Do musicians still need an EPK?

EPKs are one of those things musicians feel like they’re supposed to have—like merch or a van. And if you’re actively pitching to press, venues, or sync reps, you probably do need one.

But how you use it matters just as much as what’s in it.

Many artists assume their EPK should live on their website. But most of the people you’re making it for—booking agents, journalists, music supervisors—aren’t browsing artist sites hoping to stumble across one.

They’re looking for something made specifically for them. Sent directly. Easy to skim. Easy to use.

What is an EPK?

EPK stands for Electronic Press Kit. It’s a collection of materials that represents you and your music in a clean, professional format—used for things like:

• Booking a tour or show

• Pitching to press, blogs, or playlists

• Applying to showcases or festivals

• Reaching out to sync reps or labels

Think of it as your resume and pitch deck, rolled into one.

In many cases, a strong website can do most of the same work. But an EPK is about context—pulling together the right materials for a specific purpose or person.

A solid EPK usually includes:

• A short and long bio

Not sure how to write one? Here’s a step-by-step guide with real examples and prompts to help you craft something people will actually read.

• 2–3 hi-res press photos (often via Google Drive or Dropbox)

• Links to key music/video assets (private if unreleased)

Doing press for a new release? This post on how to get press walks you through what writers and editors are actually looking for.

• Notable press quotes or achievements

• Contact info, social links, and relevant tech specs (for booking)

Why most EPKs work better when they’re sent—not hosted

A good website should already house your bio, music, photos, and links. But when you’re actively pitching, sending a direct, personal email with a clear ask and tailored info makes a much bigger impact.

That’s why the most effective EPKs are delivered—not just posted.

Sure, you can have a version of your EPK on your site (especially if it’s updated and easy to navigate). But public pages often get overlooked or ignored.

When it really counts, make it easy for the person you’re contacting:

Send them what they need in a way that’s fast to digest.

Why the idea of “EPK as a website feature” caught on

Some of the confusion comes from how EPKs have been marketed—especially by platforms and tools that bundle them into templates or promote them as a “pro” feature.

It’s not that these versions are useless. It’s that they’re often treated like a checkbox: a generic page added to a site just because it’s there. But a passive, one-size-fits-all EPK isn’t going to make much of an impact.

The best EPKs are built around the pitch: clear, specific, and easy to use. A promoter doesn’t need the same info as a journalist or a music supervisor—and none of them want to dig through a public site to find what they need.

How to send your EPK

You don’t need a microsite. The most effective EPKs are usually sent as a simple, well-crafted email.

Here’s what works:

• Paste your short bio, links, and contact info directly in the email

• Include a link to a Drive or Dropbox folder with hi-res photos, a full bio, press clippings, and private streaming links

• If you’re pitching for sync, use a tool like Disco to organize your files and metadata

• Keep the message short and personal: who you are, why you’re reaching out, and what they’ll find inside

• Not sure how to write that email or what press is actually looking for? Start with this guide

You can attach a one-sheet PDF if needed (for bookings or formal applications), but remember: PDFs can’t be easily copy/pasted, which can slow people down.

EPK checklist

Must-haves:

• Short bio (2–3 sentences)

• Long bio (1–2 paragraphs)

• 2–3 hi-res press photos

• Private streaming links

• Contact info and social links

Nice-to-haves:

• Bullet list of recent wins (press, tours, syncs)

• Quotes or reviews

• Tour dates or booking highlights

• Tech rider or stage plot (if relevant)

Avoid:

• Overly long bios or discographies

• Outdated press or links

• Generic templates that feel impersonal

• Any links that require sign-ins or downloads

Final thoughts

A good EPK can open doors—but only if it’s delivered in a way that’s easy to use.

So yes, build one. Keep it updated. But don’t overthink it, and don’t assume it needs to be its own page.

A great website already does most of the work. The EPK is just a way to pull the right materials together, for the right person, at the right time.

If you’re using Supertape, your site already includes your music, bio, links, and videos—so you're most of the way there. Just tailor the delivery.

People are more likely to say yes when you make it easy for them.