Beginner Songwriter Bio

[Esther]

Some of the TAXI listings ask for a bio.

But what can you do if you're a "beginner"? You've never had a cut or something like that, there's nothing to brag about in this field (yet). What can you write (that doesn't sound totally amateurish)?

[mojobone]

Excellent question; there seem to be two basic options, light to outrageous embellishment and self-deprecating smart-assery. (mine is a mix of the two approaches) Neither are particularly appealing, but on the upside, this shouldn't take very long, heh. If you'd like to read a lot of bad examples, Myspace, SoundClick and Broadjam are loaded with 'em. If you haven't any accomplishments to speak of, simply write a few sentences about why you write and what makes your perspective and/or style unique, or what (hopefully interesting) life experiences you draw from in your writing. (perhaps you're inspired by living next to an ocean, a mountain range or the vast craters of your home planet) The important thing is to make as positive an impression as possible using the fewest words, so as to avoid tiring the reader; jes' be witty and be brief. (and no outright lies, please; we have an internet, and we can check)


Here's a short course: http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/art ... istbio.htm

This one's a bit more involved, and might lead you to write more than a paragraph, meaning nobody will actually read it, but it should spark some ideas, at least.
http://www.thisbusinessofdanceandmusic. ... _a_bio.htm

[Esther]

Thank your very much! I'll definitely write the bio based on your advice!

[mojobone]

Here's a link to my RN bio; there's a slightly longer one on my Myspace page.

http://www.reverbnation.com/main/global ... ist_969740

[shanegrla]

If you've had any training or schooling, you could add that. Or if either of your parents were musicians also, you could add that as insight as to where your spectacular talent and drive come from.

[guitarhacker]

I wrote 6 short sentences in mine.

Just the basics so I don't have a blank bio page.

The instruments I play, the fact that I have played live but now prefer writing, that I collaborate from time to time and that I have a few tunes signed but kept that part low key as well.

I just edited it to make it shorter a few days back. I also condensed my web site to about half it's former size.

Keep it short and simple.

I look at some and they are short books..... nahhh, a few sentences are all you need to tell who you are. Your music should do the speaking for you.

[Esther]

I wrote 6 short sentences in mine.

Just the basics so I don't have a blank bio page.

The instruments I play, the fact that I have played live but now prefer writing, that I collaborate from time to time and that I have a few tunes signed but kept that part low key as well.

I just edited it to make it shorter a few days back. I also condensed my web site to about half it's former size.

Keep it short and simple.

I look at some and they are short books..... nahhh, a few sentences are all you need to tell who you are. Your music should do the speaking for you.

Thanks, I kept it short. I submitted it to a listing (with a song) and now I'm waiting for the critique and I'll modify the bio based on what they say...

[mojobone]

I think they'll more likely critique the song than the bio; perhaps there's a better method for evaluating that.

[Esther]

I noticed that if they require a bio in the listing, they also write a sentence or two about that, fortunately.

[Kolstad]

I'd suggest thinking about your bio as a sales pitch.. you know the elevator one, just in writing. Have a one liner, a 30sec version and a 3 minute version ready. Use the one liner when you are presenting yourself at rally's ect, use the 30sec version at hosting sites and letters to publishers ect, and have the long version on your website.

Just google "the elevator pitch" and you'll get a thousand suggestions. They are probably all good, so get one done, and try it out and see if you feel comforable with it. In my experience it takes a while to develop one that works for yourself as well as for others.. to to base it as much on facts as you can. Any reviews of your music from prominent people, or factual placements ect. should be considered.

As a new writer, try to get your music reviewed. Industry coaches, Taxi reviews.. all kinds of places. Check the Indie Bible, it lists a bunch of magazines ect. where you can get your music reviewed for a small fee as well. Worth it, to get started..