Auditions, How To Weed Out Flakes

[smogg]

@ jive1,
these are great. Were they real? I'm seeing ads that could easily have belonged to; The Stones, Sex Pistols, Van Halen, Merilyn Manson.....ROFLMAO

Originally Posted by jive1

Here's some red flag ads:


"We are a Metal band that is in our late teens and early 20s that is looking to replace our guitar player that parted ways due to artistic differences. We want to make a name for ourselves in this industry, and on the history of Metal, so you need to be motivated and ready to make this a full-time endeavor. We plan to tour, record, and get rich doing this.
You will need to be able to play in odd time signatures, and deal with odd modes since we use them in many of our tunes. Our influences are Diamondhead, the Misfits, Motorhead, etc. Because our stuff can be complex and we want to dedicate time for writing originals so that we can make a life out of this , we need someone who can be really dedicated to this project. That means rehearsals, writing, touring, and all the stuff a real rock band needs to do"


"Good day CL. We are a bunch of chaps who love the Blues and 50s Rock and Roll. We are putting together a proper group in order to expand on this style of music and take it to greater heights. We are currently looking for a guitarist, as our guitarist had to switch to bass to fill a vacancy. Our material features lots of vocal harmonies, and we may need to replace our current drummer so we can do that, so you must be able to sing.
Our goal is to start out and do covers, and work in our own material over time. We are really serious and dedicated to this, so you must be willing to relocate for opportunities and play every night of the week for little or no pay. I have some connections in Germany for some gigs. But, it will pay off in the end, trust me. The bassist and I are very good songwriters, and I'm positive we can churn out some hits.
So, if you'd like to get in on a chance to be bigger than Jesus, hit us up."


"Hi, we're a singer and guitarist that writes cool songs. We need someone to play bass for us. You have to be 420 friendly and if needles gross you out, this isn't the band for you. Anyway, we do some Muddy Waters covers at the moment and we're looking to expand our sound to take it to the next level. You can't play anything too complex, since the guitarist only has a guitar with 5 strings on it tuned to G. I think that bass sounds better buried in the mix, so you'll need to be cool with that, too."


"Punk band needs bassist. Doesn't have to actually play bass. Just look punk."


"Hey Rockers! Former members of Wicked Lester are putting the next big thing together, and we're looking for a bassist. We're going to play Rock N Roll, tour the country and bang lots of chicks in the process! We aren't going to play a simple Rock show. No way! We plan to do the whole shebang, lights, pyrotechnics, costumes, makeup, etc. You must be willing to wear a leather outfit, and wear vampire makeup. If you can spit blood and breathe fire, even better. Candidates who have a bass shaped like an axe will take preference. We're dead serious about this, and you need to be too. We are located in Brooklyn, so don't e-mail us complaining about the traffic."


"Male vocalist/actor who is comfortable with androgeny and transexuality seek band members for an art-rock band. You must be comfortable with costumes and themes, such as fictional characters from outer space. We plan on incorporating many different influences in our show, so you will need to have an open mind. I'm looking for a guitarist, bassist, keyboard player, drummer, or any instrument that can add something to the sound. Feel free to hit me up and see what happens."


"Hi, we're an original party rock band from Southern California that is looking for a bassist. We're a charismatic lead singer and two brothers who are virtuosos on their instruments. Trust me, the guitar player is killer. We're looking for a bassist who can pound out the root notes and sing the high harmonies. We have some songs written and hope to get some label interest playing showcases. Money shouldn't be an issue, since the vocalist's father is a rich dentist willing to bank roll us.
We're into having good times, and that's what our music is all about. We plan on touring, recording, and making a name for ourselves beyond the valley. So if you'd like to get signed by Warner Brothers, tour the world, and trash hotel rooms, hit us up for an audition."

[RustyAxe]

Originally Posted by drpepper

That's because there is no "differentiation" to make, in this context. The idea that "practicing is something you do by yourself while rehearing is done with the group" is a popular myth in forum debates…it's wrong.

Some people prefer one word, some prefer the other, some use them interchangeably.

In fact rehearsal IS practice. When describing band practice, they are interchangeable.

rehearse |riˈhərs|
verb [ with obj. ]
practice (a play, piece of music, or other work) for later public performance.

