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perfect audition, perfect failure

#21
Chances are the other bassist and possibly others went through the same process as you, that is a brief audition follwed by a "sit in" gig. Don't be offended you did well enough to be considered as a back up and that's not bad.

I would be professional/thankful and accept the back up offer. Many regular gigs are born from being a back up. The guy they chose may end being a flake, he might move, join another band, etc., you never know. Also, the members of this band may go on to start/join other projects and being on their list of good bass players could lead to other gigs as well.
 
#22
It's amazing how much auditioning for bands is like dating women. They tell you one thing, you know it's something else. They expect you to read their minds, you feel clueless the whole time. You try to impress them, do all the right things, and they end up leaving you for some other jerk. When you finally get a gig, it's like having sex. No matter how much you thought you knew each other everything changes after the first gig.

But as far as advice goes - if they feel like the other guy is a better fit, there's not much you can do about that. Don't lose sleep over it. Bring your A-game everytime you play because that's all you can really ever do. It's never a good idea to burn bridges or even turn down a fill in slot - you never know when their other guy is gonna bail or maybe even if some other band is in the audience looking for a bassist. Consider it a networking opportunity every time you play!
 
#24
Look...don't worry about the head games....keep looking for a situation you want to be in...If they come calling and your available and want to make a paycheck...take the gig...If your not available...it is because you are playing another gig with those that want you!
 
#25
Since making the switch from the originals to the covers scene, I look at myself as an individual free agent. Like the major cover bands in my area the people are rotated and interchangeable with a few key members that may last longer then others. So take it on face value. Look at it as work, when they have it take it. Sub work is a great skill builder and will add to your reputation.

My advice to you is, if you are looking for a "band" and that type of friendship and working relationship, put your own band together. Sub until you have all of the pieces in place.
 
#29
A few months ago, I auditioned for a cover band. Had my first audition, did well - 6 songs, played the lines correctly and sang harmonies, a minimum of flubs. They called me and told me to start working on the rest of the list, seemed like I was a lock, but they had a couple more guys to see. Then they called and said another guy came down and impressed them as much as me, so they wanted to see each of us again. I learned 6 more songs, played the lines correctly and sang harmonies, a minimum of flubs. They called me up and told me the other guy got it. I can tell you why - two guys liked me better, two guys liked the other guy better - one of which was the drummer. I think it was more of a personality / looks issue than a playing thing - I played the songs well and sang my ass off. Regardless, I was out. I don't feel bad about it at all - nothing I would have changed, so no worries!
 
#30
prd004 said:
Chances are the other bassist and possibly others went through the same process as you, that is a brief audition follwed by a "sit in" gig. Don't be offended you did well enough to be considered as a back up and that's not bad.

I would be professional/thankful and accept the back up offer. Many regular gigs are born from being a back up. The guy they chose may end being a flake, he might move, join another band, etc., you never know. Also, the members of this band may go on to start/join other projects and being on their list of good bass players could lead to other gigs as well.
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Well stated. We've brought guys onboard only to find ourselves saying in weeks to come "...what the heck were we thinking?!?" You may come out of this with a full-time gig.

Riis
 
#32
Munjibunga said:
The other bassist owns a good PA system.
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And a place to rehearse............:bassist:




Just stay open to playing with them.
Can't tell you how many times I got calls to sub because the last gig I subbed on Joe Blow guitar player liked me, and was talking to another guy from another band who called me to sub.......get my point?

The "sub list" can be fun, especially when you come in and kill the gig and after you're like......"call me!" leaving the drummer sad that he has to go back to the other guy....

That's a weird spot though- they want to FIRE the other guy because they like you better. Best to decline offers like that IMO.
 
#33
superking said:
i dunno if theyre that good a fit. for one thing, the drummer doesnt bother keeping steady time. everyone knows it's an issue, but they just shrug and keep playing. I feel a little bit bad about playing with musicians who dont seem to give a shart about basic musicianship.
...
i think i just answered my question, didnt I.
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Yep - they did you a favor by not bringing you in. Nothing - and I mean nothing - is worth being in a band with a weak drummer. The band will peak at a level commiserate with the drummer's ability and go no further, meaning you'll wind up playing the same gigs for the same money over and over and over....

Example: I started playing with a cover band last summer. At the time I joined they had a weak drummer and a bassist with lousy tone and no vocals. Now we have a bassist with vocals (me) and we've gone from a weak drummer (no vocals) to a better drummer (no vocals) to an even better drummer (with vocals). We have received unsolicited pay raises from two of our regular gigs and just picked up a new room that wouldn't have given us a shot before.

Had the original drummer remained, we would be playing the same rooms at the same rate and not picked up the new place. The same would have happened to you with these guys.
 
#35
Gio S said:
Did they stay with their sick bassist that was already in the band? If so, that is understandable. If not - what happened to him?
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AFAIK, he has some chronic health issues and he's more or less retiring from playing live, at least for a while. The gig I subbed was due to something simple like a cold. hard to say more since I know next to nothing.

Thanks everyone for your advice. it has helped. i think. :)
 
#37
I would take the standby position if I were you. If there are paying gigs to be had and you are available to do 'em then, it's all good.. Suit yourself.

I think your feelings are hurt right now.. Who knows why they chose the other guy?? It wouldn't bother me to be honest..
 
#38
superking said:
AFAIK, he has some chronic health issues and he's more or less retiring from playing live, at least for a while. The gig I subbed was due to something simple like a cold. hard to say more since I know next to nothing.
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See if you can find out where their next gig is and stop by to see who's playing bass.

IMO, it'll be their "sick" bass player.

Your "audition" was bait and the "gig" was the hook. Unfortunately the band has a catch and release policy. You got them through the gig. which was their goal from the beginning. Now they're throwing you back into the river to sink or swim on your own.

With the "sub" offer, IMO, it's just a minor bit of fluff thrown your way so that they can call you maybe once a year, if that. In fact, I'd ask them how often they use a sub. Doubt if it's worth it since they probably won't call you.
 
#39
busmandan said:
Yep - they did you a favor by not bringing you in. Nothing - and I mean nothing - is worth being in a band with a weak drummer. The band will peak at a level commiserate with the drummer's ability and go no further, meaning you'll wind up playing the same gigs for the same money over and over and over....

Example: I started playing with a cover band last summer. At the time I joined they had a weak drummer and a bassist with lousy tone and no vocals. Now we have a bassist with vocals (me) and we've gone from a weak drummer (no vocals) to a better drummer (no vocals) to an even better drummer (with vocals). We have received unsolicited pay raises from two of our regular gigs and just picked up a new room that wouldn't have given us a shot before.

Had the original drummer remained, we would be playing the same rooms at the same rate and not picked up the new place. The same would have happened to you with these guys.
Click to expand...


Very good point. Life is too short to be in any band situation with a weak drummer. That particular point would make up my mind for me.
 

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