house concerts and 21st century touring

Reporters are increasingly contacting CIYH artists and hosts through our site for interviews regarding house concerts. Will you be ready if they contact you?

The press seems to like the topic of house concerts (especially if there’s an angle) but historically it hasn’t always been a great fit. Some articles have resulted in local “official types” making inquiries about zoning issues, and actually caused a few exasperated hosts to stop hosting their events.

Every host has their own circumstances, and some appreciate (or feel they need) some press to have successful events. Some hosts don’t really care about coverage, but they realize that it can be helpful to their performers, and so they oblige. As long as press continues to happen (and it will), we may as well be smart about it.

I’ve done a good bit of press over the past 3 years, and here’s a quick summary of what I’ve learned.

1. You will be misquoted in almost every article
2. Reporters will often want to focus on conflicts - real or imagined
3. If they can’t find conflict they will settle for humor.
4. They will want to run a photo without giving proper credit.
5. They will often assume that a particular house concert adequately describes all house concerts.
6. Even if the reporter gets everything right, chances are the editor will chop a very important section that leaves something important totally out of context.

So what to do?

Just like (oxymoron alert!) a good politician,  you need to have some talking points. Politicians live off TV and press interviews, and there’s a very good reason they stick to a narrow message and repeat it endlessly.

Reporters tend to look for facts that fit some sort of narrative or point of view. Scan your favorite news source and look for the phrase “on the other hand” - chances are, you won’t find it. For the general public, balanced writing is dull. Give me a point of view so I can love you or hate you. Otherwise, I won’t care. On cable television news, this trend is particularly ridiculous.

Example:  I recently did an interview with a reporter who had an interest in house concerts. About half-way through the article she starts talking about how quickly you could pull one of these together… like maybe 3 days. 3 DAYS?

Turns our her headline/angle was “Fun events you can put together in 3 days.” She asks me to confirm that house concerts fit the bill, and to recommend how to find performers that quickly. So I start to back track… “Well, chances are you won’t find great talent in that amount of time, or be able to get a significant number to attend, and so on…” I try to make it clear that someone who tries this will most likely end up with a “party with music” and not a “house concert.” No matter, her mind is made up, she only wants the facts that fit her story.

Tips for artists and hosts doing interviews that mention house concerts.

TALKING POINTS

1. Be sure to use the word “donation” or “suggested donation” and NOT “charge” or “tickets.” These last two are buzz words that make the event seem like a business. House concerts are not a business, and we have to make sure they aren’t interpreted as such.
2. Focus on the fact that the audience is essentially friends, neighbors, and acquaintances of the host - not the general public.
3. Have a short, fun/funny house concert story. Make one up or call me if you need one. 8^) Again, even if the reporter is a fan of house concerts, the editor most likely will not be. The editor most likely will look for conflict or humor… which will you provide?
4. Talk about what you love most about house concerts - getting to know the guests, a listening audience, great feedback on new material, the cozy atmosphere, the food, etc… again don’t focus on money. Even though we all know the money can be much better than other types of gigs, the less said about it the better. For some people, it’s very difficult to understand why someone would host concerts “simply for the love of it.” It’s very easy for them to think the homeowner is getting a cut and/or running a business.
5. Talk about why your music (hosts: “the artist’s music) is well-suited for these types of events.

STYLE POINTS

1. Don’t talk fast unless you know they are taping you. Speak at a measured pace if you want to be quoted correctly.
2. Don’t ramble. Give the interviewer plenty of space to ask questions.
3. Be courteous, but not too excited - especially if you’re new to the process. Remember, the press needs you as much as you think you need them. Stay positive, and look at the interview as something you are doing to help someone. Help them write an interesting and accurate story.

THE MANTRA
While doing interviews about house concerts, constantly ask yourself, “How can I keep this positive, and be so clear that I can’t possibly be misunderstood?”

House concerts are increasingly vital to performers who no longer want to play to half-empty rooms of distracted people. Let’s nurture this beautiful thing, O.K.? - Fran

P.S. - I’d love to see your comments if you have something to add from your experience with the press.

Monica from Tripping Lily shows how to properly accessorize a CIYH shirt while recording their latest record.