How to Design a One Sheet that Stands Out From the Crowd

Artists work so hard to put together music that means something to them and might also connect with others. Music can be used for pure enjoyment, entertainment, and it can express and modulate someone’s emotions. But what good does this extraordinary song or album do if it doesn’t get out for people to hear?

This is where a one sheet comes in. A one sheet, also referred to as a sales sheet, is a single page that provides information about a new release that helps labels and distributors to sell the album. The one sheet should include information such as the style of the music on the album, the track listing and artist information. It will also include the album’s release date, its catalog number and list price.

A one sheet is similar to an album press release, but a press release focuses on gaining media coverage whereas a one sheet is designed to sell an album. A distributor uses this to convince buyers who sell albums to stock copies of theirs.

While your music does all of the talking, people will still want to know about the artist or anything else that will help to drive sales. A one sheet is like a resume. While the work (music) might be outstanding, you can’t be successful without a killer first impression. A one sheet can get any artist an extremely long way; in fact it be a big factor in helping them make it big. Keep in mind that every other artist also uses one sheets, so yours needs to be as different and unique as possible. Here are some tips to help you create a one sheet that stands out from the crowd.

1.) Artist Name or Logo

This might be an obvious one, but it’s very important. You want to include the artist name or logo so people can put a name to the music. Where ever you put your name on this sheet, make sure it’s visible and difficult to miss. You want distributors to remember your name. Even better is if this information is branded. Don’t just slap your name up there, make sure it’s consistent in design and aesthetics with who you are as an artist.

2.) Press photo

Whether it’s a book, email or one sheet, visuals always catch interest which is why it’s so important to include a photo on your one sheet. This photo can be a picture of you or anything that represents you. Whatever it is, be sure that it is eye-catching, high quality and shows off the artist’s personality. This type of visual will be something that immediately draws the eye and catches attention.

3.) Short Biography

Artists can go on and on about their interests and other details of their lives; however, this is not the place. Your biography should be kept short and sweet. This is a good place to tell your story (succinctly!), talk about the genre of the music and the songs on your particular album.

4.) Point out Major Achievements

Anyone that receives this one sheet will want to know that they’re not wasting their time. Your major achievements are a way to stand out among the competition and make yourself look impressive. This is the time to talk yourself up and maybe even brag a little bit. If you have been on recent tours, won an award or topped the charts- feel free to mention it! Anything that shows progression in your music career will be a good idea to mention. If you have great numbers for streams, sales or views from any of your releases in the past, include those numbers too.

5.) Press Quotes

Anyone looking at this one sheet will be curious about your credibility or reputation. If someone’s not sure how they feel about you or your music, they will turn to external resources. This is where any quotes in publications that have been made about you or your music come in. Even if it’s something as simple as a quote from a blog – use it! These lines almost are like references. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of them!

6.) Social Media Handles

Social media has become a way of showing how popular a person is. If you have an impressive number of likes on your content, or a mass number of followers, distributors will want to know this information. Social media is also a great way to determine how people feel about your music. Anyone can go to your pages and see the comments people make and what kind of audience you have.

7.) Tour Information

If you have an upcoming tour, or any events to present your album, you will want to include this. Have a new release coming up? Include album artwork, release date, recording information and tracks that you think stand out from the rest. If you’re on tour, include the dates and where people can learn more about the shows.

8.) Add More Visuals

If you can provide information that shares some of your best performances, do it! Take advantage of this opportunity to show off your work. At the bottom of your one sheet you can include hyperlinks to videos of your performance. Keep in mind, the one-sheet is not all about the performances you have done so be sure just to include a few (three at most.)

9.) Website Information

Last, but certainly not least, include your website information. Your website should be the go-to place with all the information. If you have more data out there that you want to be seen, directing them to your website is a great way to increase the chances of this happening. Don’t forget to include your contact information in this area as well!

Wherever you are in your career path, a one sheet can give you the help you need to get your information out there to the right people at the right time. Remember to keep this one sheet as simple and to the point as possible. It should also be easy to read with a clean font and be aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Are you ready to get your music out there? Contact Mirada Media to help grow your list of industry contacts with music management software that works the way music professionals do!