Practical guide
How to Build an EPK for Music Press and Release Outreach
An electronic press kit puts the material another person needs in one reliable place. It should save a journalist, curator or booker time—not make them search through a folder full of unidentified files.
Start with the purpose of this kit
A release EPK emphasizes the new music and its story. A booking kit may need performance video, lineup and practical live information. Decide who will use the page before collecting assets. Avoid one oversized package that tries to serve every possible request.
For press, lead with artist name, release title, date, a short description and the listening link. Place longer background information below the essentials.
Include the assets people can actually use
| Asset | What to include | Quality check |
|---|---|---|
| Listening link | The relevant track or release | Works without your account |
| Biography | Short and longer factual versions | Matches the current project |
| Photography | Approved high-resolution files | Credit and usage instructions are included |
| Artwork | Correct cover and title | Matches the delivered release |
| Release facts | Date, credits, label and story | Every claim can be checked |
| Contact | A monitored professional route | The intended person receives requests |
Name and organize files clearly
Use names that identify the artist, asset and version. A file called “final-final-2.jpg” is difficult to use without context. Keep a simple credit document next to images and include any limits on how they may be used. Do not assume that possessing a photo gives permission to redistribute it.
Keep current assets separate from archived versions. If you replace a file, preserve a stable page link so recipients do not need a new email for every correction.
Test access from the recipient’s side
- Open the public page in a signed-out window.
- Play the music and download one image.
- Repeat the test on a phone.
- Check that no unrelated private files are exposed.
- Ask another person to find the release date and photo credit without help.
If the material is confidential, share it deliberately and explain the intended use. A private link alone does not create an agreed embargo.
Keep the kit current
Add confirmed coverage only when you can identify the source accurately. Do not fabricate logos, quotations or audience figures. Remove broken links and retired contact details. Recheck the kit before every outreach wave, not just on the day it is first built.
Start with our artist bio template and press-release template. A basic website or organized folder may be sufficient; buy a catalog-sharing tool only if it solves a real sharing or version-management problem.
Frequently asked questions
Does an EPK have to be a PDF?
No. A useful web page or organized folder can work well. A PDF may be a convenient overview, but check that its listening and download links still work.
How many photographs should I include?
Provide a small useful selection with clear credits and permissions. More files are not helpful if the recipient cannot tell which are approved or current.