So you’ve recorded your banging new single or put together an EP that’s ready to set the world on fire (or at least, your local venues). Congratulations! Now, if you want people to hear it, you need to shout about it. And what better way to shout than with a press release? I know, I know. “But Cassie, writing a press release sounds way too professional for a DIY band like us!” Well, friends, strap in. It’s easier than you think, and I’ll show you how to do it in the most punk-rock way possible—without selling your soul or hiring a PR team.
Why write a press release, anyway?
Let’s get this out of the way: a press release is not just for major label bands who wear shiny suits and drink expensive coffee. It’s a tool for ANY band to spread the word about your music, your story, and your upcoming gigs. Think of it as a way to tell the world, “Hey! We exist, and we’re making noise. Listen up!” Press releases are how journalists, bloggers, radio stations, and influencers find out about you. If you don’t put yourself out there, no one’s going to do it for you. So, let’s get to it.
The 6 Golden Rules of Writing a Press Release
1. Nail the Headline
This is the first thing people will see. It needs to be punchy, exciting, and to the point. If you can make it catchy or clever, even better. This is your hook—so make it something that demands attention. For example:
- “Punk rebels The Crusties drop debut single, ‘Anarchy in the Stalls’”
- “Indie powerhouse Shattered Dreams are coming for your ears with new EP, ‘Wasted Youth’”
Short, sharp, and full of attitude—just like your band.
2. Write your opening paragraph like a pop song hook
The first paragraph is the most important part of the press release. If it doesn’t grab attention, the reader might not go any further. Hit them with the key facts:
- Who is your band?
- What’s the release (single, EP, album, video, etc.)?
- When and where can we hear it?
- Why should anyone care?
Example: “London-based garage-punk trio The Crusties are back with their much-anticipated debut single, ‘Anarchy in the Stalls,’ dropping this Friday, March 14th on all streaming platforms. With heavy riffs, gritty vocals, and a defiant message, ‘Anarchy in the Stalls’ is a celebration of rebellion against the status quo.”
Boom. You’ve got their attention. They know exactly what’s coming.
3. Make it personal, not corporate
This isn’t a stiff corporate announcement. It’s you, talking directly to people who are actually interested in what you’re doing. Be yourself, be authentic, and don’t be afraid to show a bit of your personality. Think about how you’d describe your music to a friend at the pub. Don’t sound like a robot—unless, of course, that’s your vibe.
Example: “Inspired by late nights at DIY shows, vintage punk records, and the ever-present need to scream about everything that’s wrong with the world, The Crusties blend fuzzed-out guitars and raw vocals to create an unapologetic sound that’s all their own.”
4. Details matter – but don’t overwhelm
You’ve got to include the facts: when’s your release date? Where can people find your music? Who produced it? What’s the story behind the track? But be careful not to make it feel like an endless press release novella. Keep things snappy. If your press release is more than one page, you’re probably overdoing it.
Example:
- Release Date: March 14th, 2025
- Listen: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp
- Produced by: The Crusties and Tom Smith at Fuzz Factory Studios
- Fun Fact: Recorded live in one take because they didn’t have time for another!
5. Add a quote
A great way to make your press release feel more human is to include a quote from one of your band members. This gives the release a personal touch and helps the journalist understand your energy and attitude. Keep the quote short and sweet—don’t go rambling.
Example: “This track is a love letter to DIY punk and everything it stands for,” says lead singer and guitarist Jax Shambles. “We recorded it in one go—no overdubs, no fancy tricks. What you hear is exactly what we sound like live, and that’s what we want people to feel.”
6. Finish with the essentials (but keep it tidy)
Wrap things up with your band’s basic info (the “About Us” stuff), contact details, and where you can be found on social media. But keep it brief! Don’t overdo the self-promotion—just the key links people need to check out your stuff. Leave the journalism to the journalists.
