You may think with digitalization and streaming platforms, musicians do not need press releases to communicate with the media anymore. But press releases still very much exist and have adapted to the technology and digital world. So, yes people in the music industries and artists still need press releases for making announcements. Whenever you are making an appearance on a new performing stage or releasing your next single, press releases work as an immediate and effective communication tool in those specific moments. Press releases become your best friend for making any announcements or official statements. Yes, the structure might have changed over time but the relevancy of a press release still holds the same amount.
But writing a press release is not always easy, especially with the extreme and non-stop usage of the internet, and media houses publishing 24/7. Even if you include everything and write it interestingly, without the right connections your press releases are most likely to end up in the spam folder and be ignored. Many talented artists are staying underrated because they are not getting enough coverage in the media or visibility. Press releases are one true answer to those problems. Especially when you write a music press release it might be difficult to understand where to start and what to leave out.
Check out these quick tips on how to write a music press release that will guarantee you and your brand more visibility:
Use a Catchy Headline
When you write new music launch press releases or about any event, the first piece of advice is to keep yourself on the same page wearing the same shoes as the journalists. They are working 24/7 and have an extremely busy schedule so they would not be completely focused on your press release if it does not attract them in the first go. On the other hand, if you publish your press release on social media, in the vast sea of various contents, if you do not present something unique, something eye-catching, your press releases will lose their aim and the result will not match your desires. The first step to solving this problem is to include an attention-grabbing and eye-catching headline. Even the smallest music blogs get a large number of submissions every day.
A well-worded and structured headline can do that for you and make your press releases a priority. Make sure that your headline can sum up all the points that are in the press releases quickly. A perfect headline should give the target audience what you are talking about and why they should care. It should not be very wordy and includes the most important information such as the artist's name and the name of the album or the single or the event. In one simple and short sentence your headline the 5 Ws; who, what, why, where, and when.
Keep the Exaggeration in Check
A well-structured press release always has an opening paragraph that includes the important information and should be written in such a way that will leave the readers longing for more information and more interested in what you have to say. Many artists make the mistake of exaggerating to make it more interesting. But if you claim your upcoming releases are the best in the industry, you will lose credibility, which will make you lose the desired exposure additionally. However, you have to keep in mind not to be completely bland. It should be in between the exact amount of exaggeration that will leave the readers longing for more and will give you the visibility you want. Here is an idea about the opening paragraph! Include the theme or what the song's main message is in the opening paragraph.
So the next piece of advice for you is to find a creative way to make the music announcement compelling without making it seem like bragging.
Sort Out the Timing
In terms of publishing press releases, the most important thing is time. It is extremely crucial to figure out what will be the best time to publish the press release and make the announcement. With technological advancements and millions of other options, our industry moves too fast. If you still have not gotten big and gained huge exposure or if not many people know you or listen to your music, music bloggers and news publishers will not be planning to cover your album in advance.
On the other hand, No one will be interested in covering a single or an album that has been out for months. So get your timing right, the preferable is to send out the press releases 1-3 weeks before the scheduled event.
Make Sure It’s Easy to Read
The structure of an ideal press release is uncomplicated. Remember, a press release is not the right place to show your skills as a designer or writer. Your press release should not be more than 2 pages long or contain any unfamiliar words. It should contain short paragraphs and short sentences, free of unnecessary information. One useful trick for making your press releases more effective is to make the title of your press release the title of your email that contains the press releases.
In this way, the recipient will know exactly what they are getting themselves into, without wasting too much time.
Use Statements from the Reviews
Music reviews are very impactful in terms of building credibility. So, use reviews, especially praiseworthy statements about your upcoming music in the press releases. But make sure it is not too long; you have to find that perfect balance. Inserting statements from the reviews will make the readers more interested in your content which will end up you being in their stories.
Research! Research! Research!
Imagine you are trying to write a novel but you have not ever read a single novel in your life. Would that work? No. because you do not know how to structure your novel or what the basic things are that readers will expect from a novel. This is similar to the case of writing a press release. There are various published press releases over the internet, so don't wait. Look up the press releases and notice how they are structured, what kind of language they have used, and whether images are included. Are web links included?
Even though they are written by professionals, when you include their good parts and mix them with your creativity, you are putting yourself above your competition already.
Just making good music is not enough, put the same amount of effort into publicity and marketing, and you will be able to fulfill your dream.
