- Field Day |
- Buildings Alive |
- Visions |
- CLGBT |
- Green Community |
- Fun & Free S#!T |
- Crossword |
- CL Space |
Friday, July 31, 2009
How to Write a Band Bio
Posted by Ivan Pena on Fri, Jul 31, 2009 at 5:42 AM
Having an objective and effective band biography can be a challenge for many bands. Often, the bands write these bio themselves (they are usually better at their instruments than at basic grammar) and are full of overly flowery explanations of the origin and mission of their sound and myriad influences. Sometimes, these monoliths are multiple pages long, including detailed biographical information about each band member.
Your bio doesn't need to be so detailed. Save that for books about your legacy and magazine feature articles. Keep your bio short and punchy. Like a brand statement or company overview. While I'm not claiming to have the answer to the perfect and entrancing band bio formula, I can however impart some tid bits of advice that will make your bio much more powerful and relevant.
Why do you need a bio?
Well, these are good to have if you are trying to get the press to talk about your band or if you are sending out EPKs/press kits to book gigs. A well-written, complete and short bio will get you some attention.
In my opinion, a good band bio must contain the following elements:
- A strong, yet succinct statement about the band's sound
- Some mention or similarity to other popular bands in your genre or bands that your fans like in addition to you (recommended if you like..., for fans of...)
- A quick introduction of the band members and what they contribute to the band.
- 2-3 mention of significant events that will give your band more credibility in the industry. Have you won any awards? Have you been part of a festival/event for a charity? Have you been featured in a indie film or a TV commercial?
- References: Mentions of verifiable touring history, sales figures or sales volume are a plus if you are trying to get gigs. Quotes from previous press reviews or fan reviews will help with press.
6 Writing Tips
1) Don't over hype your band. They know its from you, so don't pretend like someone else wrote it. Stick to the facts and let them form their own opinion based on your music.
2) Don't seek to over describe your sound or each of the players. Be impartial and write for quick impact.
3) Stick to details about this band. Unless your member's old band is Metallica, The White Stripes or Rage Against the Machine, no one gives a crap.
4) Spell check and read out loud. You don't have to be a literary genius or a ad whiz. It just has to sound coherent. *I neglect this one myself often.
5) Keep it fresh and update the bio every few months to include your new accomplishments or any changes in sound/members.
6) Keep it brief, 400-500 words max.
Now, get to work. It may take you 2-3 revisions to get it right. If you feel like you are stuck, walk away from it and come back later. Always re-read the morning after before making the final decisions.
Web 2.0 Band Bio: Rockumentaries and Video Blogs
Many bands are savvy enough and create mini-Rockumentaries or video blogs that cover the band's sound and personality. Bands can center these around special events, rehearsals or everyday life. A mini reality TV shows about your band. I recommend doing this. You can say more in a 5 minute video that in any bio. Spend the time and learn how to record and edit videos, sync up audio and use social media to promote it. Here's a sample of one I did for Soulfound.
Hope this helps someone out there.
Enjoy. Share.
Ivan
Ivan Pena writes "Bombardier Manifesto" for Creative Loafing -- blog posts about the music industry, being in a band and marketing. Ivan also runs Mohawk Bomb Records. He is also the bass player for Rise of Saturn and former frontman/bassist for Soulfound.
Comments (88)
Showing 1-50 of 88
I think another important fact is to "tell your story" in your bio. People are looking for something personal that they can relate to, and stories are a great way to elicit an emotional response, which heightens memory retention. I write about the importance of narrative and social media at http://www.devonhopkins.com Great post! Devon
like
dislike
I don't guess that every single student in whole world has got a passion of essay papers composing! Nevertheless, people ,which don't like writing have to use an assistance of distinguished paper writing service and enjoy a result.
How are you. There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness. Help me! Please help find sites for: Acyclovir viral esophagitis. I found only this - about acyclovir. Acetaminophen of strains bought however become between order and stromal results, acyclovir. Every cautiously in a knowledge disease is excreted to verseker monitor the tissue from following not, acyclovir. :confused: Thanks in advance. Santos from Guinea-Bissau.
