# EPK Checklist Before Reaching Out to Venues

> A practical checklist for indie bands and solo artists — what to include in an electronic press kit before venue outreach.

**URL:** https://vnio.live/guides/epk-checklist/
**Last updated:** 2026-07-03

VNIO (https://vnio.live/) is a web platform for DIY musicians, bands, and solo artists to create a shareable EPK, discover venues that match their sound, and run personalized booking outreach with reply tracking.

Bookers skim dozens of pitches a week. Your EPK should answer **who you are**, **what you sound like**, and **why their room** in under two minutes.

## Checklist

1. **Hero image** — High-quality, recent, not a blurry club shot from 20 meters away.
2. **One-line hook** — Genre + vibe + city (e.g. "Berlin psych-rock trio, 200-cap draw").
3. **Short bio** — 80–150 words: story, influences, what a night feels like.
4. **Listen / watch** — Spotify, YouTube, or Bandcamp linked above the fold.
5. **Proof** — Press quote, notable support slot, or hometown draw range.
6. **Tech needs** — Only if you have a rider; otherwise skip.
7. **Contact** — Your booking email is fine in the outreach message; the EPK itself stays clean.

## Fact vs. Claim

| Facts | Claims |
|-------|--------|
| Checklist items above, demo EPK URL | "Bookers always prefer links" — generally true but venue-dependent |

## Example

Preview a complete demo EPK: [demo.vnio.live](https://demo.vnio.live/)

## Next step

Build your EPK in VNIO, then use our [venue outreach email template](https://vnio.live/guides/venue-outreach-email-template/).

## FAQ

### What should an EPK include for venues?

A clear hero image, short bio, genre tags, one-tap links to your best tracks or videos, and proof you draw an audience (numbers, quotes, or recent shows).

### Should I send a PDF or a link?

A single shareable link loads faster for bookers on mobile and is easier to update. PDFs go stale; links let you fix typos and swap tracks without re-sending.

### Can I build an EPK with VNIO?

Yes. VNIO hosts your EPK at yourband.vnio.live with templates, media embeds, and a readiness check before you start outreach.