Expectations when auditioning for cover band

[gkella]

So, I been playing bass for close to four years now.
Up until now, my band experience in bass has been with brand new start up bands.
We are all picking the songs and learning them together.
I left the band I was in for a year because of a conflict with the guitarist.
Regardless, since then, I have tried to get new start up bands going and it is been frustrating getting the right mix of people.
I decided to look for opportunities with existing bands looking for a bass player.
Currently I have an opportunity to audition for a band playing southern rock.
A lot of Skynyrd, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Molly Hatchet, etc.
They sent me their three set lists last night.
I am familiar with 90% of the sings but have never played them.
I guess my question is..
Generally, what do you think the expecting are?
I have been going through the songs all day today trying to figure out which ones are easy to pick up quickly, what ones I find challenging.
Should I get a couple of them down well or learn half assed versions of a bunch of them?
How do you approach an opportunity like this?
Thanks Glen

 

[Reedt2000]

It's hard to say what people are expecting (really depended on which people ). I would approach this by making charts for the tunes and practicing a lot. It's a lot if work but you'll be better off for It.

 

[buldog5151bass]

If you can, ask them how many songs they want you to prepare. Also, if they have any songs on line (Facebook, website, YouTube), take a listen so you know what you are going in for.

I wouldn't half ass a song. Better to have 4 or 5 nailed down than a dozen "kinda". That is more likely to make you stand out. Don't worry about being fancy. Nail the parts and lock in with the drummer.

 

[Chad Michael]

...Better to have 4 or 5 nailed down than a dozen "kinda". That is more likely to make you stand out. Don't worry about being fancy. Nail the parts and lock in with the drummer.

Listen to this man

 

[Somanytoys]

I would agree. They will be checking you out for notes, groove and timing.

It would be better to impress them by doing fewer songs really well, and maybe tell them you’ll learn more soon, than to go in and halfass more songs and possibly mess up.

If they like your playing, they’ll wait for you to lean more songs.

 

[gkella]

Thanks so much for your comments.....

 

[DWBass]

Never ever ever ever learn songs half-assed!!

 

[13bass]

I hope I'm not too off topic, but in a situation like for the OP, how many will learn a simplified version of a song? Not note for note how the original was done, but close? Maybe simpler/less runs/riffs? Still tight and sounds good, just not exactly the original?

 

[Lobster11]

I hope I'm not too off topic, but in a situation like for the OP, how many will learn a simplified version of a song? Not note for note how the original was done, but close? Maybe simpler/less runs/riffs? Still tight and sounds good, just not exactly the original?

The first thing I would do is ask for (or propose) a short list of maybe 4-5 songs for the audition, and I'd learn those really well and as close to note-for-note as I could. Then for all the other songs on their list (or as many as I had time for before the audition) I'd listen to them and get chord charts to familiarize myself with the chord progressions and arrangements. That way, if they called a song that wasn't on the short list, I could say something like, "I haven't learned that one yet, but I'll try to fake my way through it if you want me to," and then I'd at least have a sporting chance.

 

[hrodbert696]

If they're an established band, presumably all of them can play the whole set list smoothly. You're not in that position. Like @buldog5151bass said, pick four or so and learn them to the maximum of your ability. Go into the audition and impress them with those four. If you have time to learn more, that's great. Often, if they're not on a tight schedule with other auditioners coming in the same night, they'll be happy to jam on however much of the set list you want to. That can be a good time to hang and get a feel for each other. But I would be absolutely transparent: "I picked these four to really work on. I'm game for having a go at the rest, but can't make any promises on how good it will be..."

On the note-for-note thing, there's no reason not to just ask them what their philosophy is. The answer will tell you a lot about the band. My personal opinion is that note-for-note usually isn't absolutely necessary as long as it feels like the song to a crowd - if it has the right chord progression, the right groove, and the signature fills and riffs are where they need to be. But, for example, if you're doing a Skynyrd tune in a power trio, you're going to need to fill a lot more on bass than the original because so many parts will be empty.

Or for another example, I play Zeppelin's Trampled Under Foot in two different projects - one is just power trio plus singer, the other has keys. The actual bass part in the recording is basically nothing - just steady stomping quarter note roots for the whole song. If I played that in the power trio, it would be horrible and lifeless. But with the keys there, I can back off a lot of the busy stuff.

 

[13bass]

The first think I would do is ask for (or propose) a short list of maybe 4-5 songs for the audition, and I'd learn those really well and as close to note-for-note as I could. Then for all the other songs on their list (or as many as I had time for before the audition) I'd listen to them and get chord charts to familiarize myself with the chord progressions and arrangements. That way, if they called a song that wasn't on the short list, I could say something like, "I haven't learned that one yet, but I'll try to fake my way through it if you want me to," and then I'd at least have a sporting chance.

