Passed audition, round 1...now what?

[Depth_Charge]

I heard back from a rock cover band I auditioned for last week - they want me to come back for round 2, which is a first for me!

I'd like to get this gig if I could - their gigging frequency suits my circumstances and the band play a few songs that I've always wanted to learn but never bothered to without reason to, as well as a few tunes I like playing that challenge my current skill level.

They gave me a list of 16 songs for the audition, 6 of which we jammed last week, and I've been working my way through it pretty well I think.

Being the 2nd round of auditions ... I'm thinking since they already heard me play and figured good enough to come back, maybe there was something else I could do on the day to help my chances getting this gig?? You know, apart from show up on time, be respectful, nail my parts and glide over any mistakes I make etc.

So I'm looking to the more experienced TB'ers for any advice and similar stories.

Thanks TB.

[HomeBrewTJ]

Chocolate chip cookies never hurt

[QORC]

they now know that you have the chops to play with them. They want to see you again to, perhaps, try other songs, and also to see how you "fit in" among them. They will probably ask you questions to determine this. just be yourself. If they don't pick you, it's not the right gig anyway.

[Sundogue]

Originally Posted by Depth_Charge

I heard back from a rock cover band I auditioned for last week - they want me to come back for round 2, which is a first for me!

I'd like to get this gig if I could - their gigging frequency suits my circumstances and the band play a few songs that I've always wanted to learn but never bothered to without reason to, as well as a few tunes I like playing that challenge my current skill level.

They gave me a list of 16 songs for the audition, 6 of which we jammed last week, and I've been working my way through it pretty well I think.

Being the 2nd round of auditions ... I'm thinking since they already heard me play and figured good enough to come back, maybe there was something else I could do on the day to help my chances getting this gig?? You know, apart from show up on time, be respectful, nail my parts and glide over any mistakes I make etc.

So I'm looking to the more experienced TB'ers for any advice and similar stories.

Thanks TB.

Well, since you've played with them once already, what's your take on what they are looking for? What kind of vibe did you get from the other band members? Are the other players busy or more laid back in their playing? If they are busy players maybe they want you to be in more of a supportive role. If they are more laid back in their playing style, perhaps they want you to be more aggressive and flashy in your playing. Think of any conversation you had with them that might give you some insight as to what they are like and what they might want. Take that experience you had with them and think it over a bit.

Then get all 16 songs you have recordings of and practice until you know them inside and out without even thinking of them.

IMO, if you want to wow them, play like you've been with them all along. They are going to want a bass player that has his act together, knows the material and is confident (if they are worth playing with to begin with).

Go into the next round prepared, relaxed, and more importantly, with the attitude and confidence that you already got the gig.

Out of all the players I've auditioned over the years, the ones that stuck out the most and got the job were the ones who had a sense of humor, a personality that jumped out as someone who would be easy to work with, and most importantly were prepared. I've auditioned quite a few players over the years and one thing I learned is that some of the most talented players that we've picked because they wowed us talent-wise at an audition were real losers on a personal level, and lacked dedication. Once in the band setting, they we're the complete opposite of what they showed in the audition.

The most important thing you can do aside from knowing the material like you wrote it, is be yourself. Because if you get in the band, it will be short lived if you are someone different than what you showed them to be.

[jonly]

Originally Posted by Sundogue

a sense of humor, a personality that jumped out as someone who would be easy to work with, and most importantly were prepared.

The most important thing you can do aside from knowing the material like you wrote it, is be yourself.

I agree with the above. from my experience, the first audition is to see if you can play, the second is just to make sure you're not a complete pain in the rear to work with.

[MikeBass]

Originally Posted by jonly

I agree with the above. from my experience, the first audition is to see if you can play, the second is just to make sure you're not a complete pain in the rear to work with.

+1

I've hired many a player over others not because they were better, but I could get what I needed from them with no ego attached.

You can be the best player in town, but if you're a complete jack-pole to work with, you'll be sitting at home wondering why all those players who are "not as good as me" are gigging.

And leave the Victor Wooten licks at home. They may get you some "wow" factor, but they'll more than likly get you 1) no gig, or if you get it 2) Fired.

A LOT of guys forget how to "play bass".
Wonder why Will Lee plays on more records in one year than 10 of the "flavor of the moment" player will their whole careers??

If they give you "go room". Then do it. Go man go!!!
Otherwise, kill the tunes with a groove and pocket a mile wide.

[justabass]

Do exactly what you did before...just know the songs you rehearsed even better and learn the ones they didn't do. You'll get it!

[BassChuck]

This is all good advice. I would add that this would be the time that they would zero in on whatever the reason was that the last guy left. In other words, did he have a hard time learning new songs? Could he adjust to changes in the arrangements on the fly? Whats the drug/drinking situation? You get the picture. Be yourself. Enjoy the ride.

[Marley's Ghost]

Keep your lips zipped. Don't get too comfy.

I made the mistake of bringing up my bands gigs in the 70's on a second rehearsal after I already was accepted into the the band, and got booted by email the next day cause I suddenly wasn't a "good fit".

[mattsk42]

Know some history. Like, if the songs are all classic rock, get to know classic rock. That's helped me when I try out, because I can say something like, "oh, this line sounds just like the Doobie Brothers song _____" Or, "So you want the same feel as a Jimi Hendrix song as opposed to a Led Zep. feel"

If nothing else, some of the stories of bands are interesting. On my 2nd tryout for one band we literally spent a half hour just talking about the Chili Peppers' different lineups. Made me feel much more accepted when I could contribute to "music talk".

[Depth_Charge]

Once again TB delivers. Thanks for the advice and encouragement guys, there's some really helpful stuff in this thread, your help is much appreciated!!

Cheers,

A