Thanks for posting this. Very nice recap of some of the key points in my talk. I hope you and your readers find it useful! Thanks again
chi straightener, chi hair iron, Your article was wonderful, and I have share it with my friends!
Although purple ghd iv styler works able-bodied on abounding altered hair ... So purple ghd iv styler is abundant admired by travelers.
Las planchas GHD son todas fabricadas en CHINA. Hasta ahí todo correcto. Pero los chinos como son tan PILLOS
Light pink ghd thin hair straighteners (the breast cancer ones) - In original box, used once, were bought as a present but already have
FiveFingers KSO FiveFingers Sprint FiveFingers Moc FiveFingers Classic FiveFingers Flow FiveFingers KSO Trek
Really good article, thank you for sharing, I will always look at the future, too talented.
And just to be perfectly clear: We’re not looking for who you think should win, just the category itself. Thanks
Intimately, the post is actually the best on this laudable topic. thanks !best regards
I have never read such a wonderful article and I am coming back tomorrow to continue reading.
Good post.You did a good work,and offer more effective imformation for us!Thank you.
We have been banned and have a considerable amount of money owed to us. http://www.anfworld.com/abercrombie-and-fitch-jeans.html http://www.anfworld.com/ruehl-no-925.html
Thank you for providing good information,Wholesale Electronics and Wholesale Gadgets from pickegg.com,Pickegg.com is an online Wholesale Electronics store. Offers consumer electronics and electronic gadgets at best price
It’s nearly every woman’s dream to wear precious Cheap Tiffany Jewelrywhich are full of poetic otion and picturesque meaning. In order to pay a tribute to sincere love, Tiffany jewelryspecially presents Replica Tiffany. Simple and generous heart-shape rings can instantly win the heart of your beloved.Just like coiled love, Fashion tiffany jewelryserials are brimming with indelible affectionate feeling which make people extremely intoxicated. Every style of jewelry of Tiffany Banglesserials perfectly captures lovers'Tiffany Bracelets with tiffany's unique designing Tiffany Cufflinks.
you can find discount mac cosmetics and the cheap benefit cosmetics online store
Wish there’s a way out for all of us, is there? I hope so. hollister clothing hollister clothing hollister Hollister
There are cheap sunglasses unusual preferential benefit, moreover the quality is also very good.
you can enjoy the sports in winter with the north face coats you can enjoy the sports in winter with the north face jackets
I think another important fact is to “tell your story” in your bio. People are looking for something personal that they can relate to, and stories are a great way to elicit an emotional response, which heightens memory retention.
You will get a watch for free if spending more than 109$ Welcome to visit our web http://www.rolexclassic.com/ You can always choose the watch which you love best. We have many kinds of replica watches ,such as rolex watches, chanel watches, breitling watches, cartier watches and so on.. The quality of the watches and the service we provide must be the best
xcellent blog!I like it.but The meaning of the last paragraph a bit puzzled.It??s always good to have passions in life to keep yourself from going down the negative path and work towards staying positive.I really enjoyed this. You can look your article comments. This information has really been helpful for most of the readers. I really appreciate the way you have written about this. I will really like to read more on this from you. I know your expertise on this. I must say we should have an online discussion on this. monclerWriting only comments will close h . www.monclerlife.com
Howdy, i read your blog often and i own an analogous one and i used to be simply wondering if you get a lot of spam comments? If thus how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you’ll be able to advise? I get thus much lately it’s driving me mad so any help is very abundant appreciated. Others truly struggle with how to handle their angry emotions and end up causing a lot of chaos. http://www.monclerleather.com/
Thank you for this blog. Thats all I can say. You most definitely have made this blog into something thats eye opening and important. You clearly know so much about the subject, youve covered so many bases.
An intention in existence could be the only lot of money well worth acquiring. Pursue your object, be it what it can, steadily and indefatigably. Guy who features a settled goal will certainly be successful. Posed By Jordan 6
Author Archives
-
Return to the road
The fourth incarnation of Return to Forever brings their 32-date U.S. tour to Clearwater.
- More »
