Having an informative and professional promo package can be the thing that sets you apart from other bands, whether you're approaching record labels, promoting your own music, trying to get a gig, or if you're an indie record label trying to drum up some interest in your bands. The following steps will help you put together a promo package that will rival any promo campaign run by a pricey PR company.

Here's How:

1. Choose the Music - The point of your promo package is of course to get your music heard, so choosing the music to include in the package requires some thought. Whether you're trying to get the attention of a label, an agent, the press or radio stations, remember that these people receive A LOT of music every day. They can't possibly sit down and listen to every album from start to finish. Make a short demo cd with your best two or three songs, preferably songs that have strong beginnings, so they capture the listener before they can push ""next.""

2. Write the Bio - Your promo package should include a short -one page is ideal - artist bio. This step is where a lot of people fumble. Don't try to be overly cute and don't make it read like it was written with your thesaurus firmly in hand. The people who do decide to work with you on the basis of your package are going to need some useful information about you and your music, but they don't need to know which song is your Mom's favorite or that you ""knew you were going to be a musician the first time you picked up a guitar/heard such and such a song/etc."" Go for professional over cheesy.

3. Write the Press Release - If you're sending a demo to a label or trying to get a gig, you may not have a specific event to promote that requires a press release. However, if you're trying promote a new album or a tour, your promo package should include a press release detailing the specifics of the thing you are trying to promote. The same rules that apply to band bios apply to press releases - keep it shortand include useful information instead of ""clever"" fluff. Remember, the point is for someone to read that press release and use it to write something about your band. Give them something to work with...

Read the full article here.

Heather McDonald is a freelance writer and full time music fan. She splits her time between North Carolina and coastal South Carolina. She has worked in the music industry since her teen years. She started out sitting behind a record store counter, first as an employee and then as the manager of a small, independent record store. During her time at the record store, Heather worked closely with both major and independent labels on new release promotion and worked on in store performances from artists as varied as The Barenaked Ladies and Alejandro Escavado. Heather left the record store to move to Glasgow, Scotland, where she worked at indie label Shoeshine Records. There, Heather wore the jack of all trades hat: dealing with manufacturing and distribution, securing international licensing agreements, artist management, tour booking, and album promotion. She has worked with artists like BMX Bandits, Laura Cantrell, Paul Burch, and Steve Young. Heather left Shoeshine after six years and now works as a freelance writer, covering music for many print and web outlets and doing PR for labels and bands.