Booking Guide

How to Use Your EPK to Book More Gigs

Learn what venue bookers actually look for, how to structure your EPK for bookings, and get email templates that get responses.

Create Your Booking EPKGet Email Templates

What Venue Bookers Actually Look For

We talked to bookers at clubs, festivals, and venues. Here's what matters most.

Music Quality

Professional recordings that represent your live sound. Bookers want to know what the audience will experience.

Professional Photos

High-quality images for promotional materials. Venues use your photos on flyers, websites, and social media.

Live Performance Videos

Proof you can deliver on stage. Short clips of live performances are more valuable than studio footage.

Draw & Following

Your ability to bring an audience. Monthly listeners, follower counts, and past attendance numbers matter.

Past Shows & Experience

Where have you played? Past venues and festivals show you're reliable and experienced.

Easy Contact

Clear booking email and response time. Bookers move fast—make it easy to reach you.

The Perfect Booking EPK Structure

1

Above the Fold

  • Artist name and genre
  • One stunning hero photo
  • Short bio (2-3 sentences)
  • Key stats (monthly listeners, past venues)
2

Music Section

  • Your best 2-3 tracks (not your entire discography)
  • Embedded Spotify/SoundCloud player
  • Live performance video (60-90 seconds max)
3

Visual Assets

  • 3-5 high-res press photos
  • Live performance shots
  • Clear, well-lit, professional quality
4

Experience & Proof

  • List of past venues/festivals played
  • Press quotes or reviews
  • Upcoming confirmed shows
5

Contact & CTA

  • Booking email prominently displayed
  • Phone number (optional)
  • Social media links
  • Clear 'Book Now' or 'Contact for Booking' button

Email Templates for Venue Outreach

Copy these templates and customize them for your bookings

Subject Line

[Artist Name] - Booking Inquiry for [Venue Name] - [Date/Month]

Opening

Hi [Booker Name],

I'm [Your Name], a [genre] artist based in [City]. I'm reaching out about performing at [Venue] in [Month/Season].

The Hook

I've played similar venues like [Venue 1] and [Venue 2], drawing [X] people on average. My music has been featured in [Press/Playlist] and I have [X] monthly listeners on Spotify.

The Ask

I'd love to discuss opening for an upcoming show or a headline slot. My EPK with music, photos, and videos is here: [EPK Link]

Closing

Thanks for your time. I'm flexible on dates and happy to discuss what works best for your calendar.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [Email] | [Social]

Pro Tips for Booking Emails

  • • Keep it under 200 words—bookers are busy
  • • Include your EPK link in the first paragraph
  • • Mention specific dates you're available
  • • Follow up once after 1 week, then move on
  • • Personalize each email—mention why their venue specifically

Festival Submission Guide

Timeline

  • 6-12 months:Start researching festival application deadlines
  • 3-6 months:Submit applications with complete EPK
  • 1-3 months:Follow up if no response, confirm logistics

What Festivals Want

  • Complete EPK with all media assets
  • Live performance videos (essential)
  • Tech rider and stage plot
  • Proof of draw (social following, past attendance)

Ready to Start Booking More Gigs?

Create a professional EPK designed for booking success. Free forever.

Create Your Booking EPK

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