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2nd Audition Rejection

B

bluewine

Inactive
Sep 4, 2008
10,296
27
WI
#1
Time for blue to get tough and move on to the next audition.

Here is the rejection letter. I guess it's more than some bands give.

We really appreciate you spending the time learning songs and taking time to meet all of us. Although we would be privileged to have either bass player in our band we decided the best fit was “the other guy”.

Thanks so much and we’re sorry it didn’t work out. Hopefully we’ll run into you in the future while you’re gigging in another band..



Thanks,
 
#3
I know it sucks being rejected, but that's actually pretty decent of them to send you that. I lined up an audition, but the band stopped answering my emails once they learned I'd only been on tour a month.
 
#6
It's a cliche, but keep your head up and keep swinging for the fence. I know a lot of "unappreciated rock stars" playing alone in their parents basement waiting for the world to come to them. It don't work that way. Audition, audition, audition. Network. Answer a creepy Craigslist ad or two (take precautions of course). It will seem like 98% of the contacts you make are a waste of time, but trust me, connections made today will pay off months and years down the road. My current band would not be together except for a random contact I made fifteen years ago.
 
#9
+1 to all of the above. PLenty of other fish in the sea. Sporting of them to send you a letter -- never heard of that before!

This may not soothe your disappointment, but if they think you wouldn't be as good a fit as the other guy, it's far, far better to find out now, before you've "bonded" as a band.

Keep your head up, and keep plugging away.
 
#10
Here's my two cents. You gotta sell the drummer first; he has the only hard Veto. Let him keep the beat and you follow. The drummer doesn't want anyone fighting him for the beat. Second, a really good band understands its #1 job is to entertain - there's exceptional players in most studios, but few entertainers - the key is to find out who they see as their audience and then adjust your entertainment style to that audience - a spastic punk style won't work in a Country Western band to use an extreme example, but don't try to be the "star". Third, everyone starts as a follower and a listener; bands may say they want new ideas and ways to improve, but they don't want to hear them from the "new" guy, regardless of your experience. And finally, trying to show some leadership skills will only get you cut. "Fit" means you bring no problems, no issues, no arguments, no special requirements, and no hassles to anyone already in the band.
 
#11
62Start said:
Here's my two cents. You gotta sell the drummer first; he has the only hard Veto. Let him keep the beat and you follow. The drummer doesn't want anyone fighting him for the beat. Second, a really good band understands its #1 job is to entertain - there's exceptional players in most studios, but few entertainers - the key is to find out who they see as their audience and then adjust your entertainment style to that audience - a spastic punk style won't work in a Country Western band to use an extreme example, but don't try to be the "star". Third, everyone starts as a follower and a listener; bands may say they want new ideas and ways to improve, but they don't want to hear them from the "new" guy, regardless of your experience. And finally, trying to show some leadership skills will only get you cut. "Fit" means you bring no problems, no issues, no arguments, no special requirements, and no hassles to anyone already in the band.
Click to expand...

I agree and that was my approach. I don't really understand the fitting in part or they would not have asked me back.But that's all in the past.

By the way the band leader has already given me some leads and has mentioned my name to another band.

As I said the whole thing was real professional.
 
#15
62Start said:
Here's my two cents. You gotta sell the drummer first; he has the only hard Veto. Let him keep the beat and you follow. The drummer doesn't want anyone fighting him for the beat. Second, a really good band understands its #1 job is to entertain - there's exceptional players in most studios, but few entertainers - the key is to find out who they see as their audience and then adjust your entertainment style to that audience - a spastic punk style won't work in a Country Western band to use an extreme example, but don't try to be the "star". Third, everyone starts as a follower and a listener; bands may say they want new ideas and ways to improve, but they don't want to hear them from the "new" guy, regardless of your experience. And finally, trying to show some leadership skills will only get you cut. "Fit" means you bring no problems, no issues, no arguments, no special requirements, and no hassles to anyone already in the band.
Click to expand...

Picked up demos from keyboarder,got 5 or6 songs down then went for audition.Could have sold myself better but was ok.
Singer says were gonna try a couple more guys(friends),guitard was COOL said almost nothing,keyboarder stayed in the background.The drummer comes over and says,
learn the rest from our program we'll be seeing each other again.
Two weeks latter phone call from keyboarder,I'm in the band.
Hit the drummer and show that your a team player not a solo freak.BTW gitard and me are now best buddies,and with the other guys,the best relationship ever over the last five years.
Bass for, circle-of-hands.de
Auditions are where its at,never give up.
Woffle
 
#16
This has happened to hundreds,of thousands of musicians,...you wouldn't be the first,and you're not going to be the last,...this is the nature of the beast,so to speak,so don't be discouraged.Just for the fact that,they called you back for a 2nd interview(audition),says volumes about you,in that,it was a tough decision for them,whether they wanted you,or,the other cat,so give yourself some credit,...don't be so hard,on yourself!Maybe,this wasn't the gig for you,and there's another one out there,with your name all over it.On the other hand,something may come down where,this other cat can't do the gig for some reason,or another,and they'll call you back to offer you the chair,...don't rule it out!My advice to you is to,keep going,and don't take it personal,...what you're going to find is that,you're going to win some,and you're going to lose some!Don't take it personal, it's just the nature of the beast! Peace!
 
#18
rollerberg2000 said:
It's a cliche, but keep your head up and keep swinging for the fence. I know a lot of "unappreciated rock stars" playing alone in their parents basement waiting for the world to come to them. It don't work that way. Audition, audition, audition. Network. Answer a creepy Craigslist ad or two (take precautions of course). It will seem like 98% of the contacts you make are a waste of time, but trust me, connections made today will pay off months and years down the road. My current band would not be together except for a random contact I made fifteen years ago.
Click to expand...


+1 Never give up.
 
#19
bluewine said:
I agree and that was my approach. I don't really understand the fitting in part or they would not have asked me back.But that's all in the past.

By the way the band leader has already given me some leads and has mentioned my name to another band.

As I said the whole thing was real professional.
Click to expand...

Props to the band for sending that email. That was extremely professional of them.

You learned the music, came for auditions...you did everything you were supposed to.

The only advice I can offer is to emulate the band in terms of looks and movements. For example, if it's a heavy metal band, you'd do best not to show up in bright red parachute pants and dance like a hoola dancer on stage, but rather jeans, black band t-shirt, and headbanging.

Better luck next time, dude. Keep your head up high.
 
#20
If it came down to two of you, it could be that they were impressed with both of you on a talent level but the other guy might have fit closer on a personality level, musical taste, musical style, or whatever reason. That happens all the time and has nothing to do with your musical ability.
 

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