I'm in a new band and we have to write a short bio to submit along with our demos. I'm having trouble writing one however because we've only been around since January 1st and have only played 4 shows so far. When I did a bio for my punk band (which has been playing for 4+ years) I had press clippings, interviews to quote, etc. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
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Band Bio Help?
- Thread starter papa_ian
- Start date
You can also write about how you got together. A short bio on each of the members. Some pics of your 4 shows. Call whomever you played for and ask them for a quote (a good one, I hope 
) Maybe list some influences. Why your band plays some of the songs it does. What inspires your band? Lots of stuff.
Good luck.
) Maybe list some influences. Why your band plays some of the songs it does. What inspires your band? Lots of stuff. Good luck.
Hey OP, if you want to send a draft of the bio to me via PM, I'd be happy to look it over (I write for a music blog). Good luck!
I have a 3 line rule which we implemented after too many attempts at witty wordplay. Bare bones is best.
Line 1:*Band Name* are a *Genre* band from *Location*.
Line 2: <Include Resume here: Shows played recently, indicate if any members are from other bands that are well known, notable support gigs,>
Line 3: <Plans for the next year. Tell people what you're up to here briefly>
That, in my opinion is all you want to start with. Nobody is going to read any more than that. Most people don't even read more than 3 lines into the Bios of major bands. You can come along and put in press responses and stuff later on when stuff actually happens. Don't try and define your sound or cite your influences or any of that guff. It's window dressing.
Line 1:*Band Name* are a *Genre* band from *Location*.
Line 2: <Include Resume here: Shows played recently, indicate if any members are from other bands that are well known, notable support gigs,>
Line 3: <Plans for the next year. Tell people what you're up to here briefly>
That, in my opinion is all you want to start with. Nobody is going to read any more than that. Most people don't even read more than 3 lines into the Bios of major bands. You can come along and put in press responses and stuff later on when stuff actually happens. Don't try and define your sound or cite your influences or any of that guff. It's window dressing.
no one cares about your band so don't right them a book. Name, genre, location
pretty much what IPYF said minus the other well known bands thing, again, no one cares.
pretty much what IPYF said minus the other well known bands thing, again, no one cares.
bongomania
Commercial User
- Apr 6, 2007
- 777
- 538
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Fishman Transducers, Aguilar Amplifiers, Ear Trumpet Labs
Include something in the first paragraph that will tell a talent buyer or DJ what kind of music you play, so they know where to put you. People will probably look at your press kit first and then decide if they need to listen to your music. Often, submissions just wind up in a pile on someone's desk and they sift through when they need bands.
For example, if a club is trying to fill out a night of traditional country, you want them to know not to book your metal band for that show.
For example, if a club is trying to fill out a night of traditional country, you want them to know not to book your metal band for that show.
If I'm doing a bio, I usually don't think about the current event I'm doing. I tend to relate to past groups, concerts, band leaders I worked with.
Putting something down like.... Featured soloist in New Music Festival in 19xx and played in the Whatever town Jazz fest under the direction of Famous Jazz guy....sounds better than....Been playing with these guys for a month and managed to toss these tunes together.
Trying to come up with a group bio for a new group seems a bit too constructed and forced. I think the earlier suggestion of how the group formed and your individual roots could be a great start until the group establishes its own story.
Putting something down like.... Featured soloist in New Music Festival in 19xx and played in the Whatever town Jazz fest under the direction of Famous Jazz guy....sounds better than....Been playing with these guys for a month and managed to toss these tunes together.
Trying to come up with a group bio for a new group seems a bit too constructed and forced. I think the earlier suggestion of how the group formed and your individual roots could be a great start until the group establishes its own story.
I'm in a band, I love my band, I love what I'm doing. we get some pretty good crowds for doing original music. no one still cares.
The only ones that care already know ... your mother, your grandmother, your girlfriend. And your grandmother doesn't really care.
jive1
Commercial User
The band bio is something that you have to create, but no-one reads. Kind of like the crib sheets for medications or technical documents for equipment.
Keep it short and to the point, and put it on the front page.
If you want to make a bio, make it more interesting to read. But, the reality is that most folks will look at your pictures, shows, and demo in that order.
Keep it short and to the point, and put it on the front page.
If you want to make a bio, make it more interesting to read. But, the reality is that most folks will look at your pictures, shows, and demo in that order.
M. Owen Santy
Inactive
- Aug 10, 2011
- 274
- 6
- Disclosures
- Michael Tobias Designs Kingston Series & Traynor Amps Artist
REALLY?
Success is as success does. Act like no one cares about your band and I do guarantee you that no one will.
Find out what a "One Sheet" is, look for a few examples and write one up as professionally as possible.
Ensure to post track names, links, a good clear copy of your promo photo in upper left corner, management & full contact information in the footer.
As far as a brief bio it's usually best to have it written in a third person perspective. Find someone with interview skills to sit you guys down, ask some targeted questions and write something up for edit.
If you need a format "cheat sheet" for MS word pm me. If you guys plan on doing anything in this profession - learn to act professionally. Not just like another stooge looking to play for free in their local bar trying to get laid.....
yeah, pretty much what people said already...name, location, style, together since, sounds kinda like xxx, yyy, zzz.
Keep it short, clever.
If you have a fancy stage show, or wear costumes, naked chicks, put that on there.
I'd say type it on an old school typewriter then scan it in to look cool.
If you are a punk band, have your kid brother write it for you.
Keep it short, clever.
If you have a fancy stage show, or wear costumes, naked chicks, put that on there.
I'd say type it on an old school typewriter then scan it in to look cool.
If you are a punk band, have your kid brother write it for you.
I was born in the wagon of a traveling show; mama got rich from the money they'd throw; papa did whatever he could; preach a little gospel; sell a little bottle of doctor good.
The only ones that care already know ... your mother, your grandmother, your girlfriend. And your grandmother doesn't really care.
my grandmother probably cares more than my mom and fiance. lol. funny post.
Gypsies, tramps and thieves....
I agree in keeping it SHORT.
I am not gonna read a bunch of boring crap.
Would you ?
