Well age sort of comes into it, I don't have the energy it would take to put together, organize and lead a band. I just don't have those abilities.
Plus I have a regular career that takes up most of my time. I have two kids in college.
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Waiving The White Flag Of Surrender
- Thread starter bluewine
- Start date
Well age sort of comes into it, I don't have the energy it would take to put together, organize and lead a band. I just don't have those abilities.
Plus I have a regular career that takes up most of my time. I have two kids in college.
Mate if you have the energy to get on TB day in and out and examine every little issue you don't like in the bands that hire you, to constantly prepare for auditions, write new lines for original bands etc, and manage a career and raise kids, I think you have the energy to run your own band.
We all know you have the desire to be in a well run band. You will make the necessary chances to succeed, and don't shy away from the necessary dialogues with the leaders to try to improve things.
You want to be part of a band that knows what they are doing and delivers it well, just like most of us. Imagine the satisfaction and pride that comes with being a part of that group.
Now imagine the satisfaction and pride of building that yourself.
You said it yourself, you have 2 children. That is secret code for "endless energy"
Best of luck either way you decide to go, but I'm about to bite the bullet and start a new covers group this year, because like you I'm over bandleaders a little bit and figure I couldn't do any worse
We all know you have the desire to be in a well run band. You will make the necessary chances to succeed, and don't shy away from the necessary dialogues with the leaders to try to improve things.
You want to be part of a band that knows what they are doing and delivers it well, just like most of us. Imagine the satisfaction and pride that comes with being a part of that group.
Now imagine the satisfaction and pride of building that yourself.
You said it yourself, you have 2 children. That is secret code for "endless energy"
Best of luck either way you decide to go, but I'm about to bite the bullet and start a new covers group this year, because like you I'm over bandleaders a little bit and figure I couldn't do any worse
There's a whole different level of frustration that comes with running your own band. Do we really want Blue coming in here complaining about other musos, dealing with club people, PA woes, etc.? Oh wait....
I have to admit it would be kind of cool for Blue to come in and complain about how he's running things, though.
Bus - I know what you're saying. There ARE frustrations that come with leading your own. Again, from personal experience, I've had SO much more musical satisfaction -- and luck in getting and keeping gigs -- from bands I've led or (more frequently) co-led than I have with bands that I've joined. The big bonus for me is that for the most part I get to choose when and where I want to gig.
At the moment, I'm in a couple of bands that gig occasionally, although I'm doing what I can to get more gig action with those groups. I occasionally sub in some other bands and sometimes put together one-off groups for special performances. I think this approach probably works better for the genres I favor - jazz, jam, blues, etc - than it would for a rock covers group. I don't know, because I've never really played in a rock covers group (although years ago I was in a mostly-originals rock group).
And, Blue, I'm extremely busy, too, and not THAT much younger than you (about 10 years, I suspect). I have a full-time day job, a family to support (2 kids 15 and under), and some additional (non-playing) sideline work, too. With your kids in college, I'd think you'd have way more free time than when they were younger. But I can't really know your situation.
But you gotta do what you gotta do. I wish you luck with your auditions. Keep on going, and I'm sure you'll find a place (band) to do some good playing.
At the moment, I'm in a couple of bands that gig occasionally, although I'm doing what I can to get more gig action with those groups. I occasionally sub in some other bands and sometimes put together one-off groups for special performances. I think this approach probably works better for the genres I favor - jazz, jam, blues, etc - than it would for a rock covers group. I don't know, because I've never really played in a rock covers group (although years ago I was in a mostly-originals rock group).
And, Blue, I'm extremely busy, too, and not THAT much younger than you (about 10 years, I suspect). I have a full-time day job, a family to support (2 kids 15 and under), and some additional (non-playing) sideline work, too. With your kids in college, I'd think you'd have way more free time than when they were younger. But I can't really know your situation.
But you gotta do what you gotta do. I wish you luck with your auditions. Keep on going, and I'm sure you'll find a place (band) to do some good playing.
The end results of Blue leading his own parade could result in a reduction of his hyper critical nature that has spawned conflict in the past. The old walk a mile in my shoes type thing. Here to date the dude has expended plenty of enegry second guessing and/or eyeballing the competition, infering the band leader was cooking the books,etc.
No criticism intended here, but I often feel amazed by the sheer level of drama that goes on in a lot of threads here in the band management forum from a large number of TB members. I haven't had these sorts of experiences myself in way over 30 years of playing.
The last time I had to "audition" for anything was back in 1982, seriously (I got the gig, by the way). Since then, I've just met people or been put in touch with people and we've gone out and played music - some covers, some originals - or, occasionally, not, for whatever pretty much non-dramatic reason. I really feel sorry for guys who are apparently in agony over this. Just find a few people and turn up to play your bass, for God's sake. It really can be that simple, sometimes.
