How to Prep for Interviews and Be Memorable as an Unsigned Band

Landing an interview is a great step forward. It means someone sees potential in your unsigned band and wants to help tell your story. But too many artists treat interviews as casual chats - which can lead to forgettable answers, missed opportunities and moments that just don’t land.

Whether you’re going on a podcast, answering written questions for a blog, or speaking live on radio, the goal is the same: be real, be clear and be memorable. Here’s how.

First, know the format. Are you live or pre-recorded? Will it be edited? Are the questions being sent in advance? Are you speaking alone or with the whole band? Ask the host what to expect - they’ll usually appreciate it. The more you know, the better you’ll sound.

Then, get your talking points together. Don’t write scripts. Just think in stories. What’s the meaning behind your new single? Why did that gig change everything? What do people get wrong about your genre? You want 2–3 clear things you’re excited to talk about - the stuff that makes someone lean in and want to hear more.

Avoid one-word answers or vague clichés. If someone asks how the band started, don’t just say “we met at college.” Give the detail. “We met in a terrible rehearsal room above a pub, bonded over a shared love of 90s emo and wrote our first song about how bad the pizza was.” That’s what sticks in people’s heads. Be specific. Be human.

If it’s a podcast or radio appearance, warm up beforehand. Speak out loud, practise answering a few questions with energy. Even casual interviews need presence. If you’re flat, tired, or distracted, it shows - and listeners tune out. Bring your personality.

Make the band feel like a band. If there are multiple people being interviewed, know when to jump in and when to let others speak. Don’t all talk at once - and don’t let one person carry everything unless that’s your dynamic. Chemistry matters. Let it shine.

Have something to offer at the end. A new track, a link, a gig announcement, a thank-you to your community. Give people a reason to stay with you after the interview ends. And if there’s a link - make it easy to remember and repeat.

Afterwards, share it. Tag the host. Pull out a quote or a clip that stood out. Interviews aren’t just moments - they’re content, connection and credibility. Treat them like they matter and they’ll help you grow.

Most importantly, enjoy it. When you’re passionate, prepared and present, people remember you - not just the music, but the way you made them feel. That’s the magic. That’s what keeps them coming back.