I'm auditioning for a band, and there is one other bass player who is up against me. they said they're going to do auditions in two parts. first, we play alone, anything we want to do to show them our prowess, so a song, and probably show them I know my scales, etc. Then, we play together, back and forth, like a battle all most. Any tips, for either scenarios, to get ahead? I'd say we're both of equal skill level, which is why I need a little push to make them want me. Thanks.
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Beating Competition
- Thread starter Unspoken511
- Start date
That's an odd audition...makes it almost like a sport. I was going to recommend bringing an SX bass with a fearful but you may need to bring in the big guns:
Know your fretboard back & forth, inside & out.
Know where to go and how to get there.
Make sure you have endurance, speed, chops, soul, feel, and your own bass voice on the instrument. Lord knows we don't need any more Jaco, Wooton, Marcus, Pino clones out there.
Last, be yourself.
Know your fretboard back & forth, inside & out.
Know where to go and how to get there.
Make sure you have endurance, speed, chops, soul, feel, and your own bass voice on the instrument. Lord knows we don't need any more Jaco, Wooton, Marcus, Pino clones out there.
Last, be yourself.
Yeah, find a real band with 'musicians' who know what they are looking for in a player.
If they are knowledgeable, they will be able to hear that your playing, in any reasonable playing situation, is what they are looking for.
This audition approach sounds like teenage BS.
That's almost insulting. Like a Battle Royale? What is this, The Hunger Games?
Take a pass. There will be many more bands in the near future who have their act more together than this.
Take a pass. There will be many more bands in the near future who have their act more together than this.
Wow! Pretty unusual but interesting way to see who can cut it. All things equal playing wise I'd play the mental card. If you are bigger and/or scarier looking you can intimidate him physically, crowd his space when he's around and make offhand comments that hint of violence without a direct threat. Then give him the staredown on stage like a cage fighter.
If you are not physically intimidating there are other ways to psych someone out. I would need more info about the rival to come up with the best plan in that case.
If you are not physically intimidating there are other ways to psych someone out. I would need more info about the rival to come up with the best plan in that case.
Ah yes... its all about the music. All the great bass players were D*cks on stage to the other players.
Totally agree with this. If they are this crazy in the audition process, it's just going to get worse if you actually get in the band.
Honestly. Your long-term success in this or any band will depend a damn sight more on chemistry among the members than your skills.
I think the whole thing is BS. Are these clowns a working band that has a steady stream of cash gigs lined up? Otherwise, not worth the hassle.
In my biz (advertising) we call what you're being asked to do "working on spec," which is code for "being taken advantage of." We don't do it.
Try coming up with a killer groove with slight variations that shows you have chops and can hold it down and hope the other guy overplays. No one wants a Bass player like Wooten, as great as he is they want a groove monster, thats what puts the butts on the dance floor.
I agree, insulting, take a pass. Thats really not very professional. Its like some weird twisted entertainment for them, probably says alot about their personalities as well.
I think someones been watching a little too much american idol, the voice, dancing with the stars.......take your pick
Obviously, you want the gig bad enough to go through this high-pressure audition scenario, so "take a pass" is not an option.
I think the "be yourself" someone posted above is the best advice. If you try to back off your normal style to show you won't be overbearing, you may not catch their ear. If you try to show off more than normal, they may think the other guy does a better job of staying in the pocket. I'd rather lose a gig for being true to myself than for trying to be someone else.
Just practice up for what you know you will play at the audition, and play like you know you can.
I think the "be yourself" someone posted above is the best advice. If you try to back off your normal style to show you won't be overbearing, you may not catch their ear. If you try to show off more than normal, they may think the other guy does a better job of staying in the pocket. I'd rather lose a gig for being true to myself than for trying to be someone else.
Just practice up for what you know you will play at the audition, and play like you know you can.
- Oct 8, 2007
- 970
- 60
- Disclosures
- Former Part-Time, Non-Commission Employee MOOG Audio
If you feel uncomfortable, pass on this. It's unprofessional and doesn't show respect for you or the other player.
The audition is as much about them demonstrating to you that they are easy to work with and that they can play with you!
The only bass player you have to be better than is the one you were yesterday. And having the flashiest licks has nothing to do with being a responsible professional musician. the audition should determine 3 things:
1 that you have the minimum skill required to play the bands material,
2 that you want to do so and will put energy into performing properly.
3 that the band is an organization worth joining, that they won't waste your time by treating you disrespectfully.
I think that since you already know the answer to number 3, there is no reason to go to the audition.
my 2 cents
The audition is as much about them demonstrating to you that they are easy to work with and that they can play with you!
The only bass player you have to be better than is the one you were yesterday. And having the flashiest licks has nothing to do with being a responsible professional musician. the audition should determine 3 things:
1 that you have the minimum skill required to play the bands material,
2 that you want to do so and will put energy into performing properly.
3 that the band is an organization worth joining, that they won't waste your time by treating you disrespectfully.
I think that since you already know the answer to number 3, there is no reason to go to the audition.
my 2 cents
I would do my best at the first part of audition, and than politely refuse to take part at the second.
That battle is childish idea, will not give any valuable info (since this type of scenario will never happen at the gigs), so it is pointless.
Another thing, your competitor is probably an ordinary, decent guy just like you, and probably has the same dilemma. If possible, talk to him, say your concerns, ask him how he feels about it. Perhaps one of you would gracefully give up for the benefit of the other. We, bassists, are brothers in arms after all ;-)
That battle is childish idea, will not give any valuable info (since this type of scenario will never happen at the gigs), so it is pointless.
Another thing, your competitor is probably an ordinary, decent guy just like you, and probably has the same dilemma. If possible, talk to him, say your concerns, ask him how he feels about it. Perhaps one of you would gracefully give up for the benefit of the other. We, bassists, are brothers in arms after all ;-)
This proposed "battle of the bass players" is stupid. Someone who is competent and fits with the band's personality is far more important than a great player who is an @$$hole. Then again, maybe they're looking for someone who is equally amused by this kind of circus game.
If you decide to go ahead with it, don't show off your ability to run scales up and down. Your musicianship should be self-evident in your playing. Besides, endless scales are for the guitard, and I'm betting this band has at least one.
If you decide to go ahead with it, don't show off your ability to run scales up and down. Your musicianship should be self-evident in your playing. Besides, endless scales are for the guitard, and I'm betting this band has at least one.
Are you a fast learner?
Looks like you'll need to learn and master Pitch Axis Theory to impress these guys.
Or you could realize that it's a silly way to do things and have a conversation. Find out what they hope to accomplish by doing this and at the same time you might get a better feel for him (them?) and that may lead you to knowing that you either want to still, or don't want to audition.
Looks like you'll need to learn and master Pitch Axis Theory to impress these guys.
Or you could realize that it's a silly way to do things and have a conversation. Find out what they hope to accomplish by doing this and at the same time you might get a better feel for him (them?) and that may lead you to knowing that you either want to still, or don't want to audition.
