Tag: press kit

  • The Perfect EPK Checklist for Independent Artists

    Your EPK is your one stop link for venues, festivals, and media. Keep it short, visual, and easy to scan. The goal is simple: make a booker or writer confident you can deliver a great show and a clean story.

    Must have EPK sections

    1. Short artist bio: 75 to 120 words, in third person. Lead with your sound, scene, and one credible win.
    2. Press photos: 2 to 4 high res images, landscape and portrait. Add alt text with your name and genre.
    3. Music links: Embed 2 to 3 top tracks. Prioritize a recent single and your most streamed song.
    4. Live video: One tight performance clip under three minutes.
    5. Notable wins: Support slots, festivals, radio or playlist adds, quotes.
    6. Upcoming dates: A few confirmed shows to prove momentum.
    7. Stage plot and input list: One clean PDF or image.
    8. Contact: Booking email, city, and a single link hub.

    Bio templates you can copy

    Indie rock example: Nashville based artist [Artist Name] blends melodic guitars and tight hooks, drawing comparisons to The Killers and The War on Drugs. In 2025 they headlined The Basement and supported [Notable Act]. Latest single [Song] earned spins on [Station] and landed on [Playlist]. For bookings and press, contact [Email].

    Singer songwriter example: [Artist Name] writes intimate stories with warm vocals and cinematic strings. Recent appearances include The Bluebird Cafe and 30A Songwriters Festival, with coverage in [Outlet]. New EP [Title] out now.

    Photo guidance

    • One clean head and shoulders portrait
    • One live shot with energy
    • One wide banner image for headers

    Make it skimmable

    • Short paragraphs and subheads
    • Large, legible fonts
    • Limit embeds to keep load times fast

    Link and file hygiene

    • Use a simple URL like artistname.com/epk
    • Export PDFs under 3 MB
    • Keep a cloud folder with the same assets for quick sharing

    Quick EPK QA checklist

    • Bio has a clear opening hook
    • Two great photos with alt text
    • One live video under three minutes
    • Contact email easy to find
    • Stage plot downloadable
    • Links open in new tabs

    Related resources


    Artist Resources Library

    Artist Resources Library

    Guides, templates, and checklists to level up fast.


    RoadUno Tour Assistant

    Try the RoadUno Tour Assistant

    Find venues, plan routes, and pitch with confidence.

  • How to Book Your First Tour Without a Manager

    How to Book Your First Tour Without a Manager

    How to Book Your First Tour Without a Manager

    Planning your first tour can feel overwhelming, especially without a booking agent or manager to guide the way. But with the right tools, strategy, and determination, you can build a successful tour all on your own. Here’s how to make it happen.

    1. Start Local, Think Regional

    Before you start mapping out a cross-country adventure, focus on your hometown draw and be sure you can fill a show here first but when you are ready research nearby cities within a few hours’ drive. Not only is this more cost-effective, but it also helps you build a fanbase in realistic, reachable markets. Focus on weekend warrior runs, (play hometown Friday night, 4-6 hours away on Saturday, find a place on the way home on Sunday.

    Tip: Use your social media insights or streaming data to find out where your listeners are located. Prioritize those cities with targeted ads.

    2. Research Venues the Smart Way

    Skip the endless Google searches and outdated directories. Instead, use RoadUNO an AI-powered tour assistant that helps artists instantly access up to date venue contacts, tailored by location, budget, and routing.

    Pro Tip: Keep track of all the venues you reach out to in a spreadsheet or inside your RoadUNO account for easy follow-up.

    3. Reach Out with Purpose

    When contacting venues, do the work for them, find locals and build a show, then, keep your message short, professional, and tailored. Include:

    • A short bio
    • Your proposed tour date(s)
    • A link to your music and social profiles
    • A clear ask (e.g., “We’d love to support a bill” or “We’re looking to headline a local showcase here are bands we could play with as well as potential dates.”)

    4. Team Up with Local Artists

    One of the best ways to get booked in a new city is to partner with a local act. Offer to co-headline or support a show and return the favor when they come to your city.

    Tip: Follow and DM artists in your target cities on Instagram, Facebook, or Tiktok. Personal connections open more doors than cold emails alone.

    5. Keep Your Costs Low

    Without label support or a manager, your budget matters. Look for:

    • Free lodging (friends, family, Couchsurfing)
    • Gas-efficient routing
    • DIY merch to sell at shows

    Using a smart routing tool like RoadUNO can help you avoid expensive travel mistakes by building an efficient itinerary from the start.

    6. Make It Official

    Once you’ve booked your dates, create a clean tour flyer, update your website, and promote the tour consistently across your channels. Treat it like the real deal, because it is.

    Final Thought

    Booking your first tour solo may seem intimidating, but it’s one of the most empowering things you can do as an artist. With AI tools like RoadUNO and a DIY mindset, you’re not just booking a tour, you’re building your career from the ground up.