Questions to ask before auditioning or joining a new band.

[Stumbo]

I've read several threads where TB'rs were unhappy about their situation in a new band or found out stuff at an audition that they maybe should have known before the audition.

What questions should be asked before auditioning or joining a group?

Some may be obvious, some not, especially for the less experienced players. Anything you can add will be helpful. Stories explaining your situation and its outcome would be cool too.

[Sartori]

"Should I bring ear plugs?"

"Is there a dress code of any kind?"

[bassyeah]

This is a great questions and should be a great thread... but like everything else on TB it seems this would be real subjective. With that thought in mind... do you have a real clear idea what you are looking for? I think if time is spent on that, the questions you ask will all fall into place.
My needs... doing this as a hobby, I wanted to play out 1/2 times a month, could rehearse 1/2 times a week and wanted to make sure it was fun. Enough fun to take away the time from my family.
I made sure the bands were similar situations to mine, where/when they rehearsed, what they were looking for in a bass player, problems they had with previous bass players, established band or just forming, everyone has day jobs... etc.
I nailed all of my auditions and turned them down (kept thinking... "is this enough fun to take time away from the family") within a few auditions I found the perfect situation and have never regretted it!
Your needs may/probablly are different then mine... just be real clear on what you want!

Good luck!

[jmattbassplaya]

I`m seeing a possible sticky in the future if this goes well!

Before I ever even look for a band to join, I find that it`s very important to ask myself questions first, such as:

1. What do I want to do in this band? Play for fun or to get out and gig?
2. How far am I willing to travel to rehearse and to play?
3. Is this something I`ll want/be able to put lots of time in or will I only be able to do this once or twice a week at max?
4. What style/genre do I want to play? Rock? Ska? Funk? Metal? Country?
5. Do I want to join a pre-existing band or do I want to start something up with one other person and build on that?
6. How much creative and management control do I want in the group? Can I obtain and maintain that?
7. Do I want to be playing with people I`d enjoy to sit down and have a meal with, or do I just want to play with people who I can just have a good business relationship with?

Once I can answer those questions, I typically find that I know enough about what I want that it`s easier to find a band that meshes with my current needs. This allows me to weed out things pretty quickly between possible hits and misses.

Once I find a band that seems to match my "rough criteria" in an ad or newsletter, I will often ask them questions that get more into detail so that I know whether or not these guys and me will get along and will be able to function. Some of these questions include(pending on situation):

1. Where are you guys located?
2. Will we be doing covers or originals? Both?
3. How often do you rehearse and gig out?
4. Where do you practice?
5. What do you guys want to do with music? Play for fun? Make is a self-sustaining hobby? Make it your primary income? "Make it big?" etc...
6. What bands are you influenced by?
7. Do you own a PA?
8. How do you suggest we move equipment?
9. How is money split from gigs?
10. Is there a band fund or does everyone pay for what they personally need on their own?
11. How do you rehearse? What`s the process? How do we write new material?
12. How much creative liberty am I given?

After I learn these things I`ll decide whether or not a band is worth my time to audtion with. If I like what I hear on most responces then I`ll set a date and will do a quick session with them and run through a few tunes that we both agree upon to see how we fit. If everything goes great and they offer the postion, then the only thing left is to decide on if I want the position or not. If things don`t go as well and I`m either not offered the part or I don`t feel that the fit is good, then I`m back to looking for a band - Hopefully though, the responces from the first band should only help me narrow my search down even more for what I want in a band.

Anyways, that`s all I have. Hope it helps!

[unbridled]

^ All good questions to ask yourself. Also decide where you stand as for as drinking/drugs and how you'd handle it if someone in the group is using either one. Hopefully, you won't have to deal with that, but it's good to know how you feel in case the issue comes up.

[bassyeah]

a good look inside will tell you what you need to ask and look for...

[73jbass]

Ask politely,"Does anyone in the band have any outstanding warrants"?

[alembicguy]

If at all possible I will venture out and check the group out,kind of lay back in the weeds and see what it is all about and how they perform.
If that option is not available I ask around or check out information I can find on them.
Be sure how far and how much you are willing to give a new group (travel and time).

[fdeck]

Does the band have charts?

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Stumbo

I've read several threads where TB'rs were unhappy about their situation in a new band or found out stuff at an audition that they maybe should have known before the audition.

What questions should be asked before auditioning or joining a group?

Some may be obvious, some not, especially for the less experienced players. Anything you can add will be helpful. Stories explaining your situation and its outcome would be cool too.

It's no secret that I am currently in the middle of auditioning and leaning as I go.

Here are a few bullet points:

Talk to the person facilitating the audition, get a feel for level of professionalism

Get a good understanding of what songs you will be playing including the version of the song, what key ect.

They should not ask you to learn more than 3-4 songs

Ask If you will be auditioning with the full band.

Ask for a specific time to arive

The band should make you feel welcome, not like a stranger being interigated,

[sleeplessknight]

Originally Posted by fdeck

Does the band have charts?

+10,000

A band that is organized enough to keep charts for most/all instruments is a rare thing, but when they do roll around they tend to be fulfilling, fun, and lucrative!

[fdeck]

Originally Posted by sleeplessknight

+10,000

A band that is organized enough to keep charts for most/all instruments is a rare thing, but when they do roll around they tend to be fulfilling, fun, and lucrative!

I love "reader" gigs. Maybe it's my classical background.

