Waiving The White Flag Of Surrender

[bluewine]

suggest you take it at face value... what do you really have to lose?

This is my weak point, I am sort of in "Gottah get back into a band mode" Being in a band is a big part of who I am.

While I am fortunate to have successful career outside of music, it's not how I wish to be identified.

My point, I don't think it's a good idea to place so much importance on being in a band.

 

[Spinal Tapper]

Do you play any other instruments? Everyone can strum a little guitar now and again, right? In the meantime, have you considered writing and recording your own stuff?

I just picked up a Line6 Toneport about 2 years ago, and it has changed my life. I fumble around on guitar and vocals, but tracking and writing my own music has become a huge staple in who I am as a musician. Plus I can dictate my own "wanking" bass parts and no one ever has to listen to it but me

 

[bassbully]

Do you play any other instruments? Everyone can strum a little guitar now and again, right? In the meantime, have you considered writing and recording your own stuff?

I just picked up a Line6 Toneport about 2 years ago, and it has changed my life. I fumble around on guitar and vocals, but tracking and writing my own music has become a huge staple in who I am as a musician. Plus I can dictate my own "wanking" bass parts and no one ever has to listen to it but me

I spend more time writing songs and playing guitar than bass playing. Anymore bass is only for my band and my role in it. Writing is so rewarding to me and i hope to record and start performing my own songs soon.

For Blue, keep on looking and checking into new prospects until that band responds or shoot them an email asking what's up? I understand being in a band is a big part of who you are and your life. I would keep digging and working on it...you will find the right group or people to play with. Sometimes it takes time and I think I am like you ..We both want it today.

 

[the yeti]

This is my weak point, I am sort of in "Gottah get back into a band mode" Being in a band is a big part of who I am.

While I am fortunate to have successful career outside of music, it's not how I wish to be identified.

My point, I don't think it's a good idea to place so much importance on being in a band.

right, the message you relayed earlier today didn't indicate you were out of consideration... unless there was more to it that you didn't share.

everyone places importance on something (if they're lucky). what's wrong with a band being "that thing"?

 

[bluewine]

Do you play any other instruments? Everyone can strum a little guitar now and again, right? In the meantime, have you considered writing and recording your own stuff?

I just picked up a Line6 Toneport about 2 years ago, and it has changed my life. I fumble around on guitar and vocals, but tracking and writing my own music has become a huge staple in who I am as a musician. Plus I can dictate my own "wanking" bass parts and no one ever has to listen to it but me

I have a small recording studio in my bedroom along with all 10 bass guitars. I have a couple of American Standard Telecasters and a Gibson Melody Maker.

Writing is not an area I have much ability in. I only record to have current examples of my playing bass.

 

[bluewine]

right, the message you relayed earlier today didn't indicate you were out of consideration... unless there was more to it that you didn't share.

everyone places importance on something (if they're lucky). what's wrong with a band being "that thing"?

You're right, as far as I know I'm still in the running.

 

[the yeti]

You're right, as far as I know I'm still in the running.

right on! chin up!! visualize success!!! (whatever that is...)

 

[bluewine]

I got an e-mail today. They say they have another guy to audition, so I have to wait another week.


I wrote back and said;

"No problem, if you have any other songs you want me to learn, send the file"

I still say auditioning for bands that are heavily booked and your an outsider is really hard and frustrating. But let me go out and audition for an "originals" band and they want me in the band right on the spot. Of course, because they have nothing to offer. It's something some of you guys should be aware of if your out doing auditions.

Everything really had a tight sound at the audition, so I am not sure how these bands make their decisions.

I came in, set up was quick, played the songs and jammed, it was fun. I was polite, humble asked a few questions about the band shook hands and there was a good vibe.

To be honest guys, this whole thing with another guy coming in next week is like a 3 week wait smells like rejection to me. Which for me is strike 2.

If they wanted me they would have already asked me.

I am just about ready to e-mail them and tell them to take me out of the came.

Thing is the guitarist is a nice guy, we have exchanged e-mails talking about our band issues for over a year.

