Anyone ever feel like this?

MightyHammer · #1 11-20-2009, 01:38 PM

Just auditioned for a band the other night, only my second audition, and although I'm not horrible, I'm definitely what I'd consider a novice, and the drummer and guitar/vox are experienced, sound great, etc. They have played a lot of paying gigs in the past...which is rare in this area. (truthfully I could care less about $ and it's never been about that for me, I just want to get up there...didn't tell them that though).

Anyways, when I got there the other bass player was just wrapping up, truthfully, he sounded so good I almost packed up my stuff to leave, but figured I'd stick it out for the experience. I was given a list of 8 songs to look at...told to know 3, I learned all 8, but 4 of them relatively well, 3 or 4 well. (only given about 4-5 days.)

We start jamming, and the songs all have their own spin, don't get me wrong, they sound great, but it through me off more than once. I would say half the songs played were not on the list, we only played about 4 on the list, and only a few other songs I knew or knew parts of. I figure it's just a matter of time before I get the awkward silent pack up and "we'll call you...".

We get done, talk for a bit, joke, drink, etc...and I'm in. Both agree they like my sound??? (I didn't) and presentation. The only thing I saw other than massive suckage on my part in comparison to the first player was me being more "the part". Joking, getting into the music, etc.

So, I'm not worried about being able to learn my part given reasonable time...and I think they saw enough to know I can hold my own, but for some reason I feel ????weird for sounding worse, but still getting the nod. Have any of you guys felt like this????? Don't get me wrong though...I'm stoked as hell...just confused.

sevenyearsdown · #2 11-20-2009, 01:46 PM

Many times personallities are just as important as abilities. Maybe the guys just liek you better in that respect. A great player who is a jerk will always be a jerk. An average player who is easy to get along with can become a great player who is easy to get along with. Make sense?

Boostedrex · #3 11-20-2009, 01:47 PM

Sounds like a good problem to have. Congrats on landing the gig man. I have my first audition in about 8 hours. Hopefully I'll have the same luck you did.

Steve · #4 11-20-2009, 01:50 PM

A guy that can hold it down solid beating a burner out of a gig is not all that uncommon.

It's kept me working fo 30 years.

Downlowd · #5 11-20-2009, 01:51 PM

Don't underestimate the value of a solid bass player or being easy to get along with. Some/most bands are just looking for a solid bass player to move the music along. Leave it to the guitar player to be flashy. It is not uncommon for a less talented bass player to get the job over a really strong player that overplays.

Alot of bands have gone through growing pains and understand that it is really important to have a guy that they like and get along with. Some may overlook mediocre bass playing for a can do attitude. Selecting a member for a band is more than just picking the best player. You have to consider lots of things like availability, disposition, attitude, values , goals and whether or not they would enjoy spending time with you.

Take it as a compliment.. they probably picked you because of the "total package."

BigOldHarry · #6 11-20-2009, 01:53 PM

I've been on the opposite end of that deal - Showed up with great chops, dead-on knowledge of the tunes but didn't have the "look" or the "thing" they were looking for.

Getting into a band seem to me to be a cross between a job interview and a first date. Sometimes things click, some times they do not... And the most qualified candidate (or hottest gal) doesn't always get the call-back.

Good luck.

Yerf Dog · #7 11-20-2009, 02:08 PM

Chops you can work on. Fit is fit.

MightyHammer · #8 11-20-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boostedrex

Sounds like a good problem to have. Congrats on landing the gig man. I have my first audition in about 8 hours. Hopefully I'll have the same luck you did.

definitely...good luck...

MightyHammer · #9 11-20-2009, 02:17 PM

this all makes a helluva lot of sense...I guess it's just disbelief, and then not wanting to let them down for it. I've always busted my ***/given everything to what I do...so I hope to impress/improve each time with them. Thanks guys.

rappa29 · #10 11-20-2009, 02:24 PM

I experienced this all through college as a piano player. There were TONS of players better than me, but I was asked to do a fair share of recordings, projects, recitals, etc because I was very easy going and easy to work with.

So congrats on getting the gig! Shed your arse off and keep the gig!

tycobb73 · #11 11-20-2009, 02:31 PM

My band is looking for drummers right now. The band has met all of them at a resteraunt before we play a note. We get the 2 or 3 that we like the best and have them audition. You're going to spend a lot of time around your bandmates. You'd better like them.

Kenner · #12 11-20-2009, 02:36 PM

Ringo was an average drummer, but a good Beatle

ps.........I didn't say you are an average bass player

Jehos · #13 11-20-2009, 02:58 PM

I'm WAY more picky about how I get along with the people I play with than their actual musical talent. If you're a baseline of "good" and I get along with you great, I'd rather play with you than some a-hole virtuoso.

The guys you auditioned for probably felt the same.

Spinal Tapper · #14 11-20-2009, 03:07 PM

I'm pretty sure this is why I'm still in my band - I'm definitely the worst "musician" (besides the drummer) as far as scales and understanding basic music theory, but in the end, I can hold it down like a bastard and have a TON of fun doing it onstage or at rehearsals!

It can be embarrassing when the others are improv jamming, or working out new parts, and mine seem to take a little longer to get right...oh well.

I just shrug it off and remember how damn good looking and fun to be around I am!

Kenny Allyn · #15 11-20-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tycobb73

My band is looking for drummers right now. The band has met all of them at a resteraunt before we play a note. We get the 2 or 3 that we like the best and have them audition. You're going to spend a lot of time around your bandmates. You'd better like them.

A stategy I have advocated for years ...

... And it works

bassbully · #16 11-20-2009, 03:22 PM

I have always said attitude and the way you come across to people can sometimes be more important than how good of a player you are.

SirGrotius · #17 11-20-2009, 06:15 PM

I know if I were starting a band the bass player looking the part and being easy to get along with would be right up there with their chops.

Most bands aren't looking for bassists who go out of control and can solo and slap like madmen, anyway, they're looking for someone who can hold down a steady rhythm and throw in some melodic fills when needed.

bluewine · #18 11-20-2009, 08:21 PM

Don't get bent out of shape or riddled with self doub't

I have been there and I learned from the experience.

Do some more auditions, but this is what I would do.

Tell the band you will audition 3 songs, thst enough as far as I'm concened.Ask for the files in their key and arranged they play it.

Give yourself a week, lear the songs inside out, learn the groove, get it tight, practice your butt off.

This time you go in and your the guy thats blowing all the other cats away.

You sound like you have passion for playing, this should be easy.

JustDavid · #19 11-21-2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

<snip> Getting into a band seem to me to be a cross between a job interview and a first date. <snip>

Very well put!!

MightyHammer · #20 11-21-2009, 08:51 PM

so, uh, yeah, update...spoke too soon. They're interested, definitely, but 'didn't get to hear enough????' and want to meet up again and go through some easy stuff...just to make sure I'll be able to hold my own. They have said over and over that they are definitely not looking for anything over the top...just filling in the "gaps".
Man, I hate auditioning...especially when I get a list that we didn't even cover. Damn...I shoulda waited to post...huh? Man...I'm ready to just politely decline and keep on working at my own pace, enjoying my bass, and not stressing over a list of songs I partially like, and not too crazy about doing a bunch of originals either (Hopefully I don't sound bitter now...just deflated). Anyways, I still have a couple of guys that I jam with, get along with...just not going anywhere anytime soon...and I'd like to eventually play in front of someone other than my buddies dog. Depressing...uh.