7 tips for writing your artist bio
One of the most important pages on your artist website is your bio page. While writing music may come natural to you, it's not always easy to write about yourself.
But: Your artist bio is a crucial part for your band's image. So, don't underestimate its power.
An artist bio helps people understand who you are and what kind of music you make. And it's a helpful piece of information for music bloggers and media that you can put on your website, add to streaming services, your EPK, etc.
But what should be included in an artist bio and how can you design it so that people become curious and take notice of you?
This article will help you write a compelling artist bio that stands out and attracts people.
1. Write an engaging introduction
As mentioned, it's not always easy to write or even rave about yourself. A good way to start is to note down the most important facts.
What's your artist’s name or the name of your band? Where you are from? What does your music sound like? Is your music influenced by certain genres or bands? How did it all start?
Based on this, you can write a few sentences for your introduction. Keep the sentences short and your language appealing, but always stay true to your personality. The tone of voice should reflect you and your music. This way, you keep it authentic.
Pro tip: If you still struggle to write something about yourself, think of how you would describe your music or band to your friends or family.
2. Offer background information
Make sure to include all the essential background information in your artist bio, like your musical and artist history. But keep it as short as possible. You don't want to overwhelm the reader with too much information.
Another important aspect: Write your bio in the third person.
This way, it's very easy to understand, and it makes the life of journalists, festivals, and venues much easier since they can easily copy and paste it for their purposes.
3. Describe your music
Music journalists or media will most likely not be familiar with the sounds of your music. That's why it's important to add a description of it to your bio.
It's not always easy to nail it down to one genre. If your music fits into several or draws influences from specific genres, write it down with words a music journalist is familiar with.
Also, include your current plans. Are you just about to release a new single, or are you working on a new project?
If you're a solo artist, you can dive a bit deeper into your musical career and background. If you're a band, you can introduce the band members and add some relevant info about them.
This is also the part of your bio where you can include photos.
4. Include career highlights and achievements
That's the part to make you shine. Here you can talk about the things you've already achieved in your career.
Have you been the support band for a well-known band? Was your song played on a big radio station? Have you made it to important playlists? Have you played a big festival?
Note down all your achievements so far and pick the most relevant or impressive ones, or those you are most proud of.
As always, stay true to yourself and your personality as an artist or band. Be proud but be humble.
5. Pepper it with quotes
If music blogs or media outlets have already covered your music, include quotes in your bio.
Those quotes can help to describe the sound of your music, and they also give you some credibility as an artist, especially when they're coming from well-known music reviewers or magazines. They show that others are already talking about you and your music is worth checking out.
If you're new to the scene and don't have any quotes yet, don't worry. They'll come. So, remember to include them in your bio once you get a few.
Pro tip: Reach out to smaller music blogs or hobby music reviewers. They are usually always happy to discover new music and connect with new bands or artists.
Also, remember that every music blog or reviewer takes the time and effort to listen to your music and write about it. Appreciate their work. No matter how big or small, well-known, or not. They might be just at the very beginning of their career like you.
Don't only chase for the big fishes, especially at the very start. There are many independent, small, personal blogs out there. These writers put their hearts and passion into it. You can support each other.
6. Use it in several places
Your artist bio can be used in many places.
You can place a long version with photos on your About page on your website.
Use a shorter version for landing pages, your homepages, the bio section on streaming platforms, and your electronic press kit.
7. Keep your info up to date
This point is self-explanatory. Always keep your bio up to date (in all places).
Add info about new releases, an upcoming tour, new achievements, great new quotes, etc.
With these tips, you're well equipped to write a great and engaging artist bio. And if you need help, inspiration, or a creative pen to write this bio for you, reach out, I’m here to support you.
