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So I auditioned for a band today...

#121
Brich said:
and honestly...it was great! Jammed 3 original tunes, had less than 36 hrs prep time. Everyone had their head in the right mindset (goal oriented, focused, driven, ect.) Plus they were around my age group and had relatable conversation. However, there was pretty excessive alcohol use, Marijuana and one of the guys wasn't employed. I mean he could be down on his luck, he was a great dude, but the substance abuse...first impressions go both ways just the same as a job interview. Should I stick it out, or duck out now?

For context: the previous bass player was a childhood friend who is having a baby and won't be returning, so they've begun their search for a replacement.
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Sounds like a fun band and it's cool that you had a good time. However, is being around those substances going to make you drink/smoke more than usual? If the answer is NO I don't see a problem keeping the band in contact and seeing what might happen, you never know.

My current project is made up of 5 members and they are all vegan/straight edge. I am California sober, no alcohol only budzz, and it's refreshing to play with adults who do not need a substance to play their instruments. It makes me want to gel with them more which means not ever playing stoned.
 
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#122
Brich said:
and honestly...it was great! Jammed 3 original tunes, had less than 36 hrs prep time. Everyone had their head in the right mindset (goal oriented, focused, driven, ect.) Plus they were around my age group and had relatable conversation. However, there was pretty excessive alcohol use, Marijuana and one of the guys wasn't employed. I mean he could be down on his luck, he was a great dude, but the substance abuse...first impressions go both ways just the same as a job interview. Should I stick it out, or duck out now?

For context: the previous bass player was a childhood friend who is having a baby and won't be returning, so they've begun their search for a replacement.
Click to expand...

"To thine own self be true..."
Had a bass player in a band that couldn't play unless he had Jack in him...then if he lost his place, he'd stop and look....lost...not great on stage...
 
#123
"See, I think drugs have done some good things for us, I really do
And if you don't believe drugs have done good things for us
Do me a favor:
Go home tonight and take all your albums
All your tapes, and all your CD's and burn em'
'Cause you know what? the musicians who've made
All that great music that's enhanced your lives throughout the years
Were Real fuggin' high on drugs."

:):)
 
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#124
stubborne said:
"See, I think drugs have done some good things for us, I really do
And if you don't believe drugs have done good things for us
Do me a favor:
Go home tonight and take all your albums
All your tapes, and all your CD's and burn em'
'Cause you know what? the musicians who've made
All that great music that's enhanced your lives throughout the years
Were Real fuggin' high on drugs."

:):)
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Ah, I wish Bill Hicks were still around and commenting. He'd have had much to say in the last few years.

But it is just a ride, isn't it?
 
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#128
I agree with just about all of the advice here. There are many ways this could go. It's hard to tell from just one meeting. Personally, I would continue to play with them. No expectations, if nothing else it will improve your bass playing, and you need some time to really feel these guys out. And continue to go on other auditions. See if some better comes along.
WARNING: I have had this happen to me more than once. The old bass player that you replaced? The childhood friend? Trust me..Having a baby is no guarantee that he won't change his mind. One phone call and he'll be back to rejoin his buddies. I give it 2 months max. And if he drinks like the rest of them, even sooner.
 
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#129
The older I get, the less I care about the peripheral noise. There’s a band I occasionally fill in for. They’re really nice guys with fun original songs that everyone sings along with at shows. However, they’re not great “musicians” , party a little too hard, and I don’t really care.
I accept that band for what it is, and channel my more serious effort towards more serious projects.
 
#130
I would be more concerned with the alcohol use, as opposed to someone smoking weed, alcohol always leads to a train wreck. I know a lot of players who smoke a little weed before playing, it really does unlock the creativity side, also long as it's done in moderation. Just go back to some of the great Jazz players, back in the day. Alcohol has never been a good thing during practice or shows. I still find it funny, that some people still call weed a drug lol, it's a plant.
 
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#131
Clean sound 80 said:
I would be more concerned with the alcohol use, as opposed to someone smoking weed, alcohol always leads to a train wreck. I know a lot of players who smoke a little weed before playing, it really does unlock the creativity side, also long as it's done in moderation. Just go back to some of the great Jazz players, back in the day. Alcohol has never been a good thing during practice or shows. I still find it funny, that some people still call weed a drug lol, it's a plant.
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Our bass player indulged in both...heavy weed smoking, heavy Jack...the ultimate train wreck.
 

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