How to Write a Music-Related Press Release

Everywhere we turn in the music business, the impact on digital marketing, promotion, sales, performances and publicity is changing the way artists and bands, as well as record labels are carrying out there business.

What is strange to me is that with all the website work one has to update, and blogs to keep up on and text messaging and emails etc. etc. one thing remains true.

The elements of what must be turned into digital items have their roots in the 'analog' world, especially when it comes to writing up a press release.

Today the traditional press kit still has its place. So, knowing how to write (and/or post) a professional press release can help you get the word out about what's going on with your music career.


Here is a guideline for writing a professional Press Release.


When to Write a Press Release:

* Concert/Shows and or Tour information
* Record, Publishing, Merchandising Deal Announcements
* Band Personnel Changes/Additions
* CD, Music File and/or Video Release Information
* any social networking or Internet activities
* announcements about anything you (the artist) or your label are doing



What The Print and Broadcast Media Need:

* News or announcements related to their target audience
* Deadlines met for calendars and event listings
* Event or information in proximity to their coverage area



Layout and Essential Information:

* Double space all content
* The phrase "For Immediate Release" centered near top 1/3 or page
* Date press release is sent out
* Contact information: Person media can call for more information with phone
number and fax number
* Printed on company or artist/band stationary with full address info
(or if it is digital and for an Electronic Press Kit -EPK- ready to upload)
* 1 to 1 1/2 pages long (unless for major event or project)
* End with the marks ### centered at end of the body


The Press Release Structure:


The Slug Line (Headline)

* Short, but attention-getting headline phrase
* A hint of the purpose or topic to be presented


The Lead Paragraph

* Should include the 5 W's and the H (if needed):
Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How
* Summation of the basic topic/information
* Begin with the most important part of the information
* Who is in the beginning sentence, followed by Where and When
* Why, What, and How follow in the next few sentences
* No unnecessary details should be included in the lead paragraph


The Body

* Elaboration on the theme or purpose of the press release
* One thought, one paragraph.
Cohesive, single ideas in each paragraph
* Write information in descending order of importance
* Keep information factual. Opinions only in quotes with proper credit
* Use simple sentences (Subject - Object -Verb) and avoid too much hype
* Ending option: Recap essential information from first paragraph
* Proofread several times for spelling, and/or grammatical errors


It will take you some practice to get all this down, but once you do-create a 'template' for future Press Releases!