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Audition tonight
- Thread starter StuartV
- Start date
Well, lately, it's because my current band is doing so little I'd rather have an excuse to practice some new songs and go jam with some people I never met before than ask a bunch of questions up front and end up sitting at home debating whether to practice the same old stuff or trying to figure out for myself what new stuff to work up. In other words, desperate enough to put in the relatively little time it took. :-\
I have been combing CL for months, and going to the occasional open jam they have around here. There aren't that many CL ads that even come close to fitting what I'm looking for and some of the ones that do never respond to my emails, so it's kind of take the auditions I can get or do nothing.
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
I was in this situation last month. Got offered a sub gig, had to learn some ridiculously difficult stuff for a $120 gig (Red Barchetta being one of the songs), along with a bunch of other progressive 70s-80s tunes. Anyhow, I knew the amount of work that was involved, but my attitude wasn't, "Is it worth it?" My attitude was, "This is an awesome challenge and if all that comes of it is this one show, I'll have that many more songs under my belt, and be a better bass player for it."
We did one rehearsal/audition where I played about 10 songs for them, and then did the gig. They asked me if I could do more shows, and then told me they were bumping their regular guy. Hey.... this is sounding a bit familiar here, like a red guy (or was it blue?) or something
...
Anyhow, I told them no at first as I'm not into getting people bumped from their band, but they convinced me saying the guy was a thorn in their side for year, and he didn't even want to do it anymore. They just couldn't find someone to replace him. So, I picked up another gig. They play once or twice a month, and they don't rehearse. It's an awesome deal for me. The perfect deal in fact. And it was well worth the effort I put in.
If that were my attitude I'm pretty certain the gig wouldn't be mine. I never, EVER go into any kind of audition knowing songs, "to at least an ok level". IMO that's wasting my time, their time, and my reputation. If I'm auditioning for a gig, I'm making as certain as I can that I'm getting it, and 19 out of 20 times I do. I love playing bass, so regardless of whatever else it is I have on my plate, I make it my duty to put the time in to learn whatever material I have to upside down, inside out, backwards, at ridiculously slow, and at ridiculously fast speeds. I want to know the music better than the band themselves do, and that's been the case in several instances. When I know the songs as such I'm completely confident, and they pick up on it. If I'm thinking "I hope I don't screw this one up" they pick up on that too.
Most people don't have the level of commitment to auditions that I do. And that's why I beat most people out. I'm not the greatest bass player out there, but I'm one of the most committed. If you really want the gig, I'd advise you to do the same. Not saying you won't get it if you don't, but yeah... bla, bla, bla... I'm rambling.
Good luck. I'd give it my everything. You have absolutely nothing to lose.
[edit] Oops, I obviously didn't read the whole thread before posting.
We did one rehearsal/audition where I played about 10 songs for them, and then did the gig. They asked me if I could do more shows, and then told me they were bumping their regular guy. Hey.... this is sounding a bit familiar here, like a red guy (or was it blue?) or something
...Anyhow, I told them no at first as I'm not into getting people bumped from their band, but they convinced me saying the guy was a thorn in their side for year, and he didn't even want to do it anymore. They just couldn't find someone to replace him. So, I picked up another gig. They play once or twice a month, and they don't rehearse. It's an awesome deal for me. The perfect deal in fact. And it was well worth the effort I put in.
If that were my attitude I'm pretty certain the gig wouldn't be mine. I never, EVER go into any kind of audition knowing songs, "to at least an ok level". IMO that's wasting my time, their time, and my reputation. If I'm auditioning for a gig, I'm making as certain as I can that I'm getting it, and 19 out of 20 times I do. I love playing bass, so regardless of whatever else it is I have on my plate, I make it my duty to put the time in to learn whatever material I have to upside down, inside out, backwards, at ridiculously slow, and at ridiculously fast speeds. I want to know the music better than the band themselves do, and that's been the case in several instances. When I know the songs as such I'm completely confident, and they pick up on it. If I'm thinking "I hope I don't screw this one up" they pick up on that too.
Most people don't have the level of commitment to auditions that I do. And that's why I beat most people out. I'm not the greatest bass player out there, but I'm one of the most committed
. If you really want the gig, I'd advise you to do the same. Not saying you won't get it if you don't, but yeah... bla, bla, bla... I'm rambling.Good luck. I'd give it my everything. You have absolutely nothing to lose.
[edit] Oops, I obviously didn't read the whole thread before posting.
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If that were my attitude I'm pretty certain the gig wouldn't be mine. I never, EVER go into any kind of audition knowing songs, "to at least an ok level". IMO that's wasting my time, their time, and my reputation. If I'm auditioning for a gig, I'm making as certain as I can that I'm getting it, and 19 out of 20 times I do. I love playing bass, so regardless of whatever else it is I have on my plate, I make it my duty to put the time in to learn whatever material I have to upside down, inside out, backwards, at ridiculously slow, and at ridiculously fast speeds. I want to know the music better than the band themselves do, and that's been the case in several instances. When I know the songs as such I'm completely confident, and they pick up on it. If I'm thinking "I hope I don't screw this one up" they pick up on that too.
