How many callback are acceptable?

[Bunk McNulty]

I agree with the above.

After three I'd do my best to come up with an excellent way to let them know I'd love to have the gig, but they need to decide either yes or no. I'd say something along the lines of, "You know what I can do, if you decide you want to work with me, call any time." No need to throw in anything like, "... though I might be unavailable." . I think NOT saying something like that actually works better in a certain way. I also think that cutting them off after three, with complete confidence, shows a level of professionality.

I would also let them know that I would be able to do anything they wanted me to do, in a timely fashion. I like for bands to know I'll be the easiest to work with. And I would do my best at my last audition to make sure I kicked everyone else's ass, in every way possible.

In the gig I landed in January (the best paying gig of my life) I was told I wouldn't have to audition for months before the old bass player left. They were hiring me based on my reputation and recommendations. A week before I was going to "rehearse" with them for the first time, they told me the plan had changed. Someone in another band doing the same material had just become available, and some other guys popped out of nowhere that the rest of the band were interested in using. While that sucked for me, it also pumped my adrenaline. I put in double time on learning tunes and making sure I nailed everything. I knew the material to the point where I didn't have to think about notes, and I could focus on groove and feel. The extra work got me the gig.

Good luck. I lool forward to hearing the update!

I had a somewhat similar experience, it just took longer to play out. I'd auditioned for a working band, all guys with big résumés, and it had gone over very well. Then they called me and said they'd hired another guy. The keyboard player stopped by my day job to tell me they'd taken a guy they'd known beforehand, and said "He knew our book, every bit of it." I agreed with him that that was the sensible thing to do, and went on with life. Several months later, they called me and asked me to audition again, because the guy they'd hired was "too high maintenance." At first I was sort of put out that they wanted me to do it all over again, but I knew it was a good gig, so I put my ego in my pocket, and went back. Four songs in, the leader looked at me and hollered "You're in!" and that was that.

 

[Ric5]

Some bands do all of these auditions to find the right bass player, and then they rehearse for months and put the setlist together ... then 6 months later the drummer quits, the singer moves out of town, the guitar player gets married and all that is left is the bass player

the bottom line ... don't take it too seriously

 

[Papalampraina]

Last year I auditioned for a band and it was a 2-step audition. First time they checked the groove, second time the vocals, and I think they checked somewhere around 10-12 bass players. I realised after getting the gig, that they knew what they were looking for while auditioning, that's why the process didn't drag.

 

[Duanestuermer]

I played in a band for about 10 years that did almost exclusively "decent money" corporate gigs.
We hardly ever rehearsed (a beautiful thing), unless we were asked to back up some known entity like a certain famous singer, or comedian. Then, there might be a 2 hour rehearsal the day of the gig, but normally everyone sight read charts the BL wrote up, on the gig.
The downside, was the non-music oriented baggage.
Sometimes you had to be there many hours before the gig and sit, sometimes you had to wear goofy outfits to fit for the occasion, or tuxes on 100'F days, or play goofy company based music, that the CEO or managers would sing.
Its a business, not just a band, and although the core musicians often stayed the same, often, other players were met the day of the gig, and the line-up could go from 4 musicians to 20+ from day to day.
An interesting, financially rewarding and eye opening experience at times.

 

[longfinger]

So I just finished my second callback for the bassist/vocalist position in a top 40 band. It would be a good gig, they play corporate gigs as well as festivals and they are paid well. After leaving the 2nd audition I asked if they are still auditioning people. They said yes but I’m in the running and it’s really going to come down to who sings best. Now, I really want to get this gig, but I’m starting to feel a bit yanked around. I have put a great deal of time into these auditions and even hired a vocal coach to prepare me. After all, this isn’t the Rolling Stones. If they can’t make up their minds after seeing everyone twice, how many times is it going to take? So how many callbacks are acceptable before you just finally tell them your bowing out?

I depends on the band and the pay once you're in.
Once in, if your pay-per-gig is about $50, then you have a certain level of acceptable callbacks, ie. either 0 or 1 etc. If your pay-per-gig is $100-$200 then you up your comfort level of acceptable call backs... 1-3 etc. If your pay-per-gig is expected to be around $1k, well then you keep coming back for callbacks, 6-8 whatever it takes etc.

The higher the payoff, the more you need to prove yourself.

In many cases the "call backs" are actually paying gigs as a "sub". You're not a permanent member and not getting the same cash as the permanents, but you are getting good pay as a sub and have less burden regarding non-music actions needed for the gig. After several of these paid sub gigs (along with other folks doing the paid sub gigs too), a band might decide to make one sub a permanent.

A working corps-festival-cover band should have many gigs, and they need players for these gigs. Many times, subs are needed. A band can't take two months choosing a sub, for a gig coming up in 5 weeks. Whomever they find for the upcoming gigs though, might not become a permanent member. The "owner" of such a band could aim to have at least 1 sub for every position including his/her own. Then the owner could book the group more gigs with clients, consult the group afterwards and if one person or two can't make it, the subs are called in. It gives more options for everyone and people don't have to feel guilty about accepting or refusing a gig.