Makes good sense. I always see posts from folks on various forums how they got a bass and were playing with a band, or gigs in a matter of weeks, and I'm thinking they were just playing root notes at that point, but maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Rib 13]

depends if they are note-for-note perfect or improv...….in either case, I suggest learning the basslines exact and then alter as needed (if at all)…..in this way, you know how the songs really go and will serve you if you play in future cover bands and especially as a hired gun

 

[Kmonk]

Ask them how many songs they expect you to play at the audition and then learn more than they ask. In 2002, I auditioned for an original blues band that also played some covers. The BL gave me a cd on a Friday night and asked me to learn any 2 songs for an audition on Monday. I learned the entire cd and several covers. I got the gig and ended up touring the U.S. The BL said I was the only person who took time to learn more than was asked. The keyboard player and I developed a friendship and a business partnership that continues today. We now do music for several television shows on The History Channel, Animal Planet, CNBC, Discovery and others. I wouldn't have had these opportunities if I had not done more than I was asked to do.

Always ask up front so there are no misunderstandings and then do more than is expected. Good luck.

 

[QweziRider]

Should I get a couple of them down well or learn half assed versions of a bunch of them?
How do you approach an opportunity like this?

I once did a cattle call for bassists for a Southern rock cover band. Four bassists showed up. Two of them half-assed the Skynyrd songs. Two of us did not. One of us two got the job and became dear friends (he still says I only got the job because I'm sexier than he is). I don't even like listening to Skynyrd. I grew up hearing it, but not my thing. To play it, is another enjoyable beast, for me, altogether. My point being, that style of music has some pretty deceptive bass lines. Yes, the songs can be half-assed and you'll get through, probably just fine. But if you have the time to get the songs - at the very least - in the ballpark of "correct", you'll be just that much more impressive in an audition.

 

[getrhythm]

Let them know at the start that you're familiar with most of the songs but haven't played them before. They may or may not want to devote the time you'll need to get up to speed. If they have the time for you to learn them, ask them which 4 or 5 tunes you should work on first. If they don't have the time to devote to allow you to first learn the material, you're off the hook and won't have to learn any for this particular group (unless you want to add them to your repertoire).

 

[Liam Wald]

Pick three or four songs to learn really well so that you don't really have to think about them when you get there. That way YOU can audition THEM. Do they play in tune? How is their meter? Can the singers actually sing? Is the overall musicianship on a level that you can live with? What about personalities?
I always think of auditions as an opportunity to do my own assessment of the band.
If I think it is all good I still am pretty non-committal at first and prefer to take the approach of, "Lets see where it goes after a few rehearsals and a gig or two". That way I leave it open to bail on it if it gets weird and not make it a big surprise if I do.

 

[QweziRider]

or gigs in a matter of weeks, and I'm thinking they were just playing root notes at that point, but maybe I'm wrong.

I don't. I may not get all things note-for-note on short notice (had to learn 20 songs in two days for a sub gig a few weeks back), but I'll get as much of it as I can and get the signature stuff. The more you do those kind of gigs, the more confident you become on being more accurate.

 

[Gooney]

Amateur cover band guy here:

When we audition players we want 2 covers. The whole band will be prepared to play at least those 2 songs well.

Quality is important. We want the correct part(s) with any signature riffs included. Solos don't have to be note-for-note, unless they are signature solos. Over playing is good if it's good. If it's bad, it's bad.

I do only 2 songs because I want to see what kind of quality the player is capable of. I'm often disappointed by how many bass players and drummers don't bother to learn the correct parts. Some of them want to listen to it on their phone when they're supposed to be playing.

In addition we're looking for people who:

- Have the free time to practice & learn songs (Many don't)

- Are likable and easy to work with.

- Actually put in the work.

- Have gear that sounds good.

Pros (wedding bands etc.) will probably want more than 2 covers. They will expect more commitment.

 

[buldog5151bass]

My last audition, I learned 12 songs note for note in two weeks, then had to learn the balance of the set list of 45 (with a cheat sheet) in a month. Showing you can (and will) put in the time means a lot.

Another reason to check their videos - to see how they dress. Do they wear band t shirts and blue jeans on stage, or collared shirts? Dressing the part helps.

 

[topper]

Communication with the band is key.

I was once in a similar situation. A cover band just sent me their song list. I picked a few that I was familiar with, that showed some variety (a ballad, a rocker or two, and something funky). I started working on those and let the band leader what I was doing. He came back with a completely different selection of songs he wanted me to learn. I was thinking "why didn't you just tell me this up front?" I ended up learning nearly half their material.

And it turned out the band management for that group was a hot mess. So talk to the band ahead of time and agree on an audition set (5-7 songs) and go from there.