The Next Round - Episode 30: Cymbals

There's a reason why the podcast took a break from mid-July to mid-October.  This is the culprit.  In the intro, I explain in detail the events that took place prior to the interview.  Essentially, it was rushed and left a bad taste in my mouth.  I wasn't even sure if I should publish this one, but I decided that if I didn't, it would always hold some power over me.

So fuck that.  Here it is.  I take interviewing very seriously.  I know that may sound a little weird considering I do it over alcohol, but I put a lot of time into asking questions that the artist hasn't heard before in order to give you a unique listening experience.  There's no point in you spending your time to listen to the same old interview they've given a hundred times before.

But honestly, it's to make it unique for them.  I don't want them to be bored.  I don't want stock answers.  I want them to be involved in the conversation because their time is also valuable.  And I want to know about the things I'm asking because I truly do like the music of every person who has been on this show.

So when I was treated poorly by someone whose music I liked, it saddened me.  Especially when I reached out for the interview.  If you're going to behave like this for the people who actually like your art, how are you going to behave for those who don't really care?

I took a break because my confidence took a hit.  What if I'm just not that great an interviewer?  What if I start reaching out to more bands I like only to have them treat me in the same fashion?  What if PR companies don't want to work with me anymore because of how poorly the interview went?

Well, I can't live like that.  So I'm posting it.  And given the circumstances, it's not a terrible interview.  I wouldn't post it if I didn't learn anything.  After you listen to it, you might even say, "Hey, it wasn't that bad."  Which is actually what I would like you to say. But for me, it's hard to listen to objectively.

I reached out to interview Cymbals because I enjoyed their album, The Age of Fracture.  I don't listen to it anymore because it would remind me of that night.  I'm not going to tell you that you shouldn't listen to it.  If you like '80s-inspired indie dance music, you totally should.  They put on a pretty good live show too.  But they lost me as a fan that night in July.

Without further ado (aside from the long recorded introduction), I give you the thirtieth episode of The Next Round.

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