Audition gone sour

[phektus]

I just want to share my wonderful first audition experience.

I replied to a post in a local web forum about a band looking for a bassist. They have a website with 3 30-sec sound clips and the usual band info, which are really nice and looked professional. Not to mention that the songs really rock! Their vocalist is a foreigner (Aussie living in the Philippines) and is very good (used to model, now writes songs and sings) in his singing. The band seems to be composed of mature musicians and rocks good time.

So I went to contact the manager who posted the ad, and was scheduled for the audition. They were really looking for an experienced bassist because the album launch is in a month, but I proceeded anyway. I made it clear though that I haven't yet reached a year of playing. I've read the audition do's/don'ts here, so I was a bit confident.

A day before the audition, I acquired a new 5string bass (used to 4 strings) and thought that it would be a cool idea to use the new bass. Came audition day, and the traffic was awful around my area. I had to do a round trip just to evade the traffic jam, but I allotted two hours for the trip (venue is an hour drive from home).

When I came to their area, it started to rain, so I wasn't able to proceed to the house immediately (brought my bass). By the time I entered the house and was greeted by the owner (which is also the lead guitarist), I was physically exhausted and just wanted to make it through it.

The rest of the band greeted me (manager was off somewhere), and had a little chat before preparations. I knew that they were surprised to know that I've just been playing for months, as they were probably expecting bassist who gigs and stuff. They said that it's still cool, so I just proceeded with the setup.

The first blow came when they told me to tune down a step, Eb. They offered me their tuner but I brought mine, so I passed. Unfortunately, my tuner began NOt to work, and I wasn't really able to get an exact tune. As noob as it sounds, I haven't tried drop tuning before (I have a post here in TB asking about that, which I posted right after the audition).

I then plugged in, and didn't use the modeler I brought with me because I want to just use the new bass with its built-in pre-amp, which was a bad idea. I wasn't able to get a desired tone. I didn't even bothered to adjust the amp settings. I was too conscious of the time when my sound is not yet there.

I was given chords to the song, which should not be a surprise because that's what I'm getting when playing to church. I'm used to short rehearsals and just plain chords. The chords were written in a notebook, and they were nothing complicated as I saw them.

But the sad thing happened. Although I was locking in with the drummer well, I think (they are doing rock). I began breaking up and feeling nervous and incompetent, all the bad stuff. I lost confidence and messed the songs a little bit. I even got confused with the chord changes, which used to be fine with me. I really lost it.

Finally, they gave me the usual "We'll talk about your performance amongst ourselves and our manager will contact you if you get the spot". I then left immediately as what's told here in TB. They were all polite and are cool and good people. I knew from then that I blew my chance and felt more exhausted as I went home.

Recently, the manager posted a follow-up on the wanted bassist ad, which means that they are still waiting for other bassist to audition. I could summarize what I've done wrong, but right now I'm contemplating on my practice routines and found lots of weakness which needs more work. I even dropped a follow-up thank you message to the manager but no reply, which I think is unprofessional of him but I know he's not obliged anyway.

Luckily, I'm getting a bass instructor to teach me personally in the coming months so that's some little light in the dark tunnel. I'll just continue on improving my playing. I also have some side projects with friends and I liked the music, but this seemed to me like a big time gig that just fell from my hands. IMHO, the band members themselves are nothing exceptional, just cool cats with good gadgets, though I have to commend the vocalist who I think can do a solo career without any real backing band.

Thanks for reading my rant. I hate myself for screwing up the chance , but I learned an awful lot from the experience. Oh well, moving on...

[Jonyak]

hey man keep up with it, I think most of us have gone through that kind of situation.

but at least you got out there and did it. There are tons of othe bands I wouldn't worry about that one.

Next time I am sure you will be more prepared and less stressed about it and do just fine.

[purfektstranger]

I sympathise with you because auditions are not an easy thing, especially when you are starting out. What I can say is that you will indeed learn from the experience. The fact that you travelled an hour to try out for these guys, despite having only been playing for a few months speaks volumes. Keep at it and you will be that much better the next time you audition. Believe me, I manage a local band and it sounds like your audition went relatively well compared to what I have seen. A few tasty tidbits......

