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Radio interview

T

TimboSlice87

Nov 21, 2010
67
0
39
#1
I had an interview with the band and we played 2 songs for a local college radio. I wasnt really pleased with my performance, I had to use an acoustic bass with a pick (mic'd), (aparently radio stations dont like you using electric). It was kind of akward for me, but I think our bandleader did a good job.

Now I have an interview tomorrow with the band at a MAJOR local radio station. I am a known introvert, which means im gonna be nervous. Apparently we arent gonna play, just party/food/and interview.

Any advice/words of encouragement would be awesome.:bassist:
 
#6
Pretty cool that you guys are getting interviews ahead of your first gig as a band. That is extremely rare, IME, even in the world of college radio. Good for you guys and I hope the NYE gig is brilliant! Also odd to hear that radio stations don't like electric bass. I have never heard of such a thing before and can't believe that's the norm. I would welcome more info on this.

But to address the question in your post, nerves are just part of the deal, whether you're an introvert or an extrovert. Being interviewed is a surreal experience no matter what kind of personality you are. I would say just be yourself. Remember to breathe, relax as much as you can, and just be in the moment. It's you and your bandmates and here you are, chatting with a radio host to promote your gig. Cool! I agree with the other posters that you may not be asked many direct questions. Let the chatterboxes/extroverts in your band do the talking. Just smile, laugh at the funny bits, and contribute to the overall energy by being there as a band member who cares enough to show up for an event that you'd otherwise prefer to avoid!
 
#8
MNAirHead said:
Have some topics in mind.. a good interviewer will send advance discussion topics....
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...and a good interviewEE will have topics all ready to respond, regardless of what questions are asked.

I've done plenty of radio interviews & I've never had a radio host send me a topic list in advance. I always prepare a list of my own questions/topics that I've got answers for already, & give that to the host. They always appreciate that because they don't know me, what I'm about, or what to ask & it's a big help to them. They'll usually use that as a guide rather than following it precisely, but I always have my responses ready & even if they ask something completely different I'll steer back to what I want to talk about.

You've got your message to get out & the host wants good radio. You can help both causes by being prepared. First, decide what your message is. Arrange your message in the form of short paragraphs. Then frame some questions that lead to your answers. Figure out specific answers for individual members & note on the sheet to whom each question should be directed.

The main point to consider is control: Who has control over the topic? If you allow somebody else to control the interview, they may never get around to asking what you want to answer. If you supply suggested topics, it takes a load off of the host & helps avoid things like the guest stammering away, trying to come up with an answer for a question they weren't prepared for. Watch or listen to politicians when they're being interviewed on TV or radio. No matter what the question, a good (not necessarily from their constituents' point of view) one will always direct the topic back to what they want to have heard.

This is your opportunity to spread your message. Don't just leave it to chance that somebody who doesn't know anything about you might ask the right questions.
 
#9
JohnMCA72 said:
I've done plenty of radio interviews & I've never had a radio host send me a topic list in advance.
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This. I've never once had a host send questions or topics in advance....including my brother who hosts several radio programs.

But be that as it may, I think its safe to assume the OP won't be asked to opine on the geo-political issues of the day or recite his understanding of quantum physics. I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest he may be asked about the band....what kind of music they play, up-coming gigs, how they got together, how they came up with their name, who their influences are, etc. and so forth. Maybe its just me but talking about my band usually isn't a difficult thing.
 

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