This is a kind of "editorial" part of our webzine. We have our "monthly ramblings" here, short essays about tendencies of the music industry, our reflections on news/rumors that raised our eyebrows or about issues that got us interested. We try to keep this place an open discussion forum for our readers so that they can reflect on the thoughts presented here or have their own ones posted here. So feel free to use this place for your own little essays. Email us your thoughts/reflections to feedback@rockunited.com

This time, Bandi talks about what a good bio should contain and should not contain.

HE'S GOT THE LOOK - WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC THEN?

Not meaning to hurt anyone I write this as usual, not mentioning the name of the artist it is about. Samples taken from a biography of an unsigned musician who sent his demo to us:

"His bad boy, heartbreaker image promises to conquer the mainstream market with heart wrenching love ballads, catchy pop anthems, and artistic emotional works such as the demo title track. His over the top rock superstar portrayal is a fresh rebirth in today's music scene that not only guarantees success, but longevity. […] In that short time he has established a large following consisting of teenage girls and college students despite the recent popularity of the "bubble gum" pop bands. Promising to be one of the most marketable unsigned artists today, (his name skipped) may be the savior that rock music has been looking for."

Add to all this that the bio was most probably written by the guy himself as it was not sent to us by any management, he is using a business paper headed with his own name. But even if it was done by an outsider what the heck is this?? A biography is supposed to contain FACTS, these are just OPINIONS and pretty biased and subjective at that. Not a single word about the musicians, the recording date of the demo, no mention of previous recordings or bands. The artwork of the demo does not have them either. Praising yourself won't help you getting a contract as people at record labels are not deaf. Being involved in music business for about 15 years now I met some weird characters but this bio could still raise my eyebrows.

"He may be the savior that rock music has been looking for" ??? God, let's all hope NOT!

By Endre "Bandi" Hübner,

"Sayin' It Loud & Clear" June 2001

"Sayin' It Loud & Clear" May 2001