Asking a magazine to feature you without the use of a strong press-pack is like asking someone to hire you but not having a resume on hand. A press-kit is just that, an artist’s resume. Chances are the one to hire you without knowledge of your experience and references to your work, might not be your best choice in quality employment. As a professional club owner, agency representative or label owner, they will be on the look out for that artist with an edge and the extensive experience for the job. A well done EPK will showcase just that.
What is an ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT (EPK)?
An EPK is your DJ resume. It may come in the form of a zipped file full of folders or in the form of a PDF. The old school way is of course PRINT. But some of us will even pass off our press-kits in USB form.
What is in a press kit?
You can find a biography, discography, affiliates, logos, professional press photos, previous media, technical requirements, website and all other social media links.
What Is in a bio?
DJ Casie Lane explains it perfectly. “Your DJ Bio has a single purpose – to establish your expertise.” Your bio is about YOU and what you offer as an experience with your awesome skills and knowledge base. What sets you apart?
Tips: Write out your accomplishments in point form from earliest to most recent. Tour dates, radio appearances, music releases, anything that may impress people. And then get someone else to write it!
Writing in the third person can be strange, so don’t be afraid to ask someone with the super suave writing skills to put the information together in a unique way.
Why do I need professional photos?
The same reason you expect your lawyer to show up in a suit and not sweat pants. If you’re paying the money to bring an artist out, they should at least spend a few bucks to the nice photos for use on the flyer or magazine interview. You really can tell the difference between the DJ setting a timer on their old digital camera or mobile phone vs. the artist that spent the money on an experienced photographer, hair stylist and makeup artist.
Website, Links & Videos
I can not tell you how many times I’ve asked an artist for their social media links and they don’t even have a facebook fan page. Did you know 93% of marketers are using social media for business, more than 46% of people turn to social media before making purchasing decisions and the most popular form of advertising online are pictures and videos. And professional club owners are on the look out for artists that are savvy on these networks. It’s not about how many followers, but how loyal.
Releases and Mixes
If anything in this artist’s resume needs to stand out, it’s the music you are trying to get these people into. If you can make someone fall in love with your music and style of djing, you are set. I recommend mixes should be no shorter than 40 minutes and not too much longer than 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Having multiple music accounts like Soundcloud and Mixcloud are acceptable as some people have a preference. It’s not uncommon for DJs to have more than one mix showcasing various styles they offer. One example might be a dj playing for a lounge vs. a more high energy party atmosphere.
Now what?
Not sure where to start? Let me build your EPK! And don’t forget to grab the FREE Ultimate DJ Planner!
Don't Kilma Vibe 
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