First impressions matter in music, and your press release is often your first impression. Whether you’re announcing a new single, album, or tour, a compelling press release can be the key to turning industry heads and attracting new fans.
While major artists have entire teams handling their publicity, indie musicians can still craft powerful press releases with the right strategy. Here’s how to write one that actually gets read—and remembered.
1. Establish Your Goals
Before you write a single sentence, clarify your purpose. Are you introducing a new project? Announcing tour dates? Sharing personal news? Having a clear goal will keep your press release focused and intentional.
Examples of Goal-Driven Messaging
- Album Announcement: Share the title, release date, and what sets this project apart from your last.
- Single Release: Highlight the track’s inspiration and how it fits into your larger artistic vision.
- Tour Launch: Include cities, dates, and any exclusive fan perks like meet-and-greets or merch drops.
Clear goals ensure you stay on track and deliver information readers can act on.
2. Find Your Hook
Just like a great chorus pulls listeners into a song, a great press release needs a hook to pull in the reader. Your hook should capture attention in the first sentence or two—don’t save the good stuff for the end.
Tips for Creating a Strong Hook
- Think about your unique story or sound—what sets this release apart?
- Write for your target audience—consider how your genre affects tone and language.
- Use emotion, urgency, or intrigue to spark curiosity.
Example: “After two years of soul-searching and late-night recording sessions, we’re finally ready to share our most personal project yet.”
Need inspiration? Explore more press release opening ideas here.
3. Get to the Point
In the fast-paced world of digital media, brevity is your friend. Deliver the who, what, when, where, and why in your first paragraph—and then use the rest of the space to add color and context.
Keep it professional, but don’t shy away from adding a personal touch. Readers want to connect with the human behind the music, not just the stats.
Pro Tip:
Consider creating a short press video or teaser trailer to pair with your release. Multimedia makes your message more engaging and memorable. Learn more about album trailers here.
4. Proofread (Then Proofread Again)
Typos and sloppy grammar will sink your credibility fast. Always review your press release multiple times—and if possible, get a second pair of eyes on it.
Use spelling and grammar tools like Grammarly, and read your draft out loud to catch awkward phrasing. Your goal is clarity and polish, not perfection—but avoid careless errors.
If you’re seeking broader exposure or strategy guidance, consider partnering with a music PR firm. Learn how to find the right fit in our guide here.
5. Pick the Right Time
Timing can make or break your release. Announce too early, and people forget. Too late, and you miss your window of hype.
Guidelines for Timing
- For album or EP drops: release the press statement 2–4 weeks prior.
- For singles: 1–2 weeks ahead of the drop builds buzz without overkill.
- For tours: announce 6–8 weeks ahead to allow for ticket sales and promo.
Unless you’re Beyoncé, avoid surprise releases. Build anticipation over time with teaser content and sneak peeks. And always make sure your music is easily accessible on platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, and Audiomack.
From Words to Waves
Crafting the perfect music press release doesn’t require a massive team—just clarity, creativity, and care. Treat each press release like a handshake to the industry: firm, friendly, and full of personality.
Remember: your music tells your story, but your press release is what gets people to press play. Make it count.
For more music promotion tools, templates, and resources, visit Elicit Magazine.
FAQ
Still have questions about how to nail your next press release? Here are some quick answers.
1. How long should my press release be?
Keep it between 300–500 words. Enough to give context, but short enough to hold attention.
2. Should I include quotes?
Yes! Quotes from you or a collaborator can add credibility and human interest. Just make sure they sound authentic.
3. What format should I use?
Use a standard press release format: a headline, subhead (if needed), dateline, intro paragraph, body paragraphs, and a closing boilerplate (your artist bio).
4. Who should I send it to?
Music blogs, playlist curators, radio stations, local press, and music PR platforms. Consider using services like SubmitHub or the IndieBible to streamline outreach.
5. Can I send multiple press releases about the same project?
Absolutely. Announce the project early, then follow up with more details, event info, or release recaps. Just avoid repeating the same message each time.