The artist biography, or bio, is an integral element of your promotion kit. It is your opportunity to tell your story. Here are some helpful hints that can help you write a better bio.

• Write your bio in reverse chronological order. Your bio is your résumé for your career in the music business.

• Write objectively and in the third person. Many smaller publications may need a quick and easy story so they can reprint your bio word-for-word if necessary. It’s okay to be creative, but keep in mind that your bio is not a creative writing essay for college.

• Begin by describing your latest release. Provide pertinent details such as the title of the CD, the release date, the name of the first single, and other “focus tracks” that you wish to draw people’s attention to.

• Describe your sound. If you are writing your own bio, ask friends for an objective description of your music.

• Identify musical influences and/or other recording artists that your music has been compared to. This will help to paint a clearer picture of your sound for the reader.

• Provide details of any radio airplay your new CD is receiving. If you have received any positive press, include quotes.

• Namedrop. If you have opened for any well-known acts, mention them in your bio.

• Provide history on any previous releases if applicable. Describe any successes you achieved such as radio and video airplay, chart positions and CD sales.

• Provide a history of you and your band. Include details on where and when the band formed. Identify key members and the instruments they play.

• Include contact information. Whether you have a manager, agent or publicist, or you use your own name, provide the following information: contact name, phone number with area code, and e-mail address. If you have a Website, include the address.

• Proofread your bio. Then have someone else proofread it.

If you need help writing your bio, please contact me at [email protected].