I listen to and read a lot of artist interviews and most average interviewers ask about the songs, the record, the single, life on the road.
i.e. Things artists have full knowledge of.
So why is there so much…
“We kind of tried to do something different…”
-Did you kind of try or did you try?
-Did you try to do or did you do?
-Did you do something different?
-If you did something different, what was it specifically?
“I think we wanted to really go for it…”
-Did you think you wanted or did you actually want?
-Are you having a hard time remembering?
-Did you want to go for it, or did you go for it?
“It’s kind of like a new thing…”
-I don’t know what you mean, and either you don’t either, or you’re not willing to say.
and my favorite one
“We’re just trying to figure it out…”
-Are you trying (attempting) the act of figuring, or were you actually figuring?
-And if you are in fact ‘trying to figure’…why are you ‘just trying to figure’? The ‘just’ steals so much pride and dignity.
All these little words. All this insulation. All this approximation. All this distance between the question and the truth.
As an artist, strive to bring yourself to as close as you can to the real answers. The truth.
We add all these little words because it keeps us a safe distance from vulnerability and responsibility. The little words give us little ways we can squeak out of and avoid the boldness and magnitude of the full truth.
We want to hear the real deal from you. Full power, full impact.
p.s. A great way to get better at this is to not wait until you’re in the interview before practicing.
Don’t miss a post. Sign up for free.
I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com