How do you calm your nerves before auditioning for a band?

[Jordy4strings]

It's my first time and I'm a bit anxious that I'm probably not good enough. Thanks in advance

 

[buldog5151bass]

Best thing you can do is have the songs nailed down as best you can. Nerves just means you care - nothing wrong with that.

 

[Malcolm35]

A few butterflies is OK, just keep them flying in formation.

 

[rutrho]

Coffee!

 

[Vinny_G]

Depends on the style of music. If it's blues, I empty a bottle of whiskey, nobody will notice anything anyway. If it's death metal, I torture a cat.

 

[Nashrakh]

I mediate on my own mortality. Yolo and all that.

Just kidding. For me, a few breathing exercises help against performance anxiety, which I rarely have anymore - the more you play, the easier it gets. So that's a silver lining.

 

[marqueemoon]

the more you play, the easier it gets. So that's a silver lining.

Yep. I don't necessarily have any more technical skill now than I did when I was first starting out, but I'm considerably calmer and don't get rattled easily. A little bit of nerves is a good thing though.

My best advice to the OP is just to remind yourself that the folks you're playing for are human just like you and they wouldn't have asked you if they didn't see some potential.

If the audition you're describing is the kind I'm thinking of you won't be solo on a stage in front of a panel of judges, you'll be playing music along with these folks. The overall vibe and chemistry is usually far more important than whether someone hits all the notes perfectly provided you have the basic skill and willingness to improve.

 

[Groove Doctor]

Exercise will help burn off the adrenaline.

Watch a funny movie or comedian to help you relax.

 

[IamGroot]

Propananol

 

[Scottgun]

By being too concentrated on auditioning them. Do I really want to play this kind of music with these kinds of people?

 

[JRA]

remind yourself that the band is probably looking for a bass player. if they already have a lead singer = you're not auditioning to be "the star." knowing the material is the best way to avoid 'nerves'. good luck with your new band!

 

[Matty Koff]

Practice.. and bare in mind.. unless you've heard them play before, there's always the chance that you don't like how THEY sound. Auditions go both ways. Worst case scenario, you don't get, or don't want the gig.

If so.. you keep practicing daily at home while searching for your next opportunity. You never know, they might just inspire something in you that you didn't realize you had...if you don't have it.. just means there's work to be done. Lessons to be had.. things to learn. And the information is out there if you look for it.

 

[dBChad]

Change your perspective: don't go in thinking "I'm going to be scrutinized by strangers." Instead, view auditions as a two-way street: they are looking for a bass player, presumably to record or play out. Here's where you audition them as a group. Ask yourself questions about the group while you're their such as

-Do they have the same musical goals as I do (weekend gigging, studio albums, YouTube content, major record deal, or wherever you're trying to get to)?
-Do they enjoy working together? Would I enjoy working with them?
-Are there any red flags (house arrest bracelets, being too drunk to walk a straight line at 9am, rockstar egos already with no shows booked currently, asking if you have expensive gear/large vehicle/girlfriend into open relationships/anything else they might be using you for, etc.)?
-What is your initial impression (professional, easy going, not serious) and does that match the group you want to play with?

Audition them back. They need a bass player (we're pretty rare in most areas), so do probably 20 other bands. Play your best, but make sure you play with people who make it enjoyable, make you a better musician, or are working toward the same goals you have.

 

[pcake]

ditto on practice. the better you know the songs, the more likely you'll play 'em right AND that you'll feel more confident.

btw, if you haven't read the first post on a thread titled "You never know about an audition", do that. he OP was sure he wasn't good enough...

 

[210superair]

Luckily I have a huge ego, so In my mind, I'm auditioning them.... Lol. Makes it easy not to be nervous.

 

[garp]

In my mind, I'm auditioning them.

There's a lot of merit in this approach. I've never gone on a job interview in my entire life, but I've gone on plenty of potential employer interviews.

 

[ahc]

You can use the old show biz trick: Imagine your audience is naked.

 

[210superair]

You can use the old show biz trick: Imagine your audience is naked.

Lol, I think it's 'in their underwear', but your approach may be better, depending upon who's in the band...

 

[micguy]

I just show up prepared, well rested, and if there's time in the day before the audition, I've done enough physical activity to have any nervousness shaken out of me.

 

[rohi]

Some people have a little drink or smoke a quick smoke— whatever works.

Just keep in mind nothing is permanent, everything is temporary. If you “bomb” an audition, who’s really going to think about it 10 hours later, 10 days later, 10 months later, etc.