Struggling to promote your music? This step-by-step guide to writing press releases teaches indie musicians how to grab media attention and get featured.

Whether you’re announcing your groundbreaking new album, an anticipated tour, or a music video dropping soon, a well-written press release can open doors to the spotlight you deserve. Media outlets, blogs, and potential fans are waiting to discover you—but they need to know why they should care. Enter the press release.

This guide will walk indie musicians, emerging artists, and music publicists through how to craft a press release that’s concise, engaging, and newsworthy. From the right structure to key elements that grab attention, we’ll help you turn your announcement into a story the press can’t ignore.

Why Does a Press Release Matter?

For musicians, a press release is more than just a document—it’s an opportunity to showcase your artistry and grab the media’s attention. This single-page powerhouse can do the following:

• Get Media Coverage – A strong press release tells journalists why your news matters, making it easier for them to feature you.
• Attract New Fans – Being featured in a trusted outlet introduces your music to a wider audience.
• Establish Professionalism – A polished press release signals to industry professionals that you’re serious and media-savvy.

But Here’s the Catch

The press receives countless releases every day. If yours is confusing, cluttered, or just plain dull, it’s likely heading straight to the trash folder. The good news? You can avoid this fate by following these simple steps.

Step 1: Start with an Attention-Grabbing Headline

Your headline is the first (and sometimes only) thing a journalist will read. Think of it as your first impression—make it count! A great headline is concise, specific, and hints at why this story is worth covering.

Here are a few examples:

• “Indie Rock Artist [Name] Announces Debut Album Featuring Grammy-Winning Producer”
• “Pop Sensation [Name] Drops Highly-Anticipated Single This Friday”
• “Rising Star [Name] Embarks on 10-Stop East Coast Tour This Summer”

Tips

• Keep it under 10 words if possible. Clarity is key.
• Include a hook—what makes your announcement special?
• Avoid clichés like “The Next Big Superstar” or “Exciting New Album” (journalists see those every day).

Step 2: Format It Professionally

A professional format isn’t optional—it’s essential for making your press release easy to read and share. Here’s the standard structure to follow:

• Header – Add “For Immediate Release” to indicate availability, or specify an embargo date if necessary.
• Contact Information – Journalist-friendly PR includes your name, email, phone number, and website or EPK link. Don’t make them hunt for ways to reach you.
• Headline – Keep it at the top-center in bold, larger font than the body text.
• Subhead (Optional) – Provide a supporting detail to your headline, adding a little more intrigue.
• Body Text – Keep this in a standard, readable font like Times New Roman or Arial in size 12. Double-check your margins and spacing.

Pro Tip

Attach 1-3 high-quality images (album covers, promo shots). Visuals draw attention and add context to your story.

Step 3: Open with a Strong Lead Paragraph

The first paragraph sets the tone and answers the essential “5 W’s”—who, what, when, where, and why. Journalists are short on time, so don’t bury the headline.

Here’s an example of an engaging lead paragraph:

“Indie pop artist [Name] is set to release her debut album, [Album Name], on [release date]. Featuring collaborations with producer [Name], the album blends ethereal synths with raw lyrics. The announcement follows her viral hit, [Song Name], which reached 1 million Spotify streams in just 2 weeks.“

What Makes This Strong?

• It hooks the reader by highlighting key details (album release, viral success).
• Industry-relevant buzzwords like “collaborations” and “1 million Spotify streams” establish credibility.
• It’s concise and to the point, inviting further reading.

Step 4: Add Supporting Details

Once the lead grabs attention, it’s time to give journalists more depth without overwhelming them. This section might include:

• A brief artist bio (include milestones like chart rankings or notable collaborations).
• The inspiration or story behind your announcement.
• Key dates—like release dates, tour stops, or presale deadlines.

Example:

“Inspired by personal experiences, [Album Name] explores themes of resilience and self-discovery. Tracks like [Song Name] draw from [specific influence], resulting in a sound hailed as “raw yet cinematic” by critics at [blog/publication name].”

Pro Tip

Add quotes! Include a statement from yourself or your team to bring authenticity and a human dimension to your release.

Example quote:

“Creating this album helped me tell stories I’ve never shared before. It’s a project that feels terrifying to put into the world, but I hope it inspires listeners to confront their own truths,“ says [Artist Name].

Step 5: Close with a Clear Call to Action (CTA)

End your press release with a call to action that tells journalists (and readers) exactly what to do next. Whether it’s linking to your EPK, listening to a song, or attending a launch event, be specific.

Example CTAs include:

• “Click here to listen to [Song Name] before its release on [Spotify/Apple Music link].”
• “Join us live at [Venue Name] on [Date] for an unforgettable show.”
• “Visit [YourWebsite.com] to download the press kit and promotional assets.”

Step 6: Proofread Before Sending

Even the best-written press release can fall flat if riddled with grammar mistakes or factual errors. Before hitting “send,” double-check:

• Names, dates, and links for accuracy.
• Grammar and spelling.
• Tone—Does it carry your brand voice?

Consider asking a trusted friend, bandmate, or publicist to review it with fresh eyes.

Bonus Tip: Distribute Strategically

A stellar press release deserves wide reach. Here’s how to get it in the right hands:

• Research blogs, magazines, and online platforms within your genre.
• Use distribution services like PR Newswire, or email it directly to music editors.
• Amplify reach by sharing it on your social media and tagging media outlets.

Take Control of Your Narrative

A great press release is your story, told your way. It’s your chance to break through the noise and show the press—and the world—why your music needs to be heard.

Press releases aren’t just for established stars; they’re a powerful tool for indie musicians at any stage. Take the time to craft yours thoughtfully, and watch as new opportunities begin to flow.

Need help refining your artist bio or EPK? Join our community of musicians at [Platform/Service Name] for guidance, tools, and support. Together, we can amplify your voice.