Most people don't have the level of commitment to auditions that I do. And that's why I beat most people out. I'm not the greatest bass player out there, but I'm one of the most committed
Good luck. I'd give it my everything. You have absolutely nothing to lose.
[edit] Oops, I obviously didn't read the whole thread before posting.
Thanks, Joe. I read a lot of your posts and I very much respect your opinion. And so I want to be clear. I have high standards for myself. When I say I had the songs down to an okay level, I don't mean that I could play them with only a few screw-ups or something. I mean, I could have gone straight into a gig with them, with no rehearsals, and been confident that, as long as they played the same key and exact arrangement as the record, I could have played my part, without any more screw-ups than I would normally have at any gig. I ain't perfect! And I also meant that I did not memorize the charts. I had an individual page of staff paper for each song made out with anything/everything I needed to be able to play the song correctly. I am like you in that, if I'm bothering to go to an audition, I want to feel confident about playing the songs. Not hoping I don't screw this one up. I did say before that the No Doubt song was one where I didn't attempt to transcribe or learn the original bassist's part exactly. I didn't feel like that was necessary for this band and don't feel like that's what they expected, either. So I don't feel like that demonstrated a lack of preparation on my part. I feel like it's just the reality of most bands. At least, most non-Tribute bands.
All that said, I wouldn't be surprised if get beat out. I think I played the stuff solidly. But, I also know my skill level and I know there are a lot of bass players out there that could take the same songs and embellish them (tastefully, even) in ways that would make them sound a lot better than I sounded.
No offense, but you are over thinking/worrying. Either they will call you or not. If not, maybe for reasons you may not even be aware of. It's like playing tennis: they serve....you return...now the ball is in their court. It's like looking/interviewing for a day job. A numbers game, sometimes without obvious logic. Sometimes someone more qualified/compatible applies. It's called life.
Did I say that? I didn't. And you're right, that would be lame. What would be the sense of taking a spot, only to find out later that they play for free, or play for $50 a man and play in the hinterlands? If a band gets butt sore because I ask about money, then why would I want to join them at all? Again, you and I are in different places in our musical journeys ... what works for me might not be right for you. And that's just fine.
^^^^ This. I try to get the answers to the above at first contact. Then I decide if it's worth it for me to go on the audition. No sense wasting my time and gas $$$ or theirs.
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
Thanks. I got it. I just try to do my best to push people. At least the ones that don't live anywhere near me and I won't be auditioning with
. Hope ya got the gig, but if you didn't it's all just practice anyway.
Today, I am a lot less concerned about whether I got the gig or not. Because... yesterday, I found a CL ad for a Big Band looking for a bass player. I traded a number of emails with them last night and basically, it sounds like I have the gig. I believe it's basically a somewhat new community band kind of thing. But, their guy I've been talking to says they have already been playing gigs (for free). He said it's a combination of pro and amateur players.
I love Big Band music. I played trombone in the stage band in my high school and in college. When I took up bass, one of my bucket list items was to be the bass player in a big band. And I'm not talking about Glenn Miller, 30's and 40's era music. I'm talking about late 60s and 70s era Buddy Rich style music. Big Band, but ROCKIN'!
I played in a big band last Spring, but it was an adult program through a local music school. So, I had to pay $350 for the semester, and I was the only one in the band that wasn't older and retired. That band had a couple of solid players and the rest were either people who played in high school and not since, or people who just took up an instrument since they retired. I sight-read all their charts, with almost no mistakes, on the first day of rehearsal. The rest of the semester was fun, but a bit boring/unchallenging. Needless to say, I did not fit that money into my budget again for the Fall.
So, I am perfectly happy to forego a shot at a money-making working band to play for free in a decent big band. If nothing else it will be like getting free lessons on making up walking jazz bass lines on the fly. And, of course, there's nothing to stop me from playing in this band that I just auditioned for AND play in the big band. And keep gigging with my current band.
I won't get to have my first rehearsal with them for a bit over 2 weeks. And it may turn out that they suck and I decide to bail. Or they could be too good, decide that I suck, and dump me. But, for now, I'm just sitting here beside myself with excitement over the possibility.
Fingers crossed for all the above!
I love Big Band music. I played trombone in the stage band in my high school and in college. When I took up bass, one of my bucket list items was to be the bass player in a big band. And I'm not talking about Glenn Miller, 30's and 40's era music. I'm talking about late 60s and 70s era Buddy Rich style music. Big Band, but ROCKIN'!
I played in a big band last Spring, but it was an adult program through a local music school. So, I had to pay $350 for the semester, and I was the only one in the band that wasn't older and retired. That band had a couple of solid players and the rest were either people who played in high school and not since, or people who just took up an instrument since they retired. I sight-read all their charts, with almost no mistakes, on the first day of rehearsal. The rest of the semester was fun, but a bit boring/unchallenging. Needless to say, I did not fit that money into my budget again for the Fall.
