How to Build an EPK: A 10-Point Checklist

You can build a solid EPK in an afternoon if you gather the pieces first. This checklist puts them in the order a booker or journalist looks at them. If you are not sure what an EPK is, start with What Is an EPK?.

Before you start: collect your material

Open a folder and put these in it: your best three to five songs as finished files or links, two or three photos, any videos, the names and dates of your best shows, and your contact details. Having everything in one place makes the rest quick.

The 10-point checklist

1. Artist or band name and a one-line description. Say what you sound like and where you are from, for example “Hip-hop artist from Austin, TX.” Someone who reads only this line should know what to expect.
2. Your best songs, first. Lead with the song that represents you best, not the newest one. Three to five songs is plenty. Make sure they play without a login.
3. A short bio. Two or three sentences that a blogger can paste into a post. Our artist bio guide has a template.
4. A longer bio. One or two paragraphs with your story, influences and what makes your live show different.
5. Press photos. At least one landscape and one portrait photo, bright and sharp, that others can download. See press photos for musicians.
6. Video. One live clip and, if you have it, one music video. Link to YouTube or Vimeo so they play inside the page.
7. Highlights and press. Venues you have played, releases, milestones and any kind words from people who matter. Quote real people only, and name them.
8. Links. Streaming services first, then social accounts. Do not list every profile you have. List the ones you keep up.
9. Upcoming shows. A short list with dates, venues and ticket links. Remove past shows.
10. Booking and press contact. A real email address and a phone number. Say who answers: you, a manager or a booking agent.

Check the page like a booker would

• Open it on your phone. Does the music play? Is the text easy to read?
• Time yourself: can a stranger tell what you sound like and how to book you in under a minute?
• Click every link. Fix or remove any that break.
• Ask one person who does not know your music to read it and tell you what they remember.

Keep it fresh

Set a reminder to update your EPK when you release a song, play a notable show or get new photos. A page that was updated this month tells a booker you are active.

Build yours on Dream Big Artists

The sign-up form on Dream Big Artists follows this checklist: you add your songs, bio, photos, videos, links, shows and contacts in about 10 minutes. Our team reviews the page, then emails you the link. You can update it any time with a private edit link. Start your page, or compare plans on the plans page.