- DON’T overestimate the reader’s attention span. Keep it short and sweet – think one to two paragraphs max.
- DON’T let writing intimidate you, reach out to your writer friends for advice
- DO hook the reader in with the very first sentence
- DON’T use cliche phrases like “hails from” or “we sound like (insert band name) and (insert another totally different band) had a baby. Be original.
- DO create a strong, unique tag line for your band that press can latch onto like “disco pop princess” or “post-millennial Billie Holiday”
- DO find a compelling story line about your life and music that sets you apart and build the bio around this
And finally, to close out the bio….
- DON’T include 15 press quotes from unknown sources (i.e. your friend’s tumblr)
- DO include at least one strong press quote from a reputable press source
Check out some examples of solid bios:
- Jesse Ruben thought he would never play music again after contracting lyme disease.
- The Bergamot toured the country in a car they had strangers sign in every city they stopped in.
- Sammy Brue was discovered busking at 11 years old at Sundance Music Festival.
Sharyn started at the Windish Agency in Chicago at the front desk. 
After a year, she became the president’s personal assistant then his booking assistant, eventually working her way up to a full-blown agent with her own roster. In her six years at the agency, she has worked on tours for dozens of artist including The xx, alt-J, Hot Chip, Gotye, The Knife, and M83. Prior to Windish, Sharyn worked as an assistant talent buyer for two small venues in Chicago and did PR for a few artists. She now works in artist development for ReverbNation CONNECT and manages artists.
