Sunday jam

[NathanDetroit]

Don't get me wrong, but it kind of sounds like you're justifying this by throwing good time and money after bad. Just because you took the time to learn their tunes doesn't mean you need to follow through with the audition.

These guys sound like hosers. If it was me, I would bail.

 

[Hotblack]

Playing Devil's Advocate:
Maybe they're using the audition fee to weed out wackos. The guys who show up who haven't learned any of the songs. The guys who say, "I gotta' see if my girlfriend can give me ride." or "I can do it if I can borrow someone else's instrument."
Not saying that it's a good way to thin the herd, but maybe that's their reasoning.

 

[baileyboy]

I got offered an audition... The weird part is that they are asking us to pitch in 5 bucks each to audition, to cover the rehearsal space.

I would've politely declined at this moment.

 

[LowActionHero]

They say starving artists make the best art.
These guys can't pony up an extra $5 each, this might be the best band EVER!!

 

[Brother Goose]

Yikes.

I'm curious what act this band is paying "tribute" to...

Let us know if anything other than a good laugh comes of this misadventure.

 

[wintremute]

I get my gigs just because of my reputation.
Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

Hey...aren't you that guy with all of the great pictures of food! YOU'RE HIRED!!!

 

[Stewie]

Offer $20. You'll get the gig for sure.

 

[lfmn16]

I just text him to ask if I need to bring my own pick.

And you think this will help you get the gig?

If you don't want to do the audition, don't do it, but being snarky won't help your cause. Even if the BL is a jerk, you never know when you could run into one of the other members who might not be a jerk. It's a small world and not smart to burn bridges.

 

[Joedog]

And if you get the gig, you have to kick in $1000 for your "share" of the PA!

 

[Al T.]

Lame and/or pathetic - you decide.

 

[Bass Viking]

Do they have videos you can check out? That may tell you whether the 5 bucks is worth it or not.

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

After reading more comments in this thread, it's fun to speculate. I'm just thinking out loud.....

I guess it's all in how this potential "tribute band project" is presenting itself. Do they seem organized? Do they have bookings? Do they have a website with "tour dates"? Do they have an EPK? Do they work with an agency? Is this an established act? Or is this a start-up?

I guess a fin is not that big of a loss to find out all these things but you should know these things going in. I won't give you a hard time if you pay five bucks to audition but be sure to find out what other financial responsibilities you'll be expected to take on. Some tribute bands and show bands I know of have "partners" and "side men". If you're a "side man" you get a flat rate per gig. If you buy into the partnership, one particular tribute band I know is a $30,000 buy-in, you'll get a partner's share of the net, after expenses and overhead (bus payment and maintenance, fuel, other travel expenses, food, insurance, etc).

Maybe it's just a few local dudes with an idea. If so, and you get in on the ground floor, maybe it takes off, and you've got a good thing going. Maybe. Good luck! Please keep us informed. Thanks!


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[Bass Viking]

The guy also made a color coded spread sheet for the people auditioning, location, availability and what order we are auditioning in.

This is actually not a bad idea by itself. But why is he sharing it with the people auditioning?

 

[bikeplate]

Pass

 

[planetdrumz]

Sounds ridiculous to me. If you do go, pay them in pennies..lol

 

[Nev375]

The guy also made a color coded spread sheet for the people auditioning, location, availability and what order we are auditioning in.

Spreadsheets might be a bit nerdy, but being organized is not a bad thing.
Neither is being nerdy for that matter. Nerds like music too.

 

[gln1955]

They're not willing to spend $15 to find a good bass player? That would tell me all I need to know. Why don't people realize that when you audtion a player, they are also auditioning you. Bad first impressions swing both ways.

 

[rodv66]

Hi,

After reading more comments in this thread, it's fun to speculate. I'm just thinking out loud.....

I guess it's all in how this potential "tribute band project" is presenting itself. Do they seem organized? Do they have bookings? Do they have a website with "tour dates"? Do they have an EPK? Do they work with an agency? Is this an established act? Or is this a start-up?

I guess a fin is not that big of a loss to find out all these things but you should know these things going in. I won't give you a hard time if you pay five bucks to audition but be sure to find out what other financial responsibilities you'll be expected to take on. Some tribute bands and show bands I know of have "partners" and "side men". If you're a "side man" you get a flat rate per gig. If you buy into the partnership, one particular tribute band I know is a $30,000 buy-in, you'll get a partner's share of the net, after expenses and overhead (bus payment and maintenance, fuel, other travel expenses, food, insurance, etc).

Maybe it's just a few local dudes with an idea. If so, and you get in on the ground floor, maybe it takes off, and you've got a good thing going. Maybe. Good luck! Please keep us informed. Thanks!


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

Hi,

After reading more comments in this thread, it's fun to speculate. I'm just thinking out loud.....

I guess it's all in how this potential "tribute band project" is presenting itself. Do they seem organized? Do they have bookings? Do they have a website with "tour dates"? Do they have an EPK? Do they work with an agency? Is this an established act? Or is this a start-up?

I guess a fin is not that big of a loss to find out all these things but you should know these things going in. I won't give you a hard time if you pay five bucks to audition but be sure to find out what other financial responsibilities you'll be expected to take on. Some tribute bands and show bands I know of have "partners" and "side men". If you're a "side man" you get a flat rate per gig. If you buy into the partnership, one particular tribute band I know is a $30,000 buy-in, you'll get a partner's share of the net, after expenses and overhead (bus payment and maintenance, fuel, other travel expenses, food, insurance, etc).

Maybe it's just a few local dudes with an idea. If so, and you get in on the ground floor, maybe it takes off, and you've got a good thing going. Maybe. Good luck! Please keep us informed. Thanks!


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

Thanks for a great amount of info. I was only on origins acts before and learning how these run. My band was playing out a year ago, but singer lost band due to family and people moving out of area. He's the guy who put this lineup together and we had things out. Money will be split even and we have our first gig next month.

These guys are holding their cards close to the vest. They are a start up, but say they have rooms lined up. They do not have a PA and that is a concern.

I'm thinking that they might just not want to talk business until lineup is set. I have a list of questions for them if they are interested.
Appreciate the input from all because it's been 25 years since I was in a working band in the NY/NO area

 

[rodv66]

And you think this will help you get the gig?

If you don't want to do the audition, don't do it, but being snarky won't help your cause. Even if the BL is a jerk, you never know when you could run into one of the other members who might not be a jerk. It's a small world and not smart to burn bridges.

I should have mentioned that he first sent me a message that I would get extra points for buying a Hammer Explore he found on eBay. Figured he has a sense of humor.

 

[lfmn16]

I should have mentioned that he first sent me a message that I would get extra points for buying a Hammer Explore he found on eBay. Figured he has a sense of humor.

Thanks for the clarification. That's a whole other kettle of fish!