Anytime I have an audition I just write chord charts out for every tune, and just practice the songs at home until I'm comfortable. Just go into the audition with chord charts and be confident in playing the changes. If you do that theirs no reason you won't get the gig.
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Ahh! Audition! Help!
- Thread starter subject42
- Start date
Learn the songs from the recordings as best you can... and then don't be surprised if the band you're auditioning for plays them differently than that. Potentially, a LOT differently (e.g., noticeably faster or slower, different groove, ignoring punches or putting them in the wrong place, possibly even playing it in a different key). At that point it becomes a matter of how big your ears are and how well you can adapt on your feet.
Meh... Mistakes will be made. They'll know if you can handle it half way thru the first song.
Us old farts are just kids with aches, pains and mortgages. Don't sweat the age thing too much. If it works, great. Young guys fit with old guys better than old guys fit with the younguns.
Do the best you can with the tunes, go, be yourself, keep your mouth shut. Even if they're rusty, they've been around the block and deserve respect, if you know what I mean. You might even larn sumpin'. I'd bet they'd love to take you under there wing.
The only time I have an issue with young guys is if they forget that I've been playing longer than they've been on the planet. If they think they know it all at 25, at my tender age of 51 that attitude can be pretty annoying for those of us who do.
Us old farts are just kids with aches, pains and mortgages. Don't sweat the age thing too much. If it works, great. Young guys fit with old guys better than old guys fit with the younguns.
Do the best you can with the tunes, go, be yourself, keep your mouth shut. Even if they're rusty, they've been around the block and deserve respect, if you know what I mean. You might even larn sumpin'. I'd bet they'd love to take you under there wing.
The only time I have an issue with young guys is if they forget that I've been playing longer than they've been on the planet. If they think they know it all at 25, at my tender age of 51 that attitude can be pretty annoying for those of us who do.
No doubt...you need to ask all the right questions and there are things you want to make sure not to do. If at all possible, call back with at least one question per day in the time leading up to the audition.
A few things...
What fraternities, sororities, or trade associations do the existing members belong to, and do any other potential candidates belong to those same groups?
What labels they're in talks with?
Get a copy of any riders.
Do any of the members have children older than you? If so, do they play any instruments?
What are their zodiac signs, both under the old and new schemes.
Has anyone ever held elective office at or above the County level?
Does anyone in the group currently own a potbelly pig or have they owned one in the past? (Can say a lot about trendiness)
Speak only when spoken to, and if someone else tells a joke, do not laugh until/unless others do. Then, do so hardily while closely watching everyone else, and try to be the first to stop laughing. You don't want to have that trailing laugh. It makes you look desperate.
When you go to the audition, if there is a male dog of an aggressive breed or adult chimpanzee there, DO NOT make eye contact with it...that will be taken as a threat and challenge. You could be mounted and humped or attacked. Neither would make a good showing for the audition. Seriously, if a family pet has made you its bi#^h on an audition, you're probably done for.
A few things...
What fraternities, sororities, or trade associations do the existing members belong to, and do any other potential candidates belong to those same groups?
What labels they're in talks with?
Get a copy of any riders.
Do any of the members have children older than you? If so, do they play any instruments?
What are their zodiac signs, both under the old and new schemes.
Has anyone ever held elective office at or above the County level?
Does anyone in the group currently own a potbelly pig or have they owned one in the past? (Can say a lot about trendiness)
Speak only when spoken to, and if someone else tells a joke, do not laugh until/unless others do. Then, do so hardily while closely watching everyone else, and try to be the first to stop laughing. You don't want to have that trailing laugh. It makes you look desperate.
When you go to the audition, if there is a male dog of an aggressive breed or adult chimpanzee there, DO NOT make eye contact with it...that will be taken as a threat and challenge. You could be mounted and humped or attacked. Neither would make a good showing for the audition. Seriously, if a family pet has made you its bi#^h on an audition, you're probably done for.
The audition isn't until Saturday, but so far feels more like a secret society initiation than an audition.
In the past, my auditions have involved receiving a list of songs, learning the songs, arriving at the audition at the specified time and location, then hearing back a few days later.
So far I've received a list of songs, held multiple conversations with the drummer, who acts as an intermediary to a shadowy cadre of other band members, soothed their fears about my age enough to get the audition, and scheduled a time for the audition.
They will get back to me before Saturday with a location. I fear that it's going to be in a nearby peat bog at midnight for some reason.
(Note: That would actually be rather awesome)
As for the songs, I put in another 45 - 60 minutes last night. I'm not 100% on "Keep on Running", but I have the changes down and I'm walking cleanly enough that my roommate didn't see any obvious flaws. I have the changes for "Paint it Black" under control, but the timing on the slides is still a little rough.
Tonight I'm going to start working on "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying".
Thanks for the advice, folks.
+1
Also, look them in the eye when you shake their hand. Turn off cell phone/pager. Smile.
I, also revealing a bit about my age, can't believe how many "young uns" can't look me in the eye and shake my hand...and then pull out their iPhone & start texting...
I wish you much luck!
This gets my old Brooklyn street sense going. Is this an audition or a mob hit? Proceed with caution.
I only ever backed out of an audition twice: once was because, try as I might, I just could not leave work on time (taught me a lesson: either audition in the weekend or take a day off) and one band which was so reluctant to give me any information whatsoever, that I got a really bad feeling about it. Kinda like your audition! If I were you I would either not go, or bring along the tallest, bulkiest friend you can find. For moral support
I would reccommend asking for them to give you a solid Address or backing out. If nothing else, it's not smart to not know where you're going beforehand.
Maybe they're desperatly trying to scare you out of audition... Don't want to lose their face telling "finally we have guitarist's cousin's daughter who's getting the job" or something like this...
I agree that this sounds a little sketchy. I would suggest before backing out, try to consider the other viewpoint. These guys don't know you at all and they are about to let you walk into their practice space(likely somebody's house) where they have all their gear. I know from experience having held too many auditions at my own house that it can be a little unnerving having a perfect stranger walk in and see all your stuff. That being said, this is what needs to be dealt with when looking for new members.
I'd just straight up ask why you can't be given an address. There could be a legit reason. ( maybe the house is impossible to find or give directions to. ) If you get a strange response, it might be time to move on. If it turns out this is all based on their concern over your age, it probably won't work anyway. Please let us know how this all turns out.
I'd just straight up ask why you can't be given an address. There could be a legit reason. ( maybe the house is impossible to find or give directions to. ) If you get a strange response, it might be time to move on. If it turns out this is all based on their concern over your age, it probably won't work anyway. Please let us know how this all turns out.
when learning new songs spend way more time listening to them until you can hum every note perfectly and then start playing bass.
Oh jeeze......what are they, Masons or something? Have to check you out before revealing their secret location? Don't be surprised if they blindfold you and drive you there themselves. Can't be too careful.
Can't + 1 this enough. Also speaks to why knowing the chords and understanding the changes is ultimately better than just memorizing a song note for note. You're ready for these kinds of surprises.
