auditioning for a Band

I've been in your postition more than a few times over the years, (including just last night for a band that wants to put a CD together);

1. Come completely prepared - have all your cables, an extra battery (if bass is active), spare set of strings, towel to wipe down your bass, extension cord (just in case), in short, every knick knack your particular set up might need

2. Be personable - introduce yourself to the other musicians. Let them know you appreciate the opportunity.

3. Don't go overboard about how great they are and/or how lacking your skills are. Just being complimentary about their shows is enough.

4. Tune up, dial in "your" sound, and let them know when you're ready to go. In other words, once you're set-up and ready to go, don't try impressing them by laying out your best monster chops or with how loud your amp is while pretending to warm up. Just show you're ready to get down to business when you are ready.

5. While playing, save the flash stuff for later. Just show you can hold the groove for now. If they want more complexity, they'll usually tell you. If you get lost during a song, just play lightly and stay on the beat until you find your way back in.

6. #5 DOES NOT mean stand/sit still while playing. As long as you're really into the music, show it a little - pump your head, tap your foot, shake y'ass. Lots of guys can play. Not all of them show they have some stage presence.

7.. Thank them when it's over. And if you know they're trying out other bassists be sure they know your name!!! . If someone says they'll contact you, ask for a day. If they don't, ask when you can contact them to see what they decide.

BTW - I passed last night's audition and was invited back for this Wed night. I really hope you get yours!!!

 

Rick brought up a lot of good points, but I would like to add, is look presentable. It's a lot like a job interview. (Well, not exactly, but you get the drift) If a band sees you showing up at practice looking like a bum, they are going to figure you are going to show up to gigs looking like a bum. I'm not saying you should neccesarily dress like you are going to a gig, but just look good.

 

By the way, where in central Pa are you from, and what's the name of the band? I might know who they are.

 

hey people, while we're on the subject (well, while you're on the subject, i'm just interfering, as usual ), i've had a few offers from guys saying they need a bassist for their bands and stuff, and i email them, and they mail back saying "come round some time, and show us some of your stuff"... well i'm thinking, "what the hell do they mean, 'show us your stuff'?" i've been playing untutored for about a year, and don't think i've got any "stuff" worth showing... what do you play, like a little jam you've invented, some well-known riffs, or what? i'm really scared cos i've never auditioned for a band before, i usually just know the people already, and they say, "yeah, come on, you'll be cool" and stuff... you know what i mean?

cheers, peeps...

simon a

 

Rick's advice is all very sound. This band will probably place more emphasis on whether or not you fit in than how good your chops are.

By fitting in, I mean both personally as well as musically - like Rick says, even if you're not an expecially outgoing person, make an effort to introduce yourself to the group and to get to know them all. If I were auditioning someone for my band, I'd probably go for a more limited player (giving them time to improve if needs be) who had a similar mindset and tastes than a virtuoso who was like a third wheel. Talk to them, see what their long term plans and ambitions are, and see if they match your own. And good luck!

 

if you get in the band, thats when you throw in your idea for your killer bass solo in the middle of their hit song, not in auditions. just play with a easy style, nothing to hard, nothing to easy. right in the middle.

one other idea...

hukd on foniks werkd fer me