first thing a booker asks for, and a good one does half the selling for you. Here's what to put in it, how to build one without paying for anything, and how to send it so it actually gets opened. If you've just started a band, this is the step that turns a few rehearsals into a first show.
What is an EPK?
EPK stands for electronic press kit. It's the modern version of the paper press kit bands used to mail to venues and magazines: a folder with a bio, a photo and a demo. Today it's usually a web page, a shared folder or a PDF with links.
The people reading it are busy. A talent buyer at a mid-size venue might get dozens of emails a week, and they'll decide in under a minute whether you're worth a listen. Your EPK's job is to answer their questions before they have to ask.
What should be in an EPK?
Keep it tight. Everything here should fit on one page that someone can scan in 60 seconds.
A short bio
Two versions: a one-paragraph bio (about 50 to 100 words) and a longer one (200 to 300 words). Say who you are, what you sound like, where you're from and the one or two most impressive things you've done. Comparisons help: "for fans of Japanese Breakfast and Alvvays" tells a booker more than "dreamy indie pop with a unique sound."
Your best music
Three songs, max. Put your strongest track first. Link to Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp or SoundCloud, and make sure the links work without signing in. Bookers won't dig through a 12-song album.
A live video
This is the most important piece for gig bookers, because it shows them what you're like on stage. One good live clip beats five rehearsal videos. If you don't have one yet, film your next show from the back of the room with decent audio.
Photos
Two or three high-resolution photos: at least one horizontal and one vertical, so they fit flyers and social posts. Include a live shot if you have a good one. Make them downloadable.
Highlights and press
Notable shows, bands you've opened for, festivals, radio play, playlist adds, press quotes and streaming numbers if they're strong. Be honest. Small, real numbers are fine; inflated ones get spotted.
Tech needs
A simple stage plot (where everyone stands) and an input list (how many mics and DI boxes you need). Sound engineers love bands that send this ahead of time.
Contact and links
One clear contact (name, email and phone) and links to your website and socials. Put the contact details at the top and the bottom.
How do you make an EPK for free?
You don't need to pay for an EPK builder. Any of these works:
- A page on your website. Make it yourbandname.com/epk. It's easy to update and easy to share.
- A shared folder. A Google Drive or Dropbox folder with your bio, photos, stage plot and a links document. Simple, but less polished.
- A one-page PDF. Good as an attachment, but keep it under a few megabytes, and link to the music rather than attaching audio files.
Whichever you choose, follow the same order: contact, bio, music, video, photos, highlights, tech needs. Then send the link to a friend and ask them to find your best song and your email address in under 30 seconds. If they can't, simplify.
Your EPK is only as good as the demo in it. If your recordings need work, a basic home studio setup is enough to cut a clean three-song demo.
How do you send an EPK to venues?
Most EPKs fail in the email, not the kit. Keep the email short and specific:
Subject: Booking inquiry: [Band name], [genre], [city], [month]
Hi [name],
We're [band name], a [genre] band from [city] for fans of [band] and [band]. We'd love to play [venue] in [month]. We usually draw around [number] people locally and recently played [notable show].
Our EPK, with music, a live video and our tech rider, is here: [link]
Thanks for your time, [Name], [phone]
A few rules that make a big difference:
- Research the venue first. Pitch rooms that book your kind of music, at a size you can realistically fill.
- Pitch specific dates two to three months out.
- Follow up once after a week or two if you hear nothing. Then move on.
- Be honest about your draw. Venues remember who brought people.
What's the difference between an EPK, a musician resume and a bio?
They overlap, but they're built for different readers.
- An EPK is for bookers and press. It sells the act: music, video, photos and highlights.
- A musician resume is for auditions, session work, teaching jobs and music schools. It lists your experience as an individual player.
- A bio is a paragraph about you, and it lives inside both.
Your Mixstro profile works a lot like a living version of all three. It shows what you play, your influences, and the bands and projects you've been part of, with the music to back it up, so other musicians can see your history at a glance.
Common EPK mistakes
- Too much stuff. Twelve songs, 30 photos and a 1,000-word bio. Cut it down.
- Broken or private links. Test every link in a private browser window.
- No live video. Bookers want to see you play, not just hear you.
- Hiding the contact info. Put it at the top.
- Letting it go stale. Update it every few months with new shows, songs and photos.
FAQ
Do I need an EPK as a new band?
Yes, even a simple one. A bio, two songs, a phone video of a live set and your contact details are enough to start pitching local venues and open slots.
How much does an EPK cost?
Nothing, if you build it yourself as a page on your website, a shared folder or a PDF. Paid EPK builders exist, but they're optional.
How long should an EPK be?
One page. A booker should be able to hear your best song, see a live clip and find your email within a minute.
What's the difference between an EPK and a press kit?
They're the same thing. "EPK" is just the digital version of the traditional press kit.
What should I put in an EPK if I have no press?
Lead with your music and a live video, then list your best shows, the bands you've played with and any real numbers you have, like streams or how many people came to your last show.