The last time I had to "audition" for anything was back in 1982, seriously (I got the gig, by the way). Since then, I've just met people or been put in touch with people and we've gone out and played music - some covers, some originals - or, occasionally, not, for whatever pretty much non-dramatic reason. I really feel sorry for guys who are apparently in agony over this. Just find a few people and turn up to play your bass, for God's sake. It really can be that simple, sometimes.
+1,000 - Get up with some guys (and/or gals), play some music together, see what develops.
Wow dont know where you live but in my area we have allot of very talented, Originals bands. Some really amaze me for thier songwriting, playing etc. Cover bands here? a few good ones the rest are blah.
Our version of Mustang Sally. This was a request at every show and the dance floor was always full. Too bad we are no longer together
I guess the process for getting into a working cover band is a little more involved than originals bands ( with no work or very little).
They have several more guys to bring down, and part of it is for future reference.
They will keep me posted but it appears they may be into the 2nd week of Sept or so before they get a step or 2 ahead.
My audition was good, I knew the 4 songs inside out, played in the pocket and checked my tone and volumne level with the band before playing.
I was humble yet professional, I asked a a couple of questions at the end and shook everyones hand and left.
I felt like more of a guess celebrity than anything else.
I am hoping I get called back, hoever they don't seem to be in a hurry to find a replacement which i guess is a good thing.
They have several more guys to bring down, and part of it is for future reference.
They will keep me posted but it appears they may be into the 2nd week of Sept or so before they get a step or 2 ahead.
My audition was good, I knew the 4 songs inside out, played in the pocket and checked my tone and volumne level with the band before playing.
I was humble yet professional, I asked a a couple of questions at the end and shook everyones hand and left.
I felt like more of a guess celebrity than anything else.
I am hoping I get called back, hoever they don't seem to be in a hurry to find a replacement which i guess is a good thing.
Sounds like you were prepared and did a great audition. If you don’t get the gig, I’m sure it wasn’t because you did anything wrong.
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
Yeah, it's a little intimidating. I really want to break the sterotype that I have only done originals work.
Right now I am learning as much of their set list as possible. Even if don't get it, I will be able to tell them I know their set list;
Hey, if you guys are ever in a bind and need a sub please consider me.
Fact is I nailed the songs better than any audition I have ever done in the past. It was fun and they played the songs note for note like the arangment of the original artists recording.
These guys are a lot closer to my age, so I am not fretting the age issue.
However, I have lost to bass players in the past that didn't even come to the audition prepared.
I have learned to walk away from a loss understanding that usually something better comes along.
I have no idea where I stand and it has been 3 weeks since my cover band audition.
They told me it would be 2 weeks before they would get to the next step and they were auditioning 12 guys. I am still not sure why it takes so long or why they are auditioning so many players.
While my audition was good, I played the songs as recorded, I kept it simple. I asked them a few business questions about the band, shook hands with everyone and let them know I was interested.
We never know what these bands really think of us when we audition and they rarely share what they are looking for, sometime they don't know what they are looking for.
I like the band, because they have been together for 10 years, they have have solid bookings.
What hurt me are 2 things, they know I have mostly played in Originals Bands and this is more a a blue collar party cover band (cargo shorts and plaid shirts) I am a rock, dress up kind of guy and I am sure they picked up on that.
I guess I am interested in hearing any insights to the cover band auditioninng process.
For originals bands, they usually have nothing to offer except dreams and will generally take anyone who walks in the door and is willing to pay to play.
They told me it would be 2 weeks before they would get to the next step and they were auditioning 12 guys. I am still not sure why it takes so long or why they are auditioning so many players.
While my audition was good, I played the songs as recorded, I kept it simple. I asked them a few business questions about the band, shook hands with everyone and let them know I was interested.
We never know what these bands really think of us when we audition and they rarely share what they are looking for, sometime they don't know what they are looking for.
I like the band, because they have been together for 10 years, they have have solid bookings.
What hurt me are 2 things, they know I have mostly played in Originals Bands and this is more a a blue collar party cover band (cargo shorts and plaid shirts) I am a rock, dress up kind of guy and I am sure they picked up on that.
I guess I am interested in hearing any insights to the cover band auditioninng process.
For originals bands, they usually have nothing to offer except dreams and will generally take anyone who walks in the door and is willing to pay to play.
When we audition, its about their ability to play and ability to adapt. We are a covers band. we play them pretty close to the original but we add a few twists.
