I am going to assume you may have read the first blog on sonicbids.com or that maybe you already had a sonicbids.com account. "Here's the deal" (trademarked by BTLS)...now that you have created an account, what next, so many options, so many choices...
Before you get so excited about the opportunities and spend as little time possible prepping your EPK, SLOW DOWN! The biggest mistake I made once I created an account was to put together a basic EPK with no content and little focus, and then submit to as many offerings as I could afford...THIS IS NOT THE WAY TO DO IT! It took me about three weeks to realize that my initial promotional effort was all for nothing because I didn't take the time to "present" the band.
So here are some ground rules that seemed to help my response rate as I learned the system(well I am still learning it).
1. Every aspect of the EPK should be filled in, right down to the Set List and stage requirements. Nothing worse than an EPK with empty links...it's wasting peoples time who are interested in you.
2. Pictures...cram them in, including Hi Rez. They don't allow many, even with the super package, put as many as you can, and make sure they are consistent with the theme or vibe you are trying to present yourself as.
3. Songs. This is frustrating to me, because they have a limit of 5MB for the songs...which sucks, most of my files are 8+ so I ended up dumbing the quality down. There are two tricks here...give a sample and fade it out, or give in and include a complete song at a worse than CD quality. Don't forget lyrics!!!!
4. Keep your elevator pitch consistent with your Band bio...DON'T BE ALL OVER THE MAP! keep your message clear and consistent...on a personal note, I hate bios that sound like a big reach around...be humble and focus on the band mission...get the attitude when 4 million people buy your cd :)
5. Once you have finished your EPK, link to it everywhere you have a website, blog or related link. They have a tool under "Promote My EPK" in the "My Account" section.
That's a good chunk for now...next step will be throwing yourself at the opportunities.
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On a side note I got a great email from sonicbids.com today with some tips on the bio. When you create the account make sure you add yourself to their mailer...it is very resourceful.
Here is what they say on effective bio's:
"The Bio section of your EPK™ is the place to tell your story. Your bio is one of the first things a visitor is going to see, so make it fun, entertaining, and representative of your music. Capture a visitor's attention with something that's really going to pull them in.
It also helps to recognize the amount (or lack) of time that a promoter will spend on your EPK. Keep it succinct! Save the detailed history of each member of your band for the fans on your website. Use your EPK's Bio to give a brief history of the band's accomplishments and future goals, along with a short human interest story to make it more unique than just listing the chronological events of your life. And try to keep it to around three paragraphs. For example:
Paragraph 1 – What is it about your music that stands out?
Paragraph 2 – Origins of the band and recent accomplishments.
Paragraph 3 – Future goals and upcoming major events.
One of the huge benefits to your EPK is that you can update it whenever you want and keep your life story up-to-date!" (1)
Just thought this would be a useful addition. More to come!
(1) sonicbids.com, Quick Tips
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