Preparing for an audition...

[wraub]

and it's been a while.
I have played in many bands, in many states, in venues big and small, for quite a while now... but I am nervous for this audition.
This is to form a band with seriously seasoned players in the local casino and clubs circuit, and so is also an audition for everybody they play with. I have been wanting to break into this circuit for a while, and this could be an in. So, again, a little nervous.

Covers (80s-90s-00s), so far it would be a 4 piece, keys may (probably will) be added later.
I have 5 songs to work on for now, none especially complex (and all but one very familar), already have 3 pretty much down. First rehearsal is in 5 days, and I have 2 days off from work in between. They are coming to my place, so no travel worries. Maybe a little apprehensive about new people in my garage, but that's as far as I plan to let them go, and it wouldn't be the first time for new peeps in the hizzo.

My gear is functional and I know how to play.

Why am I so nervous about this?

 

[tangentmusic]

'Cuz it's been awhile. That's all.

I think you'll nail it for a few reasons.

You're prepared
You're experienced
The songs aren't difficult
They're coming to your comfort zone

Tell us how it went and when your first gig is..

 

[two fingers]

You'll be fine. Good luck with it.

As stated by you and @tangentmusic you are knocking the dust off of your chops. A few bars in and you'll be rockin out like you never took a break.

 

[RoadRanger]

So, you're supplying the rehearsal space (and rehearsal PA?) - you'd have to really blow it to lose this gig LOL.

 

[Scott Lynch]

Nervousness and excitement are two sides of the same coin.

It's a sure sign that you're emotionally invested - you care and you want to do a good job. I'm the same way! I think a lot of us are.

It's also a great incentive to get those songs down as cold as possible so you've got muscle memory to rely on in case those nerves crop up during the audition.

Break a leg!

 

[wraub]

Thanks all for the common sense.

I do appreciate it.

 

[bassbully]

The more you prepare the less nervous you will be.

 

[bucephylus]

Where are you? In PHX?

It does seem a bit unusual for a working cover band in PHX to be coming to your place when there are so many good rehearsal studios around town.

Anyhow, know the tunes cold, don't waste their time chit chatting, lock in with the drummer, and maybe play a Fender if you can. Also, vocals help. Also, keep in mind that you are auditioning them in terms of whether they seem to be good people to work with. Good luck!

 

[btmpancake]

All good advice above as stated, relax and try to think it as a jam and have fun, remember those? Basically the same thing. If they say ''we'll call you'' tell 'em you'll do subbing also if anybody they know needs one-even if you're not.

 

[JRA]

whenever i haven't been nervous/excited: they didn't like me: thought i was 'arrogant'.

whenever i was nervous/excited: they were thankful i showed up!

i think you'll be fine!

 

[wraub]

Where are you? In PHX?

It does seem a bit unusual for a working cover band in PHX to be coming to your place when there are so many good rehearsal studios around town.

Anyhow, know the tunes cold, don't waste their time chit chatting, lock in with the drummer, and maybe play a Fender if you can. Also, vocals help. Also, keep in mind that you are auditioning them in terms of whether they seem to be good people to work with. Good luck!

This not a working band, it is being started by members of several cover and tribute bands, as another way for them to make money from connections they already have. I am ok with this. My place is the most central to the players involved.
And no, not in Phx.

I already have my Precision and Jazz setup and ready, I am not big on chit-chat (at least at first...), and I always try to lock in with the drummer.
That's where I like to live.

 

[Fat Freddy]

This not a working band, it is being started by members of several cover and tribute bands, as another way for them to make money from connections they already have. I am ok with this. My place is the most central to the players involved.
And no, not in Phx.

I already have my Precision and Jazz setup and ready, I am not big on chit-chat (at least at first...), and I always try to lock in with the drummer.
That's where I like to live.

First thing to do is to fire the drummer!.....This will relax you and the gig will be yours...Obvious....Innit?

Seriously.....You've got the experience....You'll be fine

 

[bucephylus]

This not a working band, it is being started by members of several cover and tribute bands, as another way for them to make money from connections they already have. I am ok with this. My place is the most central to the players involved.
And no, not in Phx.

I already have my Precision and Jazz setup and ready, I am not big on chit-chat (at least at first...), and I always try to lock in with the drummer.
That's where I like to live.

You're good.

Only reason I asked where you were is that I gigged around PHX for about 11 years until a year and a half ago. Down in TUS now. Whole different scene down here.

 

[geowis]

Nervousness heightens our senses, which is exactly what we need to support each member of the band. It's not all to often, but sometimes all five of us in my church band fit perfectly supporting each other. I wish it was every Sunday.

 

[39-Bassist]

Thanks all for the common sense.

I do appreciate it.

Wait, you gave some cents back?....man how much did you get paid?...oh wait, I'm sorry....wrong sense...lol (don't worry you will do fine)

 

[StyleOverShow]

Go over the tunes, practice them and listen to them, you know get them into your head.

IME this type of band may want a little flair, more fills to keep the energy level going. Keep that in mind when you start playing, if it goes lively, go with it.

Finally, remember to smile. Might not make a difference but if they are looking for it, could be a strike against.

Relax, it's only Rock n roll....

 

[S.B.]

A bit of nervousness can work for, gets you prepared. Like others have said in different ways- remind yourself: you have experience, you know the songs and can play. You are also checking them out to be sure it is a good fit. They obviously must think a lot you or have heard about you. Its your place and your in control Be sure to post how it goes. Good Luck- Lock in with the drummer - IT'S ALL ABOUT THAT BASS !

 

[charlie monroe]

I think having some nerves indicates desire. If you didn't want this gig, your pulse would be flat lining.

It's a good thing. Someone above mentioned it as heightening your awareness. Nice wording.

You'll do well.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

This:

'Cuz it's been awhile. That's all.

I think you'll nail it for a few reasons.

You're prepared
You're experienced
The songs aren't difficult
They're coming to your comfort zone

+ obviously because you do care about it.

Rock.

 

[wraub]

You're good.

Only reason I asked where you were is that I gigged around PHX for about 11 years until a year and a half ago. Down in TUS now. Whole different scene down here.

I gigged a lot out here back in the height of the Tempe scene days, then went to NY for a decade. Sounds like you were here while I was gone...