PR For The DIY Artists And Modern Day Creatives

PUBLICITY, PRESS RELEASES, DISTRIBUTION,
BIO/SIGNATURE STORIES
​

Publicity is absolutely crucial. A good PR story is infinitely more effective than a front page ad. Richard Branson
​
It's been 25 years and counting that I have been putting "bums" in the seats at music festivals and venues, working with artists to promote their brand, pitching stories, and building relationships with journalists and media. Times may have changed but the one thing that is constant is the need for publicity.
THE FOUNDATION
​
As a publicist I have written hundreds of biographies for artists in many different genres of entertainment. As the industry has evolved so has the way you craft your biographies. The old school way of writing them is out and Signature Stories are in!
​
​Before you even begin thinking about releasing your music to the world you need a Bio/Signature Story that is intriguing, captivating, and original. It is one of the most important elements in creating your brand. It IS the foundation for every publicity and marketing campaign. Your social media tool kit, radio, promotional campaigns, and fan engagement make it all easier to manage when you have a signature story that is aligned with who you are as an artist and your vision.
​
​Many bio's that I have read over the years have lacked personality and elements that grab and engage. We are in a new arena where fans and followers want to be able to relate to an artist in a deeper way. A great bio needs an interesting hook, a moment that people can relate to.

​
DOES YOUR ARTIST BIO HAVE THAT HOOK?
WHAT IS A SIGNATURE STORY?

OLD SCHOOL VS NEW SCHOOL
​
Just as a songwriter needs a hook in their songs to make it catchy and memorable an artist also needs a hook in their Bio/Signature Story to make it notable.
​
The old music business standard bio was a one page that talks about the history of the artist, when they first started singing, playing guitar, or performing at the age of 6 then continues with listing every band member, how they met, who they opened for, their favourite artist and every other deep dive detail of their history.
​
​The problem with the old way is that there are too many cliches, there’s nothing that is exciting, and it sounds more like a resume then something that would grab the attention of a journalist or a fan.
​
​DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
​
​A signature story is not your traditional bio, that is the old school way of writing. Your Signature Story needs to have the wow factor or something that communicates authenticity in its narrative or message. It exposes a story that gets to the heart of a fan.
It may highlight something that happened in your life that compelled you to become an artist.
It may be an experience you personally went through or were inspired by.
Your signature story needs to be strong and realistic, perhaps painful and revealing or even funny and interesting.
It may not even relate to music at all but be the bridge that got you into creating music in the first place.

YOUR BIO IS YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL COMPANION
​
Just think of all the places your bio is going to travel with you. There are so many music platforms that you will want to be on and they are growing all the time.
​
Website
Spotify
TikTok
Youtube
Blogs
​
​
​
​