Starting new band... best methods for auditions?

[seanm]

Not to piss in your Cheerios but is there a demand for an all 50s band where you live? It just seams to me that the people that grew up with that music would all be retirement age and probably not really into the bar scene.

I used to play a lot of Legions. The gigs tended to start at 2:00pm. There where also evening gigs that worked around suppers.

You can get a good crowd, and a *drinking* crowd. However, they didn't pay very well

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

Regarding the 50s music, my other band plays quite a few 50s style songs and people of all ages love it. We have more young people buying our cd than any other age group. It is very danceable music and that is number one. Its also gritty and 'grease 'n grind'. We wont be playing cheesy stuff like "At the Hop" or "Rock Around the Clock". More like Gene Vincent and good Elvis stuff. The music does not have to come from the 50s but have that 50s vibe. The Stray Cats' "Rumble in Brighton" is a good example of what I mean.

Check this out to get an idea (although most of this is original and Cruiser will just be doing covers)

Link Removed

 

[Stumbo]

You could also do some early Beatles and Stones along with a bunch of other '60s' music that has the 50's vibe.

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

Yup, that's the plan. Beatle's version of Bad Boy and Stones version of C. Berry's Around and Around. And many more.

Often the re-done cover's of these songs is 'better' than the original.

 

[kalle74]

I personally have taken the "auditionees" for a beer or coffee to see how we blend socially before playing a note. no use having bandmates you don´t get along with... you´ll spot the "rotten ones" quickly...

just a thought.

 

[Bassorama57]

My own experience is that isn't due to an old/young axis but rather due to a 'nice person/jerk' axis.

CRUISER band rules:
1/ practice is weekly from 1 pm until 4 pm Sunday & occurs in or near north Smallville
2/ max gigging is twice per month, one or 2 nighters
3/ Cruiser's focus is on danceable songs from the 50s.
4/ Cruiser's bandleader is John Doe. Please do not confuse any politeness of his into permitting your disregarding Rule 4; this is NOT a democracy. You get an ear, you do NOT get a vote.
5/ et cetera

Someone can't be bothered to practice? They've thereby left the band. Ditto for Rule 4.

Though very fun to write, the above might be a bit draconian. But keep it clear.

Thoughts?

Totally down with that. The more rules and expectations up front, the less angst later. Had to quit current band because their Rule #1 changed from Sunday to Friday to Saturday night; can't see practicing on Saturday night (nor could my spouse, who - if I'm not working/gigging - considers that her time.)

 

[seanm]

Totally down with that. The more rules and expectations up front, the less angst later. Had to quit current band because their Rule #1 changed from Sunday to Friday to Saturday night; can't see practicing on Saturday night (nor could my spouse, who - if I'm not working/gigging - considers that her time.)

I have a no practices on weekends rule. I will bend it for special cases (such as an upcoming gig or a missed practice). And of course gigs are different. But generally weekends are time off.

 

[lonote]

Throwing in a few more jump blues numbers might be a good idea. I notice you have Tar Hill Slim's "Number Nine Train" and Wynonie Harris' "Good Rockin' Tonight" on your list Audiences eat that stuff up...especially swing dancers.

 

[gregoire1]

I 2nd what bassorama57 said, if I'm auditioning I like the whole story! Remember, the auditioners are also the auditionees! Get it all out there and be polite. It avoids problems later.