Old guys, don't despair (Update to the "Audition tonight thread")

BillyRay · #1 05-07-2009, 09:19 AM

For reference: Audition tonight

Nothing much to say except that I didn't get the gig. I had made my mind about turning it down anyway: I have a couple of auditions lined up and got some phone calls about more interesting projects for me (ie. blues or hard rock). Plus, the girl didn't seem to like me that much, even initially before I even got a chance to play. I'm a goofy guy and I guess that rubbed her in the wrong way... But as I said to the drummer on the phone, man if I was auditionning myself, I wouldn't thinking about hiring my ass, so their decision is not very surprising.

The drummer was pretty cool and gave me the "I'll keep your phone number just in case line" wich is nice (for bull), but I've never seen this line materialize into a gig later on, so I'm taking it with a grain of salt. It didn't mesh now with the singer, I doubt it'll mesh in 3 months.

Finally, I also learned that the bassist that went after me got the gig. Nice fella, probably 50. So to all the older guys who think that they're too old and that they'll get picked after the younger cats, think again. You could have the opportunity to play with a cute and talented chick.

chump stain · #2 05-07-2009, 04:15 PM

I've been stumped as to the reasons why I've been turned down so many times lately. I just figure it's something else other then my playing. That's got to be it, I have nailed every tune at every audition so far. Like someone told me, most of these bands already have their minds made up before you ever strike a note. If you don't have the look, attitude, or gear they're looking for, your done. And you can never tell really what they're looking for untill you go and meet with them. I'm in the same boat as you X5 or so now.

Jim Carr · #3 05-07-2009, 04:22 PM

There are so many variables. I once lost out to a much younger player who was inferior though not terrible. The leader later called me and said,

"Jim, we loved your playing, but we had to hire the kid 'cause he was the son of the Tenor player's neighbor and he could just cut it."

I realized that the leader did the best thing for band harmony and stability. BTW that band was a totally awesome Funk band that still works all the time in northern California.

BillyRay · #4 05-07-2009, 10:11 PM

Danielle, keep your head up. I've had dry spells and I've had times where I couldn't get out of the house or answer the phone in fear of being asked to join various musical projects. Exageration, but you get the idea.

You just have to grind : go to the audition, do your best, wait. It's mind numbing at time, but I see every failed audition as a way to better myself and a way to get my name out and make connections. It was pretty much the first time I went to a meeting without any preparation (not hearing the music beforehand, not learning any tunes, etc.). It sure as heck provided a valuable experience since my next audition WILL be in the same format, albeit for hard rock, wich is way easier to jump into.

jtc_hunter · #5 05-07-2009, 10:35 PM

I just got into another band, so now I am in 2 two bands. The first band, I have played with for many years and is a classic rock cover band. 4 of us and I am the youngest, at 50 yrs. old. It was a very nice compliment when the new (2nd) band asked me to play bass for them. In this second band I am the oldest . The other members are 27, 2@31, and 32 yrs. old. This band will be playing some original music that they have lyrics to, but want me to help them with the music. We will also be playing some covers of bands like Whitesnake, Motley Crue, Def Leopard, etc. up to newer stuff like Seether and Theory of a Deadman, which I like too. (That really surprised them). I enjoy playing with the older guys, but the excitement and enthusiasm is better with the "kids".

carpedebass · #6 05-08-2009, 05:25 AM

Never fear older set! I just turned 40 and am playing hardcore rock with a bunch of guys who could be my kids. GREAT fun, we are growing a fan base like crazy and we get along VERY well. You just have to remember not to treat them like kids ya know...

Phil Smith · #7 05-08-2009, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyRay

But as I said to the drummer on the phone, man if I was auditionning myself, I wouldn't thinking about hiring my ass, so their decision is not very surprising.

Well, there you go, you're answer is right there.

