Memphis startup EPKpage completes inaugural Start MMT accelerator cohort

Local startup EPKpage, led by Jack Simon, recently became an alumnus of the inaugural cohort of Start MMT, a music startup accelerator. Start MMT takes the principles of tech accelerators and applies them specifically to music tech companies. “The connections were invaluable. I was introduced to so many people on a first-name, handshake basis that I would otherwise never have access to,” Simon said.
 
Simon has been an entrepreneur his entire life, with various location-based businesses around Memphis. He started EPKpage almost two years ago to simplify self-promotion for musicians. EPKpage demystifies the process of creating a press kit with information about bands, allowing them to more easily book gigs around town. “EPKpage was a fast solution to a complicated problem. So far, I have seen six shows and two festivals booked since I had my bands start using it,” said EPKpage user Tyler Key. Key is the CEO of Rawlings Management, a brand management agency based in Nashville.
 
During his time at Start MMT, Simon was able to secure venue partnerships with Memphis music institutions like Hi-Tone and Young Avenue Deli. “Our first pilot is with Newby’s, we are on their website and they’re going to be referring artists to us that don’t have their content organized,” Simon said. Now, under the music booking tab of Newby’s website, there is text encouraging artists to sign up for an EPK Page before attempting to book a gig at their location.
 
There could not be a person more qualified to grow EPKpage to success -- Simon exemplifies the connection between entrepreneurship and musicianship, which he believes are intrinsically tied. “If you’re a musician, you are an entrepreneur. You have to know the basics - - business, sales, accounting, branding, to be a successful artist. Artists are entrepreneurs, whether they know it or not,” Simon said.
 
EPK Page currently has 40 users on its platform, with memberships starting at $10 per month. Simon plans on staying in Memphis to grow EPK Page, while expanding to other nearby cities as well. Learn more about EPKpage at their website.