Soul and funk press release Templates

[ARTIST NAME] announces [ALBUM TITLE], a [GENRE] record that [ONE-LINE ARTISTIC STATEMENT: e.g. 'reclaims the warmth of 1970s production methods']. Out [DATE] on [LABEL].

Built over [TIMEFRAME], the album features [KEY COLLABORATORS/MUSICIANS if notable], and explores themes of [THEMATIC FOCUS]. Across [NUMBER] tracks, [ARTIST NAME] [SPECIFIC SONIC OR LYRICAL DIRECTION].

[ARTIST NAME] says: "[DIRECT QUOTE explaining creative intent or what changed since last record]"

The record arrives ahead of [LIVE DATES/TOUR if confirmed, or 'a series of live announcements']. [ARTIST NAME] last released [PREVIOUS PROJECT] in [YEAR].

[Album available for preview via [PLATFORM]. Press enquiries: [CONTACT DETAILS]]

Avoid generic 'soulful' language. Instead, reference specific sonic or production choices (e.g. 'analogue recorded', 'features live strings', 'produced by [NAME]'). For BBC pitching, emphasise artist's radio appeal or interview angle. For heritage press, include one sentence about the artist's place in soul/funk lineage without being reverential.

[ARTIST NAME] has recorded an exclusive session for [RADIO STATION/PLATFORM], captured [LOCATION] on [DATE].

The session features [NUMBER] tracks from [ALBUM NAME or 'recent work'], including [TRACK TITLE] and [TRACK TITLE]. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION of setup: e.g. 'recorded with a live four-piece', 'stripped to acoustic instrumentation', 'arranged specifically for broadcast'].

Broadcast date: [DATE] on [TIME SLOT]. The session will also be available [PLATFORM DETAILS].

[ARTIST NAME] says: "[QUOTE about the session, the tracks chosen, or what the format brings out in the music]"

This session arrives alongside [TOUR DATE/FESTIVAL/RELEASE], when audiences can hear [ARTIST NAME] perform [VENUE DETAILS if relevant]. [RADIO STATION] previously featured [ARTIST NAME] in [PREVIOUS SESSION/DATE if applicable].

Always confirm exact broadcast date and time with the broadcaster before release. Note which tracks are session-exclusive or rearranged — this justifies simultaneous coverage across music press and broadcast media. For Radio 2 sessions, emphasise audience reach; for 6 Music, emphasise artistic credibility. Include a second paragraph linking to live dates or other campaign activities.

[ARTIST A] and [ARTIST B] have collaborated on [TRACK TITLE], released [DATE] on [LABEL/PLATFORM].

Produced by [PRODUCER NAME], the track [SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION of what each artist brings: e.g. '[ARTIST A]'s vocal sits over [ARTIST B]'s live horn arrangement', 'merges [ARTIST A]'s production sensibility with [ARTIST B]'s instrumental approach']. The collaboration emerged from [CONTEXT: shared label, live performance, mutual admiration — keep specific].

[ARTIST A] says: "[QUOTE]"
[ARTIST B] says: "[QUOTE]"

[TRACK TITLE] is available on [STREAMING/PURCHASE PLATFORMS]. Both artists will perform the track at [UPCOMING LIVE DATE] on [DATE]. [ARTIST A] and [ARTIST B] previously [RELEVANT SHARED HISTORY or shared radio play if applicable].

[Audio preview available at [LINK]. Press enquiries: [CONTACT DETAILS]]

Lead with the most newsworthy artist name first (usually the one with larger press footprint). Specify production credits — contemporary soul/funk audiences care about who built the track. If there's no prior connection between the artists, briefly contextualise why the pairing makes sense (not gushy; factual). Get quotes from both parties emphasising what they brought to each other's vision.

[ARTIST NAME]'s [ORIGINAL ALBUM TITLE] will be reissued in deluxe format on [DATE], featuring [NUMBER] previously unreleased tracks, remasters, and [ADDITIONAL CONTENT: e.g. 'original session notes', 'updated liner commentary']. The album was originally released [YEAR] on [ORIGINAL LABEL].

[1-2 sentences on what made the original album significant and why it's relevant now: e.g. 'a cornerstone of UK soul in the early 1980s that influenced a generation of producers', 'an early example of [GENRE] fusion that still resonates with contemporary listeners']. New mastering by [MASTERING ENGINEER/STUDIO if notable].

The reissue is released by [REISSUE LABEL]. [ARTIST NAME] says: "[QUOTE about the record's legacy, unreleased material, or what time has revealed about the work]"

Unreleased tracks include [TRACK TITLE], [TRACK TITLE], and [TRACK TITLE]. Limited edition formats available [DETAIL VARIANTS: vinyl colour, numbered edition, etc.]. Listen to [ONE PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED TRACK] now via [PLATFORM].

Never position this as merely 'archive'. Connect the reissue to current cultural moment (influence on contemporary artists, sampling history, rediscovery narrative, etc.). Clearly list what new/unreleased material is included — this is what justifies coverage. Feature one newly available track in preview. For collectors' press (Discogs, specialist vinyl outlets), emphasise format, pressing details, and exclusivity.

[ARTIST NAME] announces a UK tour for [DATES/SEASON], including [NUMBER] dates across [KEY VENUES/REGIONS]. Shows go on sale [DATE].

The tour follows [RECENT RELEASE/CAMPAIGN/RADIO SUCCESS], with [ARTIST NAME] performing a [SPECIFIC SETLIST ANGLE: e.g. 'mix of new material and unreleased tracks', 'full album performance', 'live band arrangement featuring [MUSICIANS]']. Festival appearances include [FESTIVAL NAME, DATE] and [FESTIVAL NAME, DATE].

