So many threads about Auditions

[TexasEdition]

Why are there so many threads recently on "Should I bring my best bass, best amp, etc" to an Audition?

First - Is there so much demand for Bass players where I can audition every weekend?

Second - Is there some reason why I would not want to look and sound my absolute best and therefore would want my #1 instrument with me? Along with my best clothes and suitable gear and accessories for the occasion?

 

[ArtechnikA]

First, around here, there is so much competition among (vs for) bass players. Good opportunities are few and many applicants for them all.
Second - some people -do- listen with their eyes. My #1 is a fretless 6, but some folks get judgmental about one or the other - nevermind both... So I -always- bring both my #1 and a fretted 5. And even at that, I think some will not be happy seeing anything but a 4-string Fender-Shaped Object. It's quite rare that I'll wear 'stage clothes' to an audition. I'll usually go so far as 'business casual' but that's about it. I have one "portable" amp, and if 300W into a 112 isn't enough for an audition, that's not going to be a good match for me. But lately auditions have been backlined so it's not even an issue...

 

[buldog5151bass]

Someone going into an audition is going to be under some strain, and (especially if they are a young/new player) not sure what the right thing is. I see nothing wrong with people debating these issues. Frankly, the different opinions have been interesting IMO.

 

[JRA]

i'm with them.

 

[el murdoque]

You don't have a second chance for a first impression and when you're sitting on top of a pile of bass gear, you might want to ask the seasoned veterans about what to bring.

Keep in mind, Talkbass is a global affair with quite a lot of members, so lots of people audition all the time.

I bring myself in my normal version (casual) equipped with the bass I deem best for the occasion and amplification with enough firepower to get the job (done).

 

[Bass Viking]

Second - Is there some reason why I would not want to look and sound my absolute best and therefore would want my #1 instrument with me? Along with my best clothes and suitable gear and accessories for the occasion?

Security reasons perhaps? You might not want to bring your most expensive gear when meeting a bunch of strangers.

 

[marqueemoon]

There is a strong prevailing “gig” culture on this forum, hence all of the audition chat.

 

[TexasEdition]

Security reasons perhaps? You might not want to bring your most expensive gear when meeting a bunch of strangers.

I'm talking the #1 player instrument, not the unicorn case queen. If I were that concerned about getting jumped and shanked going to an audition, I would take a pass (there have been a few dodgey gigs however).

 

[TexasEdition]

Keep in mind, Talkbass is a global affair with quite a lot of members, so lots of people audition all the time.

I bring myself in my normal version (casual) equipped with the bass I deem best for the occasion and amplification with enough firepower to get the job (done).

Seems like a logical conclusion; hence why all the worry?

And I'm under the assumption people seem to be auditioning very frequently, so they are either not getting the jobs, or gigging pros who would be well experienced and have better sense then to worry about these issues.

I can say this.... DO bring an instrument cable. DO bring a tuner. DON'T be late. DON'T show up smelling like pot.

 

[Michedelic]

There is a strong prevailing “gig” culture on this forum, hence all of the audition chat.

Is there something wrong with that?

 

[marqueemoon]

Is there something wrong with that?

Nope. More musical situations like that = more auditions and therefore more discussion about it.

 

[13bass]

Well for newbies like me, I find the threads helpful, as I have no clue what to expect in an audition, so when I find the courage, and mindset that my playing has me ready to try, I won't be completely lost and at least have an idea of what to expect.

 

[13bass]

And now just got a text to expect a list of songs to learn to audition, so I'm REALLY appreciating all the posts on this subject now! Although I'm limited in my decision making, as I have only one bass and one amp, so no worrying about what to bring

 

[Zooberwerx]

And now just got a text to expect a list of songs to learn to audition, so I'm REALLY appreciating all the posts on this subject now! Although I'm limited in my decision making, as I have only one bass and one amp, so no worrying about what to bring

Haven't auditioned for anything in 14 years but I am the one in charge of recruitment:

*What type of material? Either way, you should be able to navigate it with some level of competency on the first run-thru. I would jot down notes on an over-sized steno pad and place it inconspicuously to one side. Walking in with a music stand and binder may be off-setting but it at least shows you're conscientious.

*Know your "formula" stuff...I-IV-V, 12 bar blues, etc. Had one guy some weeks back who couldn't play a simple rhythm guitar to "Roll Over Beethoven".

*Hate to say it, but there's a good chance you'll be far better prepared than the balance of the band. That's a bad sign and may reflect a chronic lack of preparedness...avoid like the plague.

Best wishes for a successful audition!

