Mixed messages from new-band?

shawn-o · #1 07-28-2007, 07:10 PM

Alright well its rant time from myself.

I had recieved an email from a local band stating that they were looking for a bassist and wondered if I would be interested. I found out that they had quite the following and i really enjoy the music that they play.

Anyways- I learn afew of their tunes and go for a tryout. They say they like what they hear and we hammer out approx 7-10 of their other songs. They tell me that they have 2 other guys to try out but as it stands, Im number one on their list. They tell me that They'll call me back during the week and let me know forsure.

Fast-forward a week and a half. I finally recieve a text message asking me to come out again. I head out on the highway assuming that im in and all is good. (did i mention they practise 1 hour out of the city). After the practise they tell me that they still have to give the other two guys a chance to try-out because "it wouldnt be fair if they didnt get a chance". Why they didnt do this earlier is beyond me.

I get along great with these guys, they know im dedicated and have a good handle on most of their songs.

What should i do- Continue to look for another band or just wait for another call from them?. Im getting antsy and really want to get back into playing more regularly.

QORC · #2 07-28-2007, 07:37 PM

Of course you keep on looking. Nothing is for certain here and what harm does it do to keep looking?

Reality? they've had you out twice. It took them more than a week to get back to you for the second try-out.

and they still can't make up their mind.

Not a good sign. At best, they're not sold on you. if they really liked you, they would be SELLING YOU on THEM. They would've offered it to you by now, either in person or by phone. Having you out twice and saying they still have 2 others in the running?

buddy, I'd be moving on.

Ibanezzer · #3 07-28-2007, 07:49 PM

some things take time, maybe all three of you worked out well or look at it another way--maybe its a test to see how your patience/attitude is? If you're act all pissed off that they haven't given a final answer well then that might be part of the test and their decision making, but if you act all cool with them trying to find what works best for their band (put it like your trying to help them, which you are) then maybe that will sell your personallity better as being someone who can make things work and not think just about themselves. I'm not trying to knock you or anything, i'd be ansy to by now, but as you said you like the music and its got a following...it may just be that they are testing your personallity/attitude.

By waiting a while this may tell them how you will act when things go slower in terms of song writing. Its all about personalities that make great bands so i'd give it a shot if your up to it.

but I'd go ahead and give them a call in a few days (instead of waiting on them) and let them know that you are still seriously interested.

sobie18 · #4 07-29-2007, 10:29 AM

One thing ya gotta remember about band auditions:

They are auditioning you but YOU are auditioning THEM.

Sometimes they try to lure you with the cool rehearsal space, good-paying gigs, etc. The latest issue of Bass Player has a cool article on the last page about the Gig Triangle. Check it out...

IanStephenson · #5 07-29-2007, 12:44 PM

Don't try and second guess it. Maybe they just had a rehersal booked, and no bass player - they like you and had a good time the previous week so called you out to play at the rehersal. Maybe the drummer has amnessia and can't remember anything that happened the previous night (remarkable common... ;-)).

Don't be messed around, but don't look for problems either. I agree maybe a polite call just checking in, but there's no reason for anything more than a friendly chat to check you're still all on the same page.

My current gig came from a non-music related meeting with a guitarist. We chatted and he said he'd give me a call. 18 months latter we finally hooked up. Sometimes patience pays off.

You're not "in" until you're gigging with them. Until then there are a million reasons why things may or may not work out, so there's no reason to stop looking, but don't get hung up about what may or may not be happening with this band.

Ian

Foamy · #6 07-29-2007, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QORC

Of course you keep on looking. Nothing is for certain here and what harm does it do to keep looking?

Reality? they've had you out twice. It took them more than a week to get back to you for the second try-out.

and they still can't make up their mind.

Not a good sign. At best, they're not sold on you. if they really liked you, they would be SELLING YOU on THEM. They would've offered it to you by now, either in person or by phone. Having you out twice and saying they still have 2 others in the running?

buddy, I'd be moving on.

Uh huh, without a doubt. Move it along.