[ARTIST NAME] says: "[QUOTE about the tour, the live experience, or what's new in the performance]"

Tickets available via [TICKETING PLATFORM]. [ADDITIONAL INFO: special guest, exclusive merchandise, VIP packages, or early play of unreleased material — only if genuinely unique]. For press accreditation, contact [DETAILS].

Full tour dates: [LIST DATES AND VENUES, or link to website]. [ARTIST NAME] last toured [PREVIOUS TOUR/DATE].

Lead with the specific venues and dates that will excite press — headline a major venue, not minor dates. Include festival billing if credible (festivals validate reach). Specify what's different about this tour (new setlist, live band, unreleased material, etc.). Always include a press accreditation line; music journalists attending live shows often become long-term supporters. For BBC pitching, note which dates could work for live session recording.

[ARTIST NAME] has recorded a cover of [ORIGINAL ARTIST]'s [ORIGINAL TRACK], released [DATE] on [LABEL]. The track arrives as part of [PROJECT CONTEXT: 'a forthcoming tribute album', 'a solo project exploring soul classics', 'a series of single releases honouring influential [GENRE] recordings'].

[ARTIST NAME]'s version [SPECIFIC ARRANGEMENT DETAIL: e.g. 'reimagines the original's orchestration for contemporary production', 'strips back to acoustic vocals and bass', 'adds live horn arrangement']. The cover was produced by [PRODUCER NAME].

[ARTIST NAME] says: "[QUOTE explaining relationship to the original artist/track, or what the original means to their own work]"

[ORIGINAL ARTIST] says: [IF AVAILABLE AND LIVING: quote]. Otherwise, omit or reference cultural significance.

Listen now via [PLATFORM]. [If part of larger project: 'Full [TRIBUTE ALBUM/PROJECT] out [DATE] featuring [NUMBER] artists covering [THEME/ARTIST]']. For interviews and session requests, contact [DETAILS].

Avoid hagiography. Instead, explain what the artist learned from the original or how the cover reframes the song. Always secure permission and clearance before announcing. If part of a multi-artist tribute, ensure you can name contributing artists (this strengthens the story). Consider: does the arrangement decision warrant music journalism coverage, or is this primarily for fans and streaming playlists?

[VOCALIST ARTIST NAME] and producer/musician [COLLABORATOR NAME] have unveiled [PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 'a new EP', 'a five-track project', 'their debut collaboration'], titled [PROJECT TITLE], out [DATE] on [LABEL].

The project was recorded at [STUDIO/LOCATION if notable] over [TIMEFRAME]. [COLLABORATOR NAME] brings [SPECIFIC MUSICAL BACKGROUND: e.g. 'a background in jazz composition', 'production credits on [KNOWN RELEASES]', 'a live instrumental ensemble'], while [VOCALIST ARTIST NAME] [BRIEF DESCRIPTION of vocal approach]. Across [NUMBER] tracks, the pair explore [THEMATIC/SONIC DIRECTION].

[VOCALIST ARTIST NAME] says: "[QUOTE about the partnership and creative process]"
[COLLABORATOR NAME] says: "[QUOTE about what the vocalist brought to the project]"

Tracks include [TRACK TITLE], [TRACK TITLE], and [TRACK TITLE]. The project is available [PLATFORMS]. Both [VOCALIST ARTIST NAME] and [COLLABORATOR NAME] will perform together at [LIVE DATE/VENUE] on [DATE]. Press previews available via [LINK].

Lead with whichever name has stronger press visibility. For producer collaborations, clearly state the producer's prior work (this justifies outlet coverage). For instrumentalist collaborations, mention ensemble size or instrumentation (this justifies review as a live/session story, not just a single). Always flag any live performances where both parties will play together — this creates a second news hook.

[ARTIST NAME] represents [SPECIFIC POSITIONING: e.g. 'a new generation of soul artists drawing on 1980s UK soul rather than contemporary R&B', 'a return to funk's emphasis on rhythm and ensemble playing after a decade of production-led hip-hop', 'the intersection of traditional soul technique and experimental production']. Their work [RECENT WORK REFERENCE] reflects [THEMATIC DIRECTION or cultural moment they're addressing].

For interview, [ARTIST NAME] can discuss: [BULLET POINTS: 'the influence of [ARTIST/MOVEMENT] on contemporary soul', 'producing for live ensemble versus solo work', 'working across heritage and contemporary press', 'the role of [SPECIFIC THEME: e.g. 'analogue recording', 'collaboration', 'touring']']. They're available for [INTERVIEW FORMAT: 'in-depth features', 'radio interviews', 'live session recording'] from [AVAILABILITY DATES].

Key stories: [ARTIST NAME] [RECENT NEWS HOOK: 'has just completed a UK tour', 'collaborates with [PRODUCER] on new project', 'is first UK soul artist to [SPECIFIC ACHIEVEMENT]']. Radio 2 and 6 Music audiences know them from [PREVIOUS PLAY/SESSION]; music press readers may recognise them from [PRESS COVERAGE/FESTIVAL].

Use this for editors deciding whether to commit to a feature. Be specific about interview angles — don't offer vague 'talk about the album'. Highlight what makes this artist worth 2,000 words now, not in six months. Include specific radio play and press history to prove their existing platform. Propose two or three concrete interview angles; let the journalist choose rather than expecting them to invent the story.