What to Include in an Artist EPK for a Music Release
A practical EPK checklist for independent artists preparing press, playlist, creator, venue, and label-services outreach around a release.
The short answer
An artist EPK for a release should include a short bio, release summary, private listening link, release date, artwork, press photos, credits, lyrics when useful, video or social assets, previous highlights, contact details, and approved links. It should help a journalist, curator, creator, venue, or partner understand the artist quickly and use accurate materials without chasing files.
Three things to know
- 01
An EPK is a working campaign asset, not a decorative portfolio.
- 02
The strongest EPKs make the release easy to understand, verify, quote, cover, pitch, or share.
- 03
Artists should keep rights, credits, image permissions, and public claims accurate before sending materials widely.
What an artist EPK should include
Keep the EPK lean, current, and easy for an outside person to use without asking for missing files.
- 01
Artist snapshot
Short bio, location, genre context, artist links, contact details, and current profile photos.
- 02
Release package
Title, date, private link, public link when live, artwork, lyrics, credits, and a one-paragraph release story.
- 03
Approved media
Downloadable photos, artwork, vertical clips, video links, and required photo or design credits.
- 04
Campaign proof
Relevant press, live history, playlist context, creator response, radio support, or community momentum.
- 05
Use instructions
Embargo notes, premiere details, clean or explicit versions, quote permissions, and preferred contact route.
What is the purpose of an EPK?
An EPK gives people outside the artist's team the materials they need to evaluate and talk about a release. It can serve journalists, playlist curators, creators, radio hosts, venues, sync contacts, and label-services partners. The purpose is speed and accuracy. A good EPK reduces back-and-forth, keeps names and credits consistent, and makes the release easier to include in a real campaign.
What bio should the EPK include?
Include a short bio that explains who the artist is, where they are based, what they sound like, and why this release matters. Avoid a long life story unless the publication or partner needs it. The bio should be quotable and current. If the release marks a new era, collaboration, or sonic shift, make that context clear without exaggerating the artist's reach.
How should the release be presented?
Add the title, format, release date, label or distributor if relevant, private listening link, public link when live, lyrics, credits, and a short release note. The release note should explain the song's sound, story, and audience in plain language. If there is an embargo, premiere plan, clean edit, or visual rollout, put those details where a partner will not miss them.
What images and visual assets should be included?
Include approved press photos, cover artwork, vertical clips, video links, canvas-ready clips, and any visual guidelines that matter. Use clear file names and give downloadable versions when possible. Artists should only include images they have permission to use. If a photographer, designer, director, or stylist needs credit, add that credit beside the asset so coverage can stay accurate.
How should proof and highlights be handled?
Highlights can include notable shows, support slots, playlist adds, press quotes, radio support, creator activity, community milestones, or previous releases. Keep them factual and relevant to the recipient. A local outlet may care about hometown context, while a curator may care about sound, momentum, and listener fit. Proof should make the release easier to place, not turn the EPK into a brag sheet.
When should the EPK be updated?
Update the EPK before outreach begins, again on release day, and whenever meaningful new proof appears. Add live links, press quotes, video assets, tour dates, or platform milestones when they help the campaign. Remove outdated photos, broken links, old bios, and claims that no longer match the artist. A stale EPK can create more cleanup work than no EPK.
How this guide uses evidence
Practical notes
- This EPK guidance is built around practical campaign reuse: press, playlist, creator, venue, and partner decisions.
- The checklist emphasizes accurate credits and asset permissions because release materials often travel beyond the artist's direct control.
Source notes
- Apple Music for Artists support materials emphasize artist profile control, images, lyrics, team access, promotion, and analytics as part of the artist's public release presence.
- Spotify for Artists release guidance asks artists to prepare release story, sound, and pitch details, which overlap with the core EPK materials.
Frequently asked questions
- Does every independent artist need an EPK?
- Not every casual release needs a large EPK, but any campaign involving press, playlist outreach, creators, venues, or partners benefits from organized materials.
- Should an EPK be a PDF or a web page?
- A web page or shared folder is usually easier to update, while a PDF can be useful for specific partners. The key is clean access and current information.
- Should streaming numbers go in an EPK?
- Only include numbers that are relevant, accurate, and helpful for the recipient. Do not let vanity metrics crowd out the release story and usable assets.
- Can an EPK include unreleased music?
- Yes, but use private links and make timing clear. If the music is embargoed or not for public sharing, say so in plain language.
- Can Velveteen Records help build release materials?
- Yes. Velveteen Records can help organize bios, release notes, assets, pitch copy, and campaign links for an upcoming release.