Write a great band press release to let everyone know about your shows and albums
Writing a great press release is an essential part of promoting a new band and getting the word out about recordings and upcoming performances. As with any press release, there are a few rules for writing a band press release that must be followed if the article is going to sound professional. Always have one or two readers help you edit and proofread your band press release for mistakes and awkward wording before sending it out for publication.
Instructions
1. Open a new word document and type the name of the band in all caps, centered, on the first line. Double space and set the document to left-justified, then type you or the band manager's name and contact information (telephone and email address) as a single spaced block. On the other side of the document from your name (right-justified), type "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" in all caps.
2. Center the text and type the title of your band press release in all caps. The title should be exciting and interesting, not just "Ed's Jazz Trio Releases CD." Editors do not have to print your release and will only do so if the release is sure to entice readers. Write the title as if it were a newspaper headline, and be as dramatic as possible. Write a complimentary subtitle that further explains your news centered beneath, but not in all caps.
3. Double space and write a two sentence introductory paragraph that is as compelling as possible. This may take practice and rewriting as you get an idea for what will grab the editor's attention and make him want to read more. For example, if your band is selling a CD and donating part of the proceeds to charity, lead with a dramatic fact about the charity, followed by how readers can help while enjoying great music.
4. Write the second paragraph and get straight to the main point of your press release. The editor should immediately know if the release is about a new band, a show, a festival or radio guest spot or a new album. Use the "inverted pyramid" journalism style, in which you state the main idea up front, then expand.
5. Double space beneath your final paragraph, then write three # signs in a row, centered. Double space beneath this, and write a short sentence informing the editor of the name and contact information of yourself or the band manager if they would like more information about the band and event.
Tags: press release, Double space, band press, band press release, your band, about band, band manager