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Bass demo tracks to use for auditions

S

SehlraC

Sep 14, 2009
62
88
NJ
#1
Hey guys,

Recently left my cover band that wasn't going to get off the ground and am going to take a few weeks off to relax, work on chops, etc. before I start auditioning for other groups. Usually when replying to ads it's best for everyone to include basic information plus pic(s) if necessary and samples so that both parties aren't wasting eachother's time. I have some demos of previous bands but usually get the same response "we can't hear the bass". I was thinking of getting a few tracks together of just bass and drums at my buddy's home studio.

Do any of you guys have demos made that feature the bass? If so what songs did you use? I'll probably be playing top 40 rock/pop/dance/ maybe some classic rock in the next cover band. Just trying to get an idea of a few songs to start running through.
 
#2
I actually question the whole " provide us witha demo " pre-requisite.

Unless it's a very well known band and you know it's a dynamite opportunity I wouldn't worry about it. If it is, you probably have friends with home studios where you could make a demo that will give them a sample of your abilities.

If it's just "some band" and they are requesting a demo, give them a call and tell them a little about yourself. It should be easy to get them to waive what's really a questionable request.

Blue
 
#3
Thanks for the reply; I see your point. But I also typically ask for samples myself before I waste my time with an audition, and am not too keen on asking for one when I can't send one back.

Often I don't know if it's "some band" or not because details aren't always given about which band is looking (if they are working) until after the screening process.
 
#5
Having a few songs as a demo on YouTube has completely changed the way I get into bands. Do yourself a favor. Get a good enough demo on YouTube of playing bass to some songs that show your style. It's night and day. It may take you to the next level of professionalism. It's the new norm today.
 
#6
IF you feel you need a demo, make yourself a split-track recording of you jamming along with some tunes in the genres you like. Basically you on one track, original on other - they can dial back/forth and check out your chops. I did that like 30 years ago with a cassette after this band who claimed they wanted a new bass player was draggin foot since their bass player owned the PA. MAiled them a tape of 4-5 tunes they were doing, they called 2 days later and said I was hired and they had rented a PA. Audition done.

For the band looking for a member they should either have a set list or a few tracks of originals you can listen too so you have a clue of whether it would even be in right vein for you. Good luck.

fenderbassman40 said:
Having a few songs as a demo on YouTube has completely changed the way I get into bands. Do yourself a favor. Get a good enough demo on YouTube of playing bass to some songs that show your style. It's night and day. It may take you to the next level of professionalism. It's the new norm today.
Click to expand...
Absolutely!
 
#7
Guys, when your jamming along with that track, your playing in an ideal environment. The track is actually leading you through the song .

It's not really a mechanism or acurate bench mark of how well you can play.


Unless it's a agency represented cover band making big $$, no demo. Sorry

Blue
 
#8
bluewine said:
Guys, when your jamming along with that track, your playing in an ideal environment. The track is actually leading you through the song .

It's not really a mechanism or acurate bench mark of how well you can play.


Unless it's a agency represented cover band making big $$, no demo. Sorry

Blue
Click to expand...
True, the track is leading you, but a good set of bandmates is leading you also. IT certainly isn't optimal, probably the YouTube of you playing live is the best pre-recording you could do, since it captures your entire vibe.

In the example I gave where it worked for me the guy I replaced was only hitting 1/4 of the notes in the original - one of the tunes was Deep Purple's Highway Star, very sad seeing that played in 1/2 note thumps following the chord changes. I just needed to show I had some speed and pep in comparison.
 
#9
edpal said:
True, the track is leading you, but a good set of bandmates is leading you also. IT certainly isn't optimal, probably the YouTube of you playing live is the best pre-recording you could do, since it captures your entire vibe.

In the example I gave where it worked for me the guy I replaced was only hitting 1/4 of the notes in the original - one of the tunes was Deep Purple's Highway Star, very sad seeing that played in 1/2 note thumps following the chord changes. I just needed to show I had some speed and pep in comparison.
Click to expand...

That seems reasonable.

Off topic;

For working bands with a lot of business. These bands are looking for a lot more than how well a guy can play bass.

Blue
 
#10
I replied to an ad on Craigslist. They were looking for a bassist for close to 100 gigs. I was prescreened then told I was competing for the opening with another bass player. I told the bandleader to name 2 songs they did and told him I'd post a YouTube video of me playing along. I told him it would be just me using the camera on my laptop lousy mic and all playing over my iPod connected to boom box. He didn't care just as long it showed my level. It took a few passes and hour or so later I post 2 videos, the bl saw them and gave me the gig. The other bass player was talking about his level I showed it. The gig I got is great- I would not have gotten if if I didn't make this videos.
 
#11
fenderbassman40 said:
I replied to an ad on Craigslist. They were looking for a bassist for close to 100 gigs. I was prescreened then told I was competing for the opening with another bass player. I told the bandleader to name 2 songs they did and told him I'd post a YouTube video of me playing along. I told him it would be just me using the camera on my laptop lousy mic and all playing over my iPod connected to boom box. He didn't care just as long it showed my level. It took a few passes and hour or so later I post 2 videos, the bl saw them and gave me the gig. The other bass player was talking about his level I showed it. The gig I got is great- I would not have gotten if if I didn't make this videos.
Click to expand...

If you won a gig with a band that really had 100 gigs on the books that is awsome!

blue
 
#12
Thanks blue. I am feeling very fortunate and a little worn out. Doing 3 gigs a week- we did 13 gigs in July. August will be busy. Really looking forward to the oct nov slow down but not looking forward to a lot less gig cash.
 
#14
Everyone should have their own website showing them off in the best possible way. Audio, video, pictures, text bio, contact info. We all need to pass the "Google test".

We are essentially contractors for hire.. offering our services to other musicians, to venue owners and to audiences.

For songs, pick songs that you can already perform very well.. It's about you, not the recording engineer..
 

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