HOW TO WRITE A MUSIC PRESS RELEASE THAT PEOPLE ACTUALLY WANT TO READ
A press release should not sound like a desperate advertisement.
Its purpose is to give media professionals clear, useful information about something newsworthy.
When written properly, a press release can help journalists understand:
Who you are.
What happened.
Why it matters.
When it happened.
Where people can learn more.
START WITH A STRONG HEADLINE
The headline should communicate the news clearly.
Avoid empty hype.
Instead of:
“The Greatest Artist Alive Drops the Hottest Song Ever!”
Use something more informative.
For example:
“Independent Brooklyn Artist Releases New Single Exploring Survival, Ambition and City Life”
Now a journalist has context.
WRITE A CLEAR OPENING PARAGRAPH
The opening should answer the most important questions.
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Why?
Do not force readers through five paragraphs before explaining the announcement.
Get to the point.
ADD THE STORY
After the opening, provide context.
Why was the song created?
What inspired it?
Who produced it?
What makes this release important?
How does it connect to the artist’s career?
Give the media something worth developing into a larger story.
USE QUOTES STRATEGICALLY
Include a short quote from the artist or another relevant person.
The quote should add emotion or perspective.
Avoid generic statements such as:
“I am very excited about this release.”
That says almost nothing.
Instead, explain what the record means, what challenge it represents or what the audience should understand.
INCLUDE ACCURATE DETAILS
Provide:
Song title.
Release date.
Producer.
Featured artists.
Label or independent release information.
Distribution information when relevant.
Official links.
Contact information.
Accuracy matters.
A small error can be repeated across multiple outlets.
DON’T TURN IT INTO A NOVEL
Journalists are busy.
A press release should be informative and organized.
You can link to more information through:
EPK.
Website.
Biography.
Music.
Video.
Photos.
The release should create interest, not contain your entire life story.
INCLUDE MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION
Clearly identify who journalists should contact.
Include:
Name.
Role.
Email.
Phone number when professionally appropriate.
Website.
Do not bury this information.
PROOFREAD EVERYTHING
Misspelled artist names.
Wrong dates.
Broken links.
Incorrect song titles.
Grammar problems.
These mistakes damage credibility.
Review carefully before distribution.
BUILD DIFFERENT VERSIONS FOR DIFFERENT STORIES
A single release can have multiple legitimate angles.
Local story.
Industry story.
Cultural story.
Business story.
Creative story.
Instead of sending identical copy to everyone, adjust the pitch while keeping facts consistent.
MR. DOPE CHEF MOGUL TIP
A press release should make a journalist’s job easier. Give them facts, context, credibility and a reason to care.
IMPLEMENTATION CHECKLIST
- Write a clear headline.
- Explain the news immediately.
- Answer who, what, when, where and why.
- Add useful context.
- Include a meaningful quote.
- Verify names and dates.
- Add official links.
- Include media contact information.
- Proofread.
- Create relevant pitch variations.
- Store the final version in your EPK.