We like you, but....

TheVoiceless · #1 08-11-2010, 11:59 AM

So I went on an audition last Friday. All goes well, they say they have some more people that they have to audition and they would get back to me. Sunday comes and I send a message expressing my interest in the band. Two days later I get a reply saying they felt positive about my audition, but that they had a week or two left of auditions. Which is fine, but today I see them posting 2 separate ads on Craigslist looking for a bass player.

So I get the feeling that they are stringing me along. Not sure if I should contact them and ask them what's up. But it just seems weird that they are still posting ads. I had already offered to sub, if I was not the full time guy.

Would you just wait it out? Its not like I stopped shopping myself. But would you join a band that put you through this? Usually I get a response either way pretty quickly.

What do you all think??

gus1894 · #2 08-11-2010, 12:04 PM

Definitely seems shady - I mean, if they don't like you, they should say something. So they tell you they like you but they are still finishing out auditions. And additionally, they've posted new ads? Is it possible that they renewed on their own from ads they had already posted? Sounds strange I know, but myself and a friend of mine (separately) have had ads we posted months ago and that should have expired that we still manage to get hits on. We didn't renew them, they said they'd expire in "X" amount of time, yet 6 months later, we'd get responses.

I am a big closure kind of guy. I want to know one way or another - b/c I'd let someone know one way or another. So I'd call. Just tell them that you've seen new ads, and you're not trying to create animosity, but if you aren't the guy for them, that they should let you know...

Just my own $0.02...

kenlacam · #3 08-11-2010, 12:06 PM

I think that you should keep it moving. Some bands are not courteous enough to let you know that they are not interested. There are plenty more bands in the land, so I would not sweat it. Plus, you might find a band that sound better than the one you auditioned for. Keep ya head up!

chicago_mike · #4 08-11-2010, 12:06 PM

Coupla' theories.

1. The non decider liked you, and "The Decider" is iffy.

2. They are going thru the regular routine of waiting till the last minute, just to see, who's out there.

3. They are stringing you along..happens.

What to do? Well, what would you do if they didnt post the ad? So, by all means, if they get back to you, cool. If not, cool. You got other things to do.

Jim Campbell · #5 08-11-2010, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVoiceless

So I went on an audition last Friday. All goes well, they say they have some more people that they have to audition and they would get back to me. Sunday comes and I send a message expressing my interest in the band. Two days later I get a reply saying they felt positive about my audition, but that they had a week or two left of auditions. Which is fine, but today I see them posting 2 separate ads on Craigslist looking for a bass player.

So I get the feeling that they are stringing me along. Not sure if I should contact them and ask them what's up. But it just seems weird that they are still posting ads. I had already offered to sub, if I was not the full time guy.

Would you just wait it out? Its not like I stopped shopping myself. But would you join a band that put you through this? Usually I get a response either way pretty quickly.

What do you all think??

until you are an accepted member,i can see no reason why you should not seek out other bands....it's a 2 way street.....

SactoBass · #6 08-11-2010, 12:11 PM

If this band is one that really interests you, then I suggest you wait it out.

I know that when I audition various musicians, I want to meet everyone who is out there, and then make a decision afterward. It's no different than interviewing for a job. Companies always go through the interview process until all of the candidates have been interviewed, then they make the decision after that. They don't just hire the first or second guy on the spot and say "heck with the rest of the candidates that we have not met yet."

It's no fun waiting, but if this band is one that you really wanna be in, then IMO the wait is worth it. Plus, your patience and levelheadedness will send a message to the other band members as to what type of person you are (someone who hangs in there for the long term).

Just my two cents.

**Staccato** · #7 08-11-2010, 12:11 PM

The response that you received sounds like they either don't know what they want, they will continue looking until they decide, or you're getting stalled for whatever reason. It is not unusual for a band, or business manager in corporate America to give limited information, or withhold what's on their mind.

Check your messages, or emails and line up other auditions-if they look interesting...

SactoBass · #8 08-11-2010, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Campbell

until you are an accepted member,i can see no reason why you should not seek out other bands....it's a 2 way street.....

+1 to that!! Keep lookin until you find the situation that clicks for YOU!

**jmattbassplaya** · #9 08-11-2010, 12:17 PM

I'd just ask them for it straight.

If they don't like you then no hard feelings.
If they do like you but want to keep the door open a little longer then no worries either, but let them know you won't wait around for them to make up their mind if another opportunity presents itself.

In the meantime, keep looking for other bands yourself.

TheVoiceless · #10 08-11-2010, 12:28 PM

Ok, so I'm getting some mixed feedback, I appreciate all feedback so thanks TB!!!

UM???? I have mixed feelings about the group. On one hand I want to give them the benefit of finishing their auditions. But their ads are new and with BAND PHOTOS!!

Right now they have what I am looking for in a band, Paying gigs, popular songs/music, good guitar player and they are using backing tracks which is something I am interested in using.

But I get the feeling that they may be settling if they chose me, and I am just an audition away from being replaced?

I think I may just ride it out and keep looking for other opportunities. I did tell them I would keep myself available. Which I am technically, but man I hate this LIMBO!!!

Thanks TB!

Tampabass · #11 08-11-2010, 12:32 PM

It's only been five days since the audition? That's not long at all.

