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Can You Afford To Be Picky

#21
I'd say if you feel the band is a good fit for you, and they offer you the job, then take it. A decent fit into the band when you are the new guy (outsider) is rare in my very limited experience. You may want to give it a trial run, just to see how the drama shakes out over a month or three. You can expect everyone will be on their best behavior at the audition.

If it does not work out then you find another that does. I've found that there is always another band out there to join. Perhaps it will be another future ex-band, but for now enjoy the music and have some fun. Your stress level at the audition will be part of their assessment. On the other hand, you will be assessing them to see if you want to proceed as well.

Good luck, I hope you find the gig you're looking for.

- Paul
 
#23
It can come down to what do you want? To gig allot or make money. Its hard these days to find bands that do both well and still be able to hold a job and have any free time.
I have seen bands that gig allot but make little to no money. I have also seen bands that gig little but when they do are picky and make good /decent money. A band that does both normally is an experienced band with good players who demand other experienced, good players to join them and make sacrifices some of us (I) just cant make.
Since you have time like you have said you do I feel you could be less picky, although I still would look for a band that has experience and solid gigs.... good money or not.
 
#24
I can afford to be picky since I don't rely on music for income and live in a region with somewhat of a variety of ecletic musicians.

bluewine said:
Would you be out auditioning or waiting for the ideal band?
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For years, I had been in the "waiting (well..searching) for the ideal band" category. However, I chose a 3rd option...

About a year ago, I decided to 'go solo' as a musician full time. I generally liked the music of the indie bands that I either started or joined before that, but it was too difficult to hold the bands together with members' competing schedules, differing goals, and other commitments. I play several instruments. Within that past year, I have recorded several solo albums, done session work for other artists, and gigged numerous times solo or with a percussionist who I pay up front. Usually, I play various bass lines over a looping pedal and play guitar and sitar over my bass lines.

There's a limit to the sound quality I can achieve in my home 'studio'. I'm working on improving that.

It would be nice to find a solid original band (covers don't scratch my itch), but I simply accomplish more on my own with only one schedule to worry about. Also, performing solo exposes me to future potential band mates. I've certainly had some offers but plan to stay on this solo path for a while longer as it's been very satisfying. I don't make more money than I spend on music gear and studio equipment, but I am having fun.
 
#25
Rock that audition brother. And keep on going to them if you either don't make the cut here or if you decide this one isn't for you. One thing you might do, though, is send an email to the previous audition folks asking for some feedback on what they were looking for that you didn't provide. And then whatever they come back with, thank them, as honest feedback is very valuable.

What motivates me is a low drama environment with other musicians who enjoy playing. So, when I was auditioning I looked at bands that ran a range of ages and genres. Keeping open to opportunities and possibilities is a good thing.

I consider myself fortunate in that in my band, we're all happy to share the limelight with each other, work for peanuts, and play stuff the other people in the band like even if we don't (although each member has veto power we try to not abuse it). With that in mind, what's the genre of the band? Doesn't matter. What's the age range of the band? Doesn't matter.

At least for me.
 
#30
bluewine said:
I am dropping my gear off and setting up tonight at their rehearsal studio to save time for tomorrow night.
Click to expand...

bluewine said:
Going to the audition tonight completely unprepared.
Click to expand...

Why in heaven's name would you drop off your gear a day early if you do not know the material?

Perhaps you should rename this thread "I hope my (possible) new BL isn't picky".

I'm shocked. Every post I have read of yours displays your conviction and focus. You consistently prove that music is important to you and should never be taken lightly.

I hope that you can pull yourself together man, because I would not have expected you to ever approach something half-@ssed.

GL
 
#32
charlie monroe said:
Why in heaven's name would you drop off your gear a day early if you do not know the material?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I find that particular pairing bizarre as well.

If I was running auditions for my band, and a guy wanted to drop off/set up his gear the night before, I'd think "Hmmm. High maintenance, red flag. Well at least he knows what it means to be prepared, that's a good thing."

...but then when I discover you hadn't actually learned the material....sheesh "NEXT"

Add in the fact that they have a "very busy schedule" and you've just become a waste of precious time for them, spread over two days.
 

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