View Full Version : advice on writing a bio.
lachainsworth
15-Apr-09, 06:40pm
hey everyone, im really stuck with wrting a bio for myself. what would you guys put or have in yours?
slackas
15-Apr-09, 07:13pm
Do you really need one?
Why not get someone who knows you to write it, then it'll be more honest
lachainsworth
15-Apr-09, 07:26pm
Do you really need one?
Why not get someone who knows you to write it, then it'll be more honest
yeah i kind of do. hhhhhhmmmmm. it may turn out like this...
http://www.inthemix.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=186160 hahahahahaha :lol:
Spinfast
16-Apr-09, 02:19am
This is what my mate wrote for me....
DJ Spinfast started his DJing career at the young age of 16 in 2008 when his love and passion for music drove him to the art. He has been influenced by some of the biggest names in the game including Dj J Smoove (teacher), ATB, Dj Nick Skitz, Dj Carl Cox, Dj A-Track and many other big name artists. Playing a vast variety of R'n'B, Hip-Hop, House, Electro and Breaks aswell as many old school tracks Spinfast's tunes will get any party started!
quantum8
16-Apr-09, 07:22am
dont list everywhere you've played at or everyone you've supported. just list your highlights to show your diversity, etc
pomrocks
16-Apr-09, 08:11am
this is by far the best bio i've ever come accross
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?cropsuccess&id=691987242#/group.php?sid=c93dd4e35bb7cd724f6b9a41d122654a&gid=12152657654&ref=search
Spitchen
16-Apr-09, 08:41am
this is by far the best bio i've ever come accross
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?cropsuccess&id=691987242#/group.php?sid=c93dd4e35bb7cd724f6b9a41d122654a&gid=12152657654&ref=search
:lol:
pomrocks
16-Apr-09, 08:47am
so many :lol: in that, i think maybe my fav is;
"What’s ahead in 2009? Miss B™ has landed a new residency for a popular club night in Sydney called SOUNDBOX playing alongside some of Australia's FINEST established underground DJ's."
So she's "landed" a residency at the night she runs herself? wow....
And more :lol: at "underground" Djs
slackas
16-Apr-09, 08:51am
this is by far the best bio i've ever come accross
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?cropsuccess&id=691987242#/group.php?sid=c93dd4e35bb7cd724f6b9a41d122654a&gid=12152657654&ref=search
"Miss B™ has always had a passion for music and first jumped behind the decks when one of her good friends was leaving for the UK and left the “Stanton Belts” to be babysat by none other than Miss B™ ! "
Hands up people who started on stanton belts :hooray: :hooray: :hooray: :hooray: :hooray: :hooray:
Took me so long on freakin KFC wage to save up for those too, stanton STR8-80's, dont even make them anymore lol.
everything you need to know about writing a bio is in this thread: http://www.inthemix.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=226822
copy/pasted for convenience...
One of the most important parts of advancing your djing or producing career is to have a good bio. Below are a few steps to ensure that your stands out fro the rest.
1. Even though you are writing the bio yourself, it is best to make it appear that is was written by some esteemed journalist or someone respected in the music industry.
2 The best way to start is by saying that you began toying with your dad's stereo and record collection at an early age. Bonus points can be gained if your dad was a dj, even if the truth is he only put a record on at a wedding once while drunk. Always say your parents had lots of cool records in their collection. Stevie Wonder and Kraftwerk are always good options even if your parents collection consisted of Abba, Kenny Rogers and Hooked on Swing. Say your house was alway filled with music. Someone might have played a guitar one drunk christmas. This can be padded out to make it seems like music flows through your veins.
3. Saying you are a classically trained musician is alway good. Even if you only had one piano lesson and were only allowed to play the triangle in the school band, these can all be fluffed up to look better for the bio. The fact that you couldn't play jingle bells on any instrument today doesn't really matter.
4. Early musical influences are very important on a bio. You may have grown up on N*SYNC and other boy bands, but these will not cut it. Go to a myspace page of a band/producer or dj you like and cut and paste any cool looking influences from their profile. Try and get a good range of decades in there too. These days 70's fusion bands are quite trendy, so too are 80's synth bands. If you are trying to break into t the indie dance scene, try throwing in some ironic stuff like John Farnham and some death metal. If you are a new disco dj, be sure to throw in ESG and Arthur Russell.
