First audition at 40 (no laughing)

NickInMesa · #1 09-05-2009, 06:03 PM

If anyone followed my story, I picked up bass again at 39 in January on a bet that I would join a gigging band before the end of the year. Yes, it was my New Year's resolution.

I had not played in almost 20 years... Midlife crisis? Trying to reconnect with my youth? Or maybe I am terribly stubborn and I hate leaving something unfinished, goals unaccomplished (something I used to my advantage in my professional life)

After practicing on my own for 4 months, I joined a small cover band which plays once in a while, on average once a week, but not always and sometimes the singer does not show up because he was still sleeping at 1pm. Their only booked goal is for the drummer's wife's Halloween party.

I have decided to join a serious gigging job and I have my first audition on Monday. These guys play gigs around the Phoenix area and they're about giving a good show.

I love the music they play (mostly arena rock) and I'm ready to give it a try. My audition is on Monday and I already know 5 of the required 6 songs, so for me it's mostly 2 more days of work playing these songs until I puke.

Note that I always played in small "buddy bands", never anything pro or semi-pro.

And no, I never had a real gig, meaning playing for an audience other than friends and relatives and never played for money either.

Life is short and I just love a challenge.

I need some advice! Thanks...

On a side note: I was very frank about my story and the band leader actually likes it and has actually recontacted me after we last chatted several months ago (I was not confident enough and join my current band).

wildhorse · #2 09-05-2009, 06:08 PM

Congratulations on your step forward. Just relax and get in there and give it your all. You'll be alright.

bass_snake · #3 09-05-2009, 06:33 PM

Never too late. I was playing off and on since 1996 then finally played more seriously 2 years ago.

Goodluck with everything.

Fred

emblymouse · #4 09-05-2009, 06:41 PM

Go man! Advice that sticks w/ me:

Do not lose the groove in search of a note. If in doubt, leave it out.

Don't tell them how good you are/aren't, leave that to them to decide.

JQ1986 · #5 09-05-2009, 06:42 PM

Give 'er hell. Just play the songs the best you can. If you nail it, awesome. If you don't, at least you gave it a shot. When I auditioned for my current band I totally BOMBED the bassline under the guitar solo for one song and I was convinced that they weren't gonna want me. 5 days later I got the call saying that they want me to play with them. Actually had my first gig with them last night. So give 'er hell and have fun. Good luck!

xgator4u · #6 09-05-2009, 06:51 PM

Take your OWN RIG. and do NOT
1.overplay
2.talk too much
3.hot dog= go wearing crazy clothes, or carry more gear than you need, just cause it looks cool.

Best wishes,be confident, but not cocky, and keep us posted.

Oh, and no noodling.

xbmedic · #7 09-05-2009, 06:54 PM

You are an inspiration to this 38 year old, brother. Good luck!

bikeplate · #8 09-05-2009, 07:05 PM

HI

I didnt go 100% professional until I was 38. Congrats

Rob

agreatheight · #9 09-05-2009, 07:15 PM

Nick,

I have been playing in the Phx area for years and have never lost an audition. This is not to say that I am great, but Phx has an abundance of unprofessional hacks that show up to these things.

Here is my sage advice:

1) Learn the songs.
2) Get to the audition nice and early, but go in exactly 5 minutes early.
3) Learn the songs.
4) Smile, even when you make a mistake.
5) Learn the songs.
6) Dress appropriately (don't look like a slob, but don't overdo it either).
7) Learn the songs.
8) Pay attention / don't play when people are talking.
9) Learn the songs.

Good luck! (Do you mind if I ask you who you are auditioning for? I may know them, be able to give you advice!)

dee rob · #10 09-05-2009, 07:20 PM

Good for you.......have fun and good luck!

dee

Quadcam · #11 09-05-2009, 07:48 PM

dont sweat it man, like i said in another thread I'm 36 and started playing drums again and taking drum lessons after a 10+ yr break. Do you're best and if it works out great if not there are always bands looking for bassists

NickInMesa · #12 09-05-2009, 08:13 PM

OK can I add this one? Don't mount new strings before the audition... By that I mean new to you... as in never played that brand and model of strings before.

bluewine · #13 09-05-2009, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xgator4u

Take your OWN RIG. and do NOT
1.overplay
2.talk too much
3.hot dog= go wearing crazy clothes, or carry more gear than you need, just cause it looks cool.

Best wishes,be confident, but not cocky, and keep us posted.

Oh, and no noodling.

And no noodling between songs,Just play the required songs and no more

**Stumbo** · #14 09-05-2009, 11:30 PM

If they say they like your playing or give some compliments to you, just say "Thank you". Don't go off explaining how you'd like to be better or you should have started earlier, etc. IMO, that's not professional.

Or if they have some suggestions on how to sound better or some other changes that they think need to be made, thank them for their suggestions, make some adjustments and then ask them if what you've done is close to what they are suggesting. Do your best to comply, even if it's not exactly what you think needs to be done.

Don't go on about how you like this or that or attempt to defend something with a long drawn out story about why you do the things you do. If you get in the band, there will be plenty of time to iron out the details.

Good luck.

Here a few links you may want to check out:
~Auditioning
1 For new band
2
1 A new member
2
Red flag stories
Hilarious/Scary/Bizarre Audition Stories
"Never got to audition" story
Questions to ask before joining a band

NickInMesa · #15 09-06-2009, 02:16 AM

Thanks for the advice, all.

The easiest one is Don't Stop Believin' and the so-so hardest is Garry Moore's Still Got The Blues.

They provide a bass rig, I just have to bring the bass in standard tuning.

leadfingers · #16 09-06-2009, 07:26 AM

Cool! Best of luck with the audition!

I'm 44 and have recently picked up the bass, so I'm working my way to get to this point of auditioning and getting back in a band. I am having an absolute blast with music again and it is great.

I'm sure that you'll do fine. Lots of great advice here, and remember to enjoy it and to have a great time.

bass_snake · #17 09-06-2009, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

OK can I add this one? Don't mount new strings before the audition... By that I mean new to you... as in never played that brand and model of strings before.

That' s very true man.

thumpbass1 · #18 09-06-2009, 09:55 AM

Get out there and do it, and have fun is my advice. The best part of being an older musician is that it really is about the music and the love of playing without the anxieties and b.s. that comes with the different territory of being in one's youth and in a band, or wanting to be in a band. I hope it goes well for you.

tycobb73 · #19 09-06-2009, 10:00 AM

Age isn't as important as I thought it was when I formed a band 3 years ago. We've had various members from 25 to 43 and at the moment i find myself the youngest at 36. How that happened I don't know. It just happened by taking the best people available.

electracoyote · #20 09-06-2009, 10:03 AM

I love all the advice to "learn the songs." Keep playing them until you puke. Knowing the material like the back of your hand means you can relax and enjoy the whole experience. You can smile a little and be a better showman, better interaction with the band and the audience. A player who isn't sweating bullets, but who is relaxed and on top of it, that's a catch for any band.

Good luck!