Should I reach out or wait?

[casualmadness]

Quick background: I gigged extensively in my 20's and stopped late 20's to spend some time in the military. Got back into it a bit in my 30's but once I was north of 40, life slowed down. Now I'm middle 40's and have been looking to get back in the saddle.

So I tried out for a local band recently that had several days of auditioning. The day I tried out, I was the 5th guy and when I left, there was another guy literally waiting at the door when I left. No clue how many other people tried out.

The day after my audition, the guitar player reached out and said they had narrowed it down to me and one other player. He asked if I had any questions or if there was anything I wanted them to know about me. So I replied with a bit about me (great work ethic, take music seriously, etc.) and I asked him about their gigging schedule. I also offered to come back for a second audition. He replied with some info and said they would consider a second audition.

Audition was on Sunday and email was Monday. I'm getting super antsy and am checking my email like a schoolgirl. I've considered reaching out to him again...just a "hey man, just checking in-I'm still super interested." Is this appropriate? Should I just wait? I don't want to bother him. But maybe that wouldn't be a bother? Just not sure how to navigate this.

Thoughts from those more experienced are greatly appreciated.

Edit for those who don't want to read through all the replies:

I got the gig!

 

[bearfoot]

I'd wait. They will let you know. Or they will not respond. They might be very slow, they might 2nd audition the other guy first. I wouldn't be surprised if it were a week or two later they contact you out of the blue.
I would keep looking for other auditions in the meantime, and just play bass.

 

[El Güero]

Should I just wait?

Not really. I think you should keep looking for a band while you're waiting. If this band wants you they'll let you know.

Let them call you.

 

[oldrocker]

...

Audition was on Sunday and email was Monday. I'm getting super antsy and am checking my email like a schoolgirl. I've considered reaching out to him again...just a "hey man, just checking in-I'm still super interested." Is this appropriate? Should I just wait? I don't want to bother him. But maybe that wouldn't be a bother? Just not sure how to navigate this.

Thoughts from those more experienced are greatly appreciated.

I would wait maybe a couple more days and then shoot them a reminder email. This is appropriate and maybe even expected. One email is not a bother.

And yes, you should keep looking for other bands while waiting to hear back.

Good luck!!

 

[reverendboom]

Might not hurt to send them an email thanking them for the opportunity and consideration for the gig.

 

[ArtechnikA]

As often as not, you'll know when you see the other guy announced as their new member on their FB page... Sucks but too many bands just will not tell you bad news...

 

[JRA]

at this point: i'd wait. you played well, you said what you needed to say, and now they're trying to figure it out for themselves. there will be an answer..let it be!

good luck!

but i know how excited you are!

 

[hrodbert696]

Some bands will flake out and never get back to you if the answer was no. One way to check without being too pushy is to send an email to ask if they know what their timeline will be.

 

[kevindahl]

It's only Wed so that's not too bad. The only audition I failed, the BL let me know that same night. That was appreciated. The band members maybe debating on who they like better, sometimes there are divides in these instances. Don't be surprised if they don't let you know, it's the way of the digital world.

Good luck and let us know either way.

 

[casualmadness]

Might not hurt to send them an email thanking them for the opportunity and consideration for the gig.

Yeah I did that Sunday night when I got home. The guitar player replied saying they all had fun playing with me and I sounded great.

 

[casualmadness]

I'm still looking for other opportunities but just can't seem to find quality players...until this band. They really had their act together. Sounded phenomenal. I guess that's why they had so many bass players clamoring for the gig.

 

[JRA]

They really had their act together. Sounded phenomenal. I guess that's why they had so many bass players clamoring for the gig.

cool beans! you're being considered --- it doesn't get any better! let them be them... whatever that is. i'd wait.

 

[Shalto]

Wait and keep applying to anything else that piques your interest.

 

[LBS-bass]

I generally assume nothing and keep doing my normal stuff, so I'll be pleasantly surprised when I get the callback. If they want you they will let you know. Reaching out beyond a thank you probably won't make a difference. In the meantime you can arrange other auditions. Good luck!

 

[bigswifty1]

*If* you really liked the outfit and want that gig then wait 2-3 weeks, then send a short "Enjoyed the audition, great to meet you, guess you've gone with someone else, keep me in mind for the future" email.

 

[RabbiShankar]

One more opinion.
It seems that the only person who stands to benefit from reaching out is you, in that maybe you'll get an answer (maybe).
What it won't do is change anyone's mind about giving you the gig, since they already have all the info they need.
So you have to ask yourself if the outcome of the call is going to change anything for you, really. If not, I'd agree with earlier posts. Skip it, chalk it up, move on and, if you hear anything back, all's the better (win or lose).

 

[Killing Floor]

True. Wait it out a few more days. You could start a new thread about tortoise shell to make the days go faster. Good luck.

 

[casualmadness]

True. Wait it out a few more days. You could start a new thread about tortoise shell to make the days go faster. Good luck.

I do have some rather controversial opinions about tortoise shell.

 

[oldrocker]

I do have some rather controversial opinions about tortoise shell.

I hope you didn't share those opinions at the audition

 

[2cooltoolz]

I'm still waiting to hear from a band I auditioned for last summer. Man, I hope I got that gig! Those guys smoked!!