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Audition for a band.... What to do and don't.
- Thread starter Muziekschuur
- Start date
This is very important. Same as when hiring, or looking to be hired, for any job attitude and personality and whether the newbie fits the existing chemistry are all important - arguably more important than playing skills. I'll take an easy going, competent team-player over a self important monster player any day of the week.
Now that the audition is over.....
The waiting game begins...
If you don't hear from them in about a week, give them a call to see what's up. If they decide to go with someone else...Be cool with it, but politely ask why you weren't chosen. Be clear that you want to know so you can use their feedback to assess your musical situation and possibly better yourself. I have learned quite a bit about my performance shortcomings by asking this question when I didn't get a gig that I auditioned for.
The waiting game begins...
If you don't hear from them in about a week, give them a call to see what's up. If they decide to go with someone else...Be cool with it, but politely ask why you weren't chosen. Be clear that you want to know so you can use their feedback to assess your musical situation and possibly better yourself. I have learned quite a bit about my performance shortcomings by asking this question when I didn't get a gig that I auditioned for.
Awww...show up an hour late with a drunk Hooker and some acid.....that always works!!! Good luck!!!!!
Blow and hookers will get you into my band....lol {joke
Ahh S!#$ b$%*s...didn't see yer reply mward69......Yes, I do totally agree!!!!
JK..no seriously though...really?
seriously.!@$?
Ahh S!#$ b$%*s...didn't see yer reply mward69......Yes, I do totally agree!!!!
JK..no seriously though...really?
seriously.!@$?
If you really wanted in, send them a thank you note. Now. Its already been a little late. All the things you hear about applying for a job are rules to be followed here too.
Wow...I am glad I saw this. I am looking to get back into a band after a long 20+ years
hiatus. Some good advice given, I will keep in mind.
hiatus. Some good advice given, I will keep in mind.
Rock up to he audition coked out of your brain, light a few joints while setting up and flail around on your bass while making sure to stop every few seconds to ask "What was I doing again?". Make sure you don't have any songs prepared and just ride the E string while deviating up to an open A every so often for variety (if you remember, that is...doesn't really matter if you don't). They'll appreciate how "avant garde" you are as a player and musician
And don't forget to hit on any of the other players' wives/girlfriends. You'll just get more street cred that way.
Follow this guide for guaranteed success and top score!
And don't forget to hit on any of the other players' wives/girlfriends. You'll just get more street cred that way.
Follow this guide for guaranteed success and top score!
[/B]
In addition to the sandwiches a case of good beer.
Back in my day, You just needed a big amp to get into the band.
Aw, too late.
I would've recommended bringing a platter of chicken salad sammiches for everyone. Musicians can't resist a delicious chicken salad sammich.
Remember that for your next audition.
In addition to the sandwiches a case of good beer.
Back in my day, You just needed a big amp to get into the band.
I know it's too late now, but for anyone else playing that - watch it, it's a bit tricksy!
The first bar of the main riff (in the intro) is pretty close to being phrased as four dotted eighth notes followed by two straight eighths. But elsewhere in the song, the phrasing sounds closer to two dotted eighths, two tied eighths (= 1 quarter), and then three straight eighths (with the occasional 16th ghost note thrown in before the first of these).
In other words, do you play the high note of the phrase just before the "and", on the "and", or both?
Invalid Link Removed
It might not seem much of a difference to some folks, but I've played this with two or three different bands in my time, and find it best to listen pretty carefully to what the rest of the band are doing, regardless of any chart (if there is one).
/end nitpick
+1 to above
Knowing the material spot on is the obvious
Your interviewing them so feel free to ask a few band management questions
Look out for existing tensions in the band ......went to a couple auditions where band members started small arguments and catty comments to each other. Not a good sign
Try to get an idea of what" the hang" is going to be like.
Bonus material
Bring a small hand held digital recorder and record the auditions for playback later....... I've done this a few times usually seals the deal over the competition - recording the audition will get you noticed. Plus you can hear what the band sounds like at your leisure. As mention previously......your interviewing them also.
I know this is after the fact but...my 02 in addition to what others have said..
1) Bring a compact rig (if requested to bring your own). Struggling with a massive 4/6/8x10 and 70lb tube head is not going to endear you to a club gigging band. Set up and pack up quickly.
2) Silent tuner is a must. Tune before playing anything.
3) Be talkative but do not over communicate. There is a thin line between a cool friendly dude and a blow hard. Steer clear of previous band war stories unless specifically asked.
1) Bring a compact rig (if requested to bring your own). Struggling with a massive 4/6/8x10 and 70lb tube head is not going to endear you to a club gigging band. Set up and pack up quickly.
2) Silent tuner is a must. Tune before playing anything.
3) Be talkative but do not over communicate. There is a thin line between a cool friendly dude and a blow hard. Steer clear of previous band war stories unless specifically asked.
I'm going to post something that will be contrary to some of what has been said. The ONLY thing you are actually selling on this audition is YOU.
You should go just as you are, whether that means quiet and reserved, or stoned/drunk out of your mind. This is something that will take up a lot of your time and you are going to have a relationship with these people on some level, whether you want to or not.
So.....BE YOURSELF. All that other stuff counts for something (gear, chops, looks, blah blah blah), but in the end you have to be as comfortable playing in the band as they are with you.
Honesty and integrity go a very long way.
You should go just as you are, whether that means quiet and reserved, or stoned/drunk out of your mind. This is something that will take up a lot of your time and you are going to have a relationship with these people on some level, whether you want to or not.
So.....BE YOURSELF. All that other stuff counts for something (gear, chops, looks, blah blah blah), but in the end you have to be as comfortable playing in the band as they are with you.
Honesty and integrity go a very long way.
- Dec 21, 2007
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I'll add to the "you're auditioning them" - listen more than you talk. Get a good sense of who these cats are, and if you like them - not just their playing, but who they seem to be.
