I haven't ever really auditioned for a band, other than the praise band I've played with for 5 years. That wasn't really an audition, the BL put the book with that day's songs (contemporary Christian songs, none of which I knew) on the music stand, and I sight read them all. BL smiled and said, " See you next Sunday?" We shook hands, and I've been there ever since. I was recruited for the first really professional band I was in, a pop/jazz trio with a great girl singer. Other than that, I've almost always been a bandleader, or got the call to play based on playing with that jazz trio, which led to big band or jazz combo type gigs. All that being said, any situation with folks who had zero or very little gigging experience would be a no-go for me. I know everyone has to start somewhere, and I may miss out on playing with the next Neil Young or Joni Mitchell, but I'm 66 years old, and don't want to waste time.
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Audition Report
- Thread starter mrcbass
- Start date
Not to derail, but why? Is this new situation better than what you have? The guys you auditioned with seem to have some issues that may make a quick start-up unlikely.
I love that @60 your still in the game. 3 guitars is tough always. I've played plenty of gigs with 33-38 songs. Don't need 50, but obviously it helps change it up. Do what you want. Be in the band until you don't want to be in the band. That's my "new" motto. There are too many people/situations influx these days to be blindly committed.
3 guitarists for a bunch of 1 and 2 guitar songs? a guitar player who's never gigged? a startup that says they'll be gigging in summer?
for me, the first 1 would be a "no, thanks". the second is a probably not, and when a less experienced guitar player will be playing with 2 other guitarists, it's a very probable no.
they say they'll be gigging in summer? i'm sure everyone believes it when they say they plan to be ready to gig in (insert amount of time here). i've known many bands that thought they'd be ready to gig that never were. some more who did a few crappy unpaid gigs. have you tried putting a "bassist available for giggle band" listing up to see if anyone currently gigging needs a bass player?
for me, the first 1 would be a "no, thanks". the second is a probably not, and when a less experienced guitar player will be playing with 2 other guitarists, it's a very probable no.
they say they'll be gigging in summer? i'm sure everyone believes it when they say they plan to be ready to gig in (insert amount of time here). i've known many bands that thought they'd be ready to gig that never were. some more who did a few crappy unpaid gigs. have you tried putting a "bassist available for giggle band" listing up to see if anyone currently gigging needs a bass player?
For me, the above items would give me pause. Maybe this band can work; you guys all seem to get along, and that is a huge pro. For me, being prepared for rehearsal is king. Nothing makes me want to leave a band quicker than members who don't do their homework. A band is only as good as the weakest link. Since you all get along, maybe you will develop into a decent gigging band. Best to you going forward.
I would advise you to go with the trial period. That said, I personally would stay away from this situation. At your age and level of experience you should be dealing with people who can put together a viable cover band ready to gig in a month or less. I don’t think these are those guys, but who knows, your mileage may vary.
This, unfortunately. It sounds like your spidey-sense is already tingling, even though you’re trying to give them the benefit of the doubt. Given your description of your own thoughts and reactions as the night unfolded, it’s probably not an ideal situation for you.
3 guitars? There’s just no good reason for you to step into a situation like that. Let them have their fun with 3 guitars.
If you get to join the band get in tight with them and arrange to fire one of the guitar players to thin the herd.. we did that to the drummer and got a better one. Besides, you don't need 3 guitars. Just a little advice from your old uncle Dbase. 
So, they lack your level of experience, big deal. Stick with it, elevate them, have fun, make money, be happy. I would almost bet that after the first few gigs the line up changes and that band ends up with two guitarists.
It would be an easy pass for me. There are a lot of reasons, but the most fundamental is this. Every musician eventually finds a balance between their ambition and the personal sacrifice they're willing to make in service of that ambition.
By showing up unprepared, the singer seems to be indicating he's satisfied with where he is now. At the very least, he's not dissatisfied enough to sacrifice his personal time and effort and do something about it. That's his personal balance.
If it wasn't worth doing for himself, what makes you think he'll do it for you?
By showing up unprepared, the singer seems to be indicating he's satisfied with where he is now. At the very least, he's not dissatisfied enough to sacrifice his personal time and effort and do something about it. That's his personal balance.
If it wasn't worth doing for himself, what makes you think he'll do it for you?
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Based on your post, I don't think this sounds like an ideal situation for you. You stated you want this to be a gigging band (as in legit, paying gigs). Are they on the same page in terms of frequency and quality/pay of these gigs, or is this just a nebulous concept that sounds like fun to them?
I auditioned for a band just like this. I was clearly the best musician and had the most gig experience, which is not saying much. I gave them two practices before I bailed. At that point, they were already talking about playing Gary's BBQ down the street in a few days. I'm thinking, "not without a bag on my head."
I auditioned for a band just like this. I was clearly the best musician and had the most gig experience, which is not saying much. I gave them two practices before I bailed. At that point, they were already talking about playing Gary's BBQ down the street in a few days. I'm thinking, "not without a bag on my head."
I have played with 3 guitarists for the last 20 years. Of course, 2 have their master's in guitar performance and 1 has his teaching bachelors in guitar. But they are all road dog players. We have all been playing for 30+ years. The hang vibe is important. If you don't get along well, you can't do the band thing. As for arrangements, does it matter that much? As long as everyone is rolling the same way. Of course, it can't hurt to write on a piece of paper for practice the order of the tune. I think the biggest issue may present itself with the difference between rehearsal and practice. Practice is something you do at home. Rehearsal is when the band comes together to play. I hate going to a rehearsal and someone is not prepared to play..Pet peeve of mine
There are a lot of bands playing for free in Sacramento. Not that many steady working cover bands with open positions, which is frustrating. There seem to always be "bassist looking for band" posts on Craigslist, but all the auditions I've done here are similar to what you experienced in that I'm always told that most of the auditioners weren't acceptable for some reason or another. I agree that a working band is preferable but, not finding that, there's been some value to me in picking up jobs with various start-up bands, as it's been useful to network future opportunities. It's just hard to have "the talk" when they aren't booking shows and it's time to cut your losses.
I think this band sounds like a good opportunity, if the person with the contacts is able and willing to put gigs on the books. I'm happy for you, most of all, that you seem to have found a good drummer and that both of you are on the same page with regard to a lot of things, because if this doesn't work out for some reason you might still be able to work together. Keeping fingers crossed that something really good comes from this!
It still surprises me how some people are so trigger happy when it comes to gigs, instead of actually learning the material beforehand. I've been in bands where I've "been sick on picture day." Will try the bag next time. Thanks!
Way to many red flags for me to consider. They don't seem to have a clue what they are doing. Abort, abort, abort!
I see it two ways. Yes, you need to be prepared, nothing worse than looking like a fool on stage, but sometimes people need the push of a booked gig to get them moving.
I'm sure these kinds of people still exist; it's just that I refuse to play with them anymore.
