Interviewing bands

Hey all,


Interested in photography and photographed at a gig a few weeks back. Guy that promoted it asked me would I come along again to another one tonight, to take photos.

However, he also asked if I could write up a review about the gig and interview the bands. Told him I'd no experience in that kinda stuff but I'd give it a shot if he was stuck.


So I was wondering, I listen to music, though I don't really care much for musician's lives and stuff. For example, I like Finger Eleven and Rise Against. I'd listen to their music a lot, but you'll never catch me talking about what they're doing, have done, or will be doing, because I wouldn't have a clue and wouldn't be interested.


The bands that are playing tonight (two I think); one I've seen once before (at the last one I photographed), the other I've only heard of.


So I was wondering, with this lack of experience in mind; what would you guys recommend I ask these bands?


I don't mind the review. Just a case of say what you see, really, and I'm interested in trying this. Could be a challenge, and a laugh, but Im just not sure what kinda questions you pose to a band who you've never heard of and who, for all I know, could be playing their first gig tonight, or could be known nationally!



I suppose what Im asking is, if you were in a band (i assume most here are) what would you like to be asked?


Cheers to anyone with any help here.

rcaz

Do your research on the bands! You're gonna want to know what they're like and what to expect before you talk to them. I've read some interviews with bands where the interviewer doesn't know a thing about the band, the band seems annoyed and some of the questions are completely unsuitable for the band. Case in point, a guy asking Steven Drozd is Steve Vai was an influence on his guitar playing.

Don't ask any questions like, "Sum up your band's sound in 3 words" or any of that rubbish, apart from the band thinking you're a bad interviewer and getting annoyed you don't have anything more to talk about, the interview will have gaps of silence as there's no way to answer the rubbish questions

Cheers for the reply, El Pron.

Turned out at the end I didn't have to do it as someone more suitable was found and I just took photos instead.

I do appreciate the reply though. Good to know this kinda stuff. Never know when you might find yourself in such situations