- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,941
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
Just kinda skimmed the thread. I know the audition is over, and a lot of great advice has been given. Wanted to chime in anyhow though, cuz I have a pretty good track record with this stuff.
The thing that I believe puts me ahead of most of the people I audition with is that I learn the songs as if I were about to play them at MSG. I want to know the songs better than the band, and be able to play them even if they start screwing up. And I'm willing to put whatever time it takes into learning them like that. I'll listen to them relentlessly, and put hours into it in my house if I have to. I play them at different speeds, standing, in my head if I'm driving. I mean, I really learn them. When I know the material like this I feel I have an edge over others because when I get to play them with the band I'm not thinking. I'm playing music, and it gets me going as I'm having fun as opposed to "hoping" I'm doing good. Or "hoping" I remember everything. Confidence goes a long way.
I also try to keep my mouth shut, or at least be incredibly thoughtful about whatever comes out of it. Name dropping is definite no no for me. I'll answer anything if asked, but I don't volunteer all that much. I think lots of guys put people off with how much they know, or think they know. I let my playing talk for me as I trust that a lot more than my mouth anyhow.
The rest of the important stuff is a no brainer IMO. Be on time, communicate well, be friendly, don't show up with a beer in yer hand. And I always dress generically. Solid colored T-shirt and jeans goes a long way, and is totally safe in just about any situation. If it isn't safe, I probably don't belong in the band anyhow. And if I really wanted the gig but felt I didn't look the part, I'd tell them I'm willing to wear anything they want, including nothing if necessary.
Anything else I can think of has already been said I'm pretty sure. More than once.
The thing that I believe puts me ahead of most of the people I audition with is that I learn the songs as if I were about to play them at MSG. I want to know the songs better than the band, and be able to play them even if they start screwing up. And I'm willing to put whatever time it takes into learning them like that. I'll listen to them relentlessly, and put hours into it in my house if I have to. I play them at different speeds, standing, in my head if I'm driving. I mean, I really learn them. When I know the material like this I feel I have an edge over others because when I get to play them with the band I'm not thinking. I'm playing music, and it gets me going as I'm having fun as opposed to "hoping" I'm doing good. Or "hoping" I remember everything. Confidence goes a long way.
I also try to keep my mouth shut, or at least be incredibly thoughtful about whatever comes out of it. Name dropping is definite no no for me. I'll answer anything if asked, but I don't volunteer all that much. I think lots of guys put people off with how much they know, or think they know. I let my playing talk for me as I trust that a lot more than my mouth anyhow.
The rest of the important stuff is a no brainer IMO. Be on time, communicate well, be friendly, don't show up with a beer in yer hand. And I always dress generically. Solid colored T-shirt and jeans goes a long way, and is totally safe in just about any situation. If it isn't safe, I probably don't belong in the band anyhow. And if I really wanted the gig but felt I didn't look the part, I'd tell them I'm willing to wear anything they want, including nothing if necessary.
Anything else I can think of has already been said I'm pretty sure. More than once.