I think you need a better dictionary:

Practice
1
a : carry out, apply <practice what you preach>
b : to do or perform often, customarily, or habitually <practice politeness>
c : to be professionally engaged in <practice medicine>
2
a : to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient <practice the act>
b : to train by repeated exercises <practice pupils in penmanship>
3
obsolete : plot
intransitive verb
1
: to do repeated exercises for proficiency
2
: to pursue a profession actively
3
archaic : intrigue
4
: to do something customarily
5
: to take advantage of someone <he practised on their credulity with huge success — Times Literary Supplement>

Think I'll go practice now so I'm ready for rehearsal later ...

[RustyAxe]

Originally Posted by jive1

Here's some red flag ads:

Yes, yes indeed!

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by drpepper

That's because there is no "differentiation" to make, in this context. The idea that "practicing is something you do by yourself while rehearing is done with the group" is a popular myth in forum debates…it's wrong.

Some people prefer one word, some prefer the other, some use them interchangeably.

Hi drpepper,

Cool, however I'm maintaining my position.

It's just my opinion and my definitions, nobody has to agree with me.

Much Respect

Blue

[jive1]

Sometimes the assumptions made from these 'red flags' can go too far if you let them and turn into prejudice. Some of us are taking once piece of information, like someone's age and extrapolating more information from it than you should.

- If a band from a predominantly black neighborhood posted an ad looking for a drummer is it OK to assume they are looking to play Funk, Gospel or Hip Hop? Or that you might get robbed during your audition?
- If a bunch of college kids put up an ad, is it OK to assume they are going to be drinking and using drugs and can't get their act together?
- If a guy plays in a Gospel group, is it OK to assume that the guy wouldn't ever play Rock and Roll?
- If a band is in a wealthy suburb, is it OK to assume they are bunch of spoiled rich kids or old guys with mid-life crisis?
- If a young girl posted an ad, is it OK to assume that she is naive and doesn't know much about the business?

[jive1]

Originally Posted by smogg

@ jive1,
these are great. Were they real? I'm seeing ads that could easily have belonged to; The Stones, Sex Pistols, Van Halen, Merilyn Manson.....ROFLMAO

That was my point. They are ads that describe real bands that made it big. You nailed the the ones you named, except Marilyn Manson, but I could see where you could get that from.

So if you passed on the ads solely based on 'red flags', you'd miss out on an opportunity to play with The Stones, Sex Pistols, Van Halen, David Bowie and other big name bands.

[drpepper]

Originally Posted by RustyAxe

I think you need a better dictionary:



Think I'll go practice now so I'm ready for rehearsal later ...

What exactly is it that you think a "better dictionary" would do for me?

[drpepper]

Originally Posted by bluewine

Hi drpepper,

Cool, however I'm maintaining my position.

It's just my opinion and my definitions, nobody has to agree with me.

Much Respect

Blue

You're the ones saddled with a holier-than-thou attitude based on a misconception, not me. Knock yourself out.

You were suggesting that other people have some flaw in their thinking or lack of understanding because they don't share "your definition," which is objectively wrong.

[bassbully]

Originally Posted by bluewine

RustyAxe gets it too.

I think some are not making the differentiation between practice and rehearsal.

An established gigging originals or cover band should not require even weekly rehearsals.

I also practice for hours on end late at night well into the am.

Blue

Attachment 304116

Man that is allot of practice. Are you practicing the band songs or scales etc. I hardly touch my basses anymore between ggs and pick them up the day of the gig or night before and go over the setlist. In my spare time I play acoustic guitar.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by jive1

Sometimes the assumptions made from these 'red flags' can go too far.

I don't like making assumptions about anyone as I don't like anyone making them about me. I'm sure there are people that make assumptions about me because of my age.

I will admit that I have gone out to auditions where the area was so bad I never left my car and went home.

Blue

[RandalPinkFloyd]

Originally Posted by smogg

For a cover band with seasoned veterans 2 rehearsals a week is in fact excessive. In my current cover band we only rehearse to bring in new material which is about once every 4 - 6 weeks. The rest of the available time is used for gigging. Now we did rehearse every other week at first to get the project up and running but that was only the first few months.

When I was much much younger in a originals band, it was common to write/practice/rehearse as a group three or four time a week. We did not even play out the first year and after that we were lucky to get out of the garage once a month at best.

My point is that IMO/IME there is no one size fits all.
Now you kids get off of my lawn dag-nabbit.

