The 'DOs' & 'DON'Ts' for a great bio

DON'Ts:

1. DON'T tell media people that your dog getting accidentally hit by the UPS truck, inspired you to become a singer/writer of sad-sack songs. Not to appear cold-hearted and uncaring, but media people do not care to this point. Besides, it's a widely known (and accepted) fact that UPS drivers drive much too fast, and will eventually run you over anyway. But, this is one of those little things in life we learn to accept early on in our driving.

2. DON'T inform media people of when you received your first guitar and, especially, that you received it at age 4. If you did not become a virtuoso or protege by the age of 7, or even 10 years of age with it, what does it really matter?

3. DON'T make a statement to the effect of, "When Uncle Harry and Aunt Sally first heard me sing along with the radio, they unanimously agreed that I was destined for both the moon and stars."

First off, there is a great chance that neither Uncle Harry, nor Aunt Sally, know anything about the music business, and/or how it works, nor how much work goes into every aspect of it, at every level. If you are going to believe either of them, might I also suggest your making a toll-free telephone call to that crazy woman, "Cleo," who keeps advertising, not only her ability to see your blind future, but also the high success rate of her Tarot cards? Interestingly, out of all her customer testimonials, not once have I heard any of them request to learn how long they have to live...hmm...

4. DON'T state that you are also a fine actor, and an equally talented athlete, with aspirations of film and professional sports careers. While this may present you as multi-talented, it will also present you as a soul desperate for success by any means. If you are seeking other professional positions, restrict those to their respective areas.

DO's:

1. DO convey to media people which elements make you, your music, and/or your career unique, i.e., sound, lyric arrangements, vocal arrangements, choice of instrumentation.

2. DO state what makes your live performances also unique, or which aspect(s) of your show audiences most like.

3. DO state any major industry awards or contests you have won through your music.

4. DO state widely recognized national acts you have headlined for and, more importantly, any major artists you have actually performed with within their own respective musical acts.

While this article has bluntly pointed out several specifics, both negative and positive, its overall intent is to inspire musicians to present more professional revelations and representations of themselves and their careers, as opposed to providing what often comes across to media people as dumbdowned, cookie-cutter content, simply created in the interest of serving as 'page-filler' within artists' media kits.