Trying To Stay Positive

[bluewine]

Well, I never heard anything from the band I auditioned with on Tuesday. No worrries here, unlike the band I went to the second round with, I did not think I was a good fit for the band.

I am a little frustrated with all this;

Personality fit
How old I am
What do I wear to an audition
What to say, what not to say.

I guess the days of knowing the songs and just going in and just playing your heart out are over and doesn't mean much to bands anymore.

I have another audition tomorrow, I might not have the personality for this band either. Isn't it cool how these bands know what kind of personality you have in 30 mins.

Well, my plan is to play so "hot" I will make their decision a tough one.

blue

 

[xgator4u]

Well, I never heard anything from the band I auditioned with on Tuesday. No worrries here, unlike the band I went to the second round with, I did not think I was a good fit for the band.

I am a little frustrated with all this;

Personality fit
How old I am
What do I wear to an audition
What to say, what not to say.

I guess the days of knowing the songs and just going in and just playing your heart out are over and doesn't mean much to bands anymore.

I have another audition tomorrow, I might not have the personality for this band either. Isn't it cool how these bands know what kind of personality you have in 30 mins.

Well, my plan is to play so "hot" I will make their decision a tough one.

blue

SURE they know in 30 minutes. Let's say you meet a girl, in 30 minutes or less do you not have a firm decision made as to how much( if at all ) you wish to pursue trying to form a relationship, or at least bag her ? Also with the world as it is, it is a supply and demand situation. YOU are NOT the only bassist in the State=SUPPLY. A band wants a "match" for the band, this is more than just being able to play a bass. This also includes appearance,attitude, friendliness,and the ever present " what can you bring to the table " concept= DEMAND.
I have told you a hundred times, in addition to just playing the bass, you have to be a chameleon, you have to blend in with the surroundings, which means the band. THAT is what they are looking for. You can be the best bassist in the state, but if you are a hot dog, and do not fit the preconceived ideas that they have, it just does not matter.

 

[ChrisB2]

Dang dude. Sorry you're having so much trouble finding your place. I've followed all your threads, i know you want to be in a pop cover band... right?

I know you've been on several auditions, are there that many of those type bands in your area? It makes me wonder if maybe you're being too selective in the type of band you're willing to work with. A friend of mine was very picky about women, and ended up a 40-something y.o. bachelor. IMO, I would rather play in a band slightly less than ideal, than not be in one.... yaknowwhutahmeen??? Not saying you're being too picky, just throwing it out there....

Anyway, do what's right for you... if that means holding out for the perfect gig, go for it and hang in there. We're all pulling for ya man!!!

 

[bluewine]

If a "hot dog" is taking the music seriously and showing up prepared. I guess I will remain a hot dog.

The guy that got the gig I lost out to, did not even know the changes to some of the songs.That's not me.

 

[Joe.shaffer]

Do exactly that man, stay positive. You'll find your band. It's cool if you know what kind of band you want to be in, but don't be scared to stretch your legs a little. Try some other stuff too. That is, if you aren't already. Worked for me, hope it works for you!

 

[dotn1983]

Keep at it and while your at it post some ads stating that your interseted in joining or starting a band. If you start a band of your own you can't get turned down. Also if there are any musicians you know better personaly jam with them, things will be tighter then.

 

[Jim Campbell]

If a "hot dog" is taking the music seriously and showing up prepared. I guess I will remain a hot dog.

The guy that got the gig I lost out to, did not even know the changes to some of the songs.That's not me.

maybe offer up a plain jane version and a smokin' version.....there are still a lot of geetar guys that think a bass player is only a plank for his solos.....i still think that auditioning your own outfit might be the way to go

 

[bluewine]

Dang dude. Sorry you're having so much trouble finding your place. I've followed all your threads, i know you want to be in a pop cover band... right?

I know you've been on several auditions, are there that many of those type bands in your area? It makes me wonder if maybe you're being too selective in the type of band you're willing to work with. A friend of mine was very picky about women, and ended up a 40-something y.o. bachelor. IMO, I would rather play in a band slightly less than ideal, than not be in one.... yaknowwhutahmeen??? Not saying you're being too picky, just throwing it out there....

