How to write a press release for your music

Tired of fighting the algorithm to find new fans? Social media can provide fast attention, but it’s often fleeting.

That’s where press coverage comes in. Earning headlines for your music builds lasting credibility, unlocks new career opportunities, and drives deeper fan engagement.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a press release that turns your music into a story journalists want to cover. 

Before you dive in, be sure you have an electronic press kit. It’s the first thing an interested journalist will ask for after reading your release.

What is a press release?

A press release is a one-page document that tells the story behind your release and gives journalists everything they need to cover it — from contact information and quotes to release details and streaming links.

Why do I need a press release for my music?

If you’re looking to land coverage for your next release, you need a press release. It’s the industry standard for pitching journalists. 

Here are three reasons a press release is essential for your next release:

Make it easy for journalists

A significant percentage of press releases are published nearly verbatim. Sending a release to journalists helps them quickly identify core details and prepare a story. Emailing journalists to simply ask for coverage with a few links to your music won’t get you anywhere.

Share your story

Articles provide valuable space for you to expand on the emotions and experiences that shaped your music. 

Build credibility

Getting your music in the headlines builds buzz and boosts your credibility with fans and industry professionals. Many festivals and other opportunities even ask for press coverage when you apply.

What should I include in my press release?

Your press release should give journalists everything they need to write about your music in a single page.

Header

Create a header for your press release that includes your name, your artist name, your contact information, and a link-in-bio tool.

Headline

In bold, centered above the body text of your press release, write a headline that includes your artist name, your release title, and your release date.

Lead paragraph

Create a powerful introductory sentence that gives a bit more context to your release. Reiterate core details from the headline, then add in a newsy angle that gets the attention of a journalist. Give them a reason to write about your music.

Here are some helpful tips for an impactful lead:

Bio paragraph

Within your body paragraph, you can provide more biographical information about yourself (or your group) and your accomplishments. This paragraph helps introduce your music to a new listener and gains you credibility. Be sure to include your genre, hometown, and member names – then shift into an accolades section. No matter what level you are, from a debut musician to a touring professional, list any accomplishments that help you build credibility. 

Promo paragraph

After a strong lead paragraph and some information about who you are, you can shift to promoting your release. Here’s your chance to expand more on the story you teased in your lead paragraph. Tell the story behind your release – not an exhaustive explanation, but a thread that the journalist can use to give your release announcement a narrative angle.

Here are some ideas to get you started thinking about an angle for your release.

Quote

Top off your press release with a short quote that enlivens your story. Your quote should support the narrative your press release focuses on. 

Streaming link

If you want your press coverage to go live on release day, you’ll need to pitch your music at least four weeks in advance.

That also means you’ll need to provide journalists with a way to listen to your music before it hits streaming platforms. Create a private streaming link via Bandcamp, SoundCloud, or Samply. Avoid sending MP3 attachments or Google Drive links, which can feel unprofessional and raise red flags.

How do I pitch my press release to the press?

Now that your press release is ready, it’s time to plan your pitch. The key to landing coverage is being personal and persistent. 

Target publications that fit your career level, then narrow your list to journalists that cover your genre and demonstrate interest in your sound.

Simply copying in your press release can feel impersonal. Write a dedicated introductory paragraph for every pitch that demonstrates intentionality in choosing — and appreciation of — the writer.

Conclusion

This all may sound like a lot, but remember: your press release should fit on one page. Edit it down to just enough to spark interest — journalists can always reach out for more, and that’s how interviews begin.

As you go, you’ll find that press coverage is equal parts networking and storytelling. Building connections with journalists doesn’t start and stop with a release cycle. Follow journalists you admire on social media and engage with their writing. It can pay off in your next pitch.

Now, ready to get your music in the headlines? The first step is getting your music out there. CD Baby offers affordable distribution to over 150 platforms with no annual fees. Sign up for a free account today.

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