 

[40Hz]

Some bands do all of these auditions to find the right bass player, and then they rehearse for months and put the setlist together ... then 6 months later the drummer quits, the singer moves out of town, the guitar player gets married and all that is left is the bass player

the bottom line ... don't take it too seriously

This! Happened to me. Auditioned three times and got the gig with an established local band. Drummer was quitting so I introduced them to a good drummer I knew and had worked with.

We both got hired. Played four jobs between Christmas and New Years plus one big bash on New Year's Eve.

The BL said we were off the rest of January and we'd regroup after that.

And that was it. Turns out they had all decided to hang it up earlier that year, but the bass player couldn't stay on till the bitter end (he was relocating for his day job), and the drummer didn't want to stick it out without the bassist.

Problem was they had five jobs they were still contractually committed to - and also didn't want to not get the gig money for. So they sold me and friend drummer a line in order to get some serious players onboard long enough to complete their gig list.

Lesson learned: You're no more in, or in longer, than whatever the BL decides.

 

[pwhalen]

Absolutely.
As it happens, music IS my job, with a supplemental income as an MI Rep.
It so happens that I'm the "Boss"- that is, the Contractor.

But- even in the World of Job Interviews, given what my qualifications are or hypothetically would be for the position- Damn right! Hire me or don't waste my time. How many times do you think for example, a Computer Programmer who has a demonstrated proficiency, Degree, experience, etc. for the job, would need to be considered?
And like the MD or B/L I gave as an example, Do you think that HR at MicroSoft jerks around to fill a position?

Quite often decent jobs require at least a second interview, so it really shouldn't be a shock to have it come in this context either. I would bet a fair amount of money that very few mid to high level jobs at Microsoft are filled in less then two stages to the interview. However, if you are able to avoid those situations more power to you.

 

[brianrost]

If it was the band of a lifetime, I'd keep going back until they say no or I get hit by a bus. For a band that's real good but not my dream, I would probably do the third and then bag it if there was no decision.

 

[Ric5]

This! Happened to me. Auditioned three times and got the gig with an established local band. Drummer was quitting so I introduced them to a good drummer I knew and had worked with.

We both got hired. Played four jobs between Christmas and New Years plus one big bash on New Year's Eve.

The BL said we were off the rest of January and we'd regroup after that.

And that was it. Turns out they had all decided to hang it up earlier that year, but the bass player couldn't stay on till the bitter end (he was relocating for his day job), and the drummer didn't want to stick it out without the bassist.

Problem was they had five jobs they were still contractually committed to - and also didn't want to not get the gig money for. So they sold me and friend drummer a line in order to get some serious players onboard long enough to complete their gig list.

Lesson learned: You're no more in, or in longer, than whatever the BL decides.

This is also happening to me now ... the guitar player is moving out of town and the drummer has a new girlfriend and has no time to play ...

So I am searching for a new band ... and the same thing will happen all over again ...

 

[DukeCC]

This is really just a case of someone looking for opinions, so . . .

It's a simple question--a baby could answer it. Do you want it or doncha?
I don't understand musicians getting all butt hurt. You stand up there and bare your soul in front of millions (dozens) of fans and yet this is the crap that bothers you?
Just sayin'.

 

[groooooove]

1200 candidates?? How long was the audition schedule? 6 months?
I hope you're exaggerating about that 5 callbacks, do what you gotta do.
Corporate gigs pay VERY well, and there are many, many advantages to them as compared to Clubs, Casino Showrooms etc IME, but nonetheless:
View attachment 1199981

no exaggeration - started with more than 1200, took 5 callbacks to get to the end of it. it was worth it. if you want the great gigs you have to pay the price.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

At least they don't want you to prove you're a citizen and have you take a drug test.

 

[Two-Spirit]

I think you need an excuse for more than one callback and their need to be a point to it.

 

[B-line]

Quite often decent jobs require at least a second interview, so it really shouldn't be a shock to have it come in this context either. I would bet a fair amount of money that very few mid to high level jobs at Microsoft are filled in less then two stages to the interview. However, if you are able to avoid those situations more power to you.

Don't bet on the MicroSoft 2-step process, at least not with experienced HR- Or in this case experienced B/L.
I interviewed for a good job as an MI Rep with another company a few years back. They told me they had over 400 applicants; 10 were chosen for an initial interview. I was (1) of (10). Then they narrowed it down to 5 for their 2nd interview.- I was still there. Didn't get the job, as things turn out, doesn't matter ; I got a BETTER job.

If MS is looking for a specialty engineer, and the Resume and CV meet their parameters, they will hire that person- Only questions are: Salary/benefits, and who they personally may like. There is no batting back and forth like the OP speaks of in his trial and tribulation. My brother-in-law works as both an independent consultant and on- staff in a very high-tech capacity. When a Company sees his qualifications, he is sent all sorts of offers without so much as an initial interview.
Just like Nathan East is offered a session.

