perfect audition, perfect failure

superking · #1 06-21-2011, 02:16 AM

brief me: been playing in mostly cover bands on and off for 20+ years. no stranger to band life. or so i thought.

So, the other day I audition for a local cover band. They like me. They like me so much that they call me 2 days later to sit in that Saturday for their sick bassist. i agree. So already, I'm saving the gig (their words), but it's also like a 'stage 2' audition as the first one a couple days prior was barely 30 min.

So I study my ass off for the next 24-36 hours. I make basic charts for all their songs (only 10 of which I knew cold) and hit the gig running.
I'm pretty proud to say I kept my focus and got thru the night in style and in tone.
Got paid as well. was a great night. the band guys really liked me personally and as a bassist and they all repeatedly tell me so explicitly. Sure, why not, I was in a great mood and also on my best behavior.

so, long story short, it's a perfect audition under fire. I'm sure I'm a lock at this point.

nope not a lock. they chose someone else. that's..well it's tolerable

but their stated reason was that the other guy won out due to "minor style differences" and that we were totally neck and neck for talent, rapport and such (I'm pretty much quoting here). and how this was the hardest decision ever etc etc. plus the email is strangely polished and formal which just heightens the BS alarm in my head.

That just doesnt feel right.
1) I feel any gig-saving audition should count extra, compared to some guy who just shows up and plays.
i.e. doesnt such hustle count for anything more than "stylistic diffrerences"?
2) I have better availability for the gigs which are already lined up. I'd literally be subbing for this guy here in a month or so!
3) because the "stylistic differences" line doesnt seem to bear close examination, I think they have other reasons that they arent forthcoming about. plus they can be cagey to the point of shiftiness sometimes. none of this makes me feel good about the situation.

So, my spidey-BS sense is running hot.

here's the bonus rub: they have offered me the opportunity to continue to work with them in a reserve manner. like a backup bassist, mostly.

I would like opinions please. I'm confused and am not sure how to proceed. how do i best communicate my concerns without ruining everything?

thanks, TB, you rule!

Munjibunga · #2 06-21-2011, 02:20 AM

The other bassist owns a good PA system.

EricssonB · #3 06-21-2011, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

The other bassist owns a good PA system.

This guy is so direct. Never messes around. Probably omniscient.

superking · #4 06-21-2011, 02:29 AM

thanks for the laugh! if anyone cares, the singer already has a boffo PA.

Lackey · #5 06-21-2011, 02:35 AM

Tell them... thanks but no thanks on the reserve thing. You're looking for a band you can be a full member of.

djaydjay · #6 06-21-2011, 02:38 AM

they got along better with him (personnality)? Not saying that they didn't like you, but sometimes you just "click" with someone. And when your spending all your weekends with the same guys, it matters.

superking · #7 06-21-2011, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djaydjay

they got along better with him (personnality)? Not saying that they didn't like you, but sometimes you just "click" with someone. And when your spending all your weekends with the same guys, it matters.

sure, that's possible, but they specifically said otherwise. and since they still want to work with me, I dont think I could be all that bad.
I dont wanna post quotes, but the email in question goes on and on about how much they like me and how impressed they are and how much they wanna work with me blah blah. and either way, it comes back to me wanting them to be a little more honest with me if I'm gonna continue to associate professionally. at least I think that's what i want.

I'm not sure what I want right now.

sound of bass · #8 06-21-2011, 03:02 AM

I agree theres something they're not telling you. But I also get the feeling you're above the BS. Forget it, keep looking.

