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First audition at 40 (no laughing)

#41
Yeah... would have been nice if the first group I was in (all of us met at work, all hadn't played in a number of years, so we were about at the same experience level) had worked, but after the drummer dropping out, the guitarist never showing, and the singer & keyboardist only able to make one practice, well, I figure they're never going to get it together - so I'm trying to get into an already established band. At least I learned about 25 songs for the first group, and hopefully that experience will help me pick up new songs for the group I'm auditioning for. And if it doesn't work, as has been said to Nick, it's experience under the belt that hopefully will help with future auditions! Keep us posted, Nick. If others have done it, so can we!
 
#42
Hey
Good job on the audition!! the more you go on the easier they get, even if this one doesn't pan out you have an experience and the first one is always the toughest. I always kinda feel like when i go to an audition i am auditioning the band as much or more than they are auditioning me. You have to get a feel for what they are about and if you could see yourself hanging out with at least one person in the project because it can make for long road trips if you don't really like anyone there. Good luck and keep us posted.
 
#43
Great story on "Don't Stop Believin'" - which is what we all do when we go in to audition to follow our dreams...

Who played the part of Steve Perry?

Reminds me of going to an audition about four years ago (same kind of deal...started playing regularly again when I was 42, but after playing 2, then 3, then 4 nights a week with a day job too, that was a little much).

This group was a rock cover band with female singer too.

We did a few tunes (Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Benatar, Joan Jett) and then they said, "That was cool, let's skip the next one because of the bass lick..." at which point I said, "Wait - what's the tune?" "Black Velvet"

That's when I got out the six-string fretless...

Z
 
#44
Sweet! I love reading your story and the replies. Some real good advice posted here!
A few I would add... Seems like a no-brainer but... Always tune-up. Take an emergency kit with you ( Fresh batteries, extra guitar cable, any tools you might need, maybe even picks, strap and extra strings). Make sure you have a fresh battery in your bass if its active . Try to compliment the members of the band. Even if you dont end up playing with them , this will always come back to you! Most of all have fun! Enjoy the moment!
I'm 49 and while i've been playing a while ( mainly in churches ) last year i finally auditioned for and am now playing in a classic rock band , with regular dates. Still playin in church too.
 
#48
NickInMesa said:
It's not a dream, I play with a few people, but nothing serious and the only date on the calendar is a private party in October.

It should be fun but I want MORE FUN!
Click to expand...

Um...okay...substitute the word "dream" with "goal," "ambition," "desire," etc. If your goal is "fun" and that involves a more structured, professional, consistent scenario, keep going for it.
 
#50
NickInMesa said:
Locking on the drum is absolutely no issue for me, I have at least that for me.

I am very weak on harmonic fundamentals, otherwise. I can tell if it sounds good or not, but if you tell me "The song is in G" and then start jamming, I'll be relatively clueless.

These are things one can work on, but easier done at 14 than 40.

Lady Kayri good luck to you, as everybody says: it's about having fun and nobody dies.
Click to expand...

Great thread an inspiration for the late bloomers.....:smug:

Ditto here....I have very much the same story. Now I've been at it for a little while and am hit and miss on the basic fundamentals. I wish I had hours a day to practice and learn. But alas....10-12 hours for work, as many hours as possible with family, some sleep and I'm left with maybe an hour to work on stuff when I'm dog-@ss tired.

I'm 36 and having my second 'real' audition tonight for a start up band.
 
#51
NickInMesa said:
Well I did not get the gig (I had that feeling today) but that's all right, I'll keep auditioning. And get better. And do better next time!

It was just not meant to be.

Thanks all for your help!
Click to expand...

You got the right attitude about it and very professional. A better opportunity will come. Thanks for sharing the experience. It helps me prepare myself and know that many others have had the same experience.
 
#53
Great story. I've gotten pretty zen about auditions (same as job interviews). Just realize you don't know the backstory, they might already have a friend in mind, or they didn't like the color of your bass, etc.

Oh yes, major goof: I am so used to playing Don't Stop Believin' with no keyboard (yes it's possible, you can play anything with no keyboard), that I started right from the beginning and the key guy had to tell me "no you don't come in until later" and restarted from the top.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure that's not true, bass is right in. So SCREW 'EM, THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT!! :smug:

Good luck with the next one.
 
#54
JPaulGeddy said:
Great story. I've gotten pretty zen about auditions (same as job interviews). Just realize you don't know the backstory, they might already have a friend in mind, or they didn't like the color of your bass, etc.



I'm pretty sure that's not true, bass is right in. So SCREW 'EM, THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT!! :smug:

Good luck with the next one.
Click to expand...

I thought so too... But apparently they wanted it keys + voice and then 1st chorus the rest of the band jumps in.

I don't know.

What killed me is the fact I screwed up the easy song and that was the first one. After that, I did the rest pretty well, considering I had 3 days to learn the material, but I suppose the guy who got the gig was better, period.

I've auditioned since, but in this case it's the other way around: I am not a big fan of them.

There are other bands out there.
 
#55
having been on both sides of auditions, I can tell you, most bands see lots of ego but little talent. Sounds like your ahead of the game before you even play a note.

Oh yeah, if you can sing backing vocals, this is ALWAYS a huge advantage!

Don't forget to let us know about the next one.
 
#57
By the way this was my first real audition.

I had a previous audition where a guy invited me to jam freely and teach me some stuff and it ended up being a trap. Turns out they were so desperate for a bassist, they started inviting guys like me looking for a teacher and instead auditioning them.

I hated their material, their style, their personality, their sound, their lyrics and I "failed" the audition.

These idiots are still auditioning for a bassist.

It's their third bassist and the last one lasted a month before leaving on a pretext (I know because I know the other bassist).

They post 2 ads a day now, that's how desperate they are and they even disguise themselves, but I know their style.

This should probably be in the dumb CL ads thread...
 
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#59
Quadcam said:
dont sweat it man, like i said in another thread I'm 36 and started playing drums again and taking drum lessons after a 10+ yr break. Do you're best and if it works out great if not there are always bands looking for bassists
Click to expand...

bands are always looking for someone to play bass! Everyone seems to want to play guitar, but bass is more fun anyways!
 

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