In addition, I always advise bands that a book of charts is a band management tool -- along with getting connected to the cadre of subs who work in any given town. Consider the advantages:

* Fewer rehearsals, or no rehearsals at all if necessary
* Ability to use subs when needed
* Insurance policy against a player quitting

All of these things can lead to booking more gigs. For instance if you know that you can hire a sub in a pinch, then you don't have to worry so much about schedule conflicts with your players.

And of course, more gigs means more gigs for me, even if I only play a few of the band's gigs.

[rokkitt]

subscribed.....

Like to ask -on the phone- what the expectations are for the audition.

the word "expecations" tends to open things up. What was missing from the other bass player that you are expecting to find in the new bass player?


I say, do you want my playing to be super exact, like we are recording? or , are we just feeling each other out and jamming thru the songs? I am still a little new, and dont want to give the impression that I am a 30 year veteran.

If they want me to drop in and know 60 songs by Saturday, I am not their man, and I will tell them that.

If they need me to learn 60 songs, and they give me 2 or 3 weeks, then maybe. At least a good 3 sets x12=36 songs!

oh, I always say I am a nervous auditioner, and after 2 songs or so, I relax and settle in.

this is mostly so I dont put too much pressure on myself, and it lightens the mood a little.

I have always gotten the response, " dont worry, just relax".

that always helps me play at my best.....

Most of my other questions I ask are listed above! Allen

[Stumbo]

How long has each member been in the band?
What kind of bass/rig did the previous bass player have?
Are you looking for a similar setup/tone?
What's the biggest venue the band has played?
When's the next gig?
How many songs does the band know and play regularly?
Where do you practice? How long have you practiced there? How much is my share?
Does anyone live near me?
What equipment does each member use?
Who's the leader? How do things get done-democracy or dictatorship?

[dhomer]

The last three bands I have worked with, I found off the internet. First two things I look for is the songlist and the schedule. Those will answer a lot of my concerns. When I auditioned for the first band, I just picked songs off their list that I knew (which was about a third of their list..) The last two bands played at a club 2 miles away from my house. I took an evening and just went out and listened. I knew I'd be an upgrade from what they had, I handed the bandleader a CD, and that pretty much saved an audition...

[QORC]

I think it's always good to ask questions before joining. Of course, if you ask TOO many, that could turn off a band. I would pick the 3-4 things most important to me, and ask only those at first.

That being said...

Joining a band is a bit like dating -- everyone is on their best behavior. Everyone says the "right things" -- "oh, yes, EVERYONE is equal here." and "We are a democracy" or "There are no egos here - everyone pulls their weight!"

but it usually takes a while to find out what band members and how the band runs.

So you can ask. And if someone says something that you can't live with, well you haven't wasted your time.

You just can't necessarily trust the answers you agree with.

[tycobb73]

[quote=bluewine;7541940]It's no secret that I am currently in the middle of auditioning and leaning as I go.


They should not ask you to learn more than 3-4 songs

QUOTE]

I've asked everyone I've audtiioned to learn at least 5 songs.

1. We have an established set list and you must be able to catch up.

2. It shows how much you are willing to do your homework.

3. We make them from vastly different styles so we can get a feel of how they fit into any style.

4. It shows your talent level.

Part of what got my lead singer the gig is that she had all 5 songs memorized after a week. We were impressed.

[QORC]

oh I agree. Preparation and enthusiasm, as in job interviews, is what separates some musicians from others.

When I tried out for my current band, I was asked to learn "5 or 6 songs" they were playing (and I was given a couple weeks, although I was in the midst of a move to Florida at the time, making it tough. I auditioned the day after I arrived in Florida, driving ahead of my family so I could get this done (I flew back later that week, completed the pack out, then drove with my family and some of are things).

When I got to the audition, I had 16 songs down and the backing vocals. They asked me to join on the spot.

[ForSix]

Originally Posted by fdeck

Does the band have charts?

...and can y'all read?

[cassanova]

If I'm going to audition to be a regular fixture in a band I'll usually ask these questions:

Where are you located?
How often do you rehearse?
How old is everyone in the band?
How often do you gig out or plan to gig out?
Do you have gigs lined up? If so, when?
How much is the gig going to pay me?
Would you please email me a copy of your set list?
Who are the bands influnences?
How long has everyone been playing both individually?
How long has the band been together?
What are the goals of the band?

I haven't seen anyone mention anything pertaining to fill in work so I figured I'll touch base with some questions that I ask regarding that line of musicianship as well. Hope it helps.

What type of music?
Where's the gig located?
What date and time do you need me?
Are there any rehearsals prior to the gig? If yes, how many and where?
Whats the base pay for the job?
What's the method of payment, cash or check?
What is the dress code for the job?
When can I expect a copy of your set list?


*Regarding rehearsals: I will incorporate a fee if there is more than one rehearsal and/or the rehearsal(s) are over an hour away. .

**Regarding location: If the gig is 2 or more hours away I charge extra because it is not in my best financial interests to drive 2 hours for $125.

*** Regarding backing vocals. Two of my music professors (pianists and vocalists) gave me this piece of advice. If I have to sing backing vocals frequently during the gig I should charge a slight fee since it is an additional service I am providing along with my bass playing.

****Regarding dress code: Seems like a no brainer but, you'd be surprised at how important that question is to ask. I wore a pair of nice dress slacks with a polo shirt to a gig once but the band leader required dress shirt and a tie. Fortunately, the gig was close to home and I was able to go home and get it. Since then I've always played it safe and asked.