5. Stating that you got into dance music at an early age is good. Saying you would sneak into raves at age 12 is favorable. Having an older brother that played you techno records is good too. Make yourself seem like a rebel who knew all about underground dance in year 7. It doesn't really matter that you actually had Mariah Carey posters on you wall.
6. First gigs are important. Maybe you were a roadie for you dj dad and had to take over when he took a break. Maybe you the bus boy in a club and the dj passed out and you filled in and rocked the joint. Make it romantic.
7. Support slots. When you are starting out playing with reputable djs can be seen as a mark of ability. You may have had a few gigs playing in a side room to 4 people while Carl Cox was playing in the main room to 4000. This shouldn't stop you from putting Carl Cox as a dj you have played with. Think of as many djs who you have played within one kilometer of and add them to the list too.
8. Production is very important. If you ever touched keyboard in your youth play on that. You could pad that one out to read as if you had an interest on old synths and electronics from an early age.
9. The word genius should not be used sparingly. Remember the people who are reading the bio are not aware that it was written by you, so no need for modesty.
Now the bio is written you can move onto getting a gig. In the next chapter we will look at pirating music for you dj sets and sucking up to promoters.
This is what my mate wrote for me....
DJ Spinfast started his DJing career at the young age of 16 in 2008 when his love and passion for music drove him to the art. He has been influenced by some of the biggest names in the game including Dj J Smoove (teacher), ATB, Dj Nick Skitz, Dj Carl Cox, Dj A-Track and many other big name artists. Playing a vast variety of R'n'B, Hip-Hop, House, Electro and Breaks aswell as many old school tracks Spinfast's tunes will get any party started!
:lol:
good one dude.
that gave me a good laugh this morning :D
Spitchen
16-Apr-09, 09:38am
everything you need to know about writing a bio is in this thread: http://www.inthemix.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=226822
copy/pasted for convenience...
One of the most important parts of advancing your djing or producing career is to have a good bio. Below are a few steps to ensure that your stands out fro the rest.
1. Even though you are writing the bio yourself, it is best to make it appear that is was written by some esteemed journalist or someone respected in the music industry.
2 The best way to start is by saying that you began toying with your dad's stereo and record collection at an early age. Bonus points can be gained if your dad was a dj, even if the truth is he only put a record on at a wedding once while drunk. Always say your parents had lots of cool records in their collection. Stevie Wonder and Kraftwerk are always good options even if your parents collection consisted of Abba, Kenny Rogers and Hooked on Swing. Say your house was alway filled with music. Someone might have played a guitar one drunk christmas. This can be padded out to make it seems like music flows through your veins.
3. Saying you are a classically trained musician is alway good. Even if you only had one piano lesson and were only allowed to play the triangle in the school band, these can all be fluffed up to look better for the bio. The fact that you couldn't play jingle bells on any instrument today doesn't really matter.
4. Early musical influences are very important on a bio. You may have grown up on N*SYNC and other boy bands, but these will not cut it. Go to a myspace page of a band/producer or dj you like and cut and paste any cool looking influences from their profile. Try and get a good range of decades in there too. These days 70's fusion bands are quite trendy, so too are 80's synth bands. If you are trying to break into t the indie dance scene, try throwing in some ironic stuff like John Farnham and some death metal. If you are a new disco dj, be sure to throw in ESG and Arthur Russell.
5. Stating that you got into dance music at an early age is good. Saying you would sneak into raves at age 12 is favorable. Having an older brother that played you techno records is good too. Make yourself seem like a rebel who knew all about underground dance in year 7. It doesn't really matter that you actually had Mariah Carey posters on you wall.
6. First gigs are important. Maybe you were a roadie for you dj dad and had to take over when he took a break. Maybe you the bus boy in a club and the dj passed out and you filled in and rocked the joint. Make it romantic.
7. Support slots. When you are starting out playing with reputable djs can be seen as a mark of ability. You may have had a few gigs playing in a side room to 4 people while Carl Cox was playing in the main room to 4000. This shouldn't stop you from putting Carl Cox as a dj you have played with. Think of as many djs who you have played within one kilometer of and add them to the list too.
