Need tips on how to conduct auditions

[Tex Bass]

This is really the first band I've been in, I'm the least experienced and talented of the group but strangely enough I am the BL. (Since I put it together and handle scheduling rehearsals, song choices, etc)

We are looking to fill 2 recently vacated positions: vocalist and drummer. Since I've never even been to an audition, hoping to get some advice on how to conduct things.

I'm guessing we will have maybe 2 or 3 drummers and 2 or 3 vocalists interested. This is a cover band and we are only up to about 14 songs so far. Planning on sending everyone that set list info and then asking them to choose 2 songs to audition.

Is it appropriate to have them show up at different times so that we don't get overlap? (And maybe have them wait outside the door before its their turn) Or am I over thinking it, and just have them show up during the rehearsal almost like a jam session where people can come and go? (With less overall stress and structure perhaps?)

Also- any tips on communicating with those folks that don't get selected once we see everyone?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[drpepper]

...we are only up to about 14 songs so far. Planning on sending everyone that set list info and then asking them to choose 2 songs to audition.

Is it appropriate to have them show up at different times...

Also- any tips on communicating

There are absolutely no rules set in stone anywhere, but there are some things that are more of norms than not. Here's the comments I'd make

- I'd want to do more than 2 songs, and I'd want to select some/most as the auditioner...five or six total, with the auditionee chosing one or two. You may be able to glean something about how fast prospective players can learn songs and/or how broad their repertoire already is. The second reason is that I might want to see how they do with potentially more challenging songs in your playlist and/or capture the feel/vibe of certain songs where that might be important.

What are your 14 songs?

- I think it's most appropriate and professional to schedule each audition at completely separate times; no overlap or even immediate end to end.

- On communication, I think it's best to be honest, direct and concise. That is without being needlessly or overly blunt/callous or unkind. Simple messages that you haven't made a decision yet when that is the case, simple messages announcing when you have made a decision, and thanking, finding some compliment and wishing the best to people who aren't selected (it's good to leave bridges intact).

 

[newwavefrank]

I usually pick three songs with different styles for them to learn, then let them pick one or two more from our list. If they pick everything they can avoid things they aren't good at. Definitely schedule a time for each person. An hour is enough for a drummer and maybe less for each singer depending on how many people you have auditioning. I would try to get a drummer first then audition singers with the new drummer if possible. I have tried doubling up on auditions and it can be a disaster. You don't want a great singer to come down and be scared away by a terrible drummer.

 

[gln1955]

Filling the drum spot first is a good idea.

Definitely separate times for each candidate and schedule plenty of time in case you need more than you expect.

Talk to each candidate before the audition, giving them info on expected practice and gigging frequency, how songs will be chosen, how band finances work, etc. Don't waste your or their time if y'all are not compatible.

 

[JonathanPDX]

As someone who has gone to a lot of auditions (and hosted more than a few) in the past, here are some tips:

Don't overlap people. It's weird and awkward to run into folks gunning for the same gig. If you are doing things all in one day book time in between to chat, pack up, and have folks come/go without anyone waiting. Don't waste their time.

Pick a song or two that you would like them to play (pick something that shows you something you want to hear from them) then provide them with a list and ask them to pick two other songs. Make sure you note keys, version, original artist, and any other notes. You don't want to waste time having someone learn the wrong version of a song.

Be totally transparent about the band, expectations, commitment, and schedule. If you don't know yet, figure that out before you bring someone in! I'd want to know what kind of pay you're getting, how much time I have to commit between gigs, rehearsal, learning material, etc., what the total final song list looks like, and any long-term plans like traveling or recording and who books, schedules, and covers costs for that stuff.

Ask questions, even stuff that's uncomfortable. You want to weed people out early, not wait until you've committed, put the work in, and discover some deal-breaker you were unaware of or thought might not be a big deal.

Lastly, respond to people who audition for you within a respectful time frame. I don't expect a call back that night, but don't leave me hanging for weeks unless you want to risk that I pick up another gig while you are making up your mind. It's totally fine to ask people to come back, or follow up with questions. And if you don't want to hire someone just tell them ASAP so they can move on. Don't leave them hanging.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I would give THEM a list of about five songs to do - so they don't just pick easy songs they already know. Nothing wrong with multiple auditions the same night - maybe every hour, so you have time to play the songs, and talk for a few minutes with them. They can wait outside, but I would allow multiple applicants in the room at the same time.

 

[two fingers]

This is really the first band I've been in, I'm the least experienced and talented of the group but strangely enough I am the BL. (Since I put it together and handle scheduling rehearsals, song choices, etc)

We are looking to fill 2 recently vacated positions: vocalist and drummer. Since I've never even been to an audition, hoping to get some advice on how to conduct things.

I'm guessing we will have maybe 2 or 3 drummers and 2 or 3 vocalists interested. This is a cover band and we are only up to about 14 songs so far. Planning on sending everyone that set list info and then asking them to choose 2 songs to audition.

