skeptical.

Personally, I try to avoid over-prepping and writing out a ton of questions. I prefer to familiarize myself with the person's work beforehand and then just chatting with them. I keep a few bullet points, but that's it.

Ha, @John_Liberator I just wrote basically the same thing...

Don't over-prepare and read past interviews, they'll make you subconsciously ask the same questions. Always ask about their childhood, and musicians like to talk about composition, technique, what they're reading/listening to and their inspiration. Have genuine interest in them.

^^^ this. also, ignore the press release. and don't be afraid to appear clueless

Stay away from controversy. Keep it positive. You want to be the guy everyone wants an interview with.

That brings up another lesson from the high-school workshop I mentioned earlier in this thread: Save any questions that could potentially anger the interviewee for last. Sometimes they are necessary, but if someone is going to storm off, make sure they gave you *something* first.