- Guitarist shows up for audition with no guitar.
- Guitarist shows up for audition drunk...he drove there.
- Singer shows up for audition and starts talking about ways to improve the band.....ummm he had been there for about an hour at that point.
- Singer shows up for audition with her father, who insists on watching the audition. No problem there, the daughter is only 17 yrs old. The father then spends a half hour telling everyone why his daughter is the right singer for the job. You could see her shrivelling up into a little ball with every word he said.


I could go on but I think you get the picture. Try not to be too discouraged. Like I said before, you had the guts to show up and do your best despite the circumstances. Next time it will be alot better. You will probably also realise that an audition is indeed a two way street and in effect you will be auditioning for a band but at the same time the band will also be auditioning for you.

[BassChuck]

Sounds like you did a lot to prepare and present yourself. These things take time and the more the you it the easier it becomes.

I did have to wince a bit as I read your post about using new equipment at the audition (5 string). Telling them you have a new bass is cool, but I would think that anyone would expect you to be totally at ease with whatever equipment you show up with. Also the drop tuning is a question mark in my mind.

Good luck with the next one. You're on the right track.

[phektus]

Cool, your stories guys sure gives me some motivation aside from my mishap. I know there are worse cases than mine. I must have also expected a bit too much of myself. I'm not that discouraged, as I did experienced lotsa rejections before in work (as a programmer) before landing on a really good gig, so it's not alien at all (if not necessary to succeed). Thanks for your replies, they sure are encouraging.

Originally Posted by BassChuck

I did have to wince a bit as I read your post about using new equipment at the audition (5 string). Telling them you have a new bass is cool, but I would think that anyone would expect you to be totally at ease with whatever equipment you show up with. Also the drop tuning is a question mark in my mind.

Yeah, that was also a big mistake. I wasn't that comfortable with the new bass, because it's just a day old with me, and the higher action made my left hand cringe. I was uncomfortable with it on the audition, as it is the first time I'll use with to make music with other people. I did get a compliment on it though, but from the lead guitarist, so it's not much As for the drop tuning, it was from them. That's why when we played, I was really off tune by that half step, which should have played nice if I had done cool basslines, but I blanked out.

[Juniorkimbrough]

Stuff happens, there will always be a next time. You live you learn. The main mistake I see in your story is taking the new bass that you are not used to and don't know exactly how to dial in your tone quickly.

[Busker]

Originally Posted by purfektstranger

I sympathise with you because auditions are not an easy thing, especially when you are starting out. What I can say is that you will indeed learn from the experience. The fact that you travelled an hour to try out for these guys, despite having only been playing for a few months speaks volumes. Keep at it and you will be that much better the next time you audition. Believe me, I manage a local band and it sounds like your audition went relatively well compared to what I have seen. A few tasty tidbits......

- Guitarist shows up for audition with no guitar.
- Guitarist shows up for audition drunk...he drove there.
- Singer shows up for audition and starts talking about ways to improve the band.....ummm he had been there for about an hour at that point.
- Singer shows up for audition with her father, who insists on watching the audition. No problem there, the daughter is only 17 yrs old. The father then spends a half hour telling everyone why his daughter is the right singer for the job. You could see her shrivelling up into a little ball with every word he said.


I could go on but I think you get the picture. Try not to be too discouraged. Like I said before, you had the guts to show up and do your best despite the circumstances. Next time it will be alot better. You will probably also realise that an audition is indeed a two way street and in effect you will be auditioning for a band but at the same time the band will also be auditioning for you.

I have one to add to the list.

- Guitarist answers ad placed for needing a country & rock lead guitarist. OK, good! But he shows up with an acoustic guitar, wanting to play & sing Beatles ballads and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. We were polite to him of course - but he was not in any way a lead guitarist, and we were not looking for a singer. I'm not sure why he answered the ad.

To Phektus

Don't stress too much over it. You may fail another audition or two before you get the gig. Try not to take it personally and don't give up. Keep going and you will gain confidence.

[troy2003]

Keep your chin up-you did fine.Who knows,maybe they won't find a player or only one they get comes with an ego,and they may think back to the guy who tried hard and has now a little more experience since the last audition and give you a call.

