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MUSIC MARKETING & PROMOTION
Get tips and ideas on how to promote your music online and offline, as an independent artist. Practical music marketing strategies and advice.
How to Write a Music Press Release: Template & Guide
If you want to get media attention and bloggers to cover your music - you need to create an awesome press release.
But what should you write, feature and link to in your press release to give yourself the best chance of getting pick up by bloggers, A&R's, On-Air Personality and Podcasters? Just to name a few. Well we're here to help you make that press release that can get your music branded.
Before we dive in, there’s something you should know. Do-it-yourself public relations or music PR isn’t easy. There are many reasons why these amazing execs are in such high demand. But the main reason? Contacts.
The best PR people will have developed strong relationships with influencers and tastemakers over years, or perhaps even decades, in the industry. Becoming a trusted source of new music and fresh talent takes time, patience and dedication.
However, if you don’t have the budget to hire the professionals, do-it-yourself PR is the next best thing. What's even better we're going to show you one of the tools the professionals use and how it can benefit you long-term
And if your music is on point, there’s no reason why it won’t get the attention it deserve.
So, let’s discuss how to write a press release that they won’t be able to resist.
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How to write a music press release
Make it easy for the recipient
This overshadows just about every other point I’m going to make.
It’s important to understand that so many insiders, bloggers could receive hundreds (or more) emails and press releases in a single day. So get to the point quickly, make sure all the essential info is easy to read, recognize, and reach with one or two clicks.
If they’re interested in your news, some busy music bloggers may simply copy and paste chunks of your press release into a new post without even contacting you, so keep this in mind when it come to writing your press release.
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Grab their attention with the subject line
An exciting, interesting, irresistible subject line can be the difference between your email getting opened or ignored.
Generally, Awesome Band Releases New Single is not a compelling subject line. But you can make it interesting by adapting your pitch.
Are you heading out on tour? Supporting a well-known band? Does your track tackle a thought-provoking issue? Do you have an interesting music video? Have you collaborated with any well-known artists or producers? Make your subject line memorable enough to grab the receiver’s attention and compel them to read it.
Don’t send attachments
Downloading attachments from someone you don’t know is risky, so in many cases, your email might simply be deleted if any files are attached.
Rather than attaching it, copy your press release into the body of the email and include links to your tracks on a well-known streaming platform (Soundcloud, YouTube, Bandcamp, Spotify).
If your music isn’t officially out yet, don’t attach an MP3 file. Instead, create a private Soundcloud link or unlisted YouTube video so you can share it with a select number of people in advance of your release date.
Speaking of which, if you're reading this that means one thing and one thing only. You're a music a non- commercial music artist. It also means you're looking to promote and market your music. 94.2 Blazin help artist like you with this issue. After reading this blog, feel free to send us your music on our promotion page or click here.
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Include links to your website, press shots & socials
Remember, it’s all about making it easy for the person receiving your press release. Did I mention that?
So, make sure to include direct links to your social media pages, website and a folder of press shots. That way, bloggers don’t need to spend their time searching for you online to tag you in posts or find a decent picture of you for their featured image. It’s worth setting up a Dropbox or Google Drive link with all of your essential assets - pictures, logos and a longer artist bio.
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Add a personal touch
This isn’t a universal rule, but sometimes adding a brief, personal message to the email above your press release is a nice way to engage and build a potential relationship with the recipient. It doesn’t need to be an essay, just a quick hello, perhaps including their name and the title of their blog to show you’re genuinely aware of who you’re emailing.
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Music press release template
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Music press release format
Before getting into the format, there are seven types of music press releases you should be aware of:
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Sample album
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Tour press release
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Music festival press
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Single press release
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Music artist press release
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Album press release
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Music event press release
Besides the title of the press release, there's not that much difference between them all.
They all fall under the same rule and concepts of who, what, when, where and how.
When creating a music press release, it is important to include additional elements specific to the music industry. These may include details about the artist or group, the genre or style of music, notable collaborations, release dates, and any unique aspects of the music production process.
Before writing a single word, you should check if a new music press release is warranted.
You should write a press release for music when:
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You’re announcing a new album release: Whenever an artist or group releases a new album, a press release should be crafted and distributed to generate excitement and interest from fans and the media about the new music.
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You’re promoting a concert or music festival: Before a concert or music festival, even performing at a local club a good press release can generate publicity, attract the audience, and provide necessary details like date, location, and line-up.
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You want to introduce a new artist or group: A press release can help launch new artists into the music scene, providing essential information about them and their music.
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You need to highlight a big achievement or milestone: Whether an artist wins an award, reaches a sales milestone, or celebrates an anniversary, a press release can share these achievements with the public.
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You want to share updates about a music project or collaboration: If an artist is involved in a unique project or collaboration, a press release can effectively keep fans and media in the loop.
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Online Presences: A press release is one of the most important online tools a artist can have by creating and promoting traffic to a artist website and other platforms.
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What are the questions to answer in a music press release
To pique the interest of bloggers, A&R's, On-Air Personality, Podcasters,and music fans alike, it’s important to consider a few key questions before putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard is.
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What makes this particular release stand out?
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What inspired the artist to create this press release?
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What can listeners expect in terms of sound and themes?
Answering these questions can help ensure that your music artist’s press release is informative and engaging, sparking the curiosity of potential listeners and ensuring that your message is heard loud and clear.