Back In The Game Part 2

[bluewine]

I hate to belabor a topic, however, I have discovered that older musicians getting back in the game is not a fluke type of thing, it’s a trend. I wanted to open this up for discussion again. Hopefully we will see some comments from newer TBers

Some things you might want to consider;

•Understanding where your at as a Musician

•What type of opportunity your looking for( start up, originals, cover band, just jamming with guys, *I’ll take anything)

*I’ll take anything. This is always a bad Idea

•Understand that the auditioning process has changed drastically since the last time you were out there.

•Understand that your probably not the same person you were 30-40 years ago.

•What do you expect from a band

•Age limitations, do you want to play with folks your own age , younger or it doesn’t matter.

•Don’t show up for an audition uninformed and unprepared

•Don’t, under any circumstance talk about the old days, people will think your weird. You think I’m joking, I’m not!

•If your looking for a working band, make sure you have decent gear. A lot of bands will be checking this out, but won’t say anything.

•Look the part, if your auditioning for a rock band , don’t show up looking like a middle aged business man.

•Decisions are not made on who’s the best player any more.

•Last but not least, Duh,Winning

[bluewine]

There must be someone out there facing an audition.

"Winning"

[busmandan]

Originally Posted by bluewine

There must be someone out there facing an audition.

Actually, I have one tomorrow. It's also kind of cool in that they're looking for a drummer also, so I'm bringing my son in to play drums. He's subbed on drums a few times for other bands I've been in, but if this goes well it will be the first time we've actually been in a band together.

The guitarist who's putting it together is someone I knew thirty years ago - we actually played in the same band, but at different times. Even so, we had met and knew of each other. We were reacquainted about a year ago when both our bands were playing the same event. As such, he knows my playing style and the kind of voice I have so I'm expecting it to go well.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by busmandan

Actually, I have one tomorrow. It's also kind of cool in that they're looking for a drummer also, so I'm bringing my son in to play drums. He's subbed on drums a few times for other bands I've been in, but if this goes well it will be the first time we've actually been in a band together.

The guitarist who's putting it together is someone I knew thirty years ago - we actually played in the same band, but at different times. Even so, we had met and knew of each other. We were reacquainted about a year ago when both our bands were playing the same event. As such, he knows my playing style and the kind of voice I have so I'm expecting it to go well.

Cool, you have an in, not going in blind is a trmendous plus. Good luck.

blue

[Bullitt5135]

I played when I was a kid but never in a band. Just picked it up again after 20 years. My goal was find a group interested in jamming for fun on a weekly basis. Maybe play out "some day" -- yard parties, empty bars, etc. One thing quickly led to another, and I met a drummer interested in building a band for occasional gigs. Despite the fact that I have very limited experience and dubious talent, he said he'd take somebody with my positive attitude and "want" over the last 5 or 6 experienced bassists he's tried.

My "audition" was having him see me play one song at an open jam, then chatting with me over a beer. In hindsight, I think he was more interested in my open-mindedness and willingness to work at it. He obviously has more confidence in me than I do. He gave me a list of songs, and we jammed at his place that Saturday. I was prepared, but the guitar player he invited was not (and has been cut loose). It went well enough that he invited me to join him for two more open jams. I went from never playing on stage to playing an eight song set (new-to-me-songs) on stage all within a week and a half. This is happening way faster than I ever imagined, but the drummer has never given me the opportunity to back out -- he's behind me 100%.

In two weeks, our band is coming together. The drummer is 50-ish, I'm 41. His 20yr-old nephew is lead vox, guitars, and harp. His 22 yr-old daugher is singing backup, and we may have landed an experienced 35-ish lead guitar player. Age doesn't matter, style doesn't matter. No egos have emerged yet. We all share an affinity for the same musicians and material. We got through 15 songs at our first practice on Sunday (all new to me), laughing and breaking balls the whole time. Our goal is to put together 40 classic rock/pop/country songs that will get people up and dance. I think we'll be ready to go by summer if we can...

Get focused and organized. We had a blast coming up with songs to add to the list, but we need a plan for attacking it. We need to schedule regular practice/rehearsal time and be willing to come prepared. Communication has been a challenge so far, as the drummer (band leader) is old school and doesn't live on texting and email. The guitar player mentioned an online band management site we could use. Since we are using my basement for practice, I may take it upon myself to formalize the proceedings a bit. Since I am the newbie in the group, I think it will help me to have some control of the situation. What do I expect from the band? No drama -- I deal with a lot of stress at work and with having an elderly parent to look after. Family comes first -- the drummer said he new I was the right guy when I turned down a jam session because I had other plans with my kid. And lastly, honesty -- I've made it clear with each band mate that if for any reason I'm not cutting it, I want them to be up front about it.

[delta7fred]

Bullitt5135

I know what your drummer means about taking the keen learner over the experienced reluctant player.

Our current drummer is fine except that he had a habit of speeding up during fills, rolls etc. The last 2 drummers that I played with were way better drummers technically but I would pick him every time. The first one was a great guy, rock solid player, would play any song, gladly try different drum parts, BUT you could not get him to gigs on time and he hardly ever turned up for rehearsals. The next one was another rock solid player but he would not even consider a song if he didn't like the song (I play loads of stuff I am not too keen on), the band, the drummer, what kit he played etc. etc. He was a wannabe jazz drummer so everything sounded like jazz drumming. Fine for a jazz band but not a pop/rock band.

