Why most press kits end up in the trash

I’ve seen it too many times.
A festival organizer asks a musician for their press kit…
…and gets sent a messy Dropbox folder or a 20MB email with random photos and an outdated bio.

Result? The press kit is never used and the opportunity is wasted.

In 2025, your press kit (or EPK — electronic press kit) is one of the most important tools you have.
It’s what journalists, festivals, agencies, and presenters use to introduce you to the public.

But it has to be easy to use otherwise, it won’t be used at all.

What is a press kit (EPK) for musicians?

A press kit is a curated collection of your most important professional materials, presented in a clean, accessible format.

It’s not your personal archive. It’s a highlight reel, the best of your photos, bio, videos, and press quotes.

Why it matters

Your EPK:

• Saves organizers time (which makes them like you)

• Ensures your image and story are presented exactly how you want

• Makes it easier to get booked for interviews, features, and concerts

• Shows you’re professional and prepared

What to include in a musician’s press kit

Here’s the must-have list:

1. Short and long bio

• Short bio (100–150 words) → for programs, flyers, quick intros

• Long bio (300–500 words) → for websites, articles, detailed programs

• Both should be up-to-date and free from jargon

2. High-quality photos

• 1 professional headshot (press-ready)

• 1–2 performance/action shots

• At least one horizontal and one vertical orientation

• High resolution (300dpi) for print, plus smaller web-optimized versions

3. Performance videos

• Embed links to your best videos (no massive attachments)

• At least 2 contrasting pieces — show range and personality

• Hosted on YouTube/Vimeo for easy sharing

4. Press quotes and reviews

• 1–3 quotes from conductors, reviewers, or collaborators

• Include source and year

• Keep them short and impactful

5. Contact and booking info

• Email and phone (if comfortable)

• Agent or management details, if applicable

• Website and social media links

6. Repertoire or works list

• Only if relevant to your audience (classical musicians, composers)

• Keep it concise and categorized

How to present your press kit

This is where most musicians go wrong.

Don’t send:

• Random folders

• Zipped files no one will open

• PDFs buried in email chains

Instead:

• Create a single landing page on your website with your EPK

• Include clickable links, embedded videos, and downloadable assets

• Use clear headings: Bio | Photos | Videos | Press | Contact

Example EPK layout for musicians

Here’s a simple structure that works:

Section 1: headline + short bio

• One professional headshot

• Short 150-word bio

Section 2: videos

• Two embedded performances with clear titles

Section 3: photos

• Thumbnails that open to full-resolution versions

• Download button

Section 4: press quotes

• Short, bold pull-quotes with attribution

Section 5: contact

• Booking email, website, socials

(Optional: Include a “Download full press kit” button for those who want everything in one PDF.)

Bonus tip: keep it updated

• Review every 6–12 months

• Remove old repertoire and outdated headshots

• Add recent reviews and recordings

Final thoughts

Your press kit isn’t just for “when the media asks.”
It’s a tool you can use proactively to pitch yourself to festivals, apply for grants, or share with presenters.

And when it’s built right, it can land you more opportunities with less effort.

Need an EPK you’re proud to share?

I help musicians create landing page press kits that are:

• Clean, easy to navigate

• Built for both desktop and mobile

• Designed to impress agents, presenters, and journalists

If you want an EPK that actually gets used, instead of buried in someone’s inbox, check out my packages here:
→ Landing Page Press Kit Package