It can be nerve wracking if you walk into the interview and you're not sure what to expect.
Anthony DeCurtisPeople looked to Kurt Cobain because his songs captured what they felt before they knew they felt it.
Anthony DeCurtisI think younger artists are often "students" of the rock press. They have their favorite rock star interviews and know how they're supposed to act. But I find that time helps a lot. If you have enough time you can sort of break that down just by being a normal person. And then they realize the interview isn't just a performance, and they can actually speak to you. I often try to get people into a space where they're not over-thinking what they're talking about and instead they're speaking emotionally, from within their experience.
Anthony DeCurtisDoing an interview you're going to have certain things you want to get at, but you're better off if you play to people's strengths a bit. You're also assessing how it's going and adjusting as needed. Does your subject seem up for it, willing to do it, and is he or she enjoying the interview? Or do they need to be coaxed, or reassured, or whatever they might need from you? Like writing, interviewing is a process that you keep learning, and you're always trying to get better and better.
Anthony DeCurtis