Music Press Release Template & Guide
What is a Music Press Release?
A press release is a formal document sent to journalists, bloggers, and radio presenters to announce major "news." This could be a new single, an album release, a tour, or a significant award. Its goal is to get the media to write about you, giving you third-party credibility and reaching new audiences.
The Structure of a Successful Press Release
- Header: "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" in bold at the top.
- Headline: Catchy and informative. (e.g., "[Artist Name] Announces Haunting New Dark-Pop Single '[Song Title]' Out [Date]")
- The Lead Paragraph (The 5 W's): Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- The Details: 2-3 paragraphs describing the music, the inspiration, and interesting facts.
- Artist Quote: A genuine, interesting quote from you.
- Links: Private streaming links (SoundCloud/Dropbox) and your high-res press photos.
- Contact Info: Name and email of your manager or yourself.
A Practical Template (Copy & Adapt)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Artist Name] Redefines [Genre] with New Single '[Song Title]'
[City, State] - [Date] - Rising [Genre] artist [Artist Name] is proud to announce the upcoming release of their latest single, '[Song Title],' set to debut on [Release Date] via [Label Name/Independent].
'[Song Title]' is a [Atmospheric/High-Energy/Cinematic] journey that explores themes of [Theme 1] and [Theme 2]. Produced by [Producer Name] at [Studio], the track showcases [Artist Name]'s signature [Vocal Style/Instrument] and provides a fresh perspective on the [Genre] landscape.
"I wanted to capture the feeling of [Emotion/Concept]," says [Artist Name]. "Writing '[Song Title]' was a transformative experience that helped me [Realization/Action]. I'm excited to finally share this piece of my soul with the world."
[Artist Name] has previously been featured in [Previous Blog/Radio Feature] and has performed at [Notable Venue/Event]. Following this release, a [Music Video/Tour/EP] is planned for [Month/Year].
###
Contact Information:
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Website/EPK Link]
[Artist Name] Redefines [Genre] with New Single '[Song Title]'
[City, State] - [Date] - Rising [Genre] artist [Artist Name] is proud to announce the upcoming release of their latest single, '[Song Title],' set to debut on [Release Date] via [Label Name/Independent].
'[Song Title]' is a [Atmospheric/High-Energy/Cinematic] journey that explores themes of [Theme 1] and [Theme 2]. Produced by [Producer Name] at [Studio], the track showcases [Artist Name]'s signature [Vocal Style/Instrument] and provides a fresh perspective on the [Genre] landscape.
"I wanted to capture the feeling of [Emotion/Concept]," says [Artist Name]. "Writing '[Song Title]' was a transformative experience that helped me [Realization/Action]. I'm excited to finally share this piece of my soul with the world."
[Artist Name] has previously been featured in [Previous Blog/Radio Feature] and has performed at [Notable Venue/Event]. Following this release, a [Music Video/Tour/EP] is planned for [Month/Year].
###
Contact Information:
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Website/EPK Link]
How to Pitch Your Press Release
- Personalize the Email: Don't BCC 100 people. Write to one journalist at a time, mentioning a previous article they wrote.
- The Timing: Send your press release 2-3 weeks before the release date. Journalists need time to plan their content.
- The Subject Line: Make it interesting but clear. "Press Release - [Artist Name]" is boring. "New Single: [Genre] Artist [Name] Explores [Emotional Concept]" is better.
Conclusion
A professional press release separates you from the millions of "bedroom producers" who just upload to Spotify and hope for the best. It shows the industry that you are serious about your craft and ready for professional attention.