How To Wrie A Press Release

Press releases that make journalists want to write about you and your music.

What Do You Need to Do This

Something to publicize (an event, show, or new music) that is newsworthy

Directions

1. Define what it is you want to write the press release about.

The event you want publicized must be clear and understandable for the media. Is it a new album? A show? A new video?

2. Make a target list for the release.

Your release should be tailored to particular press outlets.

• Music Press and Media
• Magazines, Zines, and websites
• Traditional Local and National Press

3. Write a one-page story with a single topic targeted directly at your press outlets.

Find your angle for the press release and use tried and true techniques such as:

• Don't be boring: Controversy, sex, and counter-culture are all angles that call attention to your press release (i.e. don't write a release that says "Indie Band Releases New Album".)
• Use current stories in the news: Linking your story to a recent story or trend in the news helps to make your story current. It gives journalists a reason to run your story since it's closely related to other stories happening in the news today.
• Quote people: Quote someone from the band, and outside of it, if you can.
• Drop names: Mention any prior press about your band, or famous people or bands where appropriate.
• Use the "Stay Tuned" technique: Mention what you will be doing in the near future, and projects you've recently finished, as well, just like a radio announcer in between songs.
• Include a "Call to Action": Make sure that they story directs them to act. "Buy the CD", or "go to the show."

3. Put the story into a one-page press release format.

Click here for a Press Release Template to get you started.

4. Use good press release writing techniques.

• Use an eye-catching headline: This is often the only thing that journalists read, so be bold to grab their attention.
• Lead Paragraph: Draw them in with the first sentence or two of the press release so they want to know more. There are two types. For a news release the lead should answer all the questions: who, what , when, where, why, and how. For a feature story the lead should have an amusing or attention-grabbing hook.
• Include a paragraph about the band: The last paragraph should be about the band so the reader knows where to go to learn more information about you.
• Add your contact information: Include all your contact information (email, phone, etc.). If your press release is more than two pages, include it on every page.
• Keep it short: Press releases should be only one page, two at the most.

5. Add further information to the envelope (non-emailed or faxed press releases).

If the press release is mailed, then write on the envelope to entice the journalist to see what's inside. A personalized message about your upcoming local show in their area can give them a reason to open and read it immediately