Anyway, do what's right for you... if that means holding out for the perfect gig, go for it and hang in there. We're all pulling for ya man!!!

Your right Chris, and I know you understand my passion and that this is a difficult situation.

Remember my 1st thread (prior to any auditions) "The Aging Pop/Rock Artist.

Now the challange and the issues are becoming a reality.

I am stuborn and at this point I am not ready to play with 56 year olds in a jazz or a blues band.I will stay in the Madison Square Bedroom before I do that.

I am going to hang in here and just push it. maybe when some guy comes up to me and says;

"Dude, your really rock ,but dude you are to old. My Dad has a band, you should talk to him" I will catch the hint

 

[xgator4u]

If a "hot dog" is taking the music seriously and showing up prepared. I guess I will remain a hot dog.

The guy that got the gig I lost out to, did not even know the changes to some of the songs.That's not me.

NO a hot dog as I was refering is someone that brings a bass to an audition that he has absolutely no plans of playing, just using it as a prop, because it looks cool. A hot dog, comes in wearing one bass, with a coctail waitress from down the street escorting him to the stage, and helping him change basses from the one he wore in to the building, in favor of the one that he is actually going to play, and doing all of this for theatrical effect. A hot dog, goes to an audition and asks the lead singer for a chair so he can sit down, saying he had sprained his ankle, then once the guy rounds him up a chair, then remains standing for the audition, because this was all a theatrical ploy. A hot dog dresses like a 20 year old lad, wearing all of the 20 year old fashions like scarves, Diesels, DOC. martins. etc. etc. etc. when he is actually a 56 year old dude stuck in a mid life identity crisis. THAT is what a hot dog is, and NO BAND wants the drama associated with a HOT DOG, no matter how superb of a bass player he is.

 

[bluewine]

maybe offer up a plain jane version and a smokin' version.....there are still a lot of geetar guys that think a bass player is only a plank for his solos.....i still think that auditioning your own outfit might be the way to go

I know what you mean Jim. However, I know my skill sets.I am not a band leader and not really equipped to handle that level of responsibility.

Jim, I'm a side man, a bass player, it's what I have always been and will always be.Nothing more, nothing less.

I still hear and see music from the eyes and ears of an 18 year old. I'm cursed , I guess

 

[xgator4u]

I know what you mean Jim. However, I know my skill sets.I am not a band leader and not really equipped to handle that level of responsibility.

Jim, I'm a side man, a bass player, it's what I have always been and will always be.Nothing more, nothing less.

I still hear and see music from the eyes and ears of an 18 year old. I'm cursed , I guess

That is a curse indeed, most of us mature musically, along with physically, and emotionally. You know when I was 18 I played football 1st string for a major S.E.C. football program, well guess what I do not do that any longer, nor do I hang out at the field house with the current 18 year olds, hoping that they will welcome me with open arms because of my past accomplishments. NOW I hang out wit people my own age.

 

[bluewine]

NO a hot dog as I was refering is someone that brings a bass to an audition that he has absolutely no plans of playing, just using it as a prop, because it looks cool. A hot dog, comes in wearing one bass, with a coctail waitress from down the street escorting him to the stage, and helping him change basses from the one he wore in to the building, in favor of the one that he is actually going to play, and doing all of this for theatrical effect. A hot dog, goes to an audition and asks the lead singer for a chair so he can sit down, saying he had sprained his ankle, then once the guy rounds him up a chair, then remains standing for the audition, because this was all a theatrical ploy. A hot dog dresses like a 20 year old lad, wearing all of the 20 year old fashions like scarves, Diesels, DOC. martins. etc. etc. etc. when he is actually a 56 year old dude stuck in a mid life identity crisis. THAT is what a hot dog is, and NO BAND wants the drama associated with a HOT DOG, no matter how superb of a bass player he is.

I don't think it's all that bad, and my tales might not come across real clear in text. I guess you would have had to be there.

Remember those theatrics along with my playing did get me a 2nd audition. So I don't think they were put off by it.

Now the TBers are going to think I am some sort of out of touch person living in a dream world and thats not really the case at all.

BTW are you a friend or foe?

