Frustrated with Auditions and Such

chump stain · #1 04-16-2009, 12:41 PM

I've been in a rut now for almost a year. My band (which had pretty good local success) broke up in March 2008. And more then a year later I'm still looking for a band. I like to be involved in original music, although I'm not opposed to doing some covers, or even a whole gig of covers every once and a while, but I'm not really wanting to be in a cover band. So I guess I just needed to talk about it, this is talkbass right?

I moved to the other side of town, so I quit going to the church I was going to for a long time. I played in the music ministry for 6 years or so at my previous church, then started playing at their sister church also. I would do 2 church services every Sunday morning. I think my playing really went to the next level playing for the churches. They were both big congregations, 1200, and 600 or so people. So the talent pool was pretty big. The caliber of musicians I played with really helped push me to become better. So now I'm going to a pretty small church, close to home, and they have 2 regular bassists. It's been really hard getting involved, since the worship teams, have their lineups already pretty much set. So take away that, plus the rock band, and I went from playing 6 days a week, to 0.

Now I've had 5 or so auditions with local bands, and still have not landed a spot. One band told me they were breaking up, rather then tell me I wasn't right for them, which really soured me. Another band picked a 20 year old wanker, which I guess works for them. But they're in their 40s. Here's a video they did of the kid. Which BTW didn't show up knowing any of their songs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fbV2VprdBg

I really don't think I have a bad attitude or anything. I show up to the audition knowing my parts, smiling and humble. I've heard stuff like "nobody's ever played that right but you", and "you nailed it", "That was awesome". But it's never me they pick. I have good equipment, and (people say) good tone, and style. But, what gives?

Any words of encouragement would be totally welcome. This whole thing is wearing me out.

Rob Lewis · #2 04-16-2009, 12:49 PM

That YouTube clip wore me out..

Diogenes · #3 04-16-2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chump stain

... Another band picked a 20 year old wanker... Here's a video they did of the kid...

A vid of wanking?

low-endz · #4 04-16-2009, 01:04 PM

If you have rights to your some/all last bands songs/music you can start your own thing & become a band leader.

You can find other players in your area just to jam creatively with. Band or not there still stuff to learn from other musicians just by jaming.

hang in there man, sometimes if you want something done....

chump stain · #5 04-16-2009, 01:09 PM

I'm not really interested in re-doing the other band, maybe a lick or two that I came up with. But I get what you're saying.

I would start a project, if I had the rehersal space. Can't really afford to rent a space right now. Maybe I can find someone to work with who has a space, then get more players from there. Thanks guys...keep 'em coming!

two fingers · #6 04-16-2009, 01:13 PM

Ha! I wouldn't worry about the fact that they hired that kid. They are going to be in for a ride with him! All he cares about is soloing! They will let him do that live a few times only to realize that nobody cares! He probably couldn't hold a groove in a dump truck. Anyway... If it were me (and it HAS been a few times) I would just take a gig. If it's covers, fine. If it's all original and probably will never play out, fine. At least you will be interacting with other musicians. If something better comes along, give a notice and take off. Other than that, just take some time to play for FUN! Learn some songs you never had time to. HANG IN THERE!

chump stain · #7 04-16-2009, 01:16 PM

Hey thanks guys!!!

Yeah a cover band is sounding pretty good right now. At least I'll be playing, and getting paid.

bizmarckie · #8 04-16-2009, 01:19 PM

After watching a linked video of that band playing, it looks like their old bass player did the same kind of stuff... So don't sweat it!

chump stain · #9 04-16-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bizmarckie

After watching a linked video of that band playing, it looks like their old bass player did the same kind of stuff... So don't sweat it!

Yeah, they bill themsleves as "Detroit's Only Lead Bass Metal Band". So, I showed up with some tasty licks, but I think I showed a little more "class" in my playing, if you know what I mean.

They tapped a session with me, and they put me over in the video. It's supposed to be on youtube soon. Something like "we've tried out over 20 people, and she is the silver medalist" or something to that effect.

**bassybill** · #10 04-16-2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Lewis

That YouTube clip wore me out..

It reminded me of some of the StSanders shredding vids, or others done in the same way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKCwH3amLaU

**jmattbassplaya** · #11 04-16-2009, 03:34 PM

In regards to the video and another linked one of theirs- Wow. Be happy you weren`t hired because they seem set on mediocrity. Both bassists had bad tone, technique, style, improve skills... the list goes on.

**jmattbassplaya** · #12 04-16-2009, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassybill

It reminded me of some of the StSanders shredding vids, or others done in the same way.

Exactly

chump stain · #13 04-16-2009, 03:53 PM

I thought their last bassist was pretty good. I'm not into the wanking though. I thought I could bring some taste to the bass position.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDvesLU14FY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRyVEygnneE

NickInMesa · #14 04-16-2009, 04:19 PM

I left a comment on that video.

JustDavid · #15 04-16-2009, 04:49 PM

5 or so auditions, no band yet, & you're frustrated. I'd suggest 'patience', & keep trying.

Hard to know why you aren't getting the chairs, & apologies if my perspective is out of line. Keep in mind there is more to a band than just the music & more to a bassist than just their bassline. A band might find that another bassist naturally grooves better with their drummer's kick than you. A band might find another bassist fits the group persona better. Lots of possibilities.

steveksux · #16 04-16-2009, 06:34 PM

I saw that ad on Craigslist.... when someone lists a myspace page that doesn't exist, I pretty much figured they're hacks...

Randy

**jmattbassplaya** · #17 04-16-2009, 06:40 PM

Their decent enough if you want to hear a scale being played up and down poorly. I hate to use this example, but listen to any Cliff Burton solo. For the most part they were tasteful, followed a structure, and actually showed true skill on the instrument(as far as metal bass playing goes). These 'bassists' play random licks that don`t connect together in any way, shape, or form and they think they`re bad@$$.

But hey, I shouldn`t complain. Guys like these make me feel much more confident in my abilities

chump stain · #18 04-16-2009, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveksux

I saw that ad on Craigslist.... when someone lists a myspace page that doesn't exist, I pretty much figured they're hacks...

Randy

www.myspace.com/mindrought

NickInMesa, That comment cracked me up! I needed that!

I'm still waiting for them to post the vid with me in it. When they do, I'll throw it in here so you guys can tell me what you think

You guys rule!!! Thanks for the encouragement!

MEKer · #19 04-17-2009, 12:50 AM

I would not want to play with a band that thought that kid was a good bassist. I heard absolutely nothing. Thats not even wanking as far as I am concerned. At least a knowledgeable wanker knows melody and structure and can play it entertainingly. So the kid in the vid is---ummm---nothing comes to mind---uh, wait---thats it---he's nothing . Especially if thats his best "look at my skills" crap. OK, I'll be nice and say I hope he improves and matures--that'd be great I'm sure.

Nah, you just be a BASSIST and you'll get a gig. Make sure the band deserves you--no that's not arrogant, its setting up for success in a practical way: if you feel they deserve you, then they must be doing something right that hits your bass soul (and NOT out of desperation to play with someone).
OK OK I'll shut up--------nananananannannah.......

tycobb73 · #20 04-17-2009, 06:31 AM

Is a cover band ok, or doi you want to be in a originals band?

We're looking for a guitarist right now. Covers only. I get responses from these guys saying "hey, I'd like to be in your band, would you care if we worked on my orginals?"

Next.

Decide what you want. Not that you couldn't be in both, but you have to market yourself to one at a time. Most people don't want to do both.