Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paul Barnes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Paul, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

One of the biggest trends I see in my industry is people not being qualified/prepared for the interview they are conducting. One of the biggest examples of this happened in 2021 with Australian journalist Matt Doran. He was scheduled to interview Adele and discuss her new album 30. Adele asked him about the album and he responded he had only heard the album’s first single. He later shared he simply had “missed” the email he was sent that contained the album. Fast forward to 2023 and it seems there are more people who are social media personalities that are conducting quick interviews with artists at festivals than actual journalists. Having a magnetic personality is commendable and profitable but it does not always transfer to conducting an interview. These interviews often have irrelevant questions and the interviewee is visually confused, uncomfortable, trying to get away or a combination of the three. With everyone having access to recording equipment of all kinds these days, the amount of people who attempt to interview artists has skyrocketed. Many of them end up being criticized by others on social media for a myriad of reasons.

When it comes down to it, there is nothing that can be “done” about this trend. However, people can choose to not engage with it and shift their focus to other outlets. Again, in 2023, there are multiple platforms that have more engaging interview formats than two people in chairs. By combining a second element with the interview – while still asking engaging questions – viewers will be interested in two aspects of it. And, there are still several platforms that conduct traditional interviews and the interviewers are qualified and respected amongst those in their industry. An interview does not have to become quick “content.” Often, a 30 second clip from a 30+ minute interview goes viral and discourse begins from that. People must take the time to watch the full interview to get full context. Otherwise, the people who conduct the interviews that last less than five minutes will continue to capture people’s attention for the wrong reasons.

Paul, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Paul K. Barnes and I am a Music and Entertainment Journalist. I have written articles about music, movies and shows on various platforms. I moved from writing album reviews to writing newsletters to conducting interviews. I still do all of these to some capacity. I’ve also since become an editor for some platforms. My interviews have been with music artists, painters, clothing designers and other individuals in the creative world. My entertainment pieces range from reviews to think pieces about topics happening in that world. I’ve also recently expanded to covering video games in the same vein. I think something that sets me apart from others in this field is the range of avenues I can cover in each of these niches. I don’t limit myself to covering one genre in music, movies or television. However, I only cover ones I feel qualified to cover. My most recent and proudest accomplishment so far was being featured in the liner notes for a recording artist’s album. This is something I never imagined would happen. I was used to writing things people would read before or after listening to the music. Having a piece in the liner notes puts my words with the music – literally and figuratively.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to become a journalist that’s known and respected by those in the field with me. At this point, I have the respect of those on a path like me as well as their support. I don’t want to lose these connections – I just want to expand them. I also want to continue to shift people’s perspectives with the work I put out. When consuming media, everyone formulates their own opinions based on multiple factors. My goal is to open someone’s mind to a new perspective – whether they agree with it or not – them understanding it is enough for me.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is being able to cover what I want when I want. As I progressed through school, I remember how much joy it brought me when I could write a paper about something I genuinely enjoyed. Now, I do the same thing as creative in the journalism field. I don’t have to force myself to speak on something if I don’t have any substantial thoughts on it. It’s also rewarding because I know there will always be something to cover even if I have to wait for it. Media Entertainment will always be here in one capacity or another. Simultaneously, I stand with the writers, actors and other members of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA currently on strike and will just be fine with having no new shows or or movies until they get what they are demanding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://medium.com/@pb.75723
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musical_wordsmith/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-k-barnes-3ab8b0118/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/musical_wrdsmth