Phil Smith · #8 05-08-2009, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chump stain

I've been stumped as to the reasons why I've been turned down so many times lately. I just figure it's something else other then my playing. That's got to be it, I have nailed every tune at every audition so far. Like someone told me, most of these bands already have their minds made up before you ever strike a note. If you don't have the look, attitude, or gear they're looking for, your done. And you can never tell really what they're looking for untill you go and meet with them. I'm in the same boat as you X5 or so now.

Maybe you're auditioning for the wrong kinds of bands? Try another musical genre.

Jim Campbell · #9 05-08-2009, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chump stain

I've been stumped as to the reasons why I've been turned down so many times lately. I just figure it's something else other then my playing. That's got to be it, I have nailed every tune at every audition so far. Like someone told me, most of these bands already have their minds made up before you ever strike a note. If you don't have the look, attitude, or gear they're looking for, your done. And you can never tell really what they're looking for untill you go and meet with them. I'm in the same boat as you X5 or so now.

perhaps it's time to put it together yourself........if you build it they will come so to speak........you are walking into a social group cold......if you are able to find one or more like minded player(s),work out some material,find a practice room etc,then you can audition the players you want......whole different game when you are holding the cards......

klokker · #10 05-08-2009, 12:24 PM

I"ve only been asked to join one band so far that is an actual working band, so I don't have tons of experience. I'm the oldest by far.

But after working with this bunch, if it was my band and I was looking for a band member, the most important thing I'd consider is whether or not I could "live" with the person, not how well they played. Or lets say that I'd never hire someone who I thought I wouldn't want to hang with.

If overall you don't enjoy each other, the whole experience isn't worth much.

You have to be pretty intelligent emotionally and socially to be a valuable band member. There are a lot of factors, most of which are intangible and non-musical in my brief experience. Whew!

Keep working at it, eventually you'll land somewhere.

BillyRay · #11 05-08-2009, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Well, there you go, you're answer is right there.

??? What answer ? I said that to him jokingly after he told me they went with another guy. What was I supposed to do ? Cry all day ? Tell them they are talentless hacks for not choosing me ? Go passive agressive on his butt ? I'm able to crack jokes at myself and know when I flunked an audition. I flunked that one.

I guess I don't get what you're trying to say here.

D Rokk · #12 05-08-2009, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyRay

??? What answer ? I said that to him jokingly after he told me they went with another guy. What was I supposed to do ? Cry all day ? Tell them they are talentless hacks for not choosing me ? Go passive agressive on his butt ? I'm able to crack jokes at myself and know when I flunked an audition. I flunked that one.

I guess I don't get what you're trying to say here.

he was probalby commenting on the fact that in your OP you didnt make it clear that you were joking when you said that, or that you said it AFTER you were informed that you didnt get the gig.

i for one was confused by this also.. wondering why in hell you'd audition and then tell them that you arent confident in yourself

jnewmark · #13 05-08-2009, 12:43 PM

I never audition for anyone or group that does'nt play the kind of music I do or am somewhat familiar with ( Blues, RnB, Classic Soul ). Painting myself into a corner? You betcha, but I'm also not setting myself up for rejection, and at 60 years old, 40 of which playing professionally, I pretty much know what I can do and not do.

BillyRay · #14 05-08-2009, 01:38 PM

Gotcha, thought it was a given, but after rereading my post, it wasn't. Sorry for the confusion.

chump stain · #15 05-09-2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Smith

Maybe you're auditioning for the wrong kinds of bands? Try another musical genre.

That's not a bad idea. Although I did audition for a classic rock/funk/pop/covers/originals band

But that's kind of up my ally too. I was looking more for a hard rock/alternative/metal type band. I've had a lot of blues guys contacting me. And I've been turning them down, because I don't think I'm all that good at blues. And kind of get burnt out after a couple songs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Campbell

perhaps it's time to put it together yourself........if you build it they will come so to speak........you are walking into a social group cold......if you are able to find one or more like minded player(s),work out some material,find a practice room etc,then you can audition the players you want......whole different game when you are holding the cards......

I guess I was looking for the easy road. Just step into an already built deal. I just hate starting from scratch.

Good news though! I just got my Geddy out of layaway, so maybe my luck will change.