Riis

 

[13bass]

He sent me twenty some songs, all over the place, from the Animals, to Elvis, Sinatra, Eagles, Beach Boys, etc.

 

[Zooberwerx]

He sent me twenty some songs, all over the place, from the Animals, to Elvis, Sinatra, Eagles, Beach Boys, etc.

Okay, now we're talkin'...right up my alley. How 'bout some titles? Extra points for We've Got to Get Out Of This Place, Promised Land or Burnin' Love, New York / New York, New Kid in Town or James Dean, Sail on Sailor.

Riis

 

[13bass]

Lying Eyes by The Eagles
Against the Wind by Bob Seger
You are going to loose that girl. Beatles.
As Tears Go By by Rolling Stones
And I Love Her by Beatles
The Night Before by Beatles
This Magic Moment by Jay & The Americans
House of the Rising Sun by The Animals
wicked games. Chris isaacs,
Night in white Satin, Moody Blues.
The most beautiful girl, Ch. Rich,
Fly me to the moon, F, Sinatra,
The impossible Dream, Elvis,
San Francisco. Scott mackenzie.
It's now or never. Elvis.
Baby I love your way, P. Frampton. Suspicious minds. Elvis.
Can't help falling in love. Elvis.
Unchained melody. Righteous brothers. Light my fire. Jose Feliciano
Kokomo. Beach boys.
Pretty woman, Ray orbison,
Amanda, Boston.
Through the barricades. Spandau ballet. Strangers in the night. F. Sinatra.
Don't let me be misunderstood. Santa Esmeralda.

 

[3Liter]

Seems like a logical conclusion; hence why all the worry?
...
I can say this.... DO bring an instrument cable. DO bring a tuner. DON'T be late. DON'T show up smelling like pot.

I don't like playing with folks in an enclosed space (not a public jam) that I don't know...not stranger danger or anything, but just that "bad date" kind thing. Unpack all your stuff and realize it sucks (or I do) and how to find a graceful way out.

I played in a jam with some guys I knew. I had played with each but never together... They invited two other guys I didn't know. There were emails flying around beforehand. One guy was a pain in the ass on email before showed up....."have xxx amp, it can do all these sounds..." "who is playing rhythm, who is playing lead?' (fair point, let's not both learn the same part...). A bunch of stuff like that. Someone told him to chill, it's a "get to know each other jam" Anyhow, he shows up late, talks about about his 50W marshall that he left at home but would great if we get gigs, then makes a big showing of sorting out his "sound", THEN realized that he doesn't have a guitar strap. We play like one song, he gets all over the host/drummer about the way he's playing it. Then does provide some insight for a song we (I) had the wrong chords. Maybe I knew this, maybe just nervous, I don't recall. Anyhow we run through some other stuff pulled up from ipad to just jam and he punches out realizing it's not for him. He was a good player, but a mondo pain in the ass.

 

[3Liter]

Well for newbies like me, I find the threads helpful, as I have no clue what to expect in an audition, so when I find the courage, and mindset that my playing has me ready to try, I won't be completely lost and at least have an idea of what to expect.

Expect EVERYTHING:
- guys that really need a bass player, and will help you through it if you're stuck
- guys that will expect you to know the songs cold walking in the door
- guys that won't know the songs themselves
- too loud
- too inexperienced
- the note for note expectation guy that can't execute the material
- the right fit for you now, but not forever
- fun people
- people that aren't as fun as they seemed when you answered the ad
- guys with no business sense, but are ready to book gigs tomorrow

I'm usually a guitar player, but have turned up to play rudimentary bass and people like it, because they didn't have a bass player before.

The courage is a tough thing, I know. I got on job interviews in my daytime field. I know what to expect there. It's a structure environment. Depending the band you could be walking into anything.

My last audition (on rhythm guitar) was: pick 5 songs and we'll do those. I showed up and heard the guy before me play. I was gonna bag, but hell I was already there. I set up my crap and these guys were fooling around and fell into Blues in A/Johnny B Goode. I dropped right into that. Played the best I could on their other material...We played Mainstreet and apparently in the outro, there's a chord not in the song, and Keys pointed that out to me, kinda unkindly. I disliked Lead Guitar player who was doubling my parts and figured why'd they need a R Guitar anyhow? So I thanked them and said no thanks by email when I got home. I auditioned with one "band" (on bass) and they were like "wow, you must have played in a band before!" Yikes, but I did play with them for a while and learned a TON of bass stuff.

 

[crguti]

Good luck bringing your 810 to an audition.