Lackey · #9 06-21-2011, 03:05 AM

....are you sure that this other guy is.. actually a guy? .....

jelwood · #10 06-21-2011, 03:15 AM

Turn down their offer, don't become a tool. Like the person above me said, the other "guy" might be some girl that has the looks, or maybe someone who can offer something more than just a bottom end in their sound, like rides, more equipment, etc. If this "guy" sucks enough, they'll realize the error in their ways. They might even seek you out after a while. Good luck!

faulknersj · #11 06-21-2011, 03:24 AM

Look...if you want the gig...be persistent...take any gig you can get from them and continue to earn there confidence...musically, personally, and professionally. Find out what it is that they prefer stylistically about the other cat and adapt. This sounds like a good band and a good fit for you...don't let your short term pride and ego get in the way of a potentially fruitful long term opportunity.

superking · #12 06-21-2011, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faulknersj

Look...if you want the gig...be persistent...take any gig you can get from them and continue to earn there confidence...musically, personally, and professionally. Find out what it is that they prefer stylistically about the other cat and adapt. This sounds like a good band and a good fit for you...don't let your short term pride and ego get in the way of a potentially fruitful long term opportunity.

i dunno if theyre that good a fit. for one thing, the drummer doesnt bother keeping steady time. everyone knows it's an issue, but they just shrug and keep playing. I feel a little bit bad about playing with musicians who dont seem to give a shart about basic musicianship.
...
i think i just answered my question, didnt I.

geoff_in_nc · #13 06-21-2011, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lackey

....are you sure that this other guy is.. actually a guy? .....

That's what I was thinking... maybe the other "guy" is some ultra-fit, super-hot, girl packing 36DD's, and a large wardrobe of really low cut blouses....

Oh, and she owns a bass.... (thinks to self: "I think.... she had a bass with her at the audition, right?")

I'd probably pick "the other guy" in that case too.

hrodbert696 · #14 06-21-2011, 04:38 AM

It could be looks (either a female or just a guy with, sorry, style or a stage look they liked better than yours), it could be something financial (someone with particular gear or contacts or something) or it could be personal (buddy of an existing band member auditioned). If you go see their next show, you'll probably figure it out. But then, you probably needn't bother. Move along.

thunderstation · #15 06-21-2011, 04:44 AM

I think your BS sense is correct but maybe not for the reason you think. Sounds like they choose another guy, but wanted to be professional in their explanation ( maybe they have not had to do this before). They also wanted to keep you on as a backup - so they were being overly polite /politically correct.
Is there a reason you wouldn't want to be called as a backup from time to time - If the band is good and you like playing with them and they pay you, sounds like a pretty good contact if another band needs a player they might mention you.
anyway you were there I wasn't so you prob. have a good insite

Bassdirty · #16 06-21-2011, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrodbert696

It could be looks (either a female or just a guy with, sorry, style or a stage look they liked better than yours), ....

This is what I was thinking.
If they're gonna be a successful coverband...looks do matter.
If anyone disagrees..well..they're wrong.

I mean.. everything else being equal..playing wise..chops..personality.
And think about it....if it was because of looks, well it's hard to be honest and tell someone they didn't get the job cuz they didn't look good enough.

JMO?..

bluewine · #17 06-21-2011, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sound of bass

I agree theres something they're not telling you. But I also get the feeling you're above the BS. Forget it, keep looking.

Exactly, my guess is there was internal problems within the band.

I would bet the last bass player walked out on them without notice.

They had to scramble to get anyone so they would not have to cancel the show. You were the only Guy they could get for the gig.

They used you.

The other Guy had already won but couldn't make the gig.

Smokin' Toaster · #18 06-21-2011, 08:10 AM

Tell them sure, you'd love to play with them when they need you, and the law of supply and demand applies. You are much more valuable when they are without a bass player, so you'll require double pay.

HolmeBass · #19 06-21-2011, 08:20 AM

If you have the bandwidth, do the back-up slot. You'll get to play, keep your hat in the ring, and you don't really owe them anything. When another better opportunity comes along let them know you're back-up availability will be even less, but don't burn any bridges.

stevemac · #20 06-21-2011, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluewine

Exactly, my guess is there was internal problems within the band.

I would bet the last bass player walked out on them without notice.

They had to scramble to get anyone so they would not have to cancel the show. You were the only Guy they could get for the gig.

They used you.

The other Guy had already won but couldn't make the gig.

I'd go with this, or something even sneakier like there never really was an audition; they were just trying to get their bass player to behave with a threatened replacement.

I've dealt with similar type stuff, no one ever advertises they need a bassist for "1 gig" because who would bother?