Mastering the Music Interview: Tips for Success

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How to Conduct an Effective Music Interview

How to Conduct an Effective Music Interview

Conducting a music interview requires more than simply being a fan of the artist you’re speaking with. It involves a combination of preparedness, professionalism, and curiosity to uncover unique stories that resonate with your audience. In this guide, we delve into the dos and don’ts of music interviews. From the importance of being on time to ensuring you treat the artist as a human being, mastering these techniques will enhance your interviews and set you apart as a journalist. Let’s explore these key points one by one to help you get the most out of every music interview.

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Do… your research

Thorough research is the bedrock of any successful interview. Before you sit down with an artist, familiarize yourself with their discography, career milestones, and recent projects. This knowledge not only informs your questions but also shows respect for the artist’s work. By demonstrating that you’ve invested time in understanding their journey, you create a foundation of trust and openness.

Research can also reveal lesser-known facts that can lead to intriguing questions. Dive into past interviews, articles, and even their social media presence. This helps you avoid common questions and dig into unique aspects of their story that haven’t been widely covered. The more informed you are, the better you can guide the conversation into fresh and exciting territories.

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Don’t… get a selfie

While it might be tempting to grab a quick selfie with the artist you’re interviewing, professionalism should always be your priority. Seeking a photo can disrupt the flow of the interview and potentially diminish your credibility in the eyes of the artist. Remember, your role is to capture their story, not to act as a fan.

Maintain focus on the conversation and respect their personal space. Once the interview is concluded, and if the setting permits, a polite request for a photo might still be on the table. However, it should never be at the forefront of your agenda.

Do… be on time

Punctuality is a simple yet crucial aspect of any professional encounter. Being on time reflects respect for the artist’s schedule and sets a tone of seriousness for the interview. It allows the session to commence smoothly and creates a calm atmosphere for the discussion.

Ensure you account for possible delays such as traffic or technical setup requirements. Arriving a bit early can help you settle in and prepare your equipment, allowing you to begin the interview with focus and confidence.

Don’t… ask the same questions as everyone else

Avoiding clichéd questions is an excellent way to ensure your interview stands out. Artists often go through numerous interviews during promotional tours, and being repeatedly asked the same questions can lead to cookie-cutter answers. Your role is to peel back the layers of their persona and uncover something new and exciting for both the audience and the artist.

Craft questions that challenge them to think and reflect. Delve into topics they are passionate about or issues in the industry that evoke strong opinions. This invites genuine, thoughtful responses that enrich the interview experience.

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Do… know your timings

Time is a precious commodity in an interview setting. Knowing your timings allows you to cover all your prepared questions without rushing through the interview. Allocate time for different segments and ensure you cover the most critical topics at the beginning, leaving room for elaboration as needed.

Efficient time management also demonstrates your respect for the artist’s other commitments, showing professionalism and courtesy. Being mindful of the clock helps maintain a steady pace, ensuring a value-packed conversation.

Don’t… go in too hard

Starting an interview with tough, probing questions may set a confrontational tone. It’s essential to ease into more sensitive topics gradually. Beginning with light, engaging questions helps establish rapport and makes the artist feel comfortable, paving the way for deeper discussions.

Once a connection is established, you can gently steer the conversation toward pressing subjects. Balance is key; maintain the interview’s integrity without overwhelming your subject from the get-go.

Do… treat them like human beings

Beyond their public persona, artists are individuals with unique stories, struggles, and triumphs. Approach your interviews with empathy and respect, acknowledging their human experiences. This perspective fosters a genuine connection and encourages the artist to open up.

Use body language and active listening skills to convey your interest in their narrative. Acknowledging their responses with follow-up questions based on what they share can lead to richer and more authentic conversations.

Don’t… be too rigid

While having a structured plan is beneficial, being overly rigid can stifle the natural flow of the interview. Prepare flexible questions that allow you to pivot if an unexpected opportunity arises during the conversation. Be attentive to cues that might lead to new and unexplored topics.

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Adaptability can lead to spontaneous, memorable interactions that wouldn’t occur in a strictly scripted interview. Allow the dialogue to evolve naturally, respecting the artist’s lead on topics they’re enthusiastic about discussing.

Do… take a spare recorder

Technical issues are an ever-present risk during interviews. Always carry a backup recording device to avoid the nightmare of losing a once-in-a-lifetime conversation. This precaution ensures that technical failures do not impede the integrity of the interview.

Using multiple recording devices simultaneously provides an additional layer of security. This redundancy enables smooth recording transitions if one device malfunctions, ensuring the interview progresses seamlessly.

A Journalist’s Guide

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Future Prospects

Do’s Don’ts
– Research thoroughly
– Be on time
– Know your timings
– Treat them as human beings
– Take a spare recorder
– Get a selfie
– Ask common questions
– Go in too hard
– Be too rigid

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