Dear Nancy,

I definitely think an artist bio should be done in third person.  As far as MySpace, I, personally think the appeal of it is the “personal” feel that is has.  So I would say first person on something like MySpace.  I have actually gotten a little business for my CD Duplication/Replication business.  I have also been able to find songwriters in my area through MySpace.  I was also very hesitant about putting myself on MySpace, and I can’t honestly say I’m still 100%, but that’s just me.

 ..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Sincerely,

Kathy Davidson

 

Yes, I have noticed and debated the difference between first person versus third person point-of-view bios. I always felt pretentious writing my own bio in third person. Some portions were written by others so that helps me justify the necessity to keep it all third person. Still yet, I always wondered, "why does it HAVE to be third person?" It all seemed like bs to me.

Then, one day I came across Rodney Crowell's website and read his first person bio. I thought, "Finally! Someone recognizable has done it!" (And well.) The tone feels intimate and the listing of accolades matter-of-fact. It reads like an autobiography. I love it. However, I recognize that his level of accomplishment and "fame" are what make it intriguing. He's led a storied life! Strange or not, the more well-known a person, the more intimately we want to feel we know them. We want "inside information." So, in this instance a first person narrative doesn't come off as self-promotion, which is how it can read when a lesser-known person does it. So, I became in favor a brief, third person bio for an artist just establishing her career.

Re: MySpace and levels of intimacy, most of the artists I know use their page for personal reasons more so than professional. They make their music available but enjoy the opportunity to just hang out and chat as opposed to the pressure those of us in Nashville feel to constantly "work" our careers. Funny, I think most of the artists I run across on here who are really "working" MySpace live outside the major music areas.

I think MySpace started as a "hang" but is increasingly becoming business. I'm most interested in those artists on here who are striking a balance between both. I don't mind coming across a first person bio if it's well written, not too long, and they don't sound like a raving lunatic or someone who lives under a rock in Podunk, Arkansas.

 

I think for myspace either is fine, depending on what your space is intended to convey and who it is intended to reach.  But whether you choose to make it ultra-professional, or reach-out-and-grab-you personal ...... please please please have someone check your spelling and grammar!  (You can always type it in word, run spell-check, then copy and paste into your 'space'). 
 

I  don't care as long as it is interesting.  Nothing worse that a long I, me, boring bio that tells nothing about what's inside. Sometimes bullet format statements without 1st, 2nd, or 3rd  works real well.

I never noticed it until you brought it up.

Love your classes by the way.

John Moran

 

 

Hi Nancy,

Though I want to use my Myspace page to network with industry people, it is MY site to connect to my fans, so I like to use first person. I want to get that one on one with my fans. I am the one writing my fans, sharing what I do etc. They feel more involved when its first person.

My website and my EPK are my "professional sites" and I use third person there.

In todays market, I think industry people like to get a feel for the artist by checking out their Myspace.
But in my opinion, the industry people do not care if you use first or third on Myspace, they just want to see that connection being made!!! How the fans react etc.
And for me the best way to get that reaction is by using first person. I do sometimes use third on bulletins just to get my name out there.

xoxo,
Jessica
 

Thanks to everyone who's chimed in on this so far! I've really enjoyed reading the comments. Good food for thought.

Mine is still in third person at the moment...just 'cause that's what I'm used to doing. But the profile that has interested me the most lately is Gretchen Peters. She uses BOTH first person AND third person. The beginning is written by her in first person and then she also includes her "bio" which is written in the standard third person. I really liked this approach. Very interesting. Well, it caught MY attention anyway. :-)

But keep the comments coming! I'm loving it!

Musically,
Nancy
 

That's a good question. I wrote mine in third person, but that was partially a joke, also.
I guess it depends on whether you want to be informal or formal.
 

Hello
Although I seldom have opinions about what other people should be doing, for myself I would use the more personal touch. Of course, for me music is a love but not a vocation, so maybe that makes a difference. I think even if I were selling my music, however, i would be conscious of "professional" vs pretentious. "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain."

take care
 

Hi Nancy, First person. And please, no "...and shared the stage with Eliza Gilkyson, Martyn Joseph, Gurf Morlix, Bruce Cockburn..." Give us a quote, give us a point of view, give us something we haven't already heard. As long as it makes me want to read further; as long as your bio is your own and clean of cliche and desperation - game on. Also: anyone claiming to be a 'music business professional' has to be held in deep suspicion since it is a well known fact that currently, we have no 'music industry.' Stay inspired and purposeful and may we meet in safer days. Jon
 

Hey Nancy. Great question, keep them coming.

I really appreciated this question and the responses. After reading this, i switched to 3rd person and then added a personal note at the end, as that is what fit my edit. I was hesitant to switch to third at first because i thought it my be impersonal or to self promoting on Myspace. Then when i read my first person i noticed all the "I" did this or "I" like that and felt it was to "I" focused. I like how it reads now. As Myspace is becoming more and more sophisticated with technology, promotion etc., I thing 3rd person can be a good fit. It depends where you are at as a writer and how you want to represent yourself on this medium. If you get a chance, take a look and let me know what you think. Thanks!

Best Wishes,

Michael