BTEC FIRST AWARD in MUSIC UNIT 2: Managing a Music Product

What should be included in a band Promo Pack?

Biography

You will need to include a biography of your band to include the following information:

  • The band history
  • How the band got started
  • How the band got its name
  • What makes your band stand out?
  • Were current members with other bands in the past?
  • What style of music does your band play?
  • Has your band played other areas or regions?

You will also want to include quotes from reviews, other club owners, even fans.

Your biography needs to be clear and concise, so make sure that it fits on to one page. Remember your biography represents the entire band so you will not need to include individual biographies for each band member.

Cover Letter

It is a good idea to include a cover letter to your promo pack especially if you know who is going to receive it. e.g. a promoter, music director, a DJ or someone who specifically requested you send them a promotional material. Make sure you let them know why you are contacting them. A cover letter is also a good place to include the title and CD track number of your songs. Tomake your promo pack look really professionaluse letterhead paper or stationary with your band logo on. This same letterhead or band stationery can be used for your biography too.

Demo CD

Include a high quality professional demo CD to your promo pack minus the shrink wrap and packaging for easy access. You will want the person receiving the promo pack to be able to hear a great representation of your music with minimal effort.

Photo

Whether you have the budget to hire a professional photographer or you have a friend whom shoots great photos, you will need a great shot of your band to include in your press kit. 8×10 Black and White glossy is the usual industry preference. Make sure your contact information is included such as phone number and e-mail address towards the bottom of your photo. Include the band logo on your photo page too.

References

Always make sure you ask for a reference after you have performed in a venue, at a gig, on TV or radio. This can be a valuable tool to use in your promo package. A reference (thank you letter/review etc.) from a recent venue/gig you played atstating that your band was great is a fantastic promotional tool. Press releases, reviews and magazine articles about your band are also a good way to show how good your band and your music is, providing of course the review and the article are favourable!

Folder

Choose a classy looking folder for your promo package. It should be professional in appearance and comfortably able to hold everything securely in place whilst being user friendly too. (You don’t want everything falling out of it when opened!) Make sure your band logo is on the front of the promo pack. Make sure you have room in your folder for your glossy photo, (left hand side is usually best in many cases) and the cover letter, CD, biography and references are placed on the right. You can also include a business card in your promo package as well.

Optional Extras

Merchandise gifts are a nice additional extra.e.g. badges, wrist bands, T-shirt, hat, bookmark.