Writing an artist bio

[Z-Mann]

Hey friends,

 

I've been working on an artist bio for my website and I'd like to ask for a little constructive criticism. It is located here:

 

http://www.davidpaulzimmer.com/aboutdpz.cfm

 

The thing I was shooting for was to emphasize my experience in music without delving too deeply into the small details of my musical life. I'm just starting to play shows and am in the process of recording a solo album, so I don't have a lot of achievements to boast about yet.

 

There were a few articles on the topic that I found useful, but the most helpful thing was reading other band/artist bio's on the net to get ideas.

 

Anyhow, thanks in advance for any input.

[Kramerguy]

ok..

 

So, your bio looks nice and all that. I know you knew that already, you're no beginner.

 

The one major confusion I have is simply (as a booker) I read your bio and it appears that you are a solo act, yet the demo I hear sounds like a band (drums, piano, etc), on top of the guitar and vocals.

 

So if I were looking at your bio (which really is your EPK, right?) I'd immediately conclude that your (recorded) music is not representative of your live show, and wouldn't know what to make of you, and wouldn't book you, based on what is really a small and seemingly insignificant detail.. know what I mean?

 

Other than that, everything is fantastically done.

[daddymack]

into a vast understatement. As a musician who has been honing his craft for nearly fifteen years, his efforts are showing through in the recording of his debut album and in his eclectic live performances, which combine vast

your writing is half vast...

 

but seriously...I don't get a sense of you from this...less personal history, more personal story...

 

oh, and unless you are changing your name, the last 'R' falls off the background of the first page of your site...

[Matximus]

I work in newspapers. Two points: Omit Needless Words. And always say "said" Never explained...rememberd...r ecalled or what not:

Here's my edit:

 

Calling David Paul Zimmer a "singer-songwriter" is an understatement.

After 15 years honing his craft, Zimmer is in the midst of recording his debut record slated for release this year. It will capture the vast traditional and modern musical influences that have informed his eclectic live act. David's sound - recalling Neil Young, Radiohead and Wilco -is an evocative mix of electronically looped acoustic and electric guitars.

 

“The material I’m writing now is more true to me and where I come from than anything I’ve done in the past.” David says. “Every song I write seems to become my new favorite.”

 

The Tallahassee, Florida native's musical roots deep, starting with his Grandfather, Paul. His grandfather inspired his love of music, as well as his own middle name.

 

"One of my favorite memories as a kid is of my Granddad playing the fiddle while my entire family clapped along.” David said. “Goose bumps shot straight up my spine and I knew I had to learn how to do whatever it was he was doing."

 

David first picked up guitar in high school, inspired by 90s modern rock. In college, he broadened his interest to include the blues, jazz, bluegrass, progressive rock and country. After college, David started playing in bands from Gainesville, Florida, to Nashville, Tennessee.

 

“Playing in bands and collaborating with other musicians has been some of the most fun I’ve had in life,” David said. “But it’s also been an incredible learning experience, both musically and personally. I really feel fortunate to have played with so many great musicians and personalities.”

[Z-Mann]

 

So if I were looking at your bio (which really is your EPK, right?) I'd immediately conclude that your (recorded) music is not representative of your live show, and wouldn't know what to make of you, and wouldn't book you, based on what is really a small and seemingly insignificant detail.. know what I mean?

 

 

Good point. I will talk more about what I do live because the recordings have drums and bass in them. What I think I really need is a few videos showing what I do live. Thanks!

[Z-Mann]

 

I work in newspapers. Two points: Omit Needless Words. And always say "said" Never explained...rememberd...r ecalled or what not: Here's my edit:

 

 

 

This is awesome stuff. Thank you for taking the time to look over this! I will be working on this today while I have time.

[AndThinkOfTexas]

 

This is awesome stuff. Thank you for taking the time to look over this! I will be working on this today while I have time.

 

 

As far as the "said" issue is concerned, I would consider the fact that your biography page is titled "About Me."

 

With an "About Me" page, you are talking about yourself. So- to say "David said" in a page written by you sounds a bit awkward (you, talking about you in 3rd person = awkward). When using "David said," you might want to title the page "About DPZ," like you have it titled on the menu.

 

EDIT: No offense to the guy working at the paper, but- it's a website, not a newspaper.

 

At any rate, I am always making sites and have created several for artists and bands. The biography page is always an issue, so don't worry about it. The thing I like to do is have a brief history, written as if not written by you and following it up with quotes from others. For example:

 

"The live show of David Paul Zimmer is one that you have to experience to truly appreciate. The record, while fantastic, offers his talent little justice, as he is unlike anyone I've heard live in recent years. He is absolutely phenomenal." - John Smith, HarmonyCentral.com

 

If you can send your EP to local critics and have them give you some feedback (or invite a critic out to a gig), it can really add a lot to your page and resume to have their opinion quoted on your page and it can be a huge advantage in booking attempts. People like to see that OTHER people like you (it's the same as when a friend "helps you get a job," because they typically put in a good word. That "good word" is what a lot of booking agents are looking for).

 

Anyway- hope all of this information helps you out. I really dig the tunes.