Music-Related Press Release
Christopher Knab
FourFront Media & Music
The Basics
When To Write Press Releases
- Concert/Show and or Tour information.
- Record, Publishing, Merchandising Deal Announcements.
- Band Personnel Changes/Additions.
- CD, Tape, and Video Release Information..
- Promotional Events/Marketing Plans/Miscellaneous
Announcements.
What The Print and Broadcast Media Need
- News or announcements related to their target audience.
- Deadlines met for calendars and event listings.
- Event or information in proximity to their coverage area.
Layout and Essential Information
- Double space all content.
- The phrase "For Immediate Release" centered near
the
top 1/3 of the page.
- Date press release is sent out.
- Contact information: Person media can call for more
information with phone number and fax number.
- Printed on company or artist/band stationary with full
address info.
- 1 to 1 1/2 pages long (unless for major event or project).
- End with the marks ### centered at end of the body.
The Structure
The Slug Line (Headline)
- Short, but attention-getting headline phrase.
- A hint of the purpose or topic to be presented.
The Lead Paragraph
- Should include the 5 W's and the H (if needed):
Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How
- Summation of the basic topic/information.
- Begin with the most important part of the information.
- Who is in the beginning sentence, followed by Where
and When.
- Why, What, and How follow in the next few sentences.
- No unnecessary details should be included in the lead
paragraph.
The Body
- Elaboration on the theme or purpose of the press release.
- One thought, one paragraph. Cohesive, single ideas in each
paragraph.
- Write information in descending order of importance.
- Keep information factual. Opinions only in quotes with proper
credit.
- Use simple sentences (Subject - Object - Verb) and avoid too
much hype.
- Ending option: Recap essential information from first
paragraph.
- Proofread several times for spelling, and/or grammatical
errors.
Christopher Knab
FourFront Media & Music
Throughout his twenty-five year career in the music business, Christopher Knab has
shared his experiences at many industry conventions and conferences, including the
New Music Seminar, the Northwest Area Music Business Conference, and numerous radio
industry seminars. Mr. Knab is also currently an instructor in the music/video business
program offered by the Art Institute of Seattle.
FourFront Media & Music
3825 34th Ave. W.
No. 7
Seattle, Washington 98199
(206) 282-6116
Chris@Knab.com
http://www.knab.com
