SkyhighRocks
New member
Basically for yourself? I would like to make one to send out to labels, companies, etc...what would you include in it and how did you do it?
Thanks
Thanks
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Bob Savage
Well-known member
I put this promo letter together quite some time ago. I think I did this back when Thump was doing one for his band.
PeteLaramee
Well-known member
We've done many. Try to keep them simple. Include a short cover letter and a bio. If you guys have any reviews add the best samples to the bio. Add a pic. If you're sending out a CD/DVD make sure your band name, website, and email addy is on the disc itself.
Just don't give them too much junk.
I'm no expert, but I've rec'd enough rejection letters/emails to at least have an idea of what they're looking for.
Just don't give them too much junk.
I'm no expert, but I've rec'd enough rejection letters/emails to at least have an idea of what they're looking for.
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Bob Savage
Well-known member
Put some bling bling in the box. You know, starbucks certificates, candy, cold cash...
Everlone
New member
My old press kit had a one, heavy stock piece of paper, where on one side was the band bio, and on the other was our picture, names, ages, what instrument we played and what cities and clubs we've played, and well known bands we've played with. Then we included our full length, pro duplicated cd because it was the best looking and sounding recording we had. And that was it. Not a bunch of other crap like newspaper clippings, merch samples... that stuff just clutters their desks and pisses them off. Let them see you, let them hear you, and if that doesn't do it.... sorry. 
B
Bob Savage
Well-known member
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Actually, a press kit by definition is supposed to have media reviews and such. A promotional package doesn't need to, but a press kit, yep.
Everlone":dc2af said:My old press kit had a one, heavy stock piece of paper, where on one side was the band bio, and on the other was our picture, names, ages, what instrument we played and what cities and clubs we've played, and well known bands we've played with. Then we included our full length, pro duplicated cd because it was the best looking and sounding recording we had. And that was it. Not a bunch of other crap like newspaper clippings, merch samples... that stuff just clutters their desks and pisses them off. Let them see you, let them hear you, and if that doesn't do it.... sorry.
Actually, a press kit by definition is supposed to have media reviews and such. A promotional package doesn't need to, but a press kit, yep.
PeteLaramee
Well-known member
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Having said that it didn't sell terribly well and we like to take credit for bringing down the label.
I agree. But at the same time luck is the biggest factor. Our 2nd cd was released by an indy in Sweden. They later told us the only reason they even noticed our promo was because the guys in the office were passing it around laughing at how bad our cd cover was. One guy was about the throw it away and another said "No let's listen to it. Maybe it'll be even funnier."Bob Savage":d2e1b said:
Having said that it didn't sell terribly well and we like to take credit for bringing down the label.
SkyhighRocks
New member
good tips here. Now what about packaging? What would you use to hold the kit? Obviously not staples!
Japetus The Great
New member
I think it's handy to have:
2 separate 8x10 photos of your band
CD/DVD's are expensive but putting a DVD video of your band performing live on your cd always seems like a good idea.
Bio/Contact Sheet
2 separate 8x10 photos of your band
CD/DVD's are expensive but putting a DVD video of your band performing live on your cd always seems like a good idea.
Bio/Contact Sheet
SkyhighRocks
New member
This is mainly for instrument companies...for myself. Can't hurt to try for any kind of artist pricing with all the gigging I'm doing.
PeteLaramee
Well-known member
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Right now we just fold the paper(s) in half around the CD, hold it together with a rubber band and stick it in a padded envelope. If the the CD is professionaly packaged/wrapped - REMOVE THE WRAPPING. Don't make them have to unwrap the plastic and then the little pain-in-the-ass barcode sticker thing that fucking drives everyone crazy. We do that with everyone we send out for review/airplay.SkyhighRocks":35284 said:
Jordon
New member
Remember that a lot of places wont take unsolicited material from bands.
SkyhighRocks
New member
again...this is not for my band. This is for me...with instrument companies only.