This article will finish up this two-part series on the promo package. Last month's article covered the photo and the resume/bio. This time we'll look at other elements that can add to a good promo package; audio, video and even internet resources.

The Audio Tape/CD

Since we're talking about a job in the music business, unless the employer is hiring based solely on a specific look, sound is going to be an incredibly important part of your package. Several different formats will work for this. A nice polished studio/home studio tape is a nice way to go. A good quality recording of a live performance at a gig is great because it gives a pretty accurate idea of what the potential employer can really expect from the person he's hiring once they're on stage. If you don't have any other players to help you in putting together a tape, one thing you can do is sequence some tunes and make recordings that showcase your playing. If you sing as well as play make sure you include some recordings of you singing. Don't worry about including recordings of entire songs, just compile a tape or tapes of sections of tunes that showcase your playing and singing. Let the person hear good examples of your soloing, your rhythm playing (the ability to play well with others), your singing and make sure your record examples of as many different styles that you play. The main thing is to give the person an accurate idea of what you have to offer to the gig.

The Video Tape

Many players/bands are now including video in their presentation. As long as it doesn't do you any harm it's a great way to show what you have to offer visually as well as how well you can play. It's probably the most accurate way of showing some one what they can expect from you on the stage. Probably the best and cheapest way to put something together is to have a friend come out with a video camera to your current gig and get some good footage of you playing, singing and performing.

The Web Site

This is an incredible opportunity for the musician of this day and age. The web gives you the opportunity to put your entire package out there so it is available to anyone at anytime anywhere in the world that has a phone jack. You can put the pics, resume and contact info, audio and video up in cyber space for everyone to see. Again, this is a great way to sell yourself to someone clear across the world. Of course you can always mail packages to people but here's a way to simply say something like "You need the package today? Well if you're online you can go to www.me_online.com and get everything you need to check me out right now!" I know players that don't even own a computer, but through the help of friends with computers and free hosting sites like Angelfire.com and Geocities.com, they've got a web site online to promote themselves.

Contact Info

This is probably something that I don't have to spend a lot of time on but, make sure you've got current contact numbers and addresses on your promo materials. Always update phone numbers, addresses, email and website information. It's a drag if you send out an old promo package and forget that it had an old phone number and address and not get the call because the band couldn't get a hold of him.

Just remember, the promo package can often be the first impression a prospective employer may get from you, and first impressions can last a long time so be sure to put your best foot forward.