I know that I've posted these links and sites in other forums but I thought it might be a good idea to post almost every resource I have (linkwise) in one post. I may not remember everything I've had but I shall do my best and hopefully I'll try to keep it condensed. The most important thing you need is an EPK.
The EPK (Electronic Press Kit):
Despite the fact that a few places still accept standard press kits, when it comes to booking, the EPK is one of the only ways to go. You can get a free one with limitations from Sonicbids you can view mine specifically by clicking this link. Another place that hosts pretty good EPKs (for a price) is Reverbnation. Having an account with Reverbnation is a good thing to have anyway. To have just the profile is free. They have a good number of free widgets that will help you later on with your website. To add on an "RPK" which is the same as an EPK it's an extra charge. The great thing about both of these is that you can receive a notification when your EPK has been opened and viewed.
Though many places are looking for different things in regard to an EPK, some things are still pretty standard. Obviously, at least with booking, the most important question is, "What does the band sound like?" It's important to have recorded tracks in your EPK. But I believe that you must also include a link to a live video or a live track or something so the venue can get a feel for your live sound. I usually combine a link to my EPK as well as my website.
Second on the importance list is a good photograph. I'm not really referring to the whole vanity/aesthetics notion here. There is something to be said for a professional looking photograph in everything that you do (Myspace, Facebook, EPK, Website). Basically having a professional photograph will show the venue that you take your craft seriously. Reserve the funny quirky pictures for your personal profiles and accounts. You can pretty much find a friend with a decent camera, find a photography student looking for a muse or just a tourist on the side of the street who looks like they spent way too much on a camera to take a picture of local streets.
Other things would be a list of covers that you do. Though some venues strictly adhere to only originals, these venues are few and far between. As much as you want to be a completely original artist you have to put in your time with covers in order to lock in the fans and soon-to-be-fans of your music sometimes by performing cover songs. Having a list of cover songs in your EPK will also let the venue know what your influences are.
Another great thing about Sonicbids and Reverbnation is the tour schedule. Even if you've booked a backyard BBQ with your great uncle PUT IT ON YOUR TOUR as a private show. It's still a gig, even if you're not getting paid. Venues like to book an artist who looks like they have a bunch of shows. So make sure you have and fill out a show section on your EPK.
Lastly, you only need ONE EPK. Don't go making 50 on 50 different sites. Just stick with one. Fill everything out and make it look pretty.
Though this post is a work in progress, these are some of the initial steps and important factors in an EPK. Please feel free to add comments and advice and I'd love to add them in if they seem relevant.
Keep Driving,
N
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