Let’s say you are an independent artist who has just spent a considerable amount of time putting together a music project you think represents the best work you’ve ever done. Now it’s time to get out there and present your work to the world. Either you have, or don’t have, money for a publicist who can get you on the interview circuit, but you recognize how important that is. One great interview in the right publication is infinitely more valuable than saturating social media with Soundcloud and YouTube links. Hitting social media is critical, but your social media approach should actually be designed to attract the attention of music publications as opposed to essentially giving away your product.
So you luck up and out of the blue a Marcus J. Moore, or Chris Richards, or Bobby Pen or Marcus K. Dowling calls to ask for an interview. Beautiful. But the thing is, you’re an independent artist and there’s no team behind you to prep you. No A&R, no publicist, no veteran manager… it’s just you, grateful as hell but without a blueprint to guide you. And understand; there is an art of interviewing. Artists who’ve mastered it are the ones who end up with more fans, more shows, more sales, and if it’s what you want, more possibilities of being signed.
Here are a few tips for making sure your next interview is successful:
First, an interview is not a favor that you’re dispensing. If you have that attitude, get rid of it, or at least have enough presence of mind not to display it while you’re being interviewed. Sure, a writer gets something out of interviewing you, but you have as much or more to gain. It’s quid pro quo.
Next, don’t be late. And do bring a complimentary copy of your project along with a press kit containing your bio which includes specific information on your previous projects and appearances. Bring your business card. Put all that in a little folder or manila envelope and write the interviewers name on it. Hand it to them before the interview begins.
Oh yeah; do your own research on the writer’s interview style beforehand. Read their most recent work, or watch their last video interview. What’s their interview technique? Probing, Conversational, Balanced? The more you know what to expect the more relaxed and confident you’ll be.
Have a mental script, and stay on it. Find the appropriate opportunity to mention your upcoming shows and current project. When it comes up, take it, even if you have to add it after all the questions have been asked. But it’s more than that. An interview is a chance to illuminate your artistic strong point. What is the one thing about you as an artist that folks will find most appealing? Just to be clear; this wouldn’t be the fact that you’ve been overlooked, underrated, or hated on. Those are negatives and even if the interviewer suggests that line don’t bite. Instead, put the focus on that one thing that connects you to an audience. Why do you write what you write? Do you love the studio? Do you love live performances? Can you personalize; can you talk sincerely for one minute about what you love about music?
Think through what you want to say about the genre you are a part of and your current place in it. Every genre has sub-genres so know something about other artists who have influenced and shaped the type of music you are making. This is important. One of the greatest fails in an interview is the artist who claims not to have any peers and/or who says he doesn’t spend time listening to other artists. On the other hand, as far as your place in your genre, if you’re an indie artist with maybe two mixtapes, or one, do not compare yourself to Kanye or Jay or J Cole, Nas or Tupac cause it sounds ridiculous. You can talk about how your creative direction has been shaped by what they’ve done, but sitting across from someone who’s reviewed hundreds of artists and saying you are, right now, on the same level is insulting their intelligence.
Thank your supporters and your fans. Walk into any and every interview with a mental list of people who’ve been critical to your development. Say it even if it isn’t asked. Add it on to the end of your answer to something else. It’s important. People who read interviews and people who conduct interviews like to know that artists possess humility and gratitude. When they see that they want you to succeed.
That’s our short list but obviously the list is a lot longer and comprehensive. But this is the rough draft on which “if you really want it” you can build a solid foundation for your brand. These are the tools we hope to see you putting to good use when we check out your next media appearance. Contact us if you have any questions or want more information.