Hi all, just in case there is any confusion, the final deadline for your portfolio full of work from this semester is tues april 24th. the work should be dropped off in my box in the learning center. i'm not sure when they close on that day, so if you're pushing the deadline you should give them a call. it's almost certainly no later than 4pm. good luck with everything, talk to you soon, owen p.s. spread the word on emerge and the prodfest party to your friends!

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How to Write an
Artist Biography:
A Bio Made Simple

by Christopher Knab - Fourfront Media & Music - Posted Jan. 2004

Before you begin to write the bio, be sure you have "taken an inventory" of your background, accomplishments, goals, and objectives as a musician, and remember who you are writing the Bio for: A&R Reps at Record Labels, Media Contacts, Booking Agents, and Management Contacts. These professionals in the music business are busy individuals, who may deal with dozens of "wanna-be's" every week, so make your bio informative, upbeat, and filled with useful comments, descriptions, quotes, and motivational language that can make them want to listen to your music, and help you on your musical way. When you are ready to rock n’roll, writing the Bio using this outline can keep you focused and organized.

1st Paragraph:

Start with an introductory sentence that clearly defines the essential band/artist name, your specific genre of music, where you are from, and perhaps a positive quote about your music from a contact you have made in the music business.

2nd Paragraph:

This section should address the immediate purpose of the Bio. What are you doing at this time? Mention a current activity you are involved with. If a new CD or Tape is coming out, that should be the main topic of the first sentence of the second paragraph. In other word, a reason why the Bio has been written should be clearly stated early on. Hints about any promotional activities that will be occurring to support the CD/Tape is also useful in this paragraph.

3rd and 4th Paragraph:

At this point, information on any other band members can be introduced, and background information on the forming of the group, past experience, accomplishments, and recognition issues can be addressed. If you have developed a plan for your career path, additional paragraphs elaborating on this type of can be written, that demonstrate how your current project is part of a larger career development plan.

Ending:

As stated earlier, the Bio should not waste words. For a new artist 1 page is sufficient to get the job done. For more experienced artists, a page and a half to two pages should be the maximum length. So, ending the Bio in a efficient way should be the aim; use another quote from a gatekeeper who supports the artist, or summarize the 2nd paragraph information, reminding the reader of current activities.

Ingredients of a
Demo and/or Press Kit

by Christopher Knab

1. Attractive, creatively designed folder.
2. Cover Letter: A letter of introduction to the specific person you are sending the kit to.
3. Bio: 1 to 1-1/2 pages long. Include: Introductory Statement, Summary of Current Project, Additional Information, Background of Artist/Band, Elaboration of any other key info, Ending Paragraph/Sentence.
4. Fact Sheet: 1 page long! Points out key info on the artist or band from the Bio.
5. Photograph: 8x10 black and white glossy ONLY!
6. Press Clippings: 2 or 3 sheets of Xeroxed reviews.
7. CD: 3 or 4 songs that reflect the best of your music.
8. CD Insert with song titles, name, copyright info, contact info, credits.

Note: Always put contact information on every part of the kit!

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Final projects can be emailed to me, shaunhubert[AT]gmail[DOT]com, as late as April 24th.

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