8. Production is very important. If you ever touched keyboard in your youth play on that. You could pad that one out to read as if you had an interest on old synths and electronics from an early age.
9. The word genius should not be used sparingly. Remember the people who are reading the bio are not aware that it was written by you, so no need for modesty.
Now the bio is written you can move onto getting a gig. In the next chapter we will look at pirating music for you dj sets and sucking up to promoters.
:lol: Brilliant!!!
I once played at Home in the smallest room to 10 people whilst Tiga played in the main room to 1000. I might use that one. :P
pomrocks
16-Apr-09, 09:41am
i was born in england and went to holiday to ibiza when i was 7, maybe i should put (UK/IBIZA) after my name?
yes that was sarcastic....
Richierich5381
16-Apr-09, 10:06am
Ive written a couple of a decent length for mates with some success, PM me if you want and I'll take a look at what you have got so far. Im a freelancer (with the emphasis on free sadly at the moment!) Trying to build a portfolio, so I'd be happy to help.
And Pomrocks - yes, yes you should, and keep the capitals in for good measure ;P
My latest piece - unabashed self promotion FTW! : http://www.inthemix.com.au/music/42308/Hell_Teufelswerk
ifuseekamy
16-Apr-09, 10:27am
everything you need to know about writing a bio is in this thread: http://www.inthemix.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=226822
copy/pasted for convenience...
that really should be a wikipedia entry 8)
slackas
16-Apr-09, 10:42am
:lol: Brilliant!!!
I once played at Home in the smallest room to 10 people whilst Tiga played in the main room to 1000. I might use that one. :P
I once played in my bedroom when Tiesto was on TV, should i write that?
quantum8
16-Apr-09, 10:47am
that really should be a wikipedia entry 8)
sounds like a job for encyclopedia dramatica. someone's done one on F74, so why not this? :stroke:
Shifty-Sly
16-Apr-09, 10:47am
I once played in my bedroom when Tiesto was on TV, should i write that?
was the TV in the bedroom? were you already playing when he cam on the TV?
If so it should read along the lines of.... Warmed up the room for Tiesto
seanious
16-Apr-09, 10:55am
Awesome I played guitar for 5 years and have helped my brother produce some tracks - win for me. I'm going to post my bio up here when I get home
Funkedub
16-Apr-09, 11:07am
This is what my mate wrote for me....
DJ Spinfast started his DJing career at the young age of 16 in 2008 when his love and passion for music drove him to the art. He has been influenced by some of the biggest names in the game including Dj J Smoove (teacher), ATB, Dj Nick Skitz, Dj Carl Cox, Dj A-Track and many other big name artists. Playing a vast variety of R'n'B, Hip-Hop, House, Electro and Breaks aswell as many old school tracks Spinfast's tunes will get any party started!
your mate was taking the piss wasn't he??
please say yes ... please ...
After you've written your bio don't forget the DJ poser shots ... nothing says you're an awesome and professional DJ like professionally shot photos
eg.
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1611/127/52/539760848/n539760848_1676801_8244.jpg
twistedbydesign
16-Apr-09, 11:24am
Hrmm... I'm some 30 something guy who likes to spend spare time spare time being a nerd on the net. I like music lots n lots. Noodling on a guitar since i was 18 .. apparently i'm a DJ, producer and an events promoter. I'm a vinyl junkie ... i will starve for new records. I like to assault unsuspecting punters with dangerous toys from my bag of tricks ... that and some cheese (http://www.myspace.com/funkedub)
:rock:
Funkedub
16-Apr-09, 11:33am
that's a pretty awesome bio ... but you didn't post a pic of me mixing ... troll/stalk fail!!!
slackas
16-Apr-09, 11:35am
was the TV in the bedroom? were you already playing when he cam on the TV?
If so it should read along the lines of.... Warmed up the room for Tiesto
hahahahahah! tops.
This thread reminds me of the best Bio pics or myspace dj photos thread...
you could always ask someone to write one for you...
*looks at lexy*
ahem :)
you could always ask someone to write one for you...
