What size photos in a promo pack?

8x10 is good. Even better: An 8x10 image printed on a standard 8.5x11 sheet of photo paper, with .25 inch borders except on the bottom (sheet viewed 'longways'). In the extra space is printed band name and maybe some agency or contact info. Back in the good ol' days that was done only in professional photo labs, but with a tiny bit of knowhow and a good inkjet printer and ultra premium photo paper, you can do it yourself. Personally, I crop the image to allow slightly bigger borders.

 

Ummm, like this - but hopefully you'll have a better photo to work with...

 

Maybe you should go to an agency an look at the promo packs they have for the artists they represent.

GOod luck

 

8x10 is fine.

Demo, pic and bio with contact info should be all you need.

Who are you sending it to?

 

One more thing, try to get the name of the manager of the club or frontman of the band you're sending it to. That will get far more attention.

 

Use an 8x10 for the main, include a 5x7 or two.

Be sure that the photos represent the band. If you're all wearing suits and ties, chances are, you'll get hired for a formal-type gig, when you're really a punk band.

Your bio should state how long the band's been together, how long each member's been playing, main influences, if noteworthy, past bands of members, genre, etc, etc.

Don't make up a genre to describe yourself like thrash-jazz-punk with hip hop on the side. Keep things simple. That's what promoters are looking for.

Don't refer to yourself as the 'next Pearl Jam'. Remember that the music industry already has a Pearl Jam. They want something else. This tip's especially good for recording labels.

Stickers, magnets, candy, etc... all make for brownie points. But don't go overboard.

Your demo should be of decent quality. Don't do it yourself using Sonic Vegas or CoolEdit unless you know EXACTLY what you're doing. Remember that you're not the god of recording on the computer mom bought you for Christmas... and maybe you should shell out a few bucks to have some local recording guy do it for you. Trust me, it'll be worth it. (not to be offensive to anyone who's really good with sound mixing and stuff)

Pick the most reliable in the band to be the PR guy. Slackers are slack. And you could miss out on gigs because of them.

Thank people for giving you a gig. Do it before the show. Do it after the show. Maybe give them a shout during the show. They'll remember you for it.

And don't be jerks unless it's deserved.

Cheers,
Christina

 

Who you callin' a punk?

j/k

Actually that brings up another point - keeping things simple is the best idea because the people who open the envelope will probably give it a quick glance, seeing as they have A LOT of others to open as well.

I used to be one of those people. You wouldn't believe how many cheesy bios I read - even those that were done by labels. And the extra junk was pretty much ignored or given away.

And another thing about the demo, spend a few more bucks and get it professionally remastered. This makes a HUGE difference and could make or break you.

 

If you're a cover band, you should include a song list.

 

8x10 black & white