I can see that in a cover band. That would make sense. I've only been in one coverband, and they weren't established. We rehearsed twice a week but after 3 months, I noticed that the chemistry had not improved. I knew my parts backwards and forwards but there was definitely a sync problem each time. If we had had all the songs down and set, I could see only twice a week, but starting out with learning an entire setlist, it just wasn't enough and it showed.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by bassbully

Man that is allot of practice. Are you practicing the band songs or scales etc. I hardly touch my basses anymore between ggs and pick them up the day of the gig or night before and go over the setlist. In my spare time I play acoustic guitar.

I'm usually working riffs where dexterity is an issue. I suffer from really bad arthritis in both hands.

It seems to help.

Blue

[smogg]

Originally Posted by jive1

That was my point. They are ads that describe real bands that made it big. You nailed the the ones you named, except Marilyn Manson, but I could see where you could get that from.

So if you passed on the ads solely based on 'red flags', you'd miss out on an opportunity to play with The Stones, Sex Pistols, Van Halen, David Bowie and other big name bands.

OK you got me hooked now....I guessing the last 3 are Kiss (wicked lester made it easy), Metallica, and Crosby-Stills-Nash-Young?
I like this game.

[jmattbassplaya]

Originally Posted by Nev375

Twice a week isn't a red flag to me if the band is wanting to get up to speed fast and cover a large amount of material as well as really get to know the new member.

As the norm of an established working cover band, yeah that's excessive.

Also depends on the band and what they're trying to do. My original group typically rehearses 3x a week and will gig once or twice a week as well. That said, I'd never practice more than once a week for a cover group (and even that would be pushing it) unless we were just starting out.

[jive1]

Originally Posted by smogg

OK you got me hooked now....I guessing the last 3 are Kiss (wicked lester made it easy), Metallica, and Crosby-Stills-Nash-Young?
I like this game.

Metallica, Kiss, The Beatles.

I made this a game in Bass Humor and Stories.

[bassbully]

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

Also depends on the band and what they're trying to do. My original group typically rehearses 3x a week and will gig once or twice a week as well. That said, I'd never practice more than once a week for a cover group (and even that would be pushing it) unless we were just starting out.

3x a week WOW! I doubt I practice 3x a month with my bands

[RustyAxe]

Originally Posted by drpepper

What exactly is it that you think a "better dictionary" would do for me?

Give you a proper definition of "practice". You said there was no difference, and apparently there is. Didn't mean to ruffle your feathers.

[jive1]

Here's the thing about cover band rehearsals.

- If there is one guy who knows the material inside and out, knows how to lead the guys on stage, and the guys know how to be led, you can get by with little to know rehearsal.

- If you have 4-5 guys who know the material, and know how to work together, you can get by with little to no rehearsal.

- But, if the guys don't know the material and how to work together, they will need to rehearse. If the music is different than the recording, or complex, then a rehearsal is helpful.

- If most of the guys know the show, it's easier to bring a single player in without missing a step. For each member you have to replace, the ability to adjust on the fly is compromised and a rehearsal can be helpful.

[smogg]

Originally Posted by RandalPinkFloyd

I can see that in a cover band. That would make sense. I've only been in one coverband, and they weren't established. We rehearsed twice a week but after 3 months, I noticed that the chemistry had not improved. I knew my parts backwards and forwards but there was definitely a sync problem each time. If we had had all the songs down and set, I could see only twice a week, but starting out with learning an entire setlist, it just wasn't enough and it showed.

I can and do understand your frustration. In order to keep band rehearsals for a cover band to what an old guy like me would call "as needed" ALL members of said cover band must do their homework and stick to the pre designated time table.

I'm at a point in my journey that I realize "time" is my most precious commodity. So I'll not waste it with hacks & slop mongers if I can help it. Luckily my band mates have similar views and we simply address it to each other with catch phrases like "be professional" or "respect your band mates" or the very cliched "time is money"

Like I posted earlier, for me it's the Gig Triad:
1) good money
2) good hang
3) good music
got to have at least 2 out of 3 to make it worth my while. With my current project I'm in a good place;
1) I get my minimum or better for mostly local shows.
2) We get together regularly to have a few brews and catch a game.
3) I like the material and the song list is slowly growing.
So yeah, it's all good.

[smogg]

Originally Posted by jive1

Metallica, Kiss, The Beatles.

I made this a game in Bass Humor and Stories.

Great game.... didn't think of the Beatles, but I'll bet you would concur that the ad could just as easily have applied to CSNY, aye?