Band info: compiling your biography

The next few articles will tackle the various areas that need to be covered in order to start making your way in the world as a musical entity. These areas all help with performance, image and how the act is perceived out there in the marketplace. 

 

Biography

 

The artist biography is the primary tool in the information package that an artist needs, be it as a solo artist, a band, or a freelance musician for hire. It is a personal brochure and the easiest and most versatile marketing tool that can be put together. A biography explains the musical project to the reader and is aimed at media, agents and promoters, other bands and the public. It has many uses and can be placed wherever possible in the media environment. A good biography starts off by explaining what the band is, what type of music it plays, who is in the band and what they play. It goes on to give a short synopsis of the band’s achievements so far: who it has played with, any airplay of singles, TV appearances and any major festival dates. It is a good idea to name well-known venues that the band has played as well. The style of the biography should also reflect the image and style of the band. If you are a classical quartet, don’t use loads of slang and street language, but rather let the language of the biography work for you by giving an impression that is in line with the kind of outfit that you are.

 

A biography is also the place where any political or social agendas that the group might have can be explained. Explain motivations for forming the group and even go so far as to lay out some goals. For example: to tour the entire country, record an album, release singles to radio, get onto all the major festivals, or whatever is appropriate. It’s not generally advisable to boast that you intend to take over the world. Even if this is the general plan, that kind of attitude generally makes the media in particular write you off as unrealistic dreamers with a big attitude.

 

A biography is not really meant to be reproduced in the media as an article, so it needs to be fact heavy and written in a clear and concise way. It must include all band contact details, including websites and social media pages. Include email and telephone details and names. 

 

The general format looks like this:

 

Refiloe and The Rockets

 

Biography

 

Para 1

 

Formed in 2006, Refiloe and the Rockets are a Jozi-based outfit playing a hypnotic crossover of chilled out beats and township jive rhythms. Add in some hard rock guitar and the vocals of an angel and you have an idea of where their sound is at.

 

Para 2

 

Refiloe and The Rockets are of course Refiloe, the golden-voiced frontwoman, with Frik van der Merwe on lead guitar, Sbu on the decks and beat meister Johnny on the electronic rack (programming, keys, effects). Bass is provided by Voyani along with super-deep backing vocals.

 

In their two-year history, Refiloe and The Rockets have played all the major venues in and around Jozi city such as Rocka, Fuel Cafe, the Crazy 88 and The Bohemian. They have supported Freshlyground, Prime Circle and Goldfish and even played a select slot on the Oppikoppi main stage in 2007.

 

Para 3

 

Refiloe and The Rockets are committed to creating a South African urban sound like no other, fusing elements of many popular styles into a groove that is uniquely Jozi urban. With their crossover sonic and visual styles they are aiming for national fame and fortune and keeping their options open for the overseas market. Believers in the idea of an emerging, shared social identity among the youth, Refiloe and The Rockets are a truly representative band. They have no creed, no leader, and no politics except being open-minded, open-hearted and slaves to the beat.

 

Since breaking onto the live scene they have been continuously writing material with a view to releasing an album in mid-2009. Demo singles can already be heard on campus radio around the country and on their Soundcloud page.

 

Para 4

 

In short, Refiloe and The Rockets are the real deal: an emerging credible voice in the desert of South African youth culture, a fusion of all that has gone before, yet a unique melange that is right NOW.

 

Contacts:

For more information, bookings and interviews, contact:

Fred

083 555 5555

Fred@therockets.co.za

www.refiloeandtherockets.co.za

www.MySpace.com/refiloeandtherockets

Join our Facebook group!

 

Originally published in David Chislett's One, Two, One, Two: A Step By Step Guide To The South African Music Industry. Download a free copy of the book at www.davidchislett.co.za.