Hey all - I'm here to pump the collective knowledge base. I've done many a press kit in my time, but we're currently rebuilding and revamping our kit to send out to media for our CD release party in August. We've got the typical elements: cover letter, bio, quotes, business card, picture, unwrapped CD.

Any tips from ya'll?

I'm wondering about maybe including lyric sheets from a couple songs from the album (though they're all printed in the album insert) since we're a very lyric-driven band.

The other thing is that we don't have much in the way of recent press quotes to include since we haven't sent out to media much since the last album. Any tips on gathering quotes to add to your kit?

All I have to say is keep it short and sweet. If someone is interested enough in the music to want to know the lyrics they can find it in the CD or get on the web in our case.

Best press kit advice is keep it simple and to the point. Industry folks get hundreds of press kits every week and they don't have time to wade through most of them.

What you need: 8x10 glossy b&w photo; a one-sheet which should be broken up to include a short bio, a few press quotes, list of places you've played and/or any airplay you've received (optional) and discography. Feel free to also include a very small photo of the cd in the disco if it's available. Obviously you should also include a business card and cd. No need for lyric sheets or anything else. Your contact info should be on every piece in the kit: cd, photo, one-page, etc.

The very best press kits I've received were from Astra Kelly who uses simply a slash-cut folder and the aforementioned items, and one I got at Hyperactive Fest from Analog Sway which was the best DIY I've ever seen. It was simply a small paper lunch bag which had both ends stapled closed and their sticker on it and inside was the business card, cd, and sticker. Unfortunately they forgot to include the one-sheet, but the pure creativity of this kit makes it one of the best I've ever seen. I immediately opened it because it was so cool.

THIS is what you want - you want to get people's attention.

Trust me, a lengthy PK is just gonna get thrown in a pile. So is one that is unimaginative.

Watch for a series of musician's clinics this fall which will address the business of the business. This issue and many, many others will be addressed.

Best of luck Edith!