Welcome to Amplify the Noise’s DIY Guide series.
This is your go-to source for free tips and advice on levelling up as an artist.
As a writer, I understand how daunting a media release may be. It is not my favourite thing to write. When I worked in radio, I would pawn it off to anyone who was willing to write it. But in all honesty, it’s not that hard. Writing a compelling media release is essential for getting your music noticed by bloggers, journalists, and industry professionals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft an effective media release that stands out.
Understanding the purpose of a media release will help you know how to write one.
- A media release is a brief and compelling “news” story usually written by a public relations professional and sent to targeted members of the media. It is often used to announce something newsworthy. In your case as an artist, it would be used to announce items such as a new album, single, tour, or music video.
- The goal of a media release is to pique the interest of journalists and publications to secure coverage and publicity of what you are promoting.
Don’t fret if you saw the words “public relations professional”, because you are about to become your own best PR team and learn how to write a media release that will razzle and dazzle.
STEP ONE: Gather essential information
- Before you start writing, make sure you have all the necessary details:
- Artist/Band Name
- Release title (Album, EP, Single)
- Release fate
- Record label (if applicable)
- Streaming links / Private listening links
- Press photos (hi-res)
- Social media links
- Tour dates (if applicable)
- Quotes from band members or involved parties
STEP TWO: Craft an attention-grabbing headline
- As much as you think a “click bait” headline may do the trick, try to avoid this. If your theme is all baity then by all means, continue with the motif.
- Ideally, your headline should be concise, engaging, and informative. It needs to grab attention while providing a clear idea of what the media release is about. For example:
- Indie Rock Band XYZ Releases Highly Anticipated Debut Album ‘XYZ’
- Singer-Songwriter ABC Drops New Single ‘XYZ’ Ahead of Summer Tour
- Keep in mind, your headline will also be used in the email subject line when you’re pitching so if you’ve gone the “click bait” route, you could land in the spam folder.
STEP THREE: Write a strong opening paragraph
- The first paragraph should cover the who, what, when, where, and why of your announcement. This is your hook, so make it compelling. Example:
- Emerging indie rock band XYZ is set to release their debut album ‘XYZ’ on DATE. The album, produced by Grammy-winner John Doe, features ten tracks that explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.
STEP FOUR: Provide detailed information in the body
- The body of your media release should include additional details that expand on the opening paragraph:
- Background Information: give a brief history of the artist/band.
- Project details: discuss the inspiration, themes, and notable collaborations for the new release.
- Quotes: include quotes from the artist/band or producer to add a personal touch and insider perspective.
- Tour information: If applicable, provide details about upcoming tours or performances.
- While others may suggest not using modern technology like ChatGPT, I think it can be a helpful tool when you’re lost or stuck. It will at least give you a shell of a media release that you can edit and use and it can proofread your media release for mistakes, errors, and inconsistencies.
- It’s mentioned in the point above, but proofread your media release. Read it out loud to yourself or to your band mates to hear mistakes, errors, and inconsistencies. Use the spell and grammar checkers in the program you’re using or use platforms like ChatGPT, Quillbot, Grammarly to name a few for proofing.
STEP FIVE: Include multimedia elements
- Attach hi-res images, cover art, and any relevant multimedia links (e.g., music videos, teaser trailers) in your email.
- If you’re submitting via contact form, you’ll be linking to the relevant multimedia. See STEP TWO of DIY GUIDE: How to Pitch to Media.
- Ensure these elements are properly credited if necessary.
STEP SIX: End with a Call to Action
- Encourage the person reading to take action, whether it’s listening to the music, visiting the website, or attending a show. Example:
- Listen to ‘SONG’ in advance at this link. It will be available on all major streaming platforms on DATE. Follow XYZ on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and tour information.
STEP SEVEN: Provide contact information
- Include contact details for media inquiries:
- Contact Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number (optional)
- Website and social media links
STEP EIGHT: Format your media release
- Use a standard media release format:
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (in uppercase at the top)
- Headline (bold and centered)
- Dateline (City, State, Date)
- Body Text (single-spaced with a space between paragraphs)
- ### (centred at the bottom to indicate the end of the release)
We’ve given three versions of a basic media release here. There is a standard format as in Step Eight above and two alternate versions based on various media releases we have received. Download it and customise it for yourself. You’ll have templates and an example to follow for when you are ready to create a professional and effective media release to promote your music.
