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First things first, you must always remember, when a band comes off stage they are TIRED.
They are decompressing from the stimulation of stage. They are packing up their equipment, maybe hopping in the van and headed to their next location.
So my first piece of advice, plan to keep it brief. If you just want to give them props for their show, do it. Put out feelers to see if they are open to more conversation, and lead with that. If you are seeking them out for an interview, KEEP IT BRIEF. If they seem inclined to do an interview with you then tell them you will send them a message on ____ social media. Wait the evening, and write to them tomorrow!
If you leave too many days in between when you meet them and when you write to them, the memory of your face could diminish. So write to them the day after!!
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Here’s what NOT to do:
Do NOT send unthoughtful social media messages like, “Think ur cool, want to interview. Down?” Make yourself write like a human, not a robot. Spend a couple seeds of professionalism here. You might not be taken seriously if you don’t treat it seriously.
Don’t call them “underrated” without context. While you might think calling a musician “underrated” can be a compliment, focus on highlighting their strengths. “Their songwriting deserves way more attention” instead of “Why doesn’t anyone care about this band??”
Juraj Piško of Vancouver’s Rock Shop spends all day every day with different touring musicians. Of the variety of moods you might receive from a band, he’s seen them all. When asked for tips about approaching bands he had this to say, “Its important to treat musicians in the best possible way so they feel wrapped in a blanket of comfort in order to have the ability to perform their best.”
Although Juraj’s approach to musicians stems from an audio technician perspective, and his affinity to making sure every show runs smoothly. He makes a valuable point. If you’re going to approach a musician, its because their music is important to you. If you’re approaching a musician to josh their music, then this isn’t the article for you.
Point being, you want the musician to perform to the best of their ability. So check yourself if you are about to say something discombobulating about their music. Whether this is a deep personal story, or a critique about their riffs. Read the room and make sure now’s the time to get personal, or if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all!
Vancouver band Kitty & The Rooster have a whole song about all the stupid stuff people have said to them before and after the show, presented back to us the audience in a comical way.
So do your homework, keep it light and breezy, and be there to support them.
Other than all this, it’s now just about conquering that fear of taking the first step!
Good luck.
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Written by Volante Matheson, Radio Arts & Entertainment at BCIT
Contact: vmatheson1@my.bcit.ca