So you're an artist. Why should we care? What makes you unique? Why should we hire you?
Writing your bio can be pretty intimidating, but it's a key factor in letting people get to know you, especially your future fans and clients.
There are a number of things to consider, and this series guide help you through the process, give you ideas if you're feeling stuck, and give you technical specifics you should target for your website.
TECHNICAL SPECS: In a nutshell
Create different versions with different character/word limits.
Twitter length: 280 characters (may also be used as your website headline, succinctly describing you and your music)
Medium/Festival bio: Usually 80-100 words, or less than 200 words (1 paragraph). Other short-form/medium bios are 250-350 words.
Spotify bio: 1500 characters (approx. 210-380 words)
Full (long) bio: Any length you want, but most people can more easily digest 2-3 paragraphs (or 500-750 words) in a sitting.
Always write in the third person.
Third person: He / She / They / Name vs First person: I
Writing in third person helps with SEO (search engine optimization) and makes it easier for journalists to incorporate your material into their articles.
(Also, it's hard to list your accomplishments and accolades in first person without sounding like you're just bragging.)
You can also write a separate Artist Statement, which uses the first person POV. It's used more often for specific projects, especially “passion projects” vs something you would release widely/commercially.
Cover your bases.
Basic information on who you are, who your band is. Make sure to use your/band’s name as often as possible, without overkill.
Set ground rules on how you will refer to you/your band throughout your bio for consistency. Examples:
FirstName LastName
vs FirstName
vs Initials
vs Mr. LastName
vs LastName
OR Your Full Name & Band Name
vs The Band Name
If you're in a band, make sure to include names of each member’s name, their role. Decide if you want to give each member a separate mini bio (1-2 sentences) within the band description.
Where are you from? Where are you now (what’s going on in your career right now)? Where are you headed (upcoming projects that can be substantiated)?
Literally and figuratively, but make sure it connects back to you as an artist.
Short description of your music (1-3 genres for categorization, or describe it well enough to take your audience on your artistic journey).
Industry people/collaborators? (Fellow musicians, producers, promoters, etc.)
Big festivals/venues you have played.
Achievements and accolades.
Nominations/wins for any awards.
Opened for/shared the stage with/supported…
Press mentions, playlist/radio play, brand endorsements/collaborations…
Past releases/projects you’re proud of
What’s happening/what’s next?
For EPK: Links back to your website and often used social media accounts (your PDF may be passed around outside/despite of your website or socials).