Fill in the Damn Boxes! Every Detail of Your Band Bio Matters

Kevin McElroy
Editor, Tune Up Magazine

Why This Matters

You know another thing that makes me want to chuck my laptop across the room? Broken links, half-filled profiles, and band websites that barely contain more than a name and some vague photos. Why?! Seriously, if you’re trying to build an audience, make it easy for us to learn who you are, not some Sherlock Holmes mystery we need to solve. I’ve ranted on my radio show for years: “Fill in the damn boxes!”—and I stand by it. If you want people to care about your music, you have to make it easy for them to find you, know you, and buy your stuff. It’s that simple.

The Problem with Incomplete Profiles

Here’s the deal: I head over to your Facebook page, hoping to learn about your band, and I find an empty “About” section. No band members listed, no roles, no elevator pitch, and no clue where you’re from. It’s frustrating. If I, a radio host with 14 years of experience who wants to promote your band, can’t find this basic info, how do you think a curious new fan feels?

What Information Needs to Be There (Key Elements)

• Who You Are: Basic band bio—what makes you, you?
• Band Members: Who’s in the band? What do they play? People love connecting with individuals, not faceless groups.
• Where You’re From: Roots and origins matter. Fans want to know where your journey began.
• Elevator Pitch: Why should we listen to your music? Sell us in a few compelling lines.
• Music Sales Links: Direct fans to the places where buying your music supports you the most. If Spotify isn’t paying you, why are you pushing them? Promote your own merch and outlets.

Paraphrasing Gene Simmons’ advice to a young band he met on his show Family Jewels: “Wear your own T-shirts and merch.” Sure, I have a Motörhead tee too—but you’re building your audience, not theirs.

Leveraging Social Media and Websites

The internet, social media platforms, and your website have leveled the playing field in your pursuit of Rock God-hood. Take advantage of every single chance to promote and pitch your band. Let people know who you are. You complain about Wikipedia being inaccurate? Guess what—more often than not, it’s the only comprehensive source available. That’s on you. Complete your own bio and shape your narrative. Now, I’ve ranted about Spotify plenty—and it’s true, they aren’t exactly padding your pockets with those streaming payouts. But credit where it’s due: Spotify offers a fantastic user interface for presenting your band. Their artist profiles allow you to craft a bio, include self-promo links, and engage with your followers. But here’s the catch: you, the band, need to take advantage of it. If you ignore those tools, that’s on you.

Don’t write for people who don’t read; write for people who do.

Don’t Overlook FREE Opportunities

You, as a band trying to build an audience and brand, need to treat every single opportunity like it’s your last shot. This especially includes free options. You’ve got platforms and spaces at your fingertips that cost you nothing but a bit of time and effort to fill out. These aren’t just boxes—they’re keys to opening doors. Social media bios, website sections, direct links to your merch, even your freakin’ Spotify ‘About’ page—they’re free. If you’re not using these to the fullest, you’re leaving money and fans on the table. Fill every box, complete every field, and don’t let laziness be the reason you miss out.

As a radio host, I’m speaking from a selfish place, too. I want to share your story and promote your band with depth and enthusiasm. But you have to make it easy for me. Help me help you!

Combatting ‘No One Reads Anymore’ Mentality

I’ve heard it a million times: “No one reads anymore.” Here’s my response: don’t write for people who don’t read; write for people who do. Have the copy ready for those who want to dig deeper. It reminds me of a story from my son’s baseball clinic. Here in the U.S., kids are often told to “just meet the ball” when at bat. In the Dominican Republic, they’re told, “Swing as hard as you can, in case you hit it.” Swing for the fences with your copy. Give it your all.

The Value of Detailed Bios and Liner Notes

All of us old-school music fans love to wax nostalgic about liner notes. They were—and still are—a gateway to knowing an artist. I recently discovered an R&B singer I’d never heard of, thanks to detailed liner notes on a vinyl album. Six inches of text on cardboard, and suddenly, I knew who the hell this artist was. The written word matters. Treat your “About” sections and bios like modern-day liner notes. They’re a chance to control the conversation before the elevator doors even open.

Be on-brand, but if your shtick is to act like the aloof, cool rock star, let someone else handle your narrative.

Being Entertaining but Clear

There’s also room to be entertaining. Your bio doesn’t have to be dry, but don’t let it become confusing either. Be on-brand, but if your shtick is to act like the aloof, cool rock star, let someone else handle your narrative. You can’t sell yourself while also playing hard-to-get.

Practical Tips for Bands to Get It Right

• Fill Out Every Box: Treat it like a loan application. Incomplete? Rejected.
• Fear of Misleading: Worried about turning people off? Pull the band together for a marketing session, just like you do for songwriting.
• Leverage SWOT Analysis: Understand your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Know your target audience. You can’t be everything to everyone.

Be Flexible and Evolve

Just because our magazine targets a predominantly male audience doesn’t mean we don’t want everyone to read it. We aim for our demographic and adjust as needed. If the numbers show we’re off? We zig-zag, flip-flop, deke, and juke. Flexibility is key.

Closing Challenge

Hey, I know of which I speak. I’m still working on Tune Up’s website myself. In another article, I mentioned how I can be an overthinker—guilty as charged. It’s not, and probably never will be, as complete as I’d like. I’ll keep filling it with new content whenever I can. My agency website? Nowhere near perfect either, or fully representative of what I can do. But it does deliver the message to my target customer. Here’s the thing: I know I can do the work, and I need my site to reflect that, even if it’s a work-in-progress. Balancing full-time work and a passion for hard rock radio isn’t easy, but I’m challenging myself to fill every damn box. I challenge you and your band to do the same.

Kevin McElroy brings over 30 years of award-winning expertise in brand identity, design, and marketing. He’s dedicated to helping artists, businesses, and DIY creators build authentic and memorable brands. Discover more at mcelroycreativemedia.com.