When our guitarist suggested our current drummer, an old school friend of his and one he had played in several bands with, my heart sank. I had played one song with him and knew of his speed problems. I need not have worried. once he knew the songs then his speeding up has dropped to virtually zero, He listens to all suggestions, has the drum parts off perfectly for rehearsals, suggests suitable songs, and is 100% keen.

[Bullitt5135]

This is exactly why we ditched the first guitar player. He was all talk and no action. It was all about what he and he alone wanted. We now have five people who probably have very little of the same music on their iPods, yet we are all psyched to branch out and try other stuff. I never had any intention of playing country, but when your band has a (hot) female singer with a fantastic voice... well, duh.

I'm learning very quickly that it's all about chemistry and honesty. If you have that, everything else seems to fall into place.

[dminer]

"•Don’t, under any circumstance talk about the old days, people will think your weird. You think I’m joking, I’m not!
•Look the part, if your auditioning for a rock band , don’t show up looking like a middle aged business man.
•Decisions are not made on who’s the best player any more."


Blue, I agree with most of your post....I never talked about the golden days until asked for my bio for the web page...then it was like "You opened for so and so!!!? WOW!!! What were they like? ect....but, I never brought it up and never pine for the old days as in...man, when I played with
----- we partied and those were the days ect...THESE are the days!

However, I have to point out that at least in my 30+ years of experience, decisions have NEVER been made on who the best player was. Everything from look, gear, compatibility, coolness, stage experience/presence, transportation, habits ect were factors in forming and keeping a band together.

[busmandan]

Originally Posted by bluewine

Cool, you have an in, not going in blind is a tremendous plus. Good luck.

It really wouldn't bother me if I didn't have an "in". I seldom do.

I know exactly what I'm capable of and what I can bring to a band. If they decide I'm not for them, fine - I'm not going to take it personally, and besides - there's plenty of bands looking for bass players.

I've also told people right there at the audition if I'm interested or not. Why wait and beat around the bush when my mind's made up right there? At one audition, after we had played the guys asked me, "Is this something you're interested in doing?" I told them no - but didn't get into specific reasons why I didn't want to go with them. Nor should I have, for that matter.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by busmandan

It really wouldn't bother me if I didn't have an "in". I seldom do.

I know exactly what I'm capable of and what I can bring to a band. If they decide I'm not for them, fine - I'm not going to take it personally, and besides - there's plenty of bands looking for bass players.

I've also told people right there at the audition if I'm interested or not. Why wait and beat around the bush when my mind's made up right there? At one audition, after we had played the guys asked me, "Is this something you're interested in doing?" I told them no - but didn't get into specific reasons why I didn't want to go with them. Nor should I have, for that matter.

Don't knock having an "in" in some areas and for some opportunities if you don't have have an "in" you don't stand a chance. Now, I do understand that only makes a difference if it's an opportunity you really want.

[delta7fred]

I haven't done many auditions, only 3 in 45 years of bass/guitar playing. The last one I didn't even know was an audition.

A few years ago 3 members of my band retired, they gave 9 months notice and honoured all our booked gigs. It gave the 2 remaining members (the drummer and I) plenty of time to get something else sorted.

The outgoing singer phoned me one night and asked if I would go and help a startup band out who were auditioning a new drummer but their bass player was unavailable. I was doing nothing else and was looking for a singer so I went along to audition their singer.

After we finished playing I sat with the 2 guitarists and had a beer and they confessed they were auditioning me, not the drummer, and did I want the gig. They knew I would not have come if I had been told that upfront. I thanked them for their offer but came clean that I was only there to audition their singer. He was your typical wannabe singer, no gear, no transport, not a very good singer, woman troubles, and turned up an hour late. They said I could gladly have him as they were sick of him. They sacked him after before the next rehearsal.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by delta7fred

I haven't done many auditions, only 3 in 45 years of bass/guitar playing. The last one I didn't even know was an audition.

A few years ago 3 members of my band retired, they gave 9 months notice and honoured all our booked gigs. It gave the 2 remaining members (the drummer and I) plenty of time to get something else sorted.

The outgoing singer phoned me one night and asked if I would go and help a startup band out who were auditioning a new drummer but their bass player was unavailable. I was doing nothing else and was looking for a singer so I went along to audition their singer.

After we finished playing I sat with the 2 guitarists and had a beer and they confessed they were auditioning me, not the drummer, and did I want the gig. They knew I would not have come if I had been told that upfront. I thanked them for their offer but came clean that I was only there to audition their singer. He was your typical wannabe singer, no gear, no transport, not a very good singer, woman troubles, and turned up an hour late. They said I could gladly have him as they were sick of him. They sacked him after before the next rehearsal.

Interesting point, I guess whenever we are on stage performing we might be auditioning depending on who's watching

[delta7fred]

Originally Posted by bluewine

Interesting point, I guess whenever we are on stage performing we might be auditioning depending on who's watching

You never know who's watching Blue.

In about 1973 we were playing a real dive. I was approached after our first set and asked to join a charting band, but when I heard the terms I declined, "I am looking for a good bass player who will play what I tell him" said the leader. I guess that's why the previous bass player quit/got fired.