Dear Bands, Here's How to Write a Damn Press Release
(By Kim Kelly via Sonic Bids)
As part of my job as a music journalist, I sift through anywhere from 50 to way-too-many press releases daily, separating the wheat from the chaff and trying to find something that fits into the holy trifecta of interesting, relevant, and newsworthy. By now, I've seen plenty of good press releases, a few truly great ones, and an ungodly amount of no good, horrible, downright deplorable excuses for a press release. If you want me or anyone else in the press to give you the time of day, you either need to hire a publicist or master the art of crafting a solid press release yourself. Here are four rules of thumb to keep in mind when sallying forth into treacherous unknown inboxes.
1. Don't send a press release without a good reason
"Band X is cool!" is rubbish, but "Band X is hitting the road with Band Z; listen to a new tune from their upcoming Lout Records debut!" is great. Focus your email around a newsworthy event, like pimping a new album, an upcoming tour announcement, or a new song reveal, so writers and editors have a reason to add you to their news section or your gig to their calendars. Keep it simple and concise, and focus on the who, what, where, when, and why.
2. Do proofread
Reread each sentence for typos and grammar errors. This should go without saying, but seriously, you should see some of the emails I get. Did you remember to add links and contact information? If a press release lands in an inbox with no contact info, no one's going to reply. And, while we're at it, always, always, always double-check that you BCC your press blast list.
3. Don't be cocky
I don't know who you are, so instead of pumping yourself up with silly hyperbole or bravado, focus on telling me about yourself – honestly.
4. Don't use stupid colors, fonts, or sparkly photos
If you need to attach a photo, make sure it's relevant. A nice hi-res band shot or tour poster is fine – anything else probably isn't.
Press release template
Here's a nice, basic template to give you an idea of what a proper press release should look like. I'd recommend signing up for a newsletter program like MailChimp for an extra edge (it's free and allows you to design and track your emails).
Subject and title
BAND X ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN TOUR WITH BAND 66; LISTEN TO A NEW SONG ON ZINEZINE
The point
Las Cruces crossover thrashers BAND X are about to hit the road for their first North American tour, alongside death metallers Band 66 from Tempe. They'll kick things off with a record release show for their new album Snake Eyes (out 10/28 on Loretta Records) and spend a solid three weeks on the road promoting the album.
Relevant information
In addition, Zinezine.com is currently streaming "Six Shooter," the raging second track from Snake Eyes. The site describes the tune as "a sonic maelstrom of angel dust and DRI worship" – take a listen at this location (link to song premiere).
BAND X / BAND 66 TOUR DATES
10/29 – Tempe, AZ @ Yucca Tap Room
xxxxxx
Short band bio
Band X came to life in 2009, drawing from the members' shared love for all things loud, fast, and angry. They've shared stages with the likes of Overkill, Kreator, and Havok, and their debut LP, Snake Eyes, is their most focused and furious material yet!
Contact information
Please get in touch with Joanna at bandx@gmail.com for guest list, interviews, or promo copies of Snake Eyes.
Band X website
Band X Facebook/Bandcamp/Twitter
Kim Kelly is a writer and music journalist based in New York City who writes about music and the culture surrounding it for Pitchfork, Spin, the Village Voice, NPR, Wondering Sound, Decibel, and many more. Find her on Twitter: @grimkim
