"How to Create a Music Press Release: A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians Using Chicago Recording Studios" (VIDEO)
Creating a press release for your music is an essential step in promoting your work, and doing it right can help you reach a broader audience. Whether you're recording your tracks at a Chicago recording studio or doing it independently, a well-structured press release is key to making a strong impression. In this guide, I'll walk you through the steps to craft an effective press release, ensuring your music gets the attention it deserves.
Setting Up Your Music for Distribution
First, it’s crucial to have your music easily accessible for media outlets and potential listeners. A great option for organizing your files is to create a free Google Drive account. After setting up the account, create a folder with your artist name and album title. This is especially useful for musicians recording at a professional recording studio in Chicago, where maintaining organization and easy access to your music is essential.
Inside this folder, you'll want to upload four different versions of your songs:
A clean version with no explicit content (in both MP3 and WAV formats).
A dirty version, which includes uncensored lyrics (also in both MP3 and WAV formats).
This format is highly recommended by the best music studios in Chicago, especially when preparing for radio distribution or live performances. Many Chicago recording studios, including Untold Stories Recordings, ensure their clients have multiple versions ready for different platforms.
Crafting Your Press Release
Now that your files are organized, it’s time to focus on the actual press release. Start with the name of your project at the top of the page, followed by a high-quality image or video. Many musicians who work with top recording studios in Chicago find it helpful to include visuals, such as an album cover or a music video. Make sure that these media elements are hyperlinked to platforms like Spotify or YouTube.
One of the biggest perks of working with a professional recording studio in Chicago is the ability to create high-quality promotional materials. For example, Untold Stories Recordings offers Chicago studio rental options for live sessions, helping artists create eye-catching visuals for their press kits.
Next, you'll want to add a "Click for Full Access" button, linking directly to your Google Drive folder where media outlets can easily access your music files. This is a feature that top Chicago recording and mixing studios often recommend to ensure streamlined access to your work.
Structuring the Content
In the first paragraph of your press release, introduce yourself and provide some background information. This is your opportunity to tell your story—where you're from, your genre, and any previous achievements. Whether you're working out of an affordable recording studio in Chicago or a more high-end option, your personal story is what will set you apart.
The second paragraph should describe the project itself. Explain the inspiration behind the album or single, and why it’s important. For artists using a Chicago music production studio, this is a chance to highlight any standout production elements that make the project unique. Many Chicago recording studios specialize in certain genres, so if your work was produced in a studio known for hip-hop recording in Chicago or alternative rock, be sure to mention that.
At the end of this section, provide a hyperlink back to your Google Drive folder. This double-link strategy is used by the best recording studios in Chicago to ensure that readers can easily access your music without searching through the press release.
Finishing Touches
Make sure to include all relevant contact information—email, social media handles, and website links. If you’ve worked with a professional music studio in Chicago, such as Untold Stories Recordings, be sure to mention the collaboration as it adds credibility to your project.
Remember, your press release should fit on one page and be as concise as possible. Chicago music studio rates can vary, so if you've worked with an affordable studio, this could also be an angle to attract media attention.
Conclusion
If you're unsure how to structure your press release or need additional resources, feel free to DM me your email. I'll send you a template along with a free DIY resource packet I’ve created. Many artists, especially those recording at affordable music studios in Chicago, find this helpful in streamlining their promotional efforts. Whether you’ve recorded in Pilsen or another area, a strong press release can amplify your music’s reach, ensuring your project stands out in a crowded market.
Whether you're a hip-hop artist, indie rocker, or acoustic musician, the right press release paired with high-quality tracks from a recording and mastering studio in Chicago will help elevate your career. Untold Stories Recordings, a Chicago studio for musicians, offers high-quality audio mixing and mastering services in Chicago, ensuring your tracks are polished and professional.