Our more recent search has been for a keyboardist. In a nut shell here's the problems we have encountered...
Great intuitive player. Could not read music but didn't matter, fantastic ear and could solo when ever called upon to add tasty solos. Problem? unreliable and a flake. Could not contact him for 3 weeks before a big high paying gig. Found replacement 2 days before. Evening before gig he calls and is pissed he was replaced, couldn't understand why.
Used a second guitar player when we were in between keyboardists. Lived in Green Bay. no vehicle. Had to take the bus to Wausau so drummer could pick him up. Never bothered to learn the songs in the sets. Just went on stage and noodled around. It was obvious he was talented because what he played didn't sound too bad but apparent he was not "tight" with the band. Liked the band for the $$$. Definitely could tell this cover band wasn't his style.
another keyboard audition. Friend of drummer. Women could sing but rudimentary knowledge of keyboard. no improvisation what so ever and difficulty with charts. It would have taken too much time to bring her up to speed for the shows we do.
Current keyboardist. Female. provides some background vocals but very skilled pianist. Choir director. Masters in music. First time in working cover band. We don't provide alot of sheet music(which she can play in about 2 seconds flat) mostly charts. Definitely has shown improvement of the last few gigs. Works hard and willing to pull her weight in the band.
So bottom line, I think most working cover bands want a bassist skilled enough to handle their material, can lock in and groove with their drummer and to anchor the band. If you're looking to work I don't think style is all that important. Identify what their band needs in the way of a bass player. Most cover bands need a rock solid bottom and if you can provide that, chances are you'll get the gig. Plus, it doesn't hurt if the band is fun. while we're pretty down to business at auditions or rehearsal, we don't forget to have fun with it.
Just some of my opinions.
Our more recent search has been for a keyboardist. In a nut shell here's the problems we have encountered...
Great intuitive player. Could not read music but didn't matter, fantastic ear and could solo when ever called upon to add tasty solos. Problem? unreliable and a flake. Could not contact him for 3 weeks before a big high paying gig. Found replacement 2 days before. Evening before gig he calls and is pissed he was replaced, couldn't understand why.
Used a second guitar player when we were in between keyboardists. Lived in Green Bay. no vehicle. Had to take the bus to Wausau so drummer could pick him up. Never bothered to learn the songs in the sets. Just went on stage and noodled around. It was obvious he was talented because what he played didn't sound too bad but apparent he was not "tight" with the band. Liked the band for the $$$. Definitely could tell this cover band wasn't his style.
another keyboard audition. Friend of drummer. Women could sing but rudimentary knowledge of keyboard. no improvisation what so ever and difficulty with charts. It would have taken too much time to bring her up to speed for the shows we do.
Current keyboardist. Female. provides some background vocals but very skilled pianist. Choir director. Masters in music. First time in working cover band. We don't provide alot of sheet music(which she can play in about 2 seconds flat) mostly charts. Definitely has shown improvement of the last few gigs. Works hard and willing to pull her weight in the band.
So bottom line, I think most working cover bands want a bassist skilled enough to handle their material, can lock in and groove with their drummer and to anchor the band. If you're looking to work I don't think style is all that important. Identify what their band needs in the way of a bass player. Most cover bands need a rock solid bottom and if you can provide that, chances are you'll get the gig. Plus, it doesn't hurt if the band is fun. while we're pretty down to business at auditions or rehearsal, we don't forget to have fun with it.
Just some of my opinions.
I agree with yet another WI bass player's perspective (Medford Bassman). It's tough enough, much less living in Central WI trying to find good people.
Be solid, know your parts like you own them and anything above that is icing on the cake.
And for what it's worth, I started my own progressive blues band and I can certainly relate to dealing with the flakes. Yikes! Even if they weren't musicians, I wonder how some of these people even manage to survive, let alone think they can play in a band.
Sometimes even the bands we audition for are as flaky as some individuals auditioning. Remember that auditioning is a two way street. You are auditioning them as well. If they are leaving you with more questions than answers perhaps they aren't the right band.
Be solid, know your parts like you own them and anything above that is icing on the cake.
And for what it's worth, I started my own progressive blues band and I can certainly relate to dealing with the flakes. Yikes! Even if they weren't musicians, I wonder how some of these people even manage to survive, let alone think they can play in a band.
Sometimes even the bands we audition for are as flaky as some individuals auditioning. Remember that auditioning is a two way street. You are auditioning them as well. If they are leaving you with more questions than answers perhaps they aren't the right band.
Nothing to say to help you. I just found it funny that in your area a blue collar party cover band would wear cargo shorts. They would get laughed out of the venue (or worse) at any of the blue collar places I have been. And I have been to a lot!