 

[xgator4u]

I don't think it's all that bad, and my tales might not come across real clear in text. I guess you would have had to be there.

Remember those theatrics along with my playing did get me a 2nd audition. So I don't think they were put off by it.

Now the TBers are going to think I am some sort of out of touch person living in a dream world and thats not really the case at all.

BTW are you a friend or foe?

FRIEND, I AM trying to help. but you gotta listen, or I might as well go urinate into the breeze.

 

[Jim Campbell]

I know what you mean Jim. However, I know my skill sets.I am not a band leader and not really equipped to handle that level of responsibility.

Jim, I'm a side man, a bass player, it's what I have always been and will always be.Nothing more, nothing less.

I still hear and see music from the eyes and ears of an 18 year old. I'm cursed , I guess

i know the feeling but maybe get the ball rolling and "let" someone else take over ......i've had lots of time off from my job lately and the extra practice time is making me cocky enough to think of looking around for some like minded guys to play with...

..i know that to you the blues represents a kind of old timers league,but what a lot of them do here is play a set of the usual srv type things and by the time the second and third sets roll around they are rockin' and the crowd doesn't care as long as they're dancing.....it don't matter what you call it if you get to play what you want

maybe just write down a set list or three and think about how you would do this or play that,and if you see a direction you like try it out on a few select players that you know

 

[bluewine]

FRIEND, I AM trying to help. but you gotta listen, or I might as well go urinate into the breeze.

You seem to have a more mature perspective than me.

What do you suggest. After my audition tomorrow, should I corner the band leader and say;

"Be honest with me, I'm to old for this,right?"

 

[Jim Campbell]

You seem to have a more mature perspective than me.

What do you suggest. After my audition tomorrow, should I corner the band leader and say;

"Be honest with me, I'm to old for this,right?"

lord no,those words give a guy an easy out....try a positive approach,like "i think "we"
were a good fit,tonight don't you",and "i'd like to play with you guys again ".........

 

[Mike151]

I'm in my 40's and decided late last year that I wanted to play again. I started by getting my gear set up and then started looking around on Craigs List. After some time, I decided to post my own ad and take the position of the person forming the band. Found a great guitar player my age and then we started trying out drummers. After about the 3rd drummer, we had our band. Been rocking away since Feb of this year and am very happy. I guess what I'm trying to say is, maybe give what I have done a try. Worked for me.

 

[bluewine]

maybe just write down a set list or three and think about how you would do this or play that,and if you see a direction you like try it out on a few select players that you know[/QUOTE]

Thanks Jim,sounds like a lot of work.But it makes sense.

Thing is, I have a buddy that I went to college with, my age. He formed a trio with veteran musicians, 60 year old drummer ( the guy sounds just like Ginger Baker) and an awesome 57 year old bass player. They play stuff in their sets like Shapes (Yard Birds) to older Peter Green /John Mayall stuff. I wish I were more like my friend

 

[bluewine]

I'm in my 40's and decided late last year that I wanted to play again. I started by getting my gear set up and then started looking around on Craigs List. After some time, I decided to post my own ad and take the position of the person forming the band. Found a great guitar player my age and then we started trying out drummers. After about the 3rd drummer, we had our band. Been rocking away since Feb of this year and am very happy. I guess what I'm trying to say is, maybe give what I have done a try. Worked for me.

Nice! Fellow P Bass player. These are all good suggestions that I will have to consider

 

[xgator4u]

maybe just write down a set list or three and think about how you would do this or play that,and if you see a direction you like try it out on a few select players that you know

Thanks Jim,sounds like a lot of work.But it makes sense.

Thing is, I have a buddy that I went to college with, my age. He formed a trio with veteran musicians, 60 year old drummer ( the guy sounds just like Ginger Baker) and an awesome 57 year old bass player. They play stuff in their sets like Shapes (Yard Birds) to older Peter Green /John Mayall stuff. I wish I were more like my friend[/QUOTE]

YOU can be more like your friend. Do you notice that he surrounds himself with mature, seasoned musicians? And plays "classic rock music". And let me ask you this, does he engage in the theatrics? I doubt it, he probably is comfortable with his age, and who he is.