Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You’ll Need:
- Contact information for publicist
- Musician’s press kit
- List of prepared questions
- Recording device
- Extra batteries
- Paper and pen or pencil
Step1
Locate the publicist information. This can generally be found on the artist’s or record label’s website, or can be found by calling the record label.
Step2
Call the publicist, introduce yourself as a journalist working with XYZ magazine and that you have been assigned to write a profile of So-and-So. Give the publicist your assignment deadline and what days and times you are available for the interview. She will then contact the artist and get back with you with the time and location. While you have the publicist on the phone, ask for a press kit of the artist.
Step3
Study the artist’s press kit and listen to the CD. Make notes on the artist and create a list of questions to ask. Check the artist’s website for news items and other articles.
Step4
Contact the publicist the day before the interview to confirm the time and location. Determine how the artist will recognize you, either by explaining what you will wear or describing what you look like. Exchange cell phone numbers with the publicist in the event you need to contact him on the way to the interview.
Step5
Bathe and dress to represent your media outlet. Avoid eating spicy foods. Take the press kit, list of questions, recording device, extra batteries, and the paper and pen in case you need to write something down.
Step6
Leave in plenty of time to arrive a few minutes before scheduled interview. Listen to traffic reports and call the publicist if it appears that you will be delayed.
Novice 
