Folk press release Templates

[ARTIST NAME] announces [ALBUM TITLE], [NUMBER]-track [ALBUM TYPE] exploring [CORE THEME: e.g. 'themes of rural heritage and urban displacement']. Recorded across [LOCATION/TIMEFRAME], the album features [DISTINCTIVE INSTRUMENTATION or COLLABORATORS]. '[STANDOUT TRACK]' is available now.

The record marks [SIGNIFICANCE: e.g. 'a return to traditional arrangements' or 'the first time [ARTIST] has worked with [MUSICIAN]']. [ARTIST] spent [TIMEFRAME] writing these songs, drawing from [INFLUENCE or INSPIRATION]. Each track [SPECIFIC DETAIL about songwriting or recording approach].

'[QUOTE FROM ARTIST about the album's meaning or process],' [ARTIST NAME] explains.

[ALBUM TITLE] will be released on [DATE] via [LABEL]. It's available on all streaming platforms, CD, and vinyl. [ARTIST] will perform [FESTIVAL] in [MONTH] and tour [REGIONS] in [TIMEFRAME].

Folk audiences expect to understand the *why* behind the album, not just the what. Highlight artistic intention and craft details. If it's vinyl, mention format explicitly—physical format matters in folk retail. Include one specific collaborator name or session detail; generic references feel distant. Keep quotes under 2 sentences and focused on process or meaning, not hype.

[ARTIST NAME] has been nominated for [AWARD NAME] in the [CATEGORY] category. The nomination recognises [SPECIFIC WORK, ALBUM or PERFORMANCE and what makes it notable in folk context].

Judged by [JUDGING BODY/PANEL], the [AWARD NAME] rewards [WHAT THE AWARD VALUES: e.g. 'artists who advance traditional music into contemporary contexts']. [ARTIST NAME]'s nomination follows [RECENT ACHIEVEMENT: e.g. 'critical success of their album [TITLE]' or 'breakthrough performances at [FESTIVALS]'].

'[QUOTE FROM ARTIST about the nomination, ideally something genuine about the folk community or their artistic journey],' [ARTIST] says.

The shortlist will be announced on [DATE]. [ARTIST NAME] performs at [UPCOMING FESTIVAL or VENUE] on [DATE]. Previous winners include [NAME ONE OR TWO relevant artists].

Folk award nominations are part of community standing; play them as such. Name the actual judges or institution if possible—credibility matters. Don't oversell; let the award speak. Include the announcement date so folk press can create follow-up stories. Avoid comparing the artist to previous winners unless genuinely relevant.

[ARTIST NAME] has been announced for [FESTIVAL NAME] [YEAR], performing on [STAGE/DATE]. The booking follows [CONTEXT: e.g. 'sold-out UK dates in [SEASON]' or 'critical acclaim for [ALBUM]'].

[FESTIVAL NAME] takes place [DATES/LOCATION]. Other artists on the bill include [NAME 2-3 artists if relevant to positioning]. [ARTIST NAME] will perform [SET LENGTH or setlist detail if confirmed].

This summer, [ARTIST NAME] is also performing at [LIST 2-3 other confirmed festivals]. '[ARTIST NAME] is excited to perform at these festivals,' their team notes, 'bringing new material from [UPCOMING ALBUM] alongside established classics.'

Tickets for [FESTIVAL NAME] are available from [DATE] via [WEBSITE]. [ARTIST NAME]'s full 2024 tour dates and latest music are available at [ARTIST WEBSITE].

Festival bookings are newsworthy in folk only if positioned right. Include other confirmed festival dates to show momentum, not individual shows. Name specific other artists only if the pairing is genuinely noteworthy. If it's a significant festival (Radio 2 Folk Awards, Cambridge), lead with that. Physical festival location matters—folk is regional and geographically aware.

[ARTIST NAME] announces an acoustic tour of [REGIONS/UK] throughout [SEASON], featuring [SET DETAIL: e.g. 'new material from [ALBUM]' or 'stripped-back arrangements of catalogue']. The tour begins [DATE] at [VENUE] and concludes [DATE] at [VENUE].

This tour is [DISTINCT ANGLE: e.g. 'performed entirely on [INSTRUMENT]', 'a solo residency format', or 'performed at historic venues including [LOCATION]']. [ARTIST] explains: '[QUOTE about the tour's artistic direction or personal significance]'.

Each date includes [DETAIL: e.g. 'a post-show Q&A' or 'limited capacity to preserve intimacy']. Support comes from [SUPPORT ARTIST if relevant]. Tickets are on sale now via [BOX OFFICE] and are priced [PRICE RANGE]. Vinyl/CD of [RELEVANT ALBUM] will be available to purchase at every date.

Tour announcements in folk press work best with a story—don't just list dates. 'Acoustic tour' needs context: what makes this tour different from standard touring? Include venue names and capacities if they matter to positioning (historic, intentionally intimate, etc.). If you're selling product at shows, mention it; folk audiences buy at venues. Always include the box office, not just Ticketmaster.

