Ash London’s top five tips for interviewers

Ash London is one of commercial radio’s leading authorities on new music, with her show Ash London Live broadcasting nationally across the Hit Network on Nights.

It’s not surprising then that Ash often gets to chat with the hottest musicians from across the globe, as well as using her platform to champion candid chats with a multitude of rising Aussie stars.

There’s no substitute for experience when it comes to those starting out in radio broadcasting, but quickly getting to grips with the key facets of how to craft an entertaining interview can be a major ace up the sleeve when it comes to who gets the next network job.

So Radio Today is shining the spotlight on some of the industry’s best when it comes to engaging and intriguing interviews, kicking off with Ash London.

Here are her top five interview tips.

1. Do your research! Wiki does not equal research.

The best thing you can do to win an artist’s trust straight away is to prove that you’ve done more than glance at their Wikipedia page. Take time to go through their social feeds, old interviews and most importantly, my next tip…

2. Actually listen to the music 

Self-explanatory really. Artists love it when you’ve taken the time to actually engage with their work.

3. Listen! (to the interviewee)

There’s nothing more painful than having a conversation with someone that isn’t actually listening to you, and it’s no different in an interview. Yes, have prepared notes/questions but don’t feel like you need to stick to them.

Ask follow up questions, and if an artist takes you down an interesting path, don’t shut them off and refer back to your notes. Go there with them!

4. Be empathetic 

A lot of artists are in the middle of world tours, are jet-lagged, exhausted and have no doubt had a couple of late ones. Be mindful of this and cut them some slack. A little bit of kindness goes a long way, and often if you come in easy they’ll open up in return.

5. Remember that we’re all the same

Katy Perry has the same anxieties as we all do because she is a human being. Beyoncé probably gets constipated sometimes. Kanye West no doubt has moments of self-doubt.

Famous people aren’t any better or more important than any of us, they just have jobs that mean they’re in the public eye. Remembering that underneath the fame, these people are normal humans often helps me to stay cool and not get weird with famous people. We both have jobs to do!

Watch: Ash London chats with rising Aussie star Ruel

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