How to make a DJ press kit (EPK)
If you’re a DJ who is serious about booking gigs, an electronic press kit (EPK) is crucial for your career development.
by Melanie Kealey of Bandzoogle
Think of your DJ EPK as your online resume; everything that a potential client or venue would want to know about you should be easily accessible in oneplace.
Why create a DJ press kit?
When done right, a polished DJ press kit will set you apart from the competition and increase your chances of getting booked. It establishes credibility and shows that you take your work seriously, which helps make a great first impression on music industry professionals.
If you’re aiming to attract media attention, be sure that your EPK is available for download, providing all the assets and promotional material anyone could need. Having your DJ press kit ready to share could lead to more collaborations, partnerships, and sponsorships.
How to create a DJ press kit
Your DJ EPK should reflect your specific career goals. Here are six essential sections to help you get started:
1. DJ bio
A strong bio is crucial for your DJ press kit. Highlight your unique style and influences, and be clear about what sets you apart from other DJs. Whether you’re known for your genre-blending mixes or energetic live performances, your authenticity and passion should shine through in any write-up about your vibe.
If you’ve honed other skills besides DJing (perhaps songwriting? Or production?), be sure to mention them in your EPK. Your musician bio is a great place to showcase your accomplishments, so consider including any notable achievements like impressive streaming numbers or legendary venues at which you’ve performed.
2. Music or promo reel
Your DJ EPK needs a music section. This is where your talent speaks for itself and leaves a lasting impression on potential clients, promoters, and booking agents.
Feature your best joints, tight mixes, or a promo reel that highlights your signature sound. Whatever music you select should showcase your skills as a DJ.
It’s also a good idea to add some short, descriptive text about your music in this section. Think about how you can make it as easy as possible for event bookers to promote you and journalists to write about you, and include that text.
3. Photos and brand assets
Visuals are key for getting booked as a DJ. Consider including action shots from live performances that capture your personality, and professional DJ headshots that reflect your brand image. If you have branded assets like logo variations, icons, or other imagery, make these available for download as well, along with any instructions on how they should be used.
The images you distribute should help to make your DJ EPK cohesive. Reinforce your brand by tying these into the look and feel of your DJ website and social media profiles. If you’re just starting out, spend time browsing other DJ press kit examples for inspiration and ideas, and echo the techniques that most stand out to you.
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4. Testimonials and reviews
Social proof is a surefire way to help your DJ EPK cut through the noise.Your bio should highlight your accomplishments, and direct quotes from happy clients and impressed industry folks will speak volumes on your behalf.
If you’ve been fortunate enough to have press reviews of your live shows or releases, pull the most compelling quotes and feature these in your DJ press kit. Quotes will strengthen the credibility of your work and solidify your reputation with potential clients.
5. Technical rider
A detailed technical rider is essential for ensuring that your DJ gigs run smoothly. This document should be provided to every gig host ahead of time, outlining your specific equipment requirements. This helps to confirm that venues know what gear you’re bringing, and what you expect them to provide. Include any details about DJ controllers, turntables, mixers, laptops, and any other hardware you use for performances.
To be sure that your set runs smoothly, it’s also smart to list your sound system needs, DJ booth setup preferences, and any other technical considerations . If necessary, attach a setup diagram illustrating your equipment placement and a signal flow diagram so that venues understand your audio signal routing ahead of time, and can plan accordingly.
The more specific and clear you are in your technical rider, the less room there will be for mishaps on event day. Making all of these details accessible in your DJ press kit will signal to your host that you’re a professional DJ.
6. Contact info and links
Your contact information doesn’t need to be front and center in your DJ EPK, but make sure that anyone who wants to reach you can do so easily. If you have a team or industry professionals helping to evolve your career, provide email addresses for your manager, publicist, booking agent, and/or label representative. Otherwise, it’s fine to just include your personal DJ email address.
Include links to any social and streaming profiles, as well. Focus on the social media platforms where you’re most active and the streaming services where you have the best numbers.
Final thoughts
A well-crafted EPK is a pivotal tool for advancing your DJ career. Tailor it to your specific objectives, highlight your specific flair, and update it regularly to reflect your latest achievements.
Include these EPK essentials and you’ll be well-equipped to catch the attention of promoters and book the DJ gigs you’ve had in mind.
