Press Kit Cover Letter

What should go into a cover letter? What information is critical? I don't want to go and repeat what's in our Bio.

For that matter what exactly should our bio have also.

We're a band that's on our own. No manager, no booking agent. We want to send our new CD out to indie labels looking for Replication and Distro as well as maybe a tour package.

We're a hardcore/metal band with a really aggressive sound. Our stage show is pretty crazy, every crowd we've played for has been blown away. Not an exaggeration, we supprise the audience and club owners every show we play. We even get out into the crowd and jump right into the pit with our guitars. We really bond with the audience at every show. Our old demo's didn't caputre our energy live, so people don't know what to expect unless they've seen us before. Because our live show is something that sets us apart from other bands, should we include a live footage video in our press kit, or wait for them to get back to us asking for one??

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Bios contain general information about band members with specific accomplishments of the band as a whole. If you're sending your CD out to indies and distributors, you might want to give them an idea of 1) how big your following is, 2) how big your performing region is, 3) how often you gig, especially out of town, 4) how many CDs you've sold to date, 5) how many other CDs you have out, 6) high profile events you've done, 7) availabilty to tour. Distributors and record companies, even indies, want to see that you've already plowed the ground and have a crop coming up before they want to risk investing capital. Therefore, you will need an agent/manager. You can wait until you get signed to find one, because a lot of agents will not take on a band unless they are signed and distributed, but it's sort of catch-22: you're less likely to get a record deal without an agent to get you into high profile regional gigs, but you're less likely to find a good agent without a record deal. You are rapidly approaching the stage when DIY is not going to be practical, but it can be done.

In addition, unless your CD has a bar code on it you can pretty much forgetabout distribution, so make sure whoever duplicates it gives you one. And if you're doing your own music, it's not a bad idea to have your own publishing company set up to get at least a piece of publishing.

Oh, and the video disc (not a tape) is a great idea to send to these people. I'm working on a DVD as a promotional tool right now, where everything -text, stills, music, graphics and video- are all on the disc.

best of luck!

I think you know the answer already ...

Since live performance is a strong point, you might as well take full advantage of that :

- A DVD is good

- A couple stunning pictures is even better. I think you could use the best one as a header

on your letter, as a logo or simply include a quality color print in the text.

The first impression you give is vital. So put your chances on the front page, not in the appendix...