Back in 2012, I sat down—well, metaphorically—with Dreams of Consciousness for an email interview about my band at the time, Pretty Mouth. I had no idea what to expect or even if it mattered. I just knew one thing: I wasn’t going to phone it in. That interview wasn’t just a few answers to some questions. It was an opportunity—a chance to show the world what we stood for and why we mattered.

Fast forward to today, and email interviews are still one of the most underrated tools for artists. They’re your chance to break through the noise, share your story, and connect with an audience that might not even know they need you in their lives yet. But a lot of artists act like it’s not a ‘real’ interview because it’s not being conducted in real time. But here’s the thing: most publishers don’t have the luxury of trying to work around your bizarro schedule with their own insane one, actually have you show up the first time, transcribe it, edit it (because how you talk doesn’t always sound great in print, go figure), and finally when all is said and done, running the risk of having a less spicy result than if you’d just taken the time to write it.

That’s to say nothing of the serious upsides as well. You can (and should) treat it like a guest blog? Add all the links to cool shit you love? And you get to edit to your heart’s content? We’re gonna need a bigger yes. Buddy, it’s free real estate.

Here’s how to nail them.

Email interview with an artist. Image made by Lance Marwood with AI.

1. Be You, Loud and Clear

Your voice matters, so use it. I wasn’t trying to sound polished or fit into anyone’s expectations. I leaned into my persona—sometimes brash, sometimes reflective, but always unapologetically me.

For you, this means no cookie-cutter answers. If you’re fiery, let it show. If you’re more introspective, embrace that. Authenticity is magnetic.

Quick Tip: Open strong. Forget “Thanks for having me.” Start with something that grabs attention, like, “I’ve been waiting for someone to ask me this!”

2. Tell a Story Worth Reading

Back in the Pretty Mouth days, I could’ve just said, “We’re a grindcore band from Toronto.” Instead, I talked about drunken nights, mutual hatred for one another, and how our sound was born in a haze of fandom and riffs. That’s the kind of storytelling that sticks.

Take the time to answer questions with anecdotes, not bullet points. Why does your music exist? What inspired your latest single? Dive into the moments that shaped you.

Pro Tip: Swap “Our album explores themes of love and loss” for “This album was born from the messiest breakup of my life and the six months of rebuilding myself after it.”

3. Make Every Word Count

No one has time for fluff. Say what you mean, and say it clearly. If a question needs detail, break it up into bite-sized chunks or use bullet points to keep things digestible.

Remember: Clarity doesn’t mean you can’t be creative. Make your words punchy and packed with your personality.

4. Connect, Don’t Perform

Think of your answers as a conversation with the readers, not a performance for the interviewer. Back in 2012, I didn’t just talk about our EP; I ranted about Toronto’s hardcore scene, neoliberalism, and why religion was the biggest problem humanity faced. (Yeah, I went there.)

The point is, I wasn’t trying to sell records—I was showing who I was. The right readers will care because you’ve shown them what’s behind the music.

5. End With a Bang

You want the last thing you say to leave an impression. Back then, I closed by talking about our goals, tour plans, and why we were only getting started. Today, you can wrap with a call to action: invite readers to a show, to follow you on socials, or to stream your latest release. Make sure the rails are already in place to turn those people who listen into fans.

Example: “This record’s just the start. Come see us live and hear what we’re building.”

What I Learned From My Own Experience

Looking back on that interview, I see how it set the stage for everything else. It wasn’t just an interview to me. I saw it as a chance at statement of intent. I poured myself into every answer, and as a result, it wasn’t just a piece of content—it was a connection.

That’s what these interviews can be for you. They’re a shot to take your message further, to reach people who might not know you but will love what you’re about. So, next time you open that email, think of it as more than just answering questions. Think of it as an invitation to tell your story in the way only you can.

By leaning into your unique voice and treating every email interview as a chance to connect, you can transform a simple Q&A into a powerful tool for building your audience and amplifying your artistry. Don’t let the opportunity go to waste—make it yours.

Email interview with an artist. Image made by Lance Marwood with AI.

Pro Tips

• Embrace Visuals: Include images, links to music videos, or clips. Visuals make your answers pop.
• Be Honest: Show vulnerability and discuss challenges. Honesty builds trust and connection with your audience.
• Personalize It: Tailor your answers to the platform or interviewer. Show you know who they are and appreciate their work.
• Proofread: Spelling and grammar matter. Review your answers and make sure they’re polished.
• Avoid these:
  • Being Too Generic: Avoid cookie-cutter answers that could apply to anyone. Make your responses specific to you.
  • Over-Promotion: Balance promoting your work with genuine conversation. Don’t turn every answer into a sales pitch.
  • Ignoring the Reader: Your answers are for the readers. Make them interesting and engaging for the audience, not just the interviewer.

TL;DR: Email interviews are a killer tool in your promotional arsenal. Be authentic, tell stories, keep it tight, and highlight your personality to turn a simple Q&A into a compelling narrative that resonates with fans. So, the next time you get an email interview request, see it as an opportunity to connect, engage, and leave a lasting impression.