Bass demo tracks to use for auditions

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

 

I always audition with evan brewer. his music is very versatile and can showcase all of your skills on bass. regardless of the genre, people will be impressed and they will want you.

 

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.

 

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.

Absolutely!

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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

blue

 

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.

 

Yeah , I know what you mean. I was looking at my schedule. I think we have 5 shows next week.

Blue

 

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..