*looks at lexy*
ahem :)
I got Ko to write mine :thumb: Pretty happy with it but needs an update after the Trance Energy fiasco :P
ifuseekamy
16-Apr-09, 12:40pm
Pretty happy with it but needs an update after the Trance Energy fiasco :P
what happened at TE?
what happened at TE?
Brisbane show got moved to a club night and most of the locals (except the club's residents) got cut..
ifuseekamy
16-Apr-09, 01:10pm
most of the locals (except the club's residents) got cut..
that sucks
you mean they were pissed off?
that sucks
you mean they were pissed off?
Yeap
just another victim of the dog eat dog world of trance.
slackas
16-Apr-09, 01:19pm
just another victim of the dog eat dog world of DJing.
Fixed! :prydz:
LittleMissPixie
16-Apr-09, 02:34pm
Whatever u do .. Be honest but not over the top .
Nothing worse than reading a bio that is full of bs .
quantum8
16-Apr-09, 02:37pm
I once read a bio that started off with
having won the first heat in a local DJ comp, <DJ Name forgotten> has gone from strength to strength, playing at <goes on to list every open decks night in town>...
Spinfast
16-Apr-09, 04:01pm
your mate was taking the piss wasn't he??
please say yes ... please ...
Whats so bad about it?...
:lol: sounds like an ad for a mobile dj
This is what my mate wrote for me....
DJ Spinfast started his DJing career at the young age of 16 in 2008 when his love and passion for music drove him to the art. He has been influenced by some of the biggest names in the game including Dj J Smoove (teacher), ATB, Dj Nick Skitz, Dj Carl Cox, Dj A-Track and many other big name artists. Playing a vast variety of R'n'B, Hip-Hop, House, Electro and Breaks aswell as many old school tracks Spinfast's tunes will get any party started!
You should ask your teacher to correct it for grammar and spelling.
Spinfast
16-Apr-09, 07:04pm
You should ask your teacher to correct it for grammar and spelling.
Umm... it seems fine to me. Please enlighten me as to what is incorrect?
Theres no need to be such snobs you know im simply providing an example of a bio which just so happens to be mine. It's not bragging or anything and I havn't even included any of my gigs so I dont see what the big deal about it is? Im in no way being dishonest with it or anything. If you think you are such a cool cat how about you write something half useful instead of trying to bag other people out.
Well for starters, if you were a fan of A-trak you would know how to spell his name
Spinfast
16-Apr-09, 07:17pm
Well for starters, if you were a fan of A-trak you would know how to spell his name
wow I accidently slipped in a c. Cry me a river...
this is by far the best bio i've ever come accross
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?cropsuccess&id=691987242#/group.php?sid=c93dd4e35bb7cd724f6b9a41d122654a&gid=12152657654&ref=search
i am thinking i should put a "TM" after my name now too everytime i write it
its lucky she did that cause MissB is a popular name:what:
Well for starters, if you were a fan of A-trak you would know how to spell his name
I was worried about him liking Nick Skitz..
wow I accidently slipped in a c. Cry me a river...
sorry, I thought this was the advice on writing a bio thread.
maybe you shouldn't have posted it if you didn't want advice
slackas
16-Apr-09, 08:27pm
^^^HEADSHOT!!!!
advice >> spell check mother f**cker
Spinfast
16-Apr-09, 08:53pm
^^^HEADSHOT!!!!
advice >> spell check mother f**cker
^ Thanks glad someone agrees...
Mate I was offering my bio as an example for the original poster so lets just end this silly disagreement now ok? I never asked for an analysis of my bio...
slackas
16-Apr-09, 09:18pm
This is what my mate wrote for me.... Please analyze for me
DJ Spinfast started his DJing career at the young age of 16 in 2008 when his love and passion for music drove him to the art. He has been influenced by some of the biggest names in the game including Dj J Smoove (teacher), ATB, Dj Nick Skitz, Dj Carl Cox, Dj A-Track and many other big name artists. Playing a vast variety of R'n'B, Hip-Hop, House, Electro and Breaks aswell as many old school tracks Spinfast's tunes will get any party started!
Fixed!
Far out i can be childish at times, oh thats right im only 12 :corey:
slackas
16-Apr-09, 09:20pm
I was worried about him liking Nick Skitz..
Had to sit through hours of nick skitz just to hear hectiks set a few weeks ago at family.
