Saturday, June 9th, 2007
THE ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
What is an artist biography and why is it so important?
The artist bio is one of the most important things for an artist to have in his/her catalog aside from his/her music. It is a brief but detailed and informative piece that outlines the artist's career to date. It should summarize everything the artist is about, has done, and hopes to accomplish.
The trick to this bio thing though is that it should only encompass about a page in length (about 500 words) because the people that you want to read it are short on time and attention span.
And it's importance cannot be stressed enough simply because of the fact that oftentimes, the artist's bio is the first (and sometimes last) impression that the A&R guys, the media connects (journalists/editors), booking agents, and management/publicity contacts -- all people you want to read the bio -- have of you.
These industry professionals are extremely busy people and deal with dozens, if not hundreds, of wannabes who are trying to "make it" on a daily basis. And many of these wannabes have a great collection of music that will never be heard because the bio just wasn't good enough -- sometimes there is no bio at all and that's NEVER good -- and that leads to the demo CD/mp3s never being heard. It's a sad and simple fact.
You bio is your first line of contact a lot of times and is your presentation when you cannot be there to present yourself and is an integral part of your press kit (next topic up). Please make sure that you have one and that it is stellar. It proves how serious you are about your career in that you've taken the time to write one or have one written for you; it is indicative of the effort you are willing to make on your own behalf, thus alleviating some of the effort having to be put forth by the person reading the bio.
What should an artist bio say and how should it be written?
Your bio should always be written in the third person. When read aloud, it should sound as if someone is talking about you -- not like you are talking about yourself. And because of this, you should stay away from quoting yourself. It is fine to quote other people who have wonderful, positive things to say about you but do not say wonderful, positive things about yourself. It's just cheesy.
Your bio should contain descriptive, informative, and illustrative language that captures who you are in an effort to make whomever is reading the bio want to listen to your music and help you out on your musical journey to stardom.
As stated earlier, your bio should be concise yet thorough -- generally no longer than a single page because the person reading it is busy, probably has a short attention span, and really ... if you haven't hooked them in the first 500 words or less, then you're probably not what the person is looking for.
It is always good to follow the five paragraph format:
* Paragraph One: Intro
An introductory hook/adage/anecdote that is a clear definition of who you are, where you are from and your genre of music.
* Paragraph Two: Right Now
Why are you writing this bio? What are you currently doing at this time? Do you have any CDs/albums/mixtapes already released? Hint at any promotional things you are planning on doing.
* Paragraphs Three & Four: The Past
Your career up to this point. Any accomplishments already made. Tours that have taken place. People that you have worked with. Appearances made. This is where you show your career path to get to where you are right now and what you hope to accomplish in the future. It should show that you are dedicated, motivated, and focused -- always making forward progress.
* Paragraph Five: The Close
End the bio efficiently. Reemphasize any current activities you are apart of and this is definitely a great place to quote anyone of any influence in "the industry" who supports you.
Who can I get to write my bio?
If you don't write really well, consider having someone close to you who does write well (not good, but well) write it for you. Or you may enlist the help of a professional journalist/writer to write your bio. If you are getting someone who is unfamiliar with you and/or your career to write your biography make sure you provide them with your background, accomplishments, objectives, and goals as not just a recording artist but a performing artist as well.
Sidenote: Highlighting in your bio that you are an artist that performs as well as records is always a good thing -- it shows that you are well rounded.
Also, here are some questions that you should probably be able to answer for a person if you are outsourcing your bio to someone who is unfamiliar with you:
* What is your stage name? Does it have a special meaning? Where does it come from?
* Have any of your songs been published? (If so, by whom?)
* Where are you from? Where do you live? What is your background? (Basically, what is your story?)
* Why do you record and release your music? (Be very honest.)
* What is your demographic audience? (Analyze this question thoroughly.)
* What are your songs about?
* Do you write your own songs?
* Who are your musical influences?
* How would you describe your music to people? (This is not a short answer. Discuss it.)
* What image do you think your music conveys?
* What are your immediate music career goals? (In the next 5 years.)
* What are your long-term career goals?
* What would you define as successful?
* Do you have any personal contacts in the music business?
* What live performance experience have you had? (Any industry showcases?)
* How do you rate your live performance ability?
* Have you recorded any previous CDs/albums? (Which studios? Who produced it?)
* If so, how did you sell your it? (Consignment? Live sales? Distributor?)
* Have you had any previous print or broadcast media exposure or reviews?
* Who handles your daily business activities? (Bookings, promotions, publicity, management, etc.)
* Are you already or were you ever apart of any indie labels? (Who? Where? When?)
* Has anyone in the industry said anything quotable about you? (Who? When? In what source?)
* Have you ever appeared in print or on websites in interviews/album reviews? (What? When? Where?)
And that folks, sums up the first step in a long journey to success. The process does not stop after you've recorded your music. It's only just begun!
Remember, knowledge is only the first step towards application.
Feel free to ask any questions if you have any -- either here in the comments or in my inbox personally. And tell everyone and their mother about this blog!
-Kornika
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Posted By Kornika @ 10:33 PM
Author's site: http://myspace.com/kornika
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