Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Biographies-- Getting Beyond Facts & Figures

I have a different view of biographies than some of my counterparts. Namely, I think bios are fairly boring. After reading so many -- and media people do -- their eyes glaze over and they can usually "insert artist's name here" because the copy is so redundant to every other bio. So how do you capture their attention?

First, think of your bio as more than facts and figures. Do you want to include awards and achievements? Maybe. If you can make them flow into the copy. Or maybe you should think about a quick Fact Sheet for those type of things, SEPARATE from the bio. In essence, your bio should read like a magazine article. It should be your story.

You might say, "I don't really have a story." Yes, you do. If you're over 12, you have one. Maybe you've never thought about sharing it before. But in truth, aren't you sharing it, in part, through your music? So why not go one step further and flesh out your story in bio form?

Your story may not be as dramatic or compelling as some others, but it will be unique to you. And being unique is never boring.