Is it appropriate to have them show up at different times so that we don't get overlap? (And maybe have them wait outside the door before its their turn) Or am I over thinking it, and just have them show up during the rehearsal almost like a jam session where people can come and go? (With less overall stress and structure perhaps?)

Also- any tips on communicating with those folks that don't get selected once we see everyone?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Do NOT have them there at the same time. That'll get weird. As inconvenient as it can be, stagger them.

Do you have a drum kit in your jam room? If not, drummers will need to bring theirs and set up.

How long has your band been together?

 

[Lobster11]

I don't have a lot of personal experience with auditions, but I've read a ton of bad audition stories over the years here at TB -- and it seems to me that the single biggest problem (from both perspectives) is almost always poor communication in advance of the audition in terms of exactly each party wants and expects. I would consider interviewing candidates by phone before the audition to discuss the band's needs and future plans, etc. the candidate's interests and goals, and so forth -- so that both parties agree an audition is worth having. Just my $0.02 worth.

 

[Confunk]

EDIT- Lobster is right about pre-audition communication, it can save time & trouble. I also STRONGLY suggest (read: insist) on them sending some form of media- YouTube, Mp3, etc. of their performance. If someone does not have anything, in this day & age, that's a red flag to me.

That said-

1)IME, (3) songs are more than enough to see if someone fits

2)Schedule slots 1/2 hour apart.

Not much more to add, other than if you like them, briefly discuss their expectations, availability, and whatever else is relevant, such as sharing rehearsal space costs and the like.

 

[Bass Viking]

I also STRONGLY suggest (read: insist) on them sending some form of media- YouTube, Mp3, etc. of their performance. If someone does not have anything, in this day & age, that's a red flag to me.

Absolutely! I started a thread about this last year.

 

[mikewalker]

... I would consider interviewing candidates by phone before the audition to discuss the band's needs and future plans, etc. the candidate's interests and goals, and so forth -- so that both parties agree an audition is worth having. ...

Further to this, I would sit down with your current bandmates and draft a comprehensive Q&A CHECKLIST for these phone interviews. Make sure your band can fully agree on the group's own answer to all of the interview questions - and write it down on the checklist for easy reference. Make sure it has every important logistical, artistic, and ethical issue covered! And make sure it's a real CHECKLIST and that you have it filled out with the candidate's answers completely during every interview call. (Conversations can easily get off on a distracting tangent...)

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Lot of great advice in here, I'll also echo the suggestion to fill drums first. Vocalists can be a hard spot to fill (IME, far more than the other positions), so you want as much in place before you get to that point.

 

[GreyBeard]

The only thing I haven't seen suggested is to ask for references. What other bands, if any, have they play with. Find out if they show up for practice prepared and on time. Do they show up for setup on time etc.

 

[2112]

As the BL in my group, I give them our entire catalog, and ask them to pick the songs they'll play. Then, I let them run the audition. How they go about it, and how many and which songs they pick will tell me tons about about their interests, style, abilities, motivation, and comfort level with performing and working with a group setting... and also if they have more of a "quantity" or a "quality" attitude.

If it seems like they'd be a good fit, then we talk about about interests, goals, and expectations and also describe the general operations of the band.

Our auditions are always individual and separated... overlapping them would divide our attention and we wouldn't be able to evaluate them well enough to make reasoned hiring decisions.

 

[QweziRider]

Is it appropriate to have them show up at different times so that we don't get overlap? (And maybe have them wait outside the door before its their turn) Or am I over thinking it, and just have them show up during the rehearsal almost like a jam session where people can come and go? (With less overall stress and structure perhaps?)

I've been in both situations (the former in a band doing the auditioning, the latter as someone being auditioned). Either way seemed fine to me. Having people come in at different appointed times sure took up a lot of time, but it wasn't so bad. Coming into an audition with four other bassists and taking our turn in front of each other wasn't so bad either (made a good friend for life of another bassist out of that one).

 

[KCLRbass]

I'll admit that I'm missing the actual point of this thread but it's a good opportunity to share a pretty famous and super cool study done about 20 years back on bias in orchestra auditions. Turns out you have to put up curtains so you can't see the candidate AND put down carpet so you can't hear their shoes before women get a fair shake at orchestra auditions.

Orchestrating Impartiality: The Impact of "Blind" Auditions on Female Musicians - American Economic Association

 

[Bullitt5135]

I used to say "here's our whole list of 50 songs...pick 3 or 4 you want to sing." I thought a loose, less-formal jam session would be more welcoming. This was way too vague and led to bad auditions. We'd get like one OK song and a few lame half-a**ed attempts at others. Instead, give them 3 or 4 songs to learn and tell them to give it their absolute 100%. Pick stuff that represents what you want to achieve as a band. Get them a little out of their comfort zone, and see if they are willing to do their homework.

