A really good explanation of how you approached the article. I’m not sure why paraphrasing quotes is “mimetic”, however — mimesis would be describing the interviewee, his actions, or the setting, for example. Even a quote ‘he said’ can be mimetic.

You identify the challenge of mimesis with audio well. It highlights how, when making audio, you will need to consider non-aural elements and make appropriate notes (e.g. what the room/studio is like). You can also source extra material, e.g. ask the interviewee for photos that can be used in the article to ‘show’. (you do this with embeds)

I think you’re too hard on yourself about using background material — it is quite common to mix that in with quotes, and sometimes quite a lot if there aren’t many usable quotes from the interview (because it was very short, or the interviewee didn’t give much).