Another Audition Thread

[Rebecky]

I have an audition next week that I'm starting to think could be a waste of my time. I really want to join this band, although its not the type of music I usually play, they are doing very well and I need the money and want the opportunity to play great venues. The issue is that the band is based in a city 3 hours from where I live so it's going to be quite a mission getting down there. I know my playing is strong enough for the gig but my worry is that it makes far more sense to chose the other bassist auditioning because they're more the same age as the other musicians, they're based in the same city so wont need to travel, I think they already know the bassist and the other bassist probably has more free time because I'm still studying my degree.

It just makes much more sense for them to pick the other bassist, and I don't want to learn their 5 songs, be driving for 6 hours, get stressed out and then rejected. There also seems to be a lack of communication, I was contacted first by someone from the record label asking me to come and rehearse, but eventually after talking to the other band members they started talking about auditioning myself and someone else.

Do you think it's worth trying just for a slim chance or for the experience? Petrol ain't cheap these days and I'm pretty much penniles at the moment.

[Bennet Pullen]

I'd say it's worth it. If you put in the effort, show up and kick ass. True you may not get the gig because of some of these other circumstances but maybe down the road some member of that band will have another project that needs you? Or somebody from the label will need a good bassist for another band and your name will come up. Who knows?

[MrLenny1]

Go for it, even if they don't hire you it will be good for contacts in the future.
This business is all about networking with gigging cats.
You have to get youur name around and this is a start.
LOL

[DeathFromBelow]

I'm with the two previous posters.

Do it, you've got nothing to lose!

[Icey101]

do it

[tycobb73]

I'd say no. 3 hours one way? that's 6 hours to make practice. You're a student. Do you have that kind of free time? Gas costs will pretty much make this a break even venture at best.

[Rebecky]

I imagine if I was chosen they'd rehearse a couple of days in a row so I could stay there, one of the guitarists and the bassist who is leaving were both from America (I'm in England). I have free time at the moment because it's the holidays and I'm looking for something to do - but yes, it'll be hard to keep on top of next year... I guess I could try it, theey might appreciate that I put in the extra effort.

[Icey101]

you knowwwwwwwww you gota gooooooooooooo

[Muttleybass]

3 hours one way? Not the music you play? Different age group? That's 3 strikes right there.

What if you get the gig? Are you going to move? Or go on the road? How established are these guys? How often do they practice? If you get the gig, how the heck are you going to make that work?

I dunno... If you really want the gig, are willing to move closer if you get it, and it really is the amazing opportunity, then yeah, go for it. If not, I would say pass on it and don't waste everybody's time. It would have to be a pretty darn good band or opportunity for me to drive more than an hour to practice X times per week.

6 hours would be like $100 in gas, just to get to practice!

[AltGrendel]

"90% of life is just showing up." - Woody Allen

[Drop-the-One]

Well, after you're done your courses this year, would it make sense for you to move to their city?

[Stumbo]

Don't forget the wear and tear on your transportation. What if your car breaks down on a trip? What if a tire goes flat? How will you get home? How will you get your car home? If you're carrying your rig, how will you protect it if your car is towed? etc. Costs go way beyond just gasoline. If you don't have resources, IMO, it'll be too much risk for the rewards involved.

[Jeb]

Originally Posted by Rebecky

It just makes much more sense for them to pick the other bassist, and I don't want to learn their 5 songs, be driving for 6 hours, get stressed out and then rejected. There also seems to be a lack of communication, I was contacted first by someone from the record label asking me to come and rehearse, but eventually after talking to the other band members they started talking about auditioning myself and someone else.

Do you think it's worth trying just for a slim chance or for the experience? Petrol ain't cheap these days and I'm pretty much penniles at the moment.

No, its not worth it. Especially with how much stress is involved. 5 songs? Petrol? Certainly it makes more sense for the other bassist to get the gig.

I don't get this thread at all.

[Rockmusician]

You should go ahead with the audition. Do not focus on the reasons why you don't deserve the gig. Focus on why you do. Even if you don't get it, look at it as a learning experience. Three hours is a long way to travel. I once played in a band that was about and hour and 20 minutes from my house and our keyboard player lived 2 hours away. It was worth it because we got to do some great gigs. It all comes down to risk/reward. If you do not mind the travel and the band is good, go for it. Try to learn as much as you can. Stay positive, do not focus on the negative.

[Munjibunga]

I wouldn't hire a musician who lived 3 hours away. It just means more missed rehearsals for a plethora of distance-related excuses. Don't waste your time or theirs.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Bennet Pullen

I'd say it's worth it. If you put in the effort, show up and kick ass. True you may not get the gig because of some of these other circumstances but maybe down the road some member of that band will have another project that needs you? Or somebody from the label will need a good bassist for another band and your name will come up. Who knows?

Just curious did you read what the OP said:

6 hour comute

He doesn't like their music

The band is auditioning a friend that lives in thier town

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

I wouldn't hire a musician who lived 3 hours away. It just means more missed rehearsals for a plethora of distance-related excuses. Don't waste your time or theirs.

+1

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by MrLenny1

Go for it, even if they don't hire you it will be good for contacts in the future.
This business is all about networking with gigging cats.
You have to get youur name around and this is a start.
LOL

Just curious did you read what the OP said:

6 hour comute

He doesn't like their music

The band is auditioning a friend that lives in thier town

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Rockmusician

You should go ahead with the audition. Do not focus on the reasons why you don't deserve the gig. Focus on why you do. Even if you don't get it, look at it as a learning experience. Three hours is a long way to travel. I once played in a band that was about and hour and 20 minutes from my house and our keyboard player lived 2 hours away. It was worth it because we got to do some great gigs. It all comes down to risk/reward. If you do not mind the travel and the band is good, go for it. Try to learn as much as you can. Stay positive, do not focus on the negative.

Just curious did you what the OP said:

6 hour comute ( not 1.5 and not 2, 3 hours one way)

He doesn't like their music

The band is auditioning a friend that lives in their town

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by DeathFromBelow

I'm with the two previous posters.

Do it, you've got nothing to lose!

Just curious did you read what the OP said:

6 hour comute

He doesn't like their music

The band is auditioning a friend that lives in their town