Ever done an email interview?

It all depends on who you are interviewing. A local or an undiscovered band may jump at the chance for publicity, but a very well known group would probably have a publicist you would need to go through to have a chance. If the band has a myspace page, website, and a blog where it gives fans updates written by actual band members, its a safe bet that they would welcome correspondance by email. I would introduce yourself and also give them a link to the publication you are writing this for. If it is something they have heard of, they are more likely to answer you back. If its a hushhush project, than give examples of who you have written for (and local scene papers, etc are worth more to them than you think). One thing to keep in mind about getting responses by email: they may have expectation that their written word will remain unedited rather than when you interview someone by phone they may expect that not every word they say will get in there (with obviously keeping context). Also, if they are very busy, some responses may not be spontaneous - you may get some press packet stuff or may only get responses from one band member as they may not be able "to sit at the computer all together". So just a few things to keep in mind, maybe you want to email questions a few times back in forth but first arrange a quick phone call so you can learn about their vibe/manner of speaking that doesn't come through over email.

The first thing you should try to do is find and read as many other interviews on this group as you can. That way you won't repeat too much info. Then read other e-mail interviews on other groups to get an idea of what to ask and what others find important. When you contact them, you have to project confidence. You have to give the impression that you do this all the time or they probably will not go for it. They too want to look their best, so do a lot of practice first. The best thing to do with the questions it to keep them short and simple. The less complicated the better. Good luck, I hope you go for it!!

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