Got My Butt Kicked at AN Audition

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Tenma4

I think a rule to live by is "2 out of 3 aint bad." I once read an article (I believe in Bass Player mag), that pretty much summed up my take on things. For the perfect band, you gotta have 1. good music, 2. good hang, 3. good pay. If you can get 2/3, you're in pretty good shape.

That being said, the last band I auditioned for didn't happen. The pay was questionable. The music was good, but they practiced WAY too loud for me. The hang with one of the guys would have been cool, but I couldn't get a read on the drummer, while one of the guitarists work a jerk vibe on his sleeve. I wanted things to work with the one guy, because he's the one that contacted me, but in the end, it wasn't worth it. I showed up for the audition. They offered an amp for me to use instead of bringing in my gear. The guitarist wanted to call out changes, which is more irritating than useful to me. The fact that I their bass amp was clipping preamp and output affirmed my thoughts on not bringing my gear in the door. Yeah, I guess I could have brought my rig in and heard myself...but why bother?

Hm. I've got 2 bands now with 2 outta 3, and one may soon have the 3. Yet, 2 outta 3 ain't bad.

Yeah,

I think that "good hang" is more important than we think. My best bands were with guys I grew up with. We played together hung together and schemed on chics together they way your supose to.

[dvh]

Originally Posted by Tenma4

They offered an amp for me to use instead of bringing in my gear.

I've learned to NEVER trust such offers. Too many times I've arrived to find a piece of **** amp that works against me because I don't like the sound.

I always bring my own gear and decide once I've seen what the other amp is.

[Caca de Kick]

Originally Posted by bluewine

I think that "good hang" is more important than we think. My best bands were with guys I grew up with. We played together hung together...

I think that's the most imprtant thing right there...having people you like to be around with and vice versa.

Our last drummer (on his way out now) is a truly a phenominal musician, great ears, extremely tasteful playing. But he doesn't like to hang out with anyone or participate in any non-musical get togethers. While the three of us are are pretty close...we say we feel like brothers, and hang out together, our families get together frequently.
I've defintely had my share of auditions, and yes I have to feel the vibe of more than just the music.

[reno88]

i auditioned for a band when i first started playing about 25 years ago. i got the bad vibe from the singer and didn't get the gig, but the guitar player and drummer and i started a combo that lasted about a year. and their band (with the singer that didn't like me) never played another gig.

just 2 weeks ago i auditioned for a group that i immediately knew i was going to pass on. after about an hour, they were closing me hard to join them. i told them i am working with other groups and that i'd consider it. i never heard back from them. cool with me.

still in the process of meeting new people. i think as much as i am auditioning for them, they are for me, too. it's a dynamic situation - usually very fun and informative. big picture, i like to be the weakest link in the group. keeps me on my toes. but i try not to let the others know that i know it...;-)

[ModuMan]

Originally Posted by reno88

i like to be the weakest link in the group. keeps me on my toes. but i try not to let the others know that i know it...;-)

Yep, I feel the same way. Music can be very exciting when you are playing with people that are really good.

I had a great experience playing with a guitarist who is simply on another level. He was so good but he never played like he was trying to impress anyone or blow you away. He just played flawlessly. It was a real treat just to play my stuff and listen to what he was doing and then occasionally nudge in another direction just to see what he would do.

[bThumper38]

Gotta kiss alot of frogs before you find the right band for you. keep it up=)

[Mike Shevlin]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

I've always been worried about being ripped off (I've always had nice gear) at one of these things

Smith & Wesson makes nice gear too, & it sounds great with any rig.

[rtav]

I had been looking to start a prog band and started submitting Craigslist ads for drummers, keyboardists, and guitarists. I mentioned the style of music I wanted (Rush, Yes, Genesis, ELP, etc.) and got a few responses, but most were just terrible (I had prospective musicians send me MP3's of their playing... so depressing).

Anyhow, after looking for two months, I got in touch with a guitarist and drummer who had been looking for a prog bass player for more than a year (they have some horror stories).

On the phone, we agreed on three songs to play (besides the usual jam stuff - the obligatory Zep songs that everyone knows). We both knew an Iron Maiden song (Wrathchild), and the guitarist agreed to work up one Rush song while I work up one Dream Theater piece (the drummer knew them already).
I suggested "Free Will," but the guitarist balked because he didn't know it and didn't have much time before we got together, so we settled on "Red Barchetta" (easier for him). I asked them what song they wanted me to work up and they said "Ytse Jam" by Dream Theater, which I had not heard, so I said, "Sure!" (Jeez.... no problem! )

Well, we got together and played Wrathchild, some Zep, and Ytse (I worked it up through the drum solo after the bass solo, but didn't have time to finish working it up). We decided to try "La Villa Strangiato," and an amazing thing happened during the slow, bluesy guitar solo (F - A). I looked at the drummer, and he smiled and nodded slowly. I looked at the guitarist, who was grinning ear to ear.

At that point I knew I had the gig. We all played at about the same technical level, which was great, but more than that it was like I had known them both for twenty years, even though we just met. It was one of those "Eureka!" moments, when the stars perfectly lined up...

We've added a keyboardist and recently a vocalist and sound better than ever.

It is NICE (and rare) when it happens that way!

[bluewine]

I think as much as i am auditioning for them, they are for me, too. it's a dynamic situation


Yes, cool comment and it's the they are for me, part I have not been focusing on.I'm going to start.

blue

[Geddyfleaharris]

Originally Posted by bluewine

Yes, cool comment and it's the they are for me, part I have not been focusing on.I'm going to start.

blue

Yes you should. I go with the attitude that the band would be better with me on board. I don't kid myself - jazz isn't my thing and I can't play it but for rock and funk I think i am an asset. And I do audition who I play with. I hate being mislead by how far along the band might be in its development or how good the musicians in the band are.

[Crockettnj]

Originally Posted by mr.redpants

Experience is the best teacher period - the second best is having to stretch yourself musically to play with the folks you're playing with.

+1

I have an unwritten rule. If I am one of the best musicians in the band, I most likely dont want to be in the band.

[Crockettnj]

Originally Posted by Mike Shevlin

Smith & Wesson makes nice gear too, & it sounds great with any rig.

An NRA sticker on your case can go a long way.

I also like a "criminals prefer unarmed victims" bumper sticker.

Subtle, I know.