(Short) Introductory Letter

This should introduce your band, management, your aims and ambitions. Make sure that the heading contains your contact details and outline in the body of the text your Act website address. It should also act as the index outlining what is in the press pack. The letter must conclude by stating what you would like to happen next. State how you would like the recipient to do tosupport you. Invite a response back. Without this whats the point? Many acts miss this out and fail to take the initiative and opportunity. Remeber - you have to make your own luck in this business and if you don't ask you don't get. Your letter should be no more that 2/3rds of a single side of an A4 white Sheet.

Biography

A Biography sheet is essential to give background information about the Act and members. Successes to date should be outlined and definately include previous media quotes and source it. Your biogrphy must be honest and balanced. If you over cook it or include false information then you can kiss goodbye to any chance of building a relationship with the intended audience. You should aim to get this on no more than 1 side of coloured A5 Paper

Gig Flyer

If you have some gigs coming up include a well designed flyer. Use one side of A5 paper.

Photos

Include 3 photos. One of them should be black and white as this is better replicated if used for magazines or newspapers. Make sure that the remaining colour ones are not of the same gig or location. Make sure that you show at least 2 venues / locations and differences in clothing /style. Many Acts send multiple pics of the same gig / photoshoot and this is a common mistake. Date the back of the photos and write on the back the venue / location and names of the members shown.

CD

Includea copy of your latest CD / Demo. Preferrably a demo should have no more than 3 tracks on. A listener / reviewer will make a judgement within 30 seconds. A fatal andfrequent mistake is to include tracks with long drawn out intros. (Believe me, we at BandsUnsigned have got bored and rejected demos before the demo even gets to the vocals). The first deo must be impactive, catch the attention of the listener and keep them interested. 30 Seconds can make or break an opportunity.

Make sure that the cd has a printed front (Nothing worse that a CD which says CD +RW on it followed by a black marker pen scrawl) Most printers now allow printing on Blank CDs. light plastic CD covers are great to hold your CD rather than the standard CD cases because they make it less chunky and lighter to post. If you want to include a front insert for the plastic cover then do not print it out on standard paper - use glossy photo paper and make sure that it fits well. A professional finish and attention to detail speaks volumes.

Packaging

First impressions count. This is where we think that money can be well spent. I suggest that you use a professional printers and have an A5 folder template created professionally. A5 is a good size as it is portable and compavt. Inside you an easily slip in your Bio, flyer, photo and CD. We suggest that you use some double sided sticky tabe and stick your CD platic cover and the CD to the back of the folder. Get your printer to store the template and give you a copy. Further orders are much cheaper if the template is already designed.

If you have not yet got a press kit, put dwn your instruments and go and developone as a priority. Do not underestimate the importance of doing so. Remember, every time you meet someone and do not have one is an opportunity lost.

Good Luck

Phil Greenwood