For a guy that picked up a bass 45 years ago and stayed with it and progressed shouldn't be treated this way.

I am sick of this and I think the whole thing stinks

 

[bassbully]

I got an e-mail today. They say they have another guy to audition, so I have to wait another week.


I wrote back and said;

"No problem, if you have any other songs you want me to learn, send the file"

I still say auditioning for bands that are heavily booked and your an outsider is really hard and frustrating. But let me go out and audition for an "originals" band and they want me in the band right on the spot. Of course, because they have nothing to offer. It's something some of you guys should be aware of if your out doing auditions.

Everything really had a tight sound at the audition, so I am not sure how these bands make their decisions.

I came in, set up was quick, played the songs and jammed, it was fun. I was polite, humble asked a few questions about the band shook hands and there was a good vibe.

To be honest guys, this whole thing with another guy coming in next week is like a 3 week wait smells like rejection to me. Which for me is strike 2.

If they wanted me they would have already asked me.

I am just about ready to e-mail them and tell them to take me out of the came.

Thing is the guitarist is a nice guy, we have exchanged e-mails talking about our band issues for over a year.

For a guy that picked up a bass 45 years ago and stayed with it and progressed shouldn't be treated this way.

I am sick of this and I think the whole thing stinks

Blue No Man! You are going about this all wrong IMO. Look maybe they are looking at others maybe dragging their feet but dang..Chill! Let them come to you and if they dont...sail on.
As I said before keep looking and networking while you are waiting. Yes its hard and it suks waiting and maybe this is going on too long but if they are a good band don't push it. Why would you now want to pull out? That sounds childish to me...like you are not getting your way. Relax! Its hard waiting but dont give up now you'll never know where this might go or how it might end if you are giving them attitude or pulling out. You would be selling yourself short and maybe burning bridges...not good IMO.

 

[seanm]

I agree with Bassbully, give them time! You don't know what is going on. It could be they "have to audition" the last bassist, for whatever reason. Keep cool and hang in there.

 

[malthumb]

Bluewine,

Chill.......take a few deep breaths....relax......

You are re-defining the concept of "glass half empty".

Look at it this way.....if they absolutely DIDN'T want to consider you, which would be easier? To simply not ever call or contact you again, or to tell you that you're still being considered but they have to look at another guy? Why would they waste time sending you an email if at the end of the day they weren't considering you at all?

You might not get the gig. Then again, you might get it. You don't know. All indications are that they don't know either, so just chill and wait for a clear sign, one way or the other.

 

[P. Aaron]

Bluewine,

Chill.......take a few deep breaths....relax......

You are re-defining the concept of "glass half empty".

Look at it this way.....if they absolutely DIDN'T want to consider you, which would be easier? To simply not ever call or contact you again, or to tell you that you're still being considered but they have to look at another guy? Why would they waste time sending you an email if at the end of the day they weren't considering you at all?

You might not get the gig. Then again, you might get it. You don't know. All indications are that they don't know either, so just chill and wait for a clear sign, one way or the other.

I just had a band leader drag the audition process out for me for 3 weeks before he worked up the nerve to TEXT me (after several phone calls prior) to tell me they chose their friend. Learning the music & acing it is the easy part, the rest of the process, because we're on the outside looking in, seems unfair. It's the way it is. Cruel at times, rarely is it honest.
What we don't get a refund on is the time we use up for an uncertain outcome.

 

[bluewine]

I just had a band leader drag the audition process out for me for 3 weeks before he worked up the nerve to TEXT me (after several phone calls prior) to tell me they chose their friend. Learning the music & acing it is the easy part, the rest of the process, because we're on the outside looking in, seems unfair. It's the way it is. Cruel at times, rarely is it honest.
What we don't get a refund on is the time we use up for an uncertain outcome.

Thats my concern, I just went through this with another band.

Sort of knew the BL, aced the audition, stayed up till the wee hours learning the songs. Then gets back to me 3 -4 weeks later with the, we went with a friend. I am starting to think we went with a friend is just code for "you were not a match"

 

[bluewine]

Bluewine,

Chill.......take a few deep breaths....relax......

