In times past, entertainers and musicians would put together a “Press Kit” in a large manilla envelope, and have their agent hand it out to producers, movie studios and record labels. The old press kit contained an 8″ x 10″ glossy head shot photo, a list of movie and tv appearances, a brief bio and contact information.
Times have changed. We now have an electronic version of that “kit”, called Electronic Press Kit, or EPK, There is also a variation known as DPK, or Digital Press Kit. An EPK for Christian worship songwriters and performers is different than for public performers:
WORSHIP SONGWRITERS EPK
Contents:
- Professional photos (at least one headshot and one with your instrument);
- A One Sheet* (see below) which includes your headshot photo, medium length bio, list of accomplishments, and contact information;
- Your testimony** (see below);
- Your best music video/church or live performance video(s);
- Awards and accomplishments, no matter how trivial you think they are;
- Employment and volunteer work at your church;
- Live performances, including your church worship team experience, home concerts, collaborative events;
- Complete contact information, including phone numbers, email, social media sites, websites and musician’s web pages, anywhere you can be contacted;
- Professional affiliations: your PRO, your church, any professional organizations where you are a member.
You will want to publish your EPK in a format that can also be downloaded (pdf). Make sure that you attach appropriate links to your web pages and where your videos can be seen and played.
Take the time to create a QR code for your EPK, print it on your business cards, and include it in your email signature. This will make it easier for others to find, in case they misplace your contact information.
*ONE SHEET
A One Sheet is just as it sounds: it contains your important information all on one page. Think of it as a one-page resume for songwriters. This page will include a small headshot photograph, a medium-length bio, your experience and your contact information; all covered on one side of a sheet of paper. (See advice for medium-length bio, below). Artwork is frequently used, but is optional. You may want to write more than one of these, depending on who you will be handing (or sending) it to. For instance, if you are applying for a job as worship leader or worship pastor, you would want to emphasize your experience in the field. If you are sending this to a producer or publisher, you would want to highlight your songs, and include links to your music webpage or social media. Write out a unique One Sheet whenever you need to, and keep it filed with your other versions. You will most likely use them all, over and over again.
**YOUR TESTIMONY
This may seem counter-intuitive to you, since our testimony is usually given to others in an impromptu way, and usually in a more intimate setting. But the test of time has shown that if we write out our testimony, it helps us not only to organize our thoughts better, but we are more at ease when presenting our testimony to others. As you write out your story, certainly use a timeline format:
I was raised in a Christian home, but when I became a teen my world changed around me.
Use as many descriptive feelings and timeline markers (dates) as you can, and show the progress of your life before you had an encounter with Jesus. As you tell your story, try to also describe the many attributes of Christ, and use Scripture references. This will be the best story you will ever tell. Make it flow, and give your wording lots of furniture.
When you finish writing out your testimony, read it out loud to yourself a few times, to make sure it says what you want it to say. Make sure your details are accurate. It has been said that as Christians, our testimony is the most powerful tool we possess. We agree totally with that. You will use your written testimony in many places, just like your bio and One Sheet. There will be events you will be involved in where the main thing they want to hear is your testimony. This will be a treasure to you in the future.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHORT, MEDIUM AND LONG BIOGRAPHIES (BIO)
SHORT BIO
This shorter version of your biography will be used to introduce you. Imagine you are waiting to be introduced to speak or sing, and your host is giving a brief and enthusiastic introduction. This short bio will also be used in your concert program, and many other applications. This bio should contain your name, your accomplishments (like degrees, awards, performances, albums) an amusing or astounding event from your past, and the current album you are working on.
Joe Songwriter grew up in (Anytown, State). He first learned to play guitar when he ordered a repair manual online, and received a guitar instruction book by mistake. He is the worship pastor at Bible Church in (Anothertown, Another State), and he is currently producing his first album entitled This Is My Story.
(You can use this short version as an introduction. You give this to whoever will be announcing you, the add this as the last line: Please join me in welcoming Joe Songwriter)
LONG BIO
A longer bio will be useful in many situations as well. The longer bio is mainly for those who want more details about you than the shorter version. This should be one typed page in length, and contain more details about your education, work experience, awards and plans for the future. Make sure and list your songs, and your current projects.You will be using this longer version as a page on your website or musicians webpage, and certainly in a biographical sketch written about you or in a podcast.
MEDIUM-LENGTH BIO
This will be used in your One Sheet (see below)), Press Kit and Electronic Press Kit (EPK). Unlike the longer version, this should be about a third of a page in length. More serious than the short introductory bio, this mid-length bio creates a detailed glimpse into your experience without becoming too overwhelming. You will also want to use this bio on your website or musician web page.
Let’s hear from you!