Artist / Band Interview Questions

Name of Artist/Band? (Include all band members names and instruments played.)
Is your stage name trademarked?
Have you registered your songs for copyright protection with the U.S. Copyright Office (www.copyright.gov)?
Have any of your songs been published? (If so, by whom?)
Have you affiliated with a performance rights organization? (which one? ASCAP, BMI, SESAC?)
Have you signed up with SoundExchange.com?
What is your music background? (Who are you and your bandmembers? Tell your story.)
Do any band members belong to the Musician’s Union?
Do you have a written ‘band agreement’?
Why do you want to record and release your own music? (Be very honest.)
Who is your fan/customer? (Analyze this question thoroughly.)
What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)
Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)
Who are your musical influences? (Site specific examples.)
How do you describe your music to people? (This is not a short answer. Discuss it.)
What image do you think your music conveys? ( Do not avoid the image issue!)
What are your immediate music career goals? (Next 1 to 3 years.)
What are your long-term career goals?
How would you define the word “success”? (This is not a short answer. Discuss it.)
Do you have any personal contacts in the music business?
Do you have an entertainment law attorney to consult with?
Are you looking for an independent label deal or a major label deal? (Why?)
Do you have a demo or press kit, (including an Electronic Press Kit ...an EPK), or any other promotional materials?
What live performance experience have you had? (Any industry showcases?)
How do you rate your live performance ability? ( Be very critical. No clichés,)
Have you recorded any previous CDs or posted any audio files on the Internet? (What type of recording process did you use? Who produced your recording?)
How did you sell your CD’s/Audio Files? (Consignment? Live sales? iTunes et al, Distributor?)
Have you had any previous print or broadcast media exposure or reviews?
Are you financially able to fund the costs of establishing your career? (In debt?)
Do you have a business license? (City, state, federal?)
What is your current “business form”? (Sole proprietor? Corporation? Partners?)
Have you set up a system for tracking your financial activities? (Software system?)
Are you aware of the tax deductions available for musicians?
Do you have insurance on your band equipment and vehicles?
Who handles your daily business activities? (Bookings, promotions etc.)
Have you created a career, marketing, or business plan? (Is it in writing?)

Hint: These creative and business related questions are the questions I ask my clients to answer. so that I can properly consult and advise them on building their careers.

Christopher Knab is an independent music business consultant based in Seattle, Washington. He is available for private consultations on promoting and marketing independent music, and can be reached at 206-282-6116 or by email at: Chris@Knab.com

Chris Knab's book, 'Music Is Your Business' is available from the Music Biz Academy bookstore.

Visit the FourFront Media and Music website for more information on the business of music from Christopher Knab.