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A short, attention-grabbing bio is an integral part of a musicians or bands promo. It creates an invaluable first impression, with your most important points and accomplishments. Here are some free guidelines for writing your own. 1. Write down everything positive that comes to you about yourself and your musi c as a rough draft. Go back in time, and jot it all down. You wont be using all this information in your bio, but youll be able to pare it d own to essentials later. And you will want to retain those other details to poss ibly include in other versions of your bio, your longer biographies, your resume s and website, and to mention in interviews. Your promo will evolve as you find more pertinence in past endeavors, continue with new projects, and fine-tune you r goals. 2. Your bio should only be one, clear page. Busy professionals want to to the point and save valuable time. They may only be able to spend a ds skimming your bio to see if you are what they are looking for. Make They will appreciate it. Showing you are intelligent, professional and to work with, can make a lasting impression and get you where you want get right few secon it easy. pleasant to go.

It can be hard to decide what information is important to keep and what should b e trimmed. You have to consider the needs of your reader. What do they want from you? And what do you want from them? You should feature information that demonstrates your qualifications for the per son you are writing to. Are you contacting an A&R rep and seeking a recording co ntract? Or are you being considered by a bandleader to perform in a string quart et, or by the person responsible for booking entertainment at a college hip-hop event, a wedding ceremony, a fund-raising luau, or a folk festival? 3. Write your bio in the third person, as though someone else is talking about y ou (and/or your band). Begin with the bands or musicians (your) name, and a descri ption of their musical style. Convey your uniqueness. Sandy ToeJam and the Sole S isters is a beach party band extraordinaire, with a gritty feel and a sweet yet funky sound. 4. Show your experience and potential. With over 30 years under her belt singing jingles for professional Santas, Franny Elfman is well-versed in holiday carols. Up and coming nouveau polka artiste Gertie Oompapa has a fresh, bold sound, intox icating, light and heady. Descriptions should be complimentary and accurate. Be prepared to meet the expec tations you create. (Dont get stressed. Have fun with this. If you havent already, get used to knowing you are good!) 5. List your most impressive performances and/or recordings. 6. If you have them, mention complimentary quotes from noteworthy people in the music industry, interviews, music reviews, clients and fans. If you dont have any quotes, but you have supporters, ask them for some! 7. Do you have upcoming releases of new recordings, or special performances? Lis t them, as well.

8. What are you available for and perfect for? What do you want the reader to ch oose you for? Write it down. 9. Wrap it up by inviting them to speak with or meet with you, or simply to hire you. (Follow up with a call or an email.) 10. Your name and contact info should be very clearly readable, at the top of th e page, or at the bottom with your signature. 11. Check your spelling and grammar. Make sure everything is written in a very l egible font, and (just in case) large enough for farsighted people to be comfort able reading it. Arrange it in an attractive layout. Then have some trusted frie nds or family members read it, to catch anything you missed, or suggest possible improvements. 12. Include a brief (one page or less) cover letter with your bio when you send it out, either by email or post. Again, make sure your name and contact info (op tions: address, phone number, email address, website), is clear as well as the n ame and title of the person you are writing to. (Make sure you get their correct ly spelled name and title, and their correct email and/or postal address!) Explain who you are and why you have written to them. Then tell them what you ha ve to offer and why it is perfect for their needs. Conclude with something like, Thank you very much. I am looking forward to your r eply. Sincerely, ________________ You can also include a longer biography with additional information in your mail ings, as well as on your website. That way your readers have the option of learn ing more. Keep the paragraphs short, with spaces between them, so it is easy to read. You can provide a more detailed list of your recordings, who you have performed for, additional reviews, upcoming shows, more details about your band, and your fan base. You can also add interesting facts about your personal life if desired . If sending via email, you can make an EPK (electronic press kit) including your bio, some good photos, audio and/or video demos of your music, performance sched ule, and website links, etc. If sending by post, you can include a demo CD or DV D.