Was like a blast from the cheesy past, no cheesey dance anthem or lady gaga song was left unturned. LOL
I wonder if hectik will put that on his bio?
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=aswell
Spinfast
16-Apr-09, 09:31pm
^ Seriously... Just go jump or something I hate when people act like you are now. Go become an english teacher or something if you have a spelling fetish
Why so serious? You asked me to enlighten you, you even said please.
Umm... it seems fine to me. Please enlighten me as to what is incorrect?
Spinfast
16-Apr-09, 09:48pm
Touch'e haha... Im just having an angry sandwhich cause i was out till 4am last night =p. I miss sleep =(
Had to sit through hours of nick skitz just to hear hectiks set a few weeks ago at family.
Was like a blast from the cheesy past, no cheesey dance anthem or lady gaga song was left unturned. LOL
I wonder if hectik will put that on his bio?
Hektic's actually a pretty good mate of mine... When I found he was supporting nick skitz I posted this on his myspace..
Nergh Nergh Andy, pretty soon you've gotta add Nick Skitz to the list of DJs you've supported... FOR SHAME!!!!
He replied:
Angusexy
Nick Skitz is the King of CHEESE!! haha
He's actually one of my biggest influences hey.. Well when I started getting into this music :P
But yeah.. the stuff he's playing these days is sooooooooo cheesy but yeah.. the crowd loves it man :P hahahaha
come in and join the cheese crew?
Chillin
16-Apr-09, 10:27pm
I don't mean to start laying in too but I couldnt go past this...
influenced by some of the biggest names in the game ... and many other big name artists.
HOLY FKING SHIT HE'S A DJ AND HE LISTENS TO MUSIC
Spinfast
16-Apr-09, 10:40pm
^ artists and djs are different, both have influenced me...
and holy fking shit I am a dj that listens to music.. funny that eh? Im not sure what made u write that...
pEAkeR_hAT
16-Apr-09, 11:37pm
Don't worry about a bio. If you can mix good word will get around, same as if your tunes are good , word will get around.
Bio's are just something you put on your myspace so people have something to read while they check out your tunes ! (or minimixes or whateva)
wow I accidently slipped in a c. Cry me a river...
you want people to think you don't know the name of the artists who have been such an inspiration to you?
spelling is a big thing in a bio (or CV).
if a promoter is putting you on at their night they'll probably want it & will copy/paste it into their blurbs.
if they then have to go & fix up your mistakes it's extra work for them
if they don't fix up your mistakes they'll be the ones that look stupid.
lose/lose.
take the advice being offered, it's good & free.
and stop listening to nick skitz, that shit will mess you up for life.
lachainsworth
17-Apr-09, 07:43am
oh god. this thread went to shit :lol: yeah dont think i will bother with one. il let my mixing do the talking.
oh god. this thread went to shit :lol: yeah dont think i will bother with one. il let my mixing do the talking.
simple rule of thumb, you need a bio when someone asks you for a bio.
and by that stage it will pretty much write itself.
Lloyd C
17-Apr-09, 10:23am
this is by far the best I have ever seen
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=78689631077&ref=nf
pomrocks
17-Apr-09, 10:27am
:lol: awesome
good to see someone not taking themselves seriously
Funkedub
17-Apr-09, 10:01pm
Umm... it seems fine to me. Please enlighten me as to what is incorrect?
you're 17 ... you've been mixing for a year ... you don't have a "Dj career"
you're just a kid with some decks.
harsh i know, but thems the breaks
Spinfast
17-Apr-09, 10:17pm
Id consider it a career considering I make money from it and I plan to continue it, but I get what your saying.
I think in future ill refrain from helping people with all this flame... I didnt even write it haha.
mashedman
17-Apr-09, 10:32pm
how much did your equipment cost?
how much money have you made?
How do you get the party started?
Spinfast
17-Apr-09, 10:39pm
I dunno like $4000 I suppose... serato, 1210s, rane ttm56, good speakers, lighting gear etc. I earnt all this from my other job so I worked for every dollar.
Yes but id be in profit if I sold it now wouldnt I? The gear is an investment. Thats like buying a business and working for it...
I get the party started by playing good music and by having a good personality I suppose?
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