You are re-defining the concept of "glass half empty".

Look at it this way.....if they absolutely DIDN'T want to consider you, which would be easier? To simply not ever call or contact you again, or to tell you that you're still being considered but they have to look at another guy? Why would they waste time sending you an email if at the end of the day they weren't considering you at all?

You might not get the gig. Then again, you might get it. You don't know. All indications are that they don't know either, so just chill and wait for a clear sign, one way or the other.

You might be right, but I also might be right.I am not going to bail before they e-mail me the rejection.

Take it from a guy that knows rejection, I would bet money they already have a guy. He is just putting me through the paces and will give me the blow off next week.

Then I get to write back and say;

No problem, if he doesn't work out I would be happy to audition again. I will continue to work on your songs and will sub if an opportunity comes along.

45 years playing bass and I'm begging for crums from these 3rd generation losers.

blue

 

[bluewine]

Blue No Man! You are going about this all wrong IMO. Look maybe they are looking at others maybe dragging their feet but dang..Chill! Let them come to you and if they dont...sail on.
As I said before keep looking and networking while you are waiting. Yes its hard and it suks waiting and maybe this is going on too long but if they are a good band don't push it. Why would you now want to pull out? That sounds childish to me...like you are not getting your way. Relax! Its hard waiting but dont give up now you'll never know where this might go or how it might end if you are giving them attitude or pulling out. You would be selling yourself short and maybe burning bridges...not good IMO.

I won't pull out yet.

I won't burn any bridges, I can vent and tell people how I really feel in this forum.

 

[Depth_Charge]

Good plan Blue, just remember the internet is a pretty small place

 

[malthumb]

Thats my concern, I just went through this with another band.

Sort of knew the BL, aced the audition, stayed up till the wee hours learning the songs. .......

Thing is, the other auditioners may have done the same, thereby making this a legitimately difficult decision. SOMEBODY who put a lot of time and effort into it will be disappointed. Might be you....might be the other guy.

What does anyone gain by stringing you along?

 

[the yeti]

You might be right, but I also might be right.I am not going to bail before they e-mail me the rejection.

45 years playing bass and I'm begging for crums from these 3rd generation losers.

you are right. you expect rejection and that's what you find.

if that's how you feel do you really think you can successfully hide it it from your prospective employers?

 

[bassbully]

Blue and P. Aaron come on! Nobody owes you anything. If this is the way you two feel you might as well stop auditioning for bands or start your own. Being prepared for the audition is great and shows you were ready but what about the "other guy" is he a chump? Was he not ready? Maybe he was a better fit or a better player..maybe he had a better tude?
Really guys I understand you are disapointed and Blue you are not even sure if you dont have the job but this is part of the game. Good thing you two are not small bit actors rejection is almost expected for them trying to get small parts.
Keep your heads up and show some pride, you prepared and are the better for it.
Get back in the ring and take another swing or lie down crying about the scene and not getting your dues or chances since you have done this for so long. Nobody owes this to you or cares to tell you the truth. Like i said and i will say it again, attitude is huge, and after a few of these posts I now am seeing why you might not be getting these gigs.

 

[bluewine]

Blue and P. Aaron come on! Nobody owes you anything. If this is the way you two feel you might as well stop auditioning for bands or start your own. Being prepared for the audition is great and shows you were ready but what about the "other guy" is he a chump? Was he not ready? Maybe he was a better fit or a better player..maybe he had a better tude? Like i said and i will say it again, attitude is huge, and after a few of these posts I now am seeing why you might not be getting these gigs.

Please understand the attitude I bring to this forum is not what I bring or convey at an audition.

I am selling myself at these auditions.

Bully as I have pointed out in this thread, when I audition, I am up beat, positive, polite and humble.

It's just frustrating. Remember I am a Guy who saw a Guy audition for a band that was new to playing bass and didn't know the material get a gig over me because he was a friend of the guitarist.