If I had to guess, I’d say I’ve done more than 500 interviews through my 20 years a journalist. That’s a conservative estimate. These conversations have been, almost without exception, a wonderful chance to connect with an author or artist regarding their production. Fun, exciting, personal; they are wonderful memories! But . . . there are a few moments through the years that, try as I might, I can’t forget. They go down in the Awkward Moments Hall of Fame. Sometimes it’s me; sometimes it’s them. If I could only turn back time . . .
Mistaken Identities—I know my stuff. I don’t mistake artists. However, because I love humor and “breaking the ice,” I love to pretend to mistake identities. The first time I did this wasn’t an interview, but a chance meeting with a singer who I credited with singing “When a Man Loves a Woman.” It was a funny moment then, but not so much when I pretended to mistake one new girls’ vocal group for Point of Grace or another raspy voiced rock singer for Jeremy Camp. The unnamed artists weren’t amused. I wouldn’t do that again. Not everyone likes that joke.
Unfunny Jokes—Sometimes I get nervous and use humor to clear the air. Note to self: if you’re not a part of the singer or author’s church denomination or group, don’t make a joke about it. If you get along well with a young female singer who’s super friendly, don’t use an offhand “Dumb and Dumber” reference (“I like it a LOT”) when she asks you if you like her new studio pictures. Live and learn, DeWayne.
Burning Down the House—One of the upstart record companies put together a trendy decorative candlelit table for my interview with their new artist. When I first sat down, something accidentally hit the candle and began burning. No fault of my own, but the new artist didn’t make that clear to the company and they looked at me like I was an arsonist.
Times a’ Wastin’—It’s horrible to be late for an interview and I’ve done that a few times. One singer known for an upbeat attitude and sense of humor gave me the stare down during an interview I arrived late for. “Everyone thinks I’m funny all the time and I’m not.” No kidding . . . literally. I’ve faced a few latecomers myself and almost always keep it in stride. But one time, I waited for a young female singer to finish sound check. I sat there for 20 minutes (interview times were in 30 minute increments). She called from the stage, “don’t hate me! don’t judge me!” When she finally finished, the first words out of her mouth were, “I don’t have a lot of time for this interview.”
If you’re a journalist, what’s the most awkward moment you’ve experienced?
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