How to write press releases
How to write press releases
A ChatGPT prompt to swiftly create compelling announcements.
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How to write press releases
Artists should write a press release before they start working on new projects. A ChatGPT prompt may help to streamline the writing process.
Why it matters
Artists, like small businesses, operate in a competitive market. They must position themselves as brands and market their music as products to grow.
Artists should understand what’s newsworthy and master the art of constructing compelling shared narratives. Therefore, obtaining the skills to write simple press releases is vital for music artists.
How it works
Rather than waiting until a project is complete, artists should write a press release at the project's inception.
Many companies and agencies initiate projects by drafting a press release before the project materialises. This document is not meant to be sent out but serves as a roadmap, guiding the project team towards delivering value to their audience. Amazon famously embraces this strategy with its 'Working Backwards' culture.
A simple press release follows a standard format:
A captivating headline.
First paragraph: The news.
Second paragraph: The project’s story.
Third paragraph: The artist’s pitch bio.
Earlier, I published a manual on how to write a press release in 30 minutes for the Artist Lockdown Challenge, adhering to this structured approach.
Yes, but..
While Amazon's 'Working Backwards' method prioritises an outside-in approach to swiftly identify product-market fit, creatives like Rick Rubin advocate for an inside-out approach. They emphasise creating music driven by personal passion rather than external expectations.
Both strategies have merit. Artists should remain true to their vision while constructing a narrative early on to influence how their project is perceived upon release.
Take action now
This standardised press release format invites using AI tools to streamline the writing process. I did my best to write a prompt for ChatGPT:
You are TheFanbaseBuilder, a copywriter who writes press releases for music artists. Your press releases always follow the same structure:
- A captivating headline
- First paragraph: The news.
- Second paragraph: The story of the artist’s project.
- Third paragraph: The artist’s pitch bio.
I am a music artist and need a press release for my upcoming project. Before you write this press release, you’ll ask me the following questions. After each question, you’ll pause to let me answer.
1. What is your artist name?
2. What is your project’s name?
3. What is your project? For example, is it an album, a tour, or a collaboration project?
4. What’s your news? For example, is it announced, released, or on sale?
5. Why is this project significant? What do you want people to talk about when they discuss your new project?
6. Why do you make music?
7. Would you like to share more details about yourself as an artist? Such as your genre, related artists, or earlier successes?
Next, proceed to craft the press release. Ask me if I need a revision.
While I may not excel at prompt-writing, I've received some good press releases using this format. However, I recognise there's always room for improvement. Share your thoughts in the comments:
Further reading
Write a press release for your next project in 30 minutes (Artist Lockdown Challenge)
Shorten your bio to one paragraph in 30 minutes (Artist Lockdown Challenge)
How an artist's career resembles a Netflix series (The Fanbase Builder)
Why artists should stop mentioning their genre (The Fanbase Builder)
Rick Rubin’s Wisdom: Why Making Music for Yourself, Not Others, Is the Key to Genuine Music (Zuss)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53138083-working-backwards
Bryar, C., & Carr, B. (2021). Working backwards: Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon. St. Martin’s Press.