Lately I’ve been curious about how to improve my interviews and how other journalists conduct theirs. Maybe I’m just second-guessing my skills or perhaps I’ve still got a lot to learn. It’s kind of like when I bake cookies. They taste pretty good to me, but it’s hard to tell how they compare to other people’s unless and we swap recipes. Either way, I love eating cookies and I love conducting interviews.
Where to start? I began by thinking about some of the journalists I really admire. From Pierre Burton, who always had such style; to local legend Nardwuar the Human Serviette, who not only wows you with his incredibly thorough research but can also stir a little controversy into the mix (see nardwuar.com for his great interview archives). There are many methods. I decided to ask my friend Nick Pannu, who hosts a radio show on CJSF as well as writing for The Peak and Discorder Magazines, how he does it.
Nick, what was your first interview? Do you remember it?
Sarah Noni Metzner was my very first interview transcribed on paper. I was nervous as hell because I didn't look professional, plus I wanted to make a good impression since I was such a huge fan of hers.
What was your favorite interview?
I've been fortunate to have quite a few good ones. Most of them have been rewarding experiences. The standouts would have to be the ones I did with Ruth Moody from the Wailin' Jennys and Leela Gilday. Very sincere and humble, but what separates them is this stronger conviction they have beyond performing, which is for their music to have a meaningful and positive impact on the listener's life.
What do you do to prepare for an interview? How much time do you typically put into a feature interview?
I of course sample the artist’s music first. Then I read their bio and any press they've received. On a phone interview I typically go around 20minutes. More than twenty minutes and the interview starts to get a little stale and lack substance as it progresses. One on one interviews are shorter on average for some reason.
Do you prefer to interview in person, over the phone, or by carrier pigeon?
Without question I prefer an in-person interview VS a phone interview. The interview comes across as more genuine and has more substance. The way the dynamic plays out is more personable. You actually get to talk to the person a little bit, buy a coffee or even decide what part of the cafe to sit. There is less tension and both sides get to break the ice face to face. Phone interviews are good too. It's convenient, but you don't really get to know each other as well beforehand. As the phone interview progresses though, both sides start to get more comfortable with each other.
Has an interview ever gone terribly wrong? Any Questionable Interviews?
There’s one.....I screwed up. I was new with the phone interview setup and had to put Frank Stallone (Rocky's brother) on hold three times. I forgot to put the headsets on. I was so bloody nervous. I was supposed to ask him about the soundtrack for his new movie. We were probably going to end up talking about Rocky (my favorite movie) and I couldn't believe I got this interview in the first place. I was just a bit star-struck I guess.
Have you ever had to wing it, or go in unprepared? (not recommended, by the way)
Yeah, on the last day of the Arts Wells festival this past summer, Wax Mannequin was leaving the site early in the morning. I was passing by as he packed his gear into his car. I asked if I'd be able to do a short five minute interview with him. I missed his live performance, so I asked him to wait while I quickly flipped through the festival program to find his bio. It was funny, because it took a lot of flipping through the program to find his bio, while he waited with his gear on his side. No, I wouldn't recommend going in unprepared. This interview worked out fine because it was just a short 5 minute piece and we focused more on the experience of performing at the festival anyway.
How can artists get in touch with journalists like you?
Via e-mail you can just let me know that you would like an interview and I can set it up.
Generally in the case of campus/community radio, you would probably have to send an e-mail to the arts coordinator or music coordinator, and they would forward it to programmers at the station. This info can be found on most campus radio websites.
Would you interview someone even if you didn't like their music?
Well, I have interviewed people before when I didn't like their music. It's still a lot of fun. Indie artists specifically are usually gracious towards you for taking the time to give them exposure. No, it's not an issue if I don't like their music. Only when the artist is not gracious. Like a premadonna. If they come across as indifferent then I wouldn't really care about getting the interview.
Nick, I've been interviewed by you, and I must say, it was a lot of fun. You actually prank called my house saying my pizza was ready for pickup, then you laughed and started the interview. I loved it! Any tips on how to break the ice like that?
I almost never do that. It's only because I met you a few times before the interview so I did it. First, I always make a point of mentioning how thankful I am for the artist taking the time out of their busy schedule to do the interview. Then I start with the music and the positive aspects that stood out to me.
How do you preserve your interviews?
I have a website. I upload my show and album reviews from the CJSF radio website, and publications like the Peak, Other Press and Discorder. Check out my website: www.myspace.com/nicsmedia for written reviews and audio links to my interviews.
Thanks Nick! Care for a cookie?
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