Music- I know the biz; I hire the sidemen.
Starting at the beginning- I have files of Keys, Drums, Sax, B/G vocals etc. Most are people we've used before.
We try and keep the same line-up, we do 80-90% of the time. EG- "Our" drummer took a tour overseas, Keys has a better-paying gig that night, etc. To the file, and to someone I know can play and would be available.

I talk to players I like at their shows, get their contact info, because I know if I need them & they're available-I can call.
In the times we've had open auditions, I will hire straight-away, assuming I find competency, and here, there are many, many skilled players looking for work with good pay.

I don't know of the OP's band; only that if they need to have 3 call-backs they're full of themselves or are looking for someone with- IDK, flowing hair, a golden smile, some nonsense. That is their perogative. But please don't ask me to believe that there's a legit reason for that many trials to find a good musician. There's not.

 

[B-line]

no exaggeration - started with more than 1200, took 5 callbacks to get to the end of it. it was worth it. if you want the great gigs you have to pay the price.

Curious as to what "Great gig" would go the the extent of having 1200 bass-player applicants and hold needed number of call backs.
I know and have worked with players that have toured with major acts, and in all cases, they were referred, or given the job because the MD knew them; etc.
I have a hard time thinking that an act of stature has the time to, or needs to go through that many prospects.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Yes it would, and yes it is.

Does someone actually think, that when a major act is preparing for a show, or when a session is called, that the MD or Producer drags their butt and has to overthink who might be the perfect fit??
No, because time is money, and most players who get the call are generally pre-qualified to get the job done right.

When someone has work lined up, the may enjoy the authority and status of being able to pick and choose , and look for the perfect fit. I get that, but asking someone to come back for a 3rd time, even a 2nd IMO shows that they don't really have their agenda and material together enough to allow the most competent player to fit right in.
Not rocket science, It's only R'n R!

I have a friend, a Cellist, who has worked with (3) major-city symphonies. In every case, she was given the chair after (1) audition. Now just what does this magnificent Corporate Cover Band (no slag; it's what we do!) require over them??

singing.

 

[B-line]

This is really just a case of someone looking for opinions, so . . .

It's a simple question--a baby could answer it. Do you want it or doncha?
I don't understand musicians getting all butt hurt. You stand up there and bare your soul in front of millions (dozens) of fans and yet this is the crap that bothers you?
Just sayin'.

There's a big difference IMO between "baring your soul in front of millions" and jumping through hoops to get a gig after you've "aduitioned" more than 2X. What didn't they know about what the player could do?
The only butt-hurt is putting up with that tripe instead of moving ON and finding a job, not an audition process.

 

[B-line]

singing.

They require singing?
Wonderful. How long does it take them to figure out whether the "candidate" can sing up to speed?
And if you related that to the Classical music audition process I mentioned, you miss the mark big-time, but no matter- it would be the same for a role in Opera. The OP's band is fulla.
Simple.

 

[okcrum]

Not so much. Easy going and very forgiving of pitchy vocals and missed parts. The second one they where looking more at vocals. The drummer emailed me essentially saying that everybody's playing was on par and it's really the vocals that will distinguish the candidate.

This may mean they want to see if your vocals are still improving at the third call. It may be that you were weak at the first and better at the second. The drummer tipping you off (esp. if not your buddy) tells me none of the other vocalists are clear winners. Those vocal lessons might do the trick if you're putting them into practice.

Absolutely.
As it happens, music IS my job, with a supplemental income as an MI Rep.
It so happens that I'm the "Boss"- that is, the Contractor.

But- even in the World of Job Interviews, given what my qualifications are or hypothetically would be for the position- Damn right! Hire me or don't waste my time. How many times do you think for example, a Computer Programmer who has a demonstrated proficiency, Degree, experience, etc. for the job, would need to be considered?
And like the MD or B/L I gave as an example, Do you think that HR at MicroSoft jerks around to fill a position?

I've been recruited by Google, Amazon, and Oracle (was not looking or interested). They all seem to do 3-4 rounds of phone interviews followed by 2-3 rounds of face-to-face for positions other than entry level. Maybe M$ is different.

 

[red_rhino]

Two max. After that, you're dealing with indecisive and irrational people.

Yeah, this. It's not being butt hurt; it's a recognition that either I have failed to sufficiently impress them, or they don't really know what they want. Neither is good. After two auditions, you should have a pretty good idea what I'm about and whether or not it's a fit. (Because by then, I certainly do.)

Just curious, would you have the same view of a job interview?

Yep, see above. Any job that's required 3 or more rounds of interviews has rarely panned out (unless it was to have them call me later because the person they did hire didn't work out).

(True story: Once, during my going away lunch from one company, I got a call from another company that I'd interviewed with extensively but got no feedback. They wanted to know what I wanted for my login account password. It seems that they hired me, but never bothered to tell me! I'd since taken a different job.)