So, I am perfectly happy to forego a shot at a money-making working band to play for free in a decent big band. If nothing else it will be like getting free lessons on making up walking jazz bass lines on the fly. And, of course, there's nothing to stop me from playing in this band that I just auditioned for AND play in the big band. And keep gigging with my current band.
I won't get to have my first rehearsal with them for a bit over 2 weeks. And it may turn out that they suck and I decide to bail. Or they could be too good, decide that I suck, and dump me. But, for now, I'm just sitting here beside myself with excitement over the possibility.
Fingers crossed for all the above!
That sounds like it could be a lot of fun, not to mention what you'll learn. Big band swing is a blast to play if the players are good and tight. Good luck with it!
Exactly! I have been going to jazz jam sessions and working on some tunes from my Real book, but playing with a group on a regular basis and really getting to work on reading and playing walking bass lines is a big part of the appeal. On top of just loving that kind of music.
I was a sub bass player for a popular dance/party band over the summer. I really worked my ass off, as a matter of personal pride if nothing else, and had the playlist down cold. I did a couple of upscale gigs and a few club gigs with them.
They offered me the slot. Their "regular" bass player was missing too many gigs, and I was doing it every bit as good or better. In this case, I had to turn it down, but you never know what might happen if you go in with PMA.
And, though I would not ask for more money than what the other members are being paid during the sub phase, this particular BL is very fair-minded and did tip me a couple of times.
They offered me the slot. Their "regular" bass player was missing too many gigs, and I was doing it every bit as good or better. In this case, I had to turn it down, but you never know what might happen if you go in with PMA.
And, though I would not ask for more money than what the other members are being paid during the sub phase, this particular BL is very fair-minded and did tip me a couple of times.
Gotcha. I kept thinking "Professional something something." Anyway, I agree. The possibility of this temp thing opening additional doors is one of the reasons I wanted to have a go with the audition. As you said, you never know what could happen.
I think I share Joe Nerve's attitude toward auditions and my determination wins the day. There are plenty of bass players in town as good or better than me. Over the last 35 years or so, I have rarely been passed on by mainstream pop/rock/country projects, because I over-prepare to the point that I often know the material better than some of the band members.
I don't think you need to be a virtuoso to play pop music consistently well. You just need to have a good ear, a decent technical skill level, and a strong work ethic.
And I never worry about what if I don't get the gig and what a waste of time it would be. That is a defeatist attitude for starters and will subtly affect your presentation. Plus, learning material, whether it's dusting off stuff you used to know or learning brand new songs, only grows you as a musician and performer.
And you always need to be mindful that the impression you make could open a door sometime in the future.
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Hi Mr. StuartV,
You got this! Whether you get the sub chair with this particular ensemble or not, you've got the right attitude and perspective. These will serve you well.
Besides working with Kelly, there are at least three other bands in my area that call me regularly when they need a sub. I didn't really have to audition because they already knew me. For one band I had to learn 30 new tunes before the gig. But that band has called me a few times since then so it's been worth it.
Once your reputation gets established and word gets around that you know a ton of songs, show up on time, are well-prepared, professional, etc, you'll start getting a lot more calls. Keep an accurate calendar and be up front whenever you have to turn down a gig. I always thank them for thinking of me and tell them to feel free to call me next time. There have been a couple of people who have stopped calling me because I've been too busy, or dates just didn't align properly, but they were usually folks I'd rather not work with anyway. So it all works out.
Sure, working corporate events and private parties are nice, usually pay better, and get you home earlier. Since that's pretty much all Kelly does we don't work as often as I'd like. But I make more $$$ playing two nights a month than most bar bands make playing every weekend. Then I get to fill my calendar with dive gigs to keep my honky tonk cred.
Best of luck to you!
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
You got this! Whether you get the sub chair with this particular ensemble or not, you've got the right attitude and perspective. These will serve you well.
Besides working with Kelly, there are at least three other bands in my area that call me regularly when they need a sub. I didn't really have to audition because they already knew me. For one band I had to learn 30 new tunes before the gig. But that band has called me a few times since then so it's been worth it.
Once your reputation gets established and word gets around that you know a ton of songs, show up on time, are well-prepared, professional, etc, you'll start getting a lot more calls. Keep an accurate calendar and be up front whenever you have to turn down a gig. I always thank them for thinking of me and tell them to feel free to call me next time. There have been a couple of people who have stopped calling me because I've been too busy, or dates just didn't align properly, but they were usually folks I'd rather not work with anyway. So it all works out.
Sure, working corporate events and private parties are nice, usually pay better, and get you home earlier. Since that's pretty much all Kelly does we don't work as often as I'd like. But I make more $$$ playing two nights a month than most bar bands make playing every weekend. Then I get to fill my calendar with dive gigs to keep my honky tonk cred.
Best of luck to you!
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
Thanks, Cliff! I always appreciate hearing your perspective on things. And seeing your gig reports and pics.
