If you’re trying to get booked for gigs, festivals or support slots, a strong EPK—or electronic press kit—is essential. Think of it as your music CV: it showcases who you are, what you sound like, and why you’re worth booking.
Here’s what to include in your EPK to make a great impression and improve your chances of landing live performance opportunities.
1. A short, engaging artist bio
Start with a clear and professional bio. Promoters and bookers want to quickly understand your sound, story and achievements. Keep it concise (1–2 paragraphs) and cover:
- Where you’re based
- Your genre or musical style
- Key influences or comparisons
- Notable performances, releases or milestones
- Your overall vibe or audience appeal
Avoid long, overly poetic bios. Clear and confident is better.
2. Professional photos
High-quality images are a must. Include:
- One or two promo shots (portrait or press-style)
- At least one live performance image
- Horizontal and vertical options
- Downloadable files or a shared Google Drive/Dropbox link
Make sure your photos reflect your current look and brand. These images may be used in promotional materials, so they should be sharp and free to use.
3. Music links
Give bookers an easy way to hear your best work. Include:
- A few streaming links (Spotify, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, etc.)
- One or two music videos or visualisers
- Highlight tracks that show your live energy or unique sound
Avoid overloading them—choose 2–3 of your strongest pieces. Embed players or use smart links if you’re hosting the EPK on a website.
4. Live performance video
A good live video can make or break your application. It shows that you’re capable of performing well and engaging an audience. Include:
- A full performance clip or highlight reel (1–3 mins)
- Clear audio and visuals
- Real crowd interaction, if possible
Don’t worry if it’s not ultra-polished—authentic, well-shot phone footage is better than nothing. Just make sure it’s honest and watchable.
5. Press quotes or testimonials
If you’ve received coverage from blogs, radio stations or other artists, include short quotes or links to features. Examples:
“A rising star in the UK indie scene” – BBC Introducing
“Incredible live energy and vocal range” – Local promoter
Even a short quote from a past venue or promoter can boost your credibility.
6. Gig history and highlights
Briefly list notable venues, festivals or events you’ve played. Prioritise:
- Well-known names or locations
- Support slots for bigger artists
- Festival appearances (even small stages)
- Sold-out or high-attendance shows
You can also add a line about how many gigs you’ve played to show experience.
7. Contact and booking info
Make it easy for promoters to get in touch. Include:
- Your full name or artist name
- Email address (and/or manager or booking agent, if applicable)
- Social media handles
- Link to your official website (if you have one)
Make sure this section is clear and visible—preferably near the top and bottom.
8. Optional: tech spec or stage plot
If you’re applying for a larger gig or festival slot, include a simple tech spec or stage plot. This tells the organiser what equipment or setup you need, such as:
- Number of performers
- Instruments used
- Mic or DI needs
- Backline requirements (if any)
This shows professionalism and helps technical staff plan ahead.
- Keep it clean and easy to navigate – use headings, short paragraphs and visual consistency
- Use a single link – host everything on one web page, Google Drive folder or smart link
- Update it regularly – especially your bio, music and gig highlights
- Make a PDF version – some venues still prefer a downloadable format
A well-crafted EPK makes it easier for bookers to say “yes”. It shows you’re serious, prepared, and easy to work with—qualities that go a long way in the live music world.