Be specific about the process. If you are auditioning other people, tell them that. We made the mistake of asking a guy back for a second audition, but we failed to tell him we might still be considering other people. He walked into the second audition thinking he was our new singer, and it got really awkward when we had to break the bad news to him a few days later.

Even experienced musicians get nervous at an audition. Do your best to make them feel comfortable and welcome. Personally, I'm finding it works well if we keep things somewhat business-like, then end the session with "thanks, we'll get back to you later tonight or tomorrow." Treat people the way you expect to be treated.

Lastly, if you see any red flags, don't ignore them.

 

[DirtDog]

However tempting it might be, don’t make an offer to anyone on the spot. Have a stock answer like “Thanks, we’ll get back to you in a couple of days either way”. And DO follow through on that even if you are saying no.

Remember also that they are auditioning you just as much as you are auditioning them. If your auditions are a shambles or if your communications are weak, you may lose a good fit.

 

[SoCal80s]

Just a few things I would add:
-If a band doesn't have a singer that's a red flag for me, so I would focus on getting a singer first.
-Get someone to sit in on drums when the singer auditions, even if you have to do it yourself instead of bass. Hard to really belt out a tune without drums.
-Be sure discuss with them the band's goals, how finances are handled, and how new songs are picked. Those are major reasons why people leave bands, so best to have an understanding early on.

 

[mrcbass]

As has been said, it seems there are no hard and fast rules. I've auditioned for others way more than I have auditioned others for me. But here are my thoughts:
As an auditioner:
Never audition 2 people at the same time. It's not fair to either participant to have to play off another person who may not be up to speed.

For sure, try to do all of your auditions for each role in one session. It can be brutal for a band to have to suffer through weeks of auditioning the same role and it's easier to compare your options when everything is fresh. For these that typically rehearse mid week, this can be a challenge because of time constraints, but keep the time frame as compact as possible.

Do allow buffer time between people. Allow at least 15 minutes to load in and 15 minutes to load out. Then another 15 minutes for the driveway to clear. Don't forget to include time to chat. Doing this during tear down is common, but there are distractions, so try to have a few minutes set aside to sit and chat - nothing else. This can be the most important part of the audition. Spacing multiple auditions at 90 minutes is about right.

Keep things moving. It is possible to have a relaxed, yet professional environment.

I like to pick out songs that demonstrate specific skills we're looking for, so I will specify which songs they need to have prepared. 4-6 is usually plenty. The audition should probably be different for each instrument. Songs that are good tests for the drummer are not necessarily good tests for the LS. I really don't care which songs they prefer. If there is enough time for a little jam after the formal audition, then you can explore any common ground.

Hopefully you have more than one candidate that could work. Be sure to deal with post audition communication professionally - don't burn your bridges.

Keep track of your secondary choices. It's not unheard of for a new member to abruptly quit (or be asked to leave) after a few weeks for any number of reasons. If nothing else you may be able to reach out to the second or third place person to sub for you - assuming the "sorry you didn't make it" news was delivered properly.

Make sure your band knows the material you're asking to be auditioned.

Don't just start grabbing stuff, but offer to help with the auditionee's load.

And maybe most important, be patient. It is tempting to settle for the person who is close enough wen nobody shined. Settling for the wrong person just drags out the process even further because you eventually have to start all over again. If you have a couple of "didn't knock me over but has potential" candidates, bring them back for a second audition with hopes that they were just having first date jitters for the first audition.

For both sides of the process:
It's about more then musical ability. Look for things about the other party that you like and things that you dislike. You are auditioning each other.

Be prompt and be ready. I waited over an hour at one audition because the LG was running late. This cut my session short because there as another waiting. (I still got the gig, but almost declined because of the late guy's lack of respect.)

You don't need to do the full audition. If things don't feel right and you know the fit is not good, it's just a waste of time to keep going.

Be appropriately groomed. I don't audition dressed to gig, but I am showered and wearing clean clothes. I expect the same of the other party.

Be as clear as you can regarding the administrative stuff before the audition is set. Discussions regarding rehearsal expectations, gig frequencies, travel?, pay structures, genre directions, strict cover copy?, etc can settle a lot of things before you even meet.

As an auditionee:
I like to see a band's full playlist, not just the audition songs. It gives me a better idea of what their game plan is. (I'll typically work up a good chunk of the full list - just in case there is an impromptu call out.)

Please have either a back line or at least an easy load in/out. (I guess this really doesn't apply to drummers and LS!) It really sucks having to dodge kids, dogs, expensive furniture or stairs when loading gear into someone's house.

Be clear in your communication. Don't make me guess what you want/mean.

If money is important, ask about typical gig pay.


Your biggest problem is that you are lacking a couple of key members and it is difficult for either party to audition without the other filled. I think in your situation, I'd be inclined to get the drummer in place, get them up to speed on your LS audition songs and then start the LS process.

Good Luck