If they're seriously looking at a bunch of different bassists, then they're probably still in the "deciding" mode. I've put together (and tried to put together) start-up bands in the past, and, with varying schedules and day jobs and night gigs and girlfriend and family conflicts, it takes FOREVER to schedule even a few folks to get together, and thens some more FOREVER to really sit down with your bandmates and hash out who you'd like to have join the band.

My advice: Chill out about it - a band that takes its time deciding is usually better than a band that takes the first dude who comes along. So ultimately it could be a good thing for you.

And from your end, wouldn't you want/need more than one get-together with the band to decide whether YOU wanted to sign on with them?

Unless they're an established band that really fits exactly with what you want to do, I wouldn't worry about it. If they call you, you're in. If not - plenty of other fish in the sea. Bands, too.

I know - easier said than done, particularly if you like these guys. But why not keep looking while they're looking?

BigOldHarry · #12 08-11-2010, 12:34 PM

A week or two? Just keep looking. Never forget: Musician's are flakes!

**jmattbassplaya** · #13 08-11-2010, 12:34 PM

The possibility of being replaced is always a possibility unless you bring something very specific to a band that is valued and simply can't be replaced. In my band I bring my boyish good looks and devilish charm

But honestly, don't worry too much about it. I'd just ask them what's up and if they say they like you but still want to see what else is out there then tell them that's cool but you won't be waiting around for them if something else becomes available, although you'd still be interested in doing sub work. That's all you can do. Past that it's completely up to them. In the meantime keep your sanity by looking for other acts you're interested in.

Dark Horse · #14 08-11-2010, 12:44 PM

They're still looking at possible bass players, and you're still looking for possible gigs.

Seems fair to me.

ChrisB2 · #15 08-11-2010, 12:57 PM

I disagree with the advice to go ahead and contact them again. You're only going to A) be redundant, since you already contacted them and told them you're interested, and you know they're still looking, or B) if you lay out an ultimatum, that's potentially going to really turn them off. Those are really the only two outcomes of further contact initiated by you and IMO I don't think you can help yourself by contacting them, and may hurt your chances.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVoiceless

Right now they have what I am looking for in a band, Paying gigs, popular songs/music, good guitar player and they are using backing tracks which is something I am interested in using.

Wow, if that's the case, I would definitely wait it out. That kind of fit doesn't come along every day and it's worth the wait to see if it pans out.

Of course, keep looking in the meantime, but to answer your question, yes, I would join a band that kept the ads running after my audition. It doesn't mean they don't like you, and you can't blame them for making sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVoiceless

But I get the feeling that they may be settling if they chose me, and I am just an audition away from being replaced?

I wouldn't worry about that. If they hire you, then you're good enough. Even after all the auditions, you may still be the best candidate; just because they're still looking doesn't mean you lacked anything.

Of couse it's possible that during the auditions they may find someone they like better. I don't think they would keep looking once they signed you on, though. Unless there are problems afterwards that cause them to. If you get on, don't look back or worry about what might happen. Just do your best.

There's really no way you can improve your position, IMO, except to just wait it out or forget them. If it were me I would wait it out, based on your description of the fit.

onestring · #16 08-11-2010, 01:05 PM

dude, it's a job interview.

they have every right to keep it posted as long as they want and to "interview"/try out as many players as they want to. in fact, if they want the best fit for their band, they should not be in a hurry at all.

if YOU dug it, you say some variation on: "i enjoyed meeting you guys and would be open to joining the band you feel i was a good fit. i'd be glad to come in for a second audition if you like."

after that, sit back and let it go. if you contact them more than that, you may be regarded as an annoying pest, which would not exactly encourage them to consider you seriously.

meanwhile, you should keep considering other options. nobody is "stringing you along". that's only something you can do to yourself.

singlemalt · #17 08-11-2010, 01:21 PM

If YOU want it, follow up with a couple things.

Tell them you liked what they are doing and you WANT THE JOB.

Look at their stuff, music, websites, shows, and think about what fits for them.

Provide what their product needs, by:

Learning the whole set list. Backing vocals, too. Singing may be the deal breaker.

Tell them you are open to practice/re-audition on short notice if they find themselves without a bassist.

Show up on time and prepared, ready to call the songs you want to work thru. Pick a hard one.

That's all stuff you can do.

Everything else is outside your control.

You knock on a lot of doors looking for work, and you knock on most of them more than once.

Good luck.

TheVoiceless · #18 08-11-2010, 01:24 PM

I am going to wait it out. At this point I don't have any other offers that are worth taking. UGH!! I hate this process. Its been a while since I was going on auditions. And its near impossible to not get caught up in the anticipation. Considering the fact that they had a manila folder with a profile on me and the other bassists, I assume they are trying to handle this as professional as possible.

Thanks for all the feedback. I guess I just need to sweat it out.

94Stanger · #19 08-11-2010, 01:25 PM

Someone posted to treat it like a job interview - that's great advice. Review your audition and figure out what you can improve for the next one. They may want to go through all the auditions - someone may have singing experience as well that gives them one up - someone might have better gear - someone might be offering paying gigs with their joining - who knows but can't cut your own style up. Keep trying. JMO

jazzblade · #20 08-11-2010, 01:36 PM

I'd let it go and move on and don't worry about it. If they call you back GREAT, but don't let them posting more auditions get to you man. Its all more good experience that you will use in the future. Like 94stanger said, work on what you want to improve and keep looking.You might find a better gig in the mean time.