Auditioning for vocalists - why the no shows?

EagleMoon · #1 11-22-2009, 06:37 PM

I'm guessing that this might be a problem in general, but why do people do this? I've talked to 6 different potential vocalists in the past month and only one showed up. One actually had the manners to write and say he couldn't show up because his old band wanted him back. I don't think it's me, or at least I hope not! At least have the courtesy to say you don't want to (or can't) come before I drive 40 minutes to the practice space and wait an hour for you.

Okay, rant over.

shirky · #2 11-22-2009, 06:43 PM

Bro,

I am afraid to report that this is pretty typical, in my experience...

Good luck in your search.

EagleMoon · #3 11-22-2009, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shirky

Bro,

I am afraid to report that this is pretty typical, in my experience...

Good luck in your search.

That would be Sis, thanks.

rllefebv · #4 11-22-2009, 07:03 PM

FWIW, my band is going through the same thing with Drummers... 3 online contacts, sent 'em CDs, talked on the phone, scheduled dates... 3 no shows...

I finally contacted a guy that I used to play with briefly in another band, (that I know can cover the spot)... He shows up the next day at short notice and plays convinclingly...

Keep at it. Sometimes just when you're ready to toss in the towel, it all comes together!

-robert

Jeb · #5 11-22-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleMoon

... I've talked to 6 different potential vocalists in the past month and only one showed up.

The thing about internet forums is that so much information is missing in these types of posts, yet this statement jumped out at me.

What do you say to these "potential vocalists"? Is it possible that you aren't what the singers are looking for?

EagleMoon · #6 11-22-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeb

The thing about internet forums is that so much information is missing in these types of posts, yet this statement jumped out at me.

What do you say to these "potential vocalists"? Is it possible that you aren't what the singers are looking for?

We have an ad up on Craigslist. I've emailed and talked to the phone with all of them. They all seem really excited to audition, and then it comes to the day of the actual audition and they just don't show. We've also had people who have asked about things and then decided that wasn't what they were looking for. I'm just talking about people who were all positive up until the day they were supposed to come, and then nothing.

need4mospd · #7 11-23-2009, 07:56 AM

This is completely normal behavior and par for craigslist. We had a 1 out of 6 rate for the last band, and it took 3 completed auditions to find the right one....you do the math...

bassbully · #8 11-23-2009, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shirky

Bro,

I am afraid to report that this is pretty typical, in my experience...

Good luck in your search.

Ya man tis is the biz...suks too! You have to give it to the person who finally does show up some bonus points at least

Phalex · #9 11-23-2009, 08:36 AM

When we were auditioning singers we had something like 30 people that were supposed to show up over the course of a weekend and try out live, onstage, at a gig. (We had a fill in singer for a couple of weeks.) One guy showed up, and nailed the audition!

We had to let him go a few months later because he just wasn't very exciting to watch. The guy could sing like a bird, but he just wasn't front man material.

Metaltronix · #10 11-23-2009, 08:42 AM

It's because they almost all suffer from a condition called LSD, lead singer disease.

DWBass · #11 11-23-2009, 08:44 AM

Yep! Just experienced this not long ago! 2 out of 6 responders actually showed! Of those that didn't show, not one contacted me with a reason.

PJSShearer · #12 11-23-2009, 08:45 AM

It happens all the time!!!.

The problem is that everyone who's ever got up at a Karaoke night (and many that haven't) think they can sing (have you seens "Britain's got Talent/XFactor" ?), they see an ad for "Band needs singer" and think "I could do that!". It costs little or nothing to reply to the ad, and they'll probably start off with good intentions and feel they are up to the task. However, in the cold light of day on the morning of the audition things look a little different and they bottle out (as we say in the UK).

RustyAxe · #13 11-23-2009, 08:53 AM

No-shows are a fact of life ... and not just in music. Not only does it display an unprofessional attitude, it is inconsiderate and downright disrespectful. They did you a favor not showing up.

For me, I don't even consider giving a studio audition until we've spoken on the phone ... and not for two minutes. You get a feel pretty quickly. And I request that they call me if they can't make it.

I've cancelled audition that I was going for ... after getting their recordings I decided it wasn't what I wanted to play (a Jimmy Buffet band? No way!) or didn't like the way someone sounded on the phone. But ... I've always made that phone call in plenty of time (24 hrs or more) to tell the band I wasn't coming. No big deal.

But then, I was raised in a different era, and thoughtfulness and consideration of others was a given.

phatbass · #14 11-23-2009, 08:53 AM

When I used to do the audition thing, for ANY instrument, I'd figure on about 50% of people showing up. If I had 75% show up, it was a good night.

bluewine · #15 11-23-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyAxe

No-shows are a fact of life ... and not just in music. Not only does it display an unprofessional attitude, it is inconsiderate and downright disrespectful. They did you a favor not showing up.

For me, I don't even consider giving a studio audition until we've spoken on the phone ... and not for two minutes. You get a feel pretty quickly. And I request that they call me if they can't make it.

I've cancelled audition that I was going for ... after getting their recordings I decided it wasn't what I wanted to play (a Jimmy Buffet band? No way!) or didn't like the way someone sounded on the phone. But ... I've always made that phone call in plenty of time (24 hrs or more) to tell the band I wasn't coming. No big deal.

But then, I was raised in a different era, and thoughtfulness and consideration of others was a given.

Yes, I have called on ads before.if the person can't handle an intelligent exchange of information over the phone, how good coul the band be.

Stumbo · #16 11-23-2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleMoon

At least have the courtesy to say you don't want to (or can't) come before I drive 40 minutes to the practice space and wait an hour for you.

How about if you ask them to call you when they are on the road to the audition? If they don't call, don't go. Just let them know that ahead of time. Might be worth a try.

nortonrider · #17 11-23-2009, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJSShearer

It happens all the time!!!.

The problem is that everyone who's ever got up at a Karaoke night (and many that haven't) think they can sing (have you seens "Britain's got Talent/XFactor" ?), they see an ad for "Band needs singer" and think "I could do that!". It costs little or nothing to reply to the ad, and they'll probably start off with good intentions and feel they are up to the task. However, in the cold light of day on the morning of the audition things look a little different and they bottle out (as we say in the UK).

My Exact thoughts!

EagleMoon · #18 11-23-2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumbo

How about if you ask them to call you when they are on the road to the audition? If they don't call, don't go. Just let them know that ahead of time. Might be worth a try.

That's a good idea.

I certainly understand someone changing their mind, or if something happens and they can't come. But I just don't understand not saying anything. Apparently I was also raised in a different time but to me, that's just plain rude.

rockdoc11 · #19 11-23-2009, 06:38 PM

Consider it a gift and a self-screening.

It'd be a lot worse if he/she failed to show up for a gig!

jarrod cunningham · #20 11-23-2009, 06:46 PM

try bandmix instead of craigslist . theres too may people out there who "think" they are singers .... on my last go around with this we asked for all auditioners to send us an mp3 prior to showing up and wasting a time slot or our time . worked well . wound up hiring a friend of mine i worked with before , not any of the people who replied or auditioned . here in bama at one of our local birmingham hot spots we have a all star jam every 2 and 4th tuesday and a ton of quality peep show up and play . if you have anything close to that check it out , scout other bands where the singer is the strong link , and also dont be turned off by checking out karaoke clubs ... you may find a diamond in the rough .