Choosing auditions

Depth_Charge · #1 09-21-2007, 11:11 PM

When you receive a set list as part of an invitation/opportunity to audition for a band, does the number of songs you can currently play factor into your decision?

Recently I placed an "available bass player" ad and got a reply, which included a set list. The set list is a killer list of popular tunes, but I only know a handful, and learning the rest is proving a lot more challenging than I anticipated.

So I was just asking

MadMark5 · #2 09-21-2007, 11:29 PM

most of the times I went to an auditon, there were anywhere from 3 to 8 tunes given to me for the audition. I never mind learning new tunes, and If I already knew them, it seemed like a bonus.
I would ask why your trying to learn most of the set list before you have the gig? more for the point of, what if you don't like the band your auditioning for? you may be wasting some of your time...
of course, if you have the time on your hands and your doin it for the hell of it, what do I know anyway??

good luck!

Depth_Charge · #3 09-21-2007, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMark5

I would ask why your trying to learn most of the set list before you have the gig? more for the point of, what if you don't like the band your auditioning for? you may be wasting some of your time...

They told me they are a working band, so I figured the more songs I knew that they play the better off I (and the band) would be.

Also, a lot of the songs are "standards" that seem to come up a lot on the cover circuit. Stuff I just never bothered to learn because I didn't "have to" learn them for anything like auditions in the past.

anderbass · #4 09-22-2007, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Depth_Charge

does the number of songs you can currently play factor into your decision?

Sure it does, they'd be very impressed if you could play the whole setlist well, but I doubt they're expecting that.

At the start of your audition, I think you should hand them a list of their songs that you currently play best, and tell them your working on the rest.

MadMark5 · #5 09-22-2007, 06:58 PM

ok, your making sense. have as many tunes as you can ready for possible other auditions. you seem to be on the right track.
I apologize if my statement came off the wrong way.

also don't forget your auditioning the band too. just because they are working doesn't mean they are good or have thier s**t together, make sure to ask questions about what they expect from you, how many new tunes a week they generally learn, and the big one, what are the goals of the band going forward, i.e. in 1 month, 3 months, 6 months.
you'd be amazed at how many bands have NO plan as far as playing better gigs and making more money. they think that management will do all the work for them, avoid these guys like the plague...

GOOD LUCK and just lay down a solid groove...