Most people find writing about themselves excruciatingly painful – whether it’s a job CV, job application or a band biography, which is why many emerging artists avoid writing anything about themselves at all. Managers, recording labels and even radio presenters often find that the new artists they like have no information whatsoever.
It can be challenging, and many get stuck on what exactly they should write. Here we have come up with a few key elements that you should have in your bio to help you get started on the right track.
REMEMBER: your bio will be the first impression that most people have of you as a musician/band, so the first paragraph is really important. Make it interesting, engaging and as unique as possible.
1. Who are you?
You should answer some questions straight away:
- What’s your bands name?
- Where are you from?
- What do you sound like?
- What are your influences?
2. What’s going on with your career right now?
Have you released a new album? Are you in the studio? Just include some information on what you are currently up to in your bio.
3. Background info
Feel free to include some relevant background info, but not too much! Nothing will make the industry professional’s eyes gloss over more quickly than reading something like ‘’Johnny started singing lessons when he was 5 years old. At age 6 he..’’, etc. Find an interesting way to explain your history without necessarily spelling out each step from childhood until now.
4. Career highlights
Take some time to write down all of your successes you’ve achieved in your career, big and small. Did you collaborate with someone well-known, did you win any awards or did you perform at a famous venue? Once you have them choose the most unique/meaningful and eye catching stories and include at least one of them in your bio.
5. Media quotes
If you have any quotes from media or industry people, definitely include one or two. Choose them wisely, maybe place one in the paragraph that describes your sound and maybe a quote at the end of your bio talking about your potential as a band. Although tempting, please do not include quotes from your mum! If you don’t have any, that’s absolutely fine, better not have any than to make something up!
Bonus tips:
- Be honest (no making stuff up)
- No typos! Seriously no typos!
- And last but not least, always keep your bio current. The moment something significant happens in your career, you should update your bio with this new information.