[bikeplate]

HI

I was bummed out once feeling the same. I had GOTTEN a huge gig with an international act only to have it taken from me after a "name" guy was able to do the tour. I was devastated. Months later, still not over it, I found a nice '67 Jazz bass in a want ad. I went to look at it and the seller was a bassist I admire. I wont mention his name. I kinda told him my story. He kinda laughted and said "its just a gig". At first I felt he had no compassion but in later years I truly understand what he meant. Gigs come and go. Unless you are the nucleus of something, this is the life of a sideman. Accept your role. If you dont like your roll, simply make steps to change it. Start your own band. Write, record your own music, etc, etc. See what I mean? Ive also auditioned and have had people tell me "your way too good for us"

You wont be right for every audition. Sorta like approaching a cute female. You might find her appealing, but she may not find you as appealing. You cant look at it personally.

Put the blinders on and put one foot in front of the other. Or quit. Its simply up to u.

Always be prepared and ready to go. Never let failure be because you didnt put in the work. Its alot easier to face a "no" this way. Pride is the utmost. Good luck. You'll get the next one

Rob

[Chazinroch]

Every audition is a learning experience. I've been to auditions that the band was not to my expectations and had to tell then no, but thanks anyway. I've been to auditions that were totally above my ability and obviously didn't get the gig. I've been to auditions and nailed it, but didn't get the gig for other reasons (don't sing, don't have an upright, don't have enough hair etc.). Learn and grow from it. Never audition with brand new gear, especially going from a 4 to a 5 or 6, or from a fretted to a fretless.

You'll be better prepared and more confident next time. Good luck!

[Jerry Ziarko]

Well look at the bright side, you got a lot of mistakes out on your first try. Most of us took years to do all that Just kidding, but honestly, use it as a learning experience. Don't dwell on what might have been, but rather what you can do differently the next time an opportunity comes along. I'll share a little story with you. A good friend of mines brother is a world famous producer musician. He was producing a project last year for another accomplished singer songwriter from a recently disbanded mega group. As you can see by now, to keep the rumor mill at bay, I won't expose any of the principles. Any way, he brought in a bassist and a drummer who had worked together often in the past with platinum results. After a week of grueling tracking, the artist and producer agreed the grooves were not what they were after. Now comes the funny part. He said he did all he could to work up the nerve to tell the rhythm section he would no longer be needing their services. The bassist, (and some of you would die if you knew who it was) laughed and said "that was probably the hardest thing you've ever had to do, isn't it?" He said the important thing was to get the song message correct and there honestly were no hard feelings.
So you see, sometimes it's not meant to be. Take what you have learned and move forward.

[TAZ]

It's experience... go do another audition.

[Dave R]

So, you didn't win your first audition, as a relatively new player, for a band looking for an experienced player? That's normal. You had some adversity, but you did the best you could.

On to the next one...

[Howlin' Hanson]

Audition story, if I may...

Mid-October I made contact with a guitarist and drummer looking for a bass player. They wanted to audition me the following Sunday, but I was leaving town and put them off a week.

The following Sunday, I'm doing some work around the house and managed to slice open my forehead just above my temple (I walked into an open jalousie window). Blood everywhere.

From the emergency room, while I waited for my stitches, I called my son and had him phone the guitarist to tell him what had happened, and that I would certainly be late at the least.

Nine stitches and 45 minutes late, I showed up at the audition. They were surprised that I even made it. Dedication, determination, and a bit of bass and vocal skills landed the job.

So, phektus, sometimes bad things happen, and sometimes they will work in your favor. Keep going to those auditions, and get some practice in on that 5-string!

[seanm]

I think you learned your lessons, so the audition was a good thing.

Depending on the circumstances, auditions can be more stressful than gigs. The "I only have one chance" pressure can be overpowering. But just like gigs, you get used to them.

And never bring new equipment to an audition or gig unless you have no choice (e.g. You amp blows just before a gig). I like to try equipment at home to get a feel for it and so I don't waste the bands time learning how to turn it on Then try it at a band practice. Once I am comfortable, then I gig with it.

[Stox]

Don't sweat it, I think your attitude going into the audition is whats telling here. You will learn from it and better prepared next time. Taking gear with you that you are not completely familiar with is a complete no no but you probably realise this now. FWIW I thinks its really unprofessional for a band not to tell you they play in drop tuning before the audition. In my experience a bass has to have a different set up for this,(action, intonation etc) in fact I used to keep two basses for this very reason as I once played in an indie originals band which tuned down to Eb, I kept the other bass for my covers band in standard tuning.

I little audition story. We once tried out a singer guitarist who arrived at the audition but couldn't unlock his guitar case as he'd forgotten the combination. Our drummer picked the lock for him, but it really set the tone because the poor guy was so stressed he never really recovered from it. He didn't get the job, however he was a nice guy and we are now firm friends, he now sings with a name band and tours all over the world, go figure!

