Update on Singer Audition

oniman7 · #1 07-09-2011, 12:04 AM

So, some of you may know that I started a thread asking if I should audition a person I met (found here: Should I audition this guy?)

Anyways, I was feeling weird about it, because I barely knew him, but the band agreed, and we needed a singer bad for a gig we have tomorrow.

So, we tell the guy to show up at 5. He shows up at 4:45, equipment ready, and by 5 is ready to go. We've never even done this in our own band, and we're fairly productive.

He's got his own microphone and PA (a huge plus), is dressed nice, and shows up with all his stuff prepared. His songs and ideas are written out in a journal, and his lyrics neatly copied down. He had learned both songs we asked him too (in one night) and had put lyrics to one we haven't been able to for weeks.

So we get him singing, and he's a little shaky at first, but once his vocals warm up, he's great. Imagine a deeper Chris Cornell mixed with the vocalist from Chevelle and a little Bluesy touch from, say, Dave Matthews or Jim Morrison (yes, I know the two are so dissimilar).

Anyways, he showed up and made a great impression. Very eager to be there, and he had lots of energy. Blows away the songs we ask him to do, and once we adjusted a few in a lower key, he was able to sing everything from Rise Against to Nirvana. He was energetic, and I've never moved so much in a practice. He plays bass, guitar, and drums, so he was able to teach us 4 songs in 2 hours in order to meet the deadline we had to meet by tomorrow, and he picked up 2 of our originals in another two hours.

Needless to say, we'll try him out of the next couple of gigs, but I think he's a great fit. I'm really glad I ran into him. Thanks for all the encouraging advice!

Stumbo · #2 07-09-2011, 02:03 AM

Quote:

So, we tell the guy to show up at 5. He shows up at 4:45, equipment ready, and by 5 is ready to go. We've never even done this in our own band, and we're fairly productive.

Seems to me that you should be worried about how your band comes across to him. You'll need to step up your game to keep him around since he's talented, organized, punctual and owns his own equipment.

I suggest a band meeting, including him, to discuss how he fits in with the musical vision you have for your band. I mean, since he plays 3 instruments, will he be wanting to write most of the tunes? Is he a control freak front man looking for some side kicks so he can have his "own" band?

I'm just sayin'....

oniman7 · #3 07-09-2011, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumbo

Seems to me that you should be worried about how your band comes across to him. You'll need to step up your game to keep him around since he's talented, organized, punctual and owns his own equipment.

I suggest a band meeting, including him, to discuss how he fits in with the musical vision you have for your band. I mean, since he plays 3 instruments, will he be wanting to write most of the tunes? Is he a control freak front man looking for some side kicks so he can have his "own" band?

I'm just sayin'....

The guy ended out the night gushing out praise. To be fair, we've always been a productive band. We've just never been strict about starting times. Teenagers like to sleep in. Normally we start at noon, not 5.

Anyways, we had a light discussion today. He loves us and what we're doing and says he likes our whole chemistry and how talented every one of us is. He sings our songs, we do covers, and he brought a book of his songs with him. The deal was that when we're not so stressed on time for gigs, we'll look at any song he wants to show us, and then, if it's good, we'll add our own touches for us.

loopee · #4 07-09-2011, 02:22 AM

sounds too good to be true.....but heck, sometimes the stars align themselves......good for you, hope it works out great.........

BassNeo · #5 07-09-2011, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oniman7

The guy ended out the night gushing out praise. To be fair, we've always been a productive band. We've just never been strict about starting times. Teenagers like to sleep in. Normally we start at noon, not 5.

Anyways, we had a light discussion today. He loves us and what we're doing and says he likes our whole chemistry and how talented every one of us is. He sings our songs, we do covers, and he brought a book of his songs with him. The deal was that when we're not so stressed on time for gigs, we'll look at any song he wants to show us, and then, if it's good, we'll add our own touches for us.

Don't get all starry-eyed and start planning your world tour. The honeymoon will be over soon enough and you'll be on here asking if you should keep him, or another member of the band that doesn't like how things are going.

In your earlier posts you made a lot of mention about age and whether or not a couple of years will affect the band or audience.

Drop the pretentious B.S.. If your talent levels are similar then start playing and work hard to perfect your abilities together. If he has more skill learn what he's willing to share and your band will benefit. Play gigs, record, play more gigs. If you keep a level head and build trust amongst all the members you'll succeed. It's when you let egos into the mix that things go horribly, terribly, and terminally wrong.

Stinsok · #6 07-09-2011, 06:27 AM

He is a keeper!

Vakmere · #7 07-10-2011, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassNeo

Don't get all starry-eyed and start planning your world tour. The honeymoon will be over soon enough and you'll be on here asking if you should keep him, or another member of the band that doesn't like how things are going.

In your earlier posts you made a lot of mention about age and whether or not a couple of years will affect the band or audience.

Drop the pretentious B.S.. If your talent levels are similar then start playing and work hard to perfect your abilities together. If he has more skill learn what he's willing to share and your band will benefit. Play gigs, record, play more gigs. If you keep a level head and build trust amongst all the members you'll succeed. It's when you let egos into the mix that things go horribly, terribly, and terminally wrong.

^ THIS^

oniman7 · #8 07-10-2011, 08:24 PM

Found out it's only a 3 year age difference. We're 16, he's 19. He played a gig with us yesterday after only 2 days of practice. It was a 45 minute set (8 songs) and we were pretty much the favorite of the 3 bands there. He's also a great salesman. We gave him 5 tickets to sell, and he sold them all in a day and required more. We got invited back for two more shows based on ticket sales and talent. He's definitely pulling his weight so far.

AboveOne · #9 07-10-2011, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassNeo

Don't get all starry-eyed and start planning your world tour. The honeymoon will be over soon enough and you'll be on here asking if you should keep him, or another member of the band that doesn't like how things are going.

In your earlier posts you made a lot of mention about age and whether or not a couple of years will affect the band or audience.

Drop the pretentious B.S.. If your talent levels are similar then start playing and work hard to perfect your abilities together. If he has more skill learn what he's willing to share and your band will benefit. Play gigs, record, play more gigs. If you keep a level head and build trust amongst all the members you'll succeed. It's when you let egos into the mix that things go horribly, terribly, and terminally wrong.

^^
+1

Vakmere · #10 07-13-2011, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oniman7

Found out it's only a 3 year age difference. We're 16, he's 19. He played a gig with us yesterday after only 2 days of practice. It was a 45 minute set (8 songs) and we were pretty much the favorite of the 3 bands there. He's also a great salesman. We gave him 5 tickets to sell, and he sold them all in a day and required more. We got invited back for two more shows based on ticket sales and talent. He's definitely pulling his weight so far.

Enjoy the ride.