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Preparing for an audition...

#21
Nothing to add but to wish you good luck.
I'm guessing by the time you hit the first chorus on the first tune, you'll be hired...unless these guys are total idiots.

Just a thought as they're coming to your place- maybe have some snacks, soft drinks/coffee available- take a couple of minutes to chat before the music- lets everyone settle down and it'll make it harder for them to say no!

Looking forward to hearing how well it goes.
 
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#23
wraub said:
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... :D
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Tempe was pretty quiet while I was there. Rula Bula on Mill and Dos Gringos down in South Tempe had live music; and I gigged both of those with a couple of bands. Here is a vid from Dos Gringos, FWIW:

Anyhow, GL with the audition. I like auditions.
 
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#24
I have been to this movie too. A band where everybody had big résumés. I was the guy who was a clerk at the liquor store. They gave me 14 songs, said pick six, I put on the headphones and came out a few days later (I'm a slow learner when I'm, y'know, anxious). And then there was nothing left to do but go on in and see what happens. I went in feeling that if nothing else, I had the songs under my fingers. And it went real well and...they gave the gig to somebody else! The keyboard player stopped by the store and said "Hey, we knew this guy, and he knew all of our book, every bit of it." So I didn't feel so bad. And then 5 months later they called me up, the other guy hadn't worked out, would I like to come back and audition again? Yeah, I would. We played four songs and the BL shouted at me "You're in!" Which is by way of saying, go in there, show them your best self, and even if it doesn't happen, something else will happen. Because whatever else you may think of yourself, you're good enough. And one good gig is the best way to the next one.
 
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#25
Thanks again to all for the supportive (and complimentary, even) comments. I guess my reputation (or lack of one) precede me. :D

Honestly, I worked some more tonight on the other 2 songs, and I think, I am about 90% there on 4 songs, and about 50% on the last one. I have been through this before, and it was no problem. Just have to get back on the horse (now, where did that horse go..?)
 
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#26
bucephylus said:
Tempe was pretty quiet while I was there. Rula Bula on Mill and Dos Gringos down in South Tempe had live music; and I gigged both of those with a couple of bands. Here is a vid from Dos Gringos, FWIW:

Anyhow, GL with the audition. I like auditions.
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That band sounds good.

I was there in the Club Rio/Devil House days, playing 4 nights a week. In the gap between the Gin Blossoms (I also worked with one of their guitarists at a Tower Records) :) and the "Tempe Rush" that featured many bands that came and went. I was in a couple of those.
 
#27
wraub said:
That band sounds good.

I was there in the Club Rio/Devil House days, playing 4 nights a week. In the gap between the Gin Blossoms (I also worked with one of their guitarists at a Tower Records) :) and the "Tempe Rush" that featured many bands that came and went. I was in a couple of those.
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Thanks. In fact, I had a bit of a laugh hearing that performance again. We had played the tune maybe twice in rehearsal, and that was the first performance on the gig, as you can hear the ladies forgetting some of the lyrics. Nice people. I miss them; but, bands come and go.

I like Tempe. I worked there for a couple of years near Mill and Baseline. Amazing how quickly the scene changes in PHX.
 
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#30
When I've auditioned others, we might only do 1-2 minutes of each songs of the required songlist. Then throw in a few random songs to see how well they can 'jam' on the spot (nothing too hard).

Might be good to print off a list of 20-40 songs (or more) that you know & played in previous bands, etc. Let them see what you can do. Check out their other bands song lists for songs you already know in common. (That really impressed one band I auditioned for years ago).

Let them know you liked them as people, you enjoyed playing with them and if offered that you'll take the gig. If not, keep my number as fill-in or pass it on to anyone else needing a bassist.


PS. Prepare a reason why you haven't gigged much lately. Driving kids around on weekends, hitting the mortgage, or just needed a break after (15) years solid gigging.

Relax, look like you're having fun. Good luck!!
 
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#37
charlie monroe said:
We need an update :D
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And so, one you shall receive. :D

Apologies all, but life and life-related stuff intruded. Moving on...

Everybody showed up, on time (the guitarist actually said at one point, "Hey! Nobody flaked!", and we had a laugh, for we have all used craigslist before), and was prepared to play, for the most part. There were some first-time issues, a few missed marks, and a few clams.

The drummer is good, and had written her own charts beforehand. I personally thought she played much better without the charts, but she admitted that she was going largely from tabs, and don't get me started here. She brought a birch Yamaha Stage Custom that sounded very good. She is a solid player, and we seemed to start the beginnings of a rhythm section groove towards the end of the evening- until my amp died (pre-amp tube, I think [hope]). This happened almost exactly as we were ending, no big.

The guitarist, who placed the cl ad and gathered the group, seemed to be having some issues with his pedal board, but had obviously learned the parts and played them well. Seems to know a lot of songs. Had a PRS SE and an Epi SG as a back up, but never touched.

The singer seems like she may be good, and could be, but at first impression seemed a little hesitant. More withdrawn and a little quieter than I normally expect from a front person, but, again, could be first time hinkies and may pass. She also brought charts/lyrics and knew the parts.

Overall, the songs we played worked OK, although I seemed to know them better than the others (even though I just learned them). I wan't sure who was supposed to lead, and even actually asked that at one point without getting a solid answer.
We have another meet-up scheduled later this week, I will attempt to lock down who has that seat, or may just try to own it myself. ;) Pretty sure this group will need a driver. I am also looking at this week's session as a means to determine if the singer has the range/skill/personality to fill the necessary requirements.

Have discussed an eventual 4 set evening, 80s-90s-00s- and a dance set, interchangeable for many situations. Also trying to hit some of the typical tunes while also hitting some familiar but unburnt territory.

Heartbreaker-Pat Benatar (by the end of the night this thing was cookin')
Hemorrhage- Fuel
Man in the Box- AIC
I am the Highway-Audioslave
Plush-STP
It's Not You- Halestorm
Alone Again-Dokken
Bang Your Head- Twisted Sister
Scandal-Warrior

Are the tunes so far, not sure how many will stick around. A lot depends on instrumentation/vocals tbd.

Thanks again to all for your support and encouragement!
 
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