[stranger0]

Phektus,

I didn't see anyone else mention it (if you guys did then great) but your follow up note to the manager...awesome. You are back on, that shows professionalism on your part and lack of it on his. If you do those things, people catch on, build a reputation around that.

My audition story
Tried out for this 'up and coming, could break at any time band' who shall remain nameless, and did the audition, I had borrowed a new bass head for it, brought my gear etc...so, we talked prior, learned all the songs they gave me and I full admit, I did not learn these songs note for note, I could easily have learned somebody elses bass riffs/licks/style but thats that persons style and this guy was hardly Jaco.

Through the entire 'audition', I couldn't even hear myself, rather all I heard was farting because my amp was so loud and the guitarist couldn't be bothered to turn it down (not to mention the room was f'ing tiny, a padded cell is bigger) so I suck it up and it goes good. We end the audition and go our seperate ways.

Now, there were no wrong notes/keys etc...my playing was pretty bang on for their stuff and I locked in with the drummer really well too (great guy actually)

So the guys want to do a 2nd audition, well, this time I decide to use their bass amp because why haul all my gear and take a chance at ruining it. We get together and we actually work on getting tighter with their material, well...the singer used to be the bassist, so we'd play the songs, I would put on my flare for certain bass parts etc...all tasteful and the singer is like "but that's not how it goes" and he'd proceed to try to dictate that I had to play it note for note (believe me, I saw the writing on the wall) and afterwards we all, as a band had a discussion.

So, they point out that they still can't hear me very well and I proceed to point out the 'clip' light on their lovely yamaha bass amp basically stayed on everytime I hit a note, or how they didn't like the "clak" sound I had and again proceeded to point out thats what you get when you play too hard (the best part was that the drummer blamed it on the active pick ups in my MTD 5 string), then they say "well would you have a problem trying other basses" and I'm like not really, all depends to which what they really meant is 'your a great player but we don't like how you sound, so use our gear, not yours'...let me tell ya...it was then I had to point out that this wasn't going to work out.

So yea, I laughed then, I laugh now.

The one thing I laugh about with your situation and I think most 5 and 6 string players will agree, if you knew your new instrument prior to recording and the songs well, tuning to Eb would not have been an issue. You could have stayed most likely in standard tuning and played in a closed position during the whole audition. (Then again wait for the band that comes along and says an open A sounds different than a fretted A on the E string)

Good luck with your next one, you'll be stronger for it.

[BassXgirl]

You have got my respect for sure. You did everything you could to prepare for this and you went for it. Everything is a learning experience and it sounds like you've already learned a lot from this.

One way to get better is to play with people who are better than you whenever possible. That's what you did and it sounds like you've already learned so much! Thats awesome.

You've already got new goals set for yourself and you are moving forward. I don't even know you and I feel proud of you! hahah seriously. You took the plunge and you should not feel down on yourself at all, you should be proud.

P.S. It was very professional of you to send the thank you message to their manager. What he does with it is up to him. You did your part and that's what matters.

Keep on playing, you'll get there.

[Munjibunga]

I'm going to have to disagree with BassXgirl. You set yourself up for failure on this one. It was a bad decision to switch from four strings to five for the audition. Then you took a malfunctioning tuner to the audition. You declined to use the functioning tuner, and ended up playing a bass you knew wasn't in tune.

I give you props for getting out there and auditioning with only a year under your belt, and the good news is that you learned a lot from the experience. It'll make future auditions easier, and you'll know what to expect.

[BassXgirl]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

I'm going to have to disagree with BassXgirl. You set yourself up for failure on this one. It was a bad decision to switch from four strings to five for the audition. Then you took a malfunctioning tuner to the audition. You declined to use the functioning tuner, and ended up playing a bass you knew wasn't in tune.

I give you props for getting out there and auditioning with only a year under your belt, and the good news is that you learned a lot from the experience. It'll make future auditions easier, and you'll know what to expect.

True about the mistakes he made, but I think he knows this already. I think that's partly why he's down on himself. Im focusing on the positives in this. As you said in your last paragraph, he got out there, took the plunge, and tried. We all go through this. We all make mistakes that in retrospect seem obvious and preventable. It's easy to forget that a lot of us have made the same mistakes.