Behind the Scenes of Touring: Booking Artist Interviews and Media Access
In a new episode of the Music Biz Weekly Podcast, Michael Brandvold and Jay Gilbert dove into one of the biggest hurdles for music journalists and artist teams – booking artist interviews during a tour.
Touring life is hectic, unpredictable, and often exhausting for performers. As Michael and Jay explain, many artists prefer not to do interviews on the road, making it difficult for media outlets to secure meaningful conversations.
The Challenge of Booking Artist Interviews on Tour
They emphasize that the best time to schedule interviews is before a tour begins. Post-tour interviews rarely have the same promotional impact, especially when marketing campaigns are time-sensitive.
Jay also shares real-world examples from the country music industry, revealing how even well-known musicians struggle when moving from large venues to smaller stages. He discusses the financial realities of breaking into the country scene, including the high cost of radio promotion and the significant investment required to get noticed.
Media Access Tips for Touring Bands and Journalists
If you’re a media professional, music journalist, or photographer, timing and preparation are everything. Michael and Jay share practical tips to improve your chances of getting photo passes and interview opportunities on tour.
1. Plan Ahead for Photo Pass Requests
Michael recommends submitting photo pass requests at least 48 hours before the show, while Jay suggests one to two weeks’ notice for best results. Advance communication shows professionalism and gives tour managers time to process requests.
2. Understand the Band’s Tour Schedule and Access Rules
Before reaching out, study the band’s tour schedule and learn the venue’s media policies. Each venue may have different requirements for photographers, press passes, or interview setups.
3. Prepare and Research Before Every Interview
Do your homework. Learn about the artist’s latest album, recent press coverage, and key talking points. A well-prepared interview earns respect and can open doors to future collaborations.
4. Maintain Professional Conduct
Michael and Jay stress the importance of professionalism — from arriving on time and respecting boundaries to following up after events. A courteous thank-you email or tagged social media post goes a long way in building lasting industry relationships.
5. Handle Access Issues Calmly and Professionally
Sometimes things go wrong — credentials are missing, or last-minute changes occur. Stay calm, be polite, and communicate clearly with venue staff or tour managers to find a solution.
Why This Matters for Music Promotion
Artist interviews and live event coverage are critical for building awareness, especially in genres like country music where radio and regional press still play a huge role. As Michael and Jay point out, effective media coordination can make or break a promotional campaign.
By planning ahead and maintaining professional relationships with touring artists, media teams can capture better content — and artists can maximize their exposure while keeping their schedule manageable. – Bruce Houghton
Watch the Full Discussion
Watch the full video: Booking Artist Interviews and Media Access
In this episode, you’ll hear more about the realities of touring, artist promotion, and what really happens behind the scenes.
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