Free music press release template.
Announce a single, EP or album the way editors expect to read it: twelve parts, a note in each on what to write, and a filled-in example release. Free, no sign-up.
What is inside
- 01
Release line
An embargo date if you send early. "For immediate release" is not needed.
- 02
Headline
Eight to twelve words: the artist, an action and the news.
- 03
Subheadline
One sentence with the hook a writer could build a piece around.
- 04
Opening paragraph
City and date, then who, what, when, where and why.
- 05
The story
Why this song, how it was made, who worked on it. Facts, not adjectives.
- 06
Quote
One quote from you that a journalist could lift straight in.
- 07
Proof
Streams, shows, radio or press, each one checkable.
- 08
Release details
Title, format, date, label, producer and tracklist in one place.
- 09
Shows
A launch show and upcoming dates, if you have them.
- 10
Links
A private stream, the video, press photos and your EPK. Links, not attachments.
- 11
About the artist
50 to 80 words, the same in every release.
- 12
Press contact
One named person a journalist can reach the same day.
Free download
Download the press release template
No sign-up and no email: the files download straight away.
Send the release with your press kit: our free EPK template has a section for it, and our guide to EPKs covers when to send both.
How to use the template
Replace everything in brackets, then delete the grey notes and the section headings. The finished release should fit on one page: 300 to 500 words, written in the third person except for your quote, with short sentences and no hype. The filled-in example shows a finished release for a fictional artist.
Write the headline and the opening paragraph last. They carry the whole release: an editor may decide from the headline and the first two sentences whether to read on.
How to send it
Paste the release into the body of your email, under two or three lines written for that person, and link to your EPK for everything else. Use a private or unlisted streaming link for unreleased music rather than attaching audio files: a link opens on any phone and does not fill anyone's inbox.
Send it early. For a single, aim for six to eight weeks before release day, the same lead time our guide to EPKs recommends, and use the release line to ask for coverage to wait until the date.
A press release is not coverage
A release announces your news; it does not publish it. Journalists and blogs receive far more releases than they can cover, and paying a newswire to distribute one buys syndication, not coverage: partner sites repost it word for word. Our comparison of press release distribution and a guaranteed feature sets out what each costs and gets you.
If you want something published that you can link from your EPK, our music marketing combines an editorial feature about you, published on one of the publications we work with, with a YouTube campaign for your video. Together they start at $249. The feature is sponsored content, as our disclaimer states.
Frequently asked.
What is a music press release?
A one-page announcement of news about an artist, usually a single, EP, album, video or tour, written so a journalist can turn it into a story or quote from it directly.
How long should a music press release be?
One page: about 300 to 500 words, and shorter is better. Put the who, what, when and where in the first paragraph so an editor can stop reading there.
When should I send a press release for a single?
Six to eight weeks before release day gives writers time to plan coverage. Add an embargo line if you want coverage held until the release date.
Should I attach my music to a press release?
No. Use a private or unlisted streaming link and a no-login link to your press photos. Links open on any phone and keep the email small.
Is the template really free?
Yes. The Word file, the PDF guide and the example release download straight away, with no sign-up and no email.
Your next release, on YouTube.
A worldwide YouTube campaign plus an editorial feature about you, from $249. Book a free 15-minute call about your release.