Throughout his fprty year career in the music business, FourFront Media & Music's Christopher Knab has shared his experience at many industry conventions and conferences, including the New Music Seminar and the Northwest Area Music Business Conference.
Knab was owner of a San Francisco music store, co-owner of the 415 Records label, and station manager at KCMU Radio in Seattle.
He currently provides a unique consultation and education service for independent musicians and record labels. His new book is entitled "Music Is Your Business".
Visit FourFront Media & Music's web site.
Send comments or questions to Christopher Knab.
© Christopher Knab
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Click here for a printer-friendly version of "How To Write A Music-Related Press Release".
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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/Misc. 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 top 1/3 or 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 Press Release 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
Additional Columns by Christopher Knab
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- And 60 more in the Guest Columnists series, view the index
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Vol. 17, No. 2: Feb.-Mar. 2012
