From: Jason
2009-06-13 17:19:54
|
To: Jason
2009-06-13 16:50:34
|
|
|
| | <li>A DVD of live shows (Optional)</li> | | <li>A DVD of live shows (Optional)</li> |
| | </ul><h2>Directions</h2> | | </ul><h2>Directions</h2> |
| - | <h3>1. Create a cover page.</h3> | + | <h3>1. Include your CD</h3> |
| - | <p>The cover page should be a letter addressed to the person at the venue, festival, or booking agency you are giving the booking kit to. This should have your contact information, website, and basic details about your music and band. Put your contact information on every page of the kit. This page should be eye-catching and visually appealing since it is the first thing that will be seen.</p> | + | <p>Include a CD of your latest album and make sure that all of your contact information is on the CD itself, in case it gets separated from the rest of your kit and the case.</p> |
| - | <h3>2. Include a separate page about your band bio.</h3> | + | <h3>2. Create a cover page</h3> |
| | + | <p>This should have your contact information, website, and basic details about your sound setup or other needs. Put your contact information on every page of the kit. This page should be eye-catching and visually appealing since it is the first thing that will be seen.</p> |
| | + | <h3>3. Write your band bio</h3> |
| | <p>A bio is a one-page sheet about the band. This should be story-based, easy to read, and interesting.</p> | | <p>A bio is a one-page sheet about the band. This should be story-based, easy to read, and interesting.</p> |
| - | <h3>3. Include your CD.</h3> | + | <h3>4. Attach press clippings</h3> |
| - | <p>Include your latest CD or CDs. If you have a live album, be sure to include this. Make sure all of your contact information is on the CD itself, in case it gets separated from the rest of your kit and the case.</p> | + | |
| - | <h3>4. Include your mailing list and/or Eventful Demand numbers.</h3> | + | |
| - | <p>Venues, festivals, and booking agencies want to know your draw. Include your mailing list count. If you use Eventful to help you plan your shows, then include this number as it's a verifiable number from a third party. If you're just starting out, skip this step. </p> | + | |
| - | <h3>5. Include any press clippings, reviews, or positive mentions.</h3> | + | |
| | <p>If you have press coverage, include a page of quotes and reviews of your band or albums.</p> | | <p>If you have press coverage, include a page of quotes and reviews of your band or albums.</p> |
| - | <h3>6. Include any testimonials from fans, other bookers, or other venues.</h3> | + | <h3>5. Attach a show history</h3> |
| - | <h3>7. Include a list of where else you've played.</h3> | + | <p>Include a gig history of everywhere you have played to prove your performing experience.</p> |
| - | <p>If you've played out a lot, include a list of the key venues or festivals you've played to prove your performing experience. If you're just starting out, skip this step.</p> | + | <h3>6. Include an eight-by-ten photo (if Requested)</h3> |
| - | <h3>8. Include an 8x10 photo (optional).</h3> | + | <p>This is the standard size used by most venues. Some will want an actual photo, most will want to find a photo from your website. Find out ahead of time what they will expect.</p> |
| - | <h3>9. Include a stage plot (optional).</h3> | + | <h3>7. Include a live DVD (Optional)</h3> |
| - | <p>You could include a stage plot - a diagram of the instruments in your band, the equipment you have (amps, keyboard, etc.), and your stage, monitor, and microphone needs. This is usually used after you get a gig, but the at-a-glance information it provides about your band and its sound needs if often useful to bookers.</p> | + | |
| - | <h3>10. Include a live DVD (optional)</h3> | + | |
| | <p>Include a video of your band performing live if you have one, it is the most convincing proof of your ability to entertain a crowd.</p> | | <p>Include a video of your band performing live if you have one, it is the most convincing proof of your ability to entertain a crowd.</p> |
| - | <h3>11. Make sure all this information is also available online at your website. </h3> | + | <h3>8. Include Testimonials</h3> |
| - | <p> </p> | + | <p>Testimonials are one of the most effective ways to get gigs. </p> |
| - | <p>You should have a section on your website that includes all the above information so venues, festivals, and booking agencies can download the information at their convenience. Services such as <a href="http://www.indieguide.com/link/view/76/Sonicbids">SonicBids</a> and <a href="http://www.indieguide.com/link/view/5702/ReverbNation">ReverbNation</a> provide online press kits that can house this information for a fee. </p> | + | |
| | <h2>What should I do next?</h2> | | <h2>What should I do next?</h2> |
| | <ul><li><a href="http://www.indieguide.com/wiki/page/How_To_Book_A_Live_Show">How To Book A Live Show</a></li> | | <ul><li><a href="http://www.indieguide.com/wiki/page/How_To_Book_A_Live_Show">How To Book A Live Show</a></li> |
| - | <li><a href="http://www.indieguide.com/wiki/page/How_To_Write_A_Press_Release">How To Write A Press Release</a></li> | + | <li><a href="http://www.indieguide.com/wiki/page/How_To_Write_A_Press_Release">How To Write A Press Release</a><a href="http://www.indieguide.com/wiki/page/How_To_Run_a_PR_Campaign"></a></li> |
| | </ul><h2>References</h2> | | </ul><h2>References</h2> |
| | <ul><li><a href="../../../../wiki/page/Order_the_Book">The Indie Band Survival Guide</a></li> | | <ul><li><a href="../../../../wiki/page/Order_the_Book">The Indie Band Survival Guide</a></li> |
| | <li><a href="../../../../wiki/page/Order_the_Book">The DIY Music Manual</a></li> | | <li><a href="../../../../wiki/page/Order_the_Book">The DIY Music Manual</a></li> |
| | + | <li><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Make-A-Great-Press-Kit---A-Musicians-Guide&amp;id=59384">How to Make A Great Press Kit</a></li> |
| | + | <li><a href="http://mediawebsource.com/bandpresskitsample.htm">Band Press Kit Sample Outline</a></li> |
| | </ul><p> </p> | | </ul><p> </p> |