[ARTIST 1] and [ARTIST 2] have announced [PROJECT NAME], a [FORMAT: single/EP/album] of [DESCRIPTION OF SOUND/THEME]. The collaboration marks the first time the two artists have worked together in the studio. '[SONG/PROJECT TITLE]' is available now.

Both artists share [CONNECTION: e.g. 'roots in traditional folk arrangements' or 'songwriting focus on [THEME]']. The recording took place at [LOCATION] over [TIMEFRAME], with [PRODUCER NAME] producing. [ARTIST 1] describes the process: '[QUOTE about collaboration or working relationship]'.

The project explores [WHAT IT DOES/MEANS]. A full album/EP will be released on [DATE]. Both artists will perform together at [FESTIVAL or VENUE] on [DATE]. Further live dates together are being arranged.

Collaborations need equal weight for both artists. Lead with the names that will make folk press sit up (usually the more established artist first, but check their preference). Explain *why* they made this collaboration—folk audiences want to know the artistic reasoning, not just that two musicians worked together. Include at least one quote from each artist if possible.

[ARTIST NAME]'s landmark [YEAR] album [ALBUM TITLE] is being reissued on [FORMAT: vinyl/CD/digital] on [DATE]. The reissue has been mastered from [SOURCE: original tapes/archival recordings] and includes [NEW FEATURES: booklet notes by [NAME], previously unreleased recording, expanded liner notes, etc.].

[ALBUM TITLE] originally featured [STANDOUT TRACKS or musical significance in folk context]. The album captured [HISTORICAL or ARTISTIC SIGNIFICANCE]. This reissue is [WHY NOW: e.g. 'reissued following critical reassessment' or 'compiled from recently discovered session tapes'].

[OPTIONAL ARTIST QUOTE about the album's legacy or the reissue]. The vinyl edition is limited to [NUMBER] copies and is available via [INDIE LABEL/RETAILER]. CD and digital versions are available through all standard retailers. [ARTIST NAME] is planning live dates celebrating this material in [TIMEFRAME].

Reissues and archival releases need credibility markers: who mastered it, who wrote the notes, how the source material was sourced. Folk audiences are protective of legacy releases and can spot cash-grab reissues immediately. Be transparent about pressing numbers, especially for limited vinyl. Include details about packaging or bonus material—they matter in folk retail.

Subject line: [ARTIST NAME] – Folk roots and contemporary appeal

Dear [EDITOR NAME],

[ARTIST NAME]'s work sits firmly in the folk tradition, specifically [FOLK TRADITION or REGION: e.g. 'English Appalachian blues', 'Scots Gaelic songwriting', 'contemporary folk protest']. Though their music reaches crossover audiences, the core of their practice is [SPECIFIC FOLK ELEMENT: e.g. 'traditional tuning systems' or 'narrative balladry'].

Their latest album [TITLE] draws directly from [FOLK INFLUENCE]. [SPECIFIC DETAIL about songwriting, arrangement, or artistic approach that positions them as folk]. We think [PUBLICATION] readers would connect with [WHY THEIR FOLK READERS CARE].

[ARTIST NAME] is available for interview before [DATE]. They'll be performing at [FESTIVAL] in [MONTH].

Best regards,
[NAME]

This isn't a release—it's a targeted pitch. Folk editors get hundreds of 'acoustic' artists claiming folk credentials; yours needs one specific folk connection (tradition, region, instrument, songwriting approach). Don't claim folk status without backing it up. The positioning only works if it's genuine. Keep the pitch short and reason-specific, not hype-focused.

[ARTIST NAME]'s album [TITLE] has entered the [CHART NAME: Official Folk Chart/Folk Radio Airplay Chart/Independent Physical Sales Chart] at number [POSITION]. The album [CONTEXT: released [DATE], features [STANDOUT DETAIL]].

The chart position reflects [WHAT THIS MEANS: e.g. 'sustained radio play across BBC Radio 2 Folk Show, BBC Local Radio, and specialist folk stations' or 'strong vinyl and CD sales through independent retailers']. [ARTIST NAME] has now charted [NUMBER] albums on [CHART], with previous entries including [PREVIOUS ALBUMS if relevant].

'This recognition means a great deal to us,' [ARTIST/TEAM] comments, '[BRIEF COMMENT on the folk community, touring, or artistic direction]'.

[ALBUM TITLE] is available in all formats. [ARTIST NAME] performs at [UPCOMING SHOW/FESTIVAL]. [OPTIONAL: Streaming/chart data showing momentum, if relevant to positioning].

Folk chart positions and physical sales are genuine news in folk press—treat them as such, not as minor updates. Specify which chart; 'folk chart' alone is vague. Include radio stations if airplay drove the chart position—folk radio is community-based and station loyalty matters. If physical sales were significant, name the format (vinyl/CD) and sales figures if you have them.