Example: About The Crusties:
The Crusties are a London-based punk trio formed in 2020. Known for their no-nonsense attitude and raw sound, they’ve made a name for themselves in the underground DIY scene, playing everywhere from basement gigs to dive bars.
Contact:
Email: thecrustiesband@punkmail.com
Instagram: @thecrustiesband
Spotify: The Crusties on Spotify
Website: www.thecrustiespunk.com
A word of warning: be wary of Press Release sharks
Now, I’ve got to mention something you’ll inevitably run into—especially if you’re a DIY band on the rise. There are some unscrupulous people out there who will slide into your DMs or inboxes, offering to write you a press release for a fee. Beware! If they’re charging you to write your press release, ask yourself: how skilled are they, really, if they’re tapping up DIY bands for cash?
If you really don’t want to do it yourself, there are plenty of excellent PR agents out there who you could hire to carry out this kind of work to a professional standard – you’ll find some tips here.
A few final tips
- Keep it concise: Journalists are busy people. If your press release is too long, it’ll end up in the trash. Get straight to the point.
- Proofread: Typos are the death of credibility. Give your press release one last read before you hit send. Better yet, get a friend to look it over.
- Send it to the right people: Don’t just blast it out to everyone and hope someone cares. Research the blogs, podcasts, and radio stations that would be into your band. Tailor your press release to each outlet’s style. If it’s punk, send it to punk blogs. If it’s experimental, hit up the weirdos.
- Personalize your approach: Don’t just send out a mass email. Add a personal touch—call them by their name, make your subject line pop, and be friendly in your pitch. You’re a human, they’re a human. Make some connections!
Press releases are your chance to show off your music and your personality in one tidy package. With the right approach, you can get your music featured on blogs, in magazines, or even on a podcast that’s just waiting to discover your next big hit. So, get writing, get creative, and make some noise!
Want an example? Here you go …
Certainly! Here’s an example press release that aligns with the tips from the article:
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Punk Rebels The Crusties Drop Debut Single, ‘Anarchy in the Stalls’
Available March 14th, 2025 on All Streaming Platforms
London, UK — London-based garage-punk trio The Crusties are set to make their mark with their highly anticipated debut single, ‘Anarchy in the Stalls’, dropping this Friday, March 14th, 2025, across all streaming platforms. With a raw, in-your-face energy, ‘Anarchy in the Stalls’ delivers gritty riffs, rebellious vocals, and a defiant message that’s bound to get under your skin.
The single is a love letter to the underground DIY punk scene, channeling the chaotic spirit of late-night basement shows and unapologetic rebellion. “This track is a reflection of the rage and freedom we feel in the DIY scene,” says lead singer and guitarist Jax Shambles. “We didn’t overthink it. It’s all about capturing that live energy and making sure we sound like we’re in your face.”
Recorded live in one take at Fuzz Factory Studios, ‘Anarchy in the Stalls’ comes with no overdubs, no extra frills—just pure, unfiltered punk. The Crusties have been making waves in the London underground scene with their high-energy gigs and uncompromising sound. Their debut single is expected to resonate with anyone who’s tired of the mainstream and ready to get loud.
Track Details:
- Single Title: ‘Anarchy in the Stalls’
- Release Date: March 14th, 2025
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp
- Produced by: The Crusties and Tom Smith at Fuzz Factory Studios
- Fun Fact: Recorded live in one take—because they didn’t have time for another!
About The Crusties:
Formed in 2020, The Crusties are a three-piece punk band based in London. Known for their explosive live shows and relentless DIY ethos, they’re making noise on the underground scene with their gritty sound and anti-establishment spirit. The Crusties blend fuzzed-out guitars, pounding drums, and vocals that scream about everything wrong with the world.
Contact:
For press inquiries, interviews, or review requests, please contact:
Email: thecrustiesband@punkmail.com
Instagram: @thecrustiesband
Spotify: The Crusties on Spotify
Website: www.thecrustiespunk.com
Ready to pitch to some music blogs and magazines? There’s a DIY guide for that too …