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My first audition! THE RESULT!


interpol52
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After the disastrous attempt at getting my old group back together I have decided to look for a band or project to join. After looking in the usual places I found an advert on Gumtree that was of interest and made contact. So in the new year I will be going for my first ever audition. It's for a covers band doing functions/pubs and the like. The thing is, I have been playing for 26 years and been in a load of bands but never actually had to do an audition. Usually groups have been formed with friends or have come about through knowing other musicians and bands. This one will be with people I have never met before. I'm not nervous, just a bit apprehensive about what may happen!

I have been given the audition songs and no problems there, I've got good gear so I won't be worried about any issues there either. I have heard some recordings of the band and they are pretty good musicians by the sound of it.

Any advice anyone? This might also be an opportunity for any horror stories you have from auditions so that I can be aware of these extremes of what may lie ahead!

Cheers
Julian

Edited by interpol52
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Yes, it's a two way street, they're also auditioning to be your band.

You sound like you're easily up to the job so just relax, if you meet the playing standard required then anything else
is pretty much out of your control.

good luck

Les

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[list]
[*]Why did you like about the band?
[/list][list]
[*]What are you looking for in a band?
[/list][list]
[*]Why is the position open?
[/list]
Outside of knowing and being able to execute the audition material flawlessly, here are a few other things you might want to think about;[list]
[*]Are they auditioning friends of the band (friends can trump even the best player to audition. Me, I won't audition for a band if they're auditioning friends)
[/list][list]
[*]Auditions can be tricky, even good bands can run poor auditions. I don't know what it's like for function bands in the UK over here it's seldom about how well you play, its all about how you fit the bands image. So age and look can be weighed quite heavily.
[/list][list]
[*]The bass player with vocals and marginal bass skill is usually chosen over the hot bass player with no vocals to offer.
[/list]
Blue

Edited by blue
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[quote name='Les' timestamp='1419978846' post='2644634']

You sound like you're easily up to the job so just relax, if you meet the playing standard required then anything else
is pretty much out of your control.

good luck

Les[/quote]

Les,

You basically mirrored my narrative, however you articulated it in one sentence. :D

Blue

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If you are really looking to impress, find out their set, and learn a couple they haven't asked you to learn.
And have fun. I think someone who looks to be having fun is going to get the job over someone who looks like they have sand in their pants

Edited by FuNkShUi
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This[quote name='lojo' timestamp='1419978576' post='2644629']
Remember it's not only them auditioning you, you are also auditioning them
[/quote]

The only things required from you are to: know the songs; be yourself (outgoing/diffident, whatever is normal); be on time and don't faff about setting up. If you don't get it (assuming you want it after the audition) don't get down on yourself, it's just one of those things.

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[quote name='lojo' timestamp='1419978576' post='2644629']
Remember it's not only them auditioning you, you are also auditioning them
[/quote]
+1

Just remember, they are auditioning for you.

Your objective is to play the numbers as well as the originals and certainly better than their last guy. You're not being creative just the best guy they'll ever hear playing those numbers. Anything else comes later.

Other than that, know your stuff, inside out and have fun.

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As vain as it sounds - if you want the gig, try taking along a bass that matches their style. If you're not sure, a Fender type bass will fit most bands!

I successfully auditioned for a function band last year with my trusty P-bass. At the first rehearsal, they were telling me about my unsuccessful competition, and they continuously went on about one guy who brought a six string bass with him. Chat like:-

"You should have seen this thing, neck like half a tree!"
"Why would any bass player need more than four strings? He'd be as well playing guitar"
"The guy could definitely play, just wouldn't fit our band"

From what I gather, his choice of bass meant he didn't stand a chance. He may have got a foot in the door if he auditioned with a Fender bass.

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[quote name='spacey' timestamp='1420047817' post='2645204']
Ask what happens to the gig money.
Is it split at the end of the night equally ?

Am I expected to buy anyone's equipment for them like the singers PA ?

If the answer to these two dont tick boxes, why bother.
[/quote]

Good questions, however they are questions I wouldn't ask until I was made a proper offer.

[i]"Proper offer" [/i]Hey, I don't talk like that. I have been on this forum too long. :D

Blue

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[quote name='interpol52' timestamp='1420047332' post='2645196']
Thanks everyone so far, that's all good stuff! Shall I take a music stand to help me out? Just kidding.

The two way audition thing makes good sense and I will be taking a P bass!
[/quote]

Just remember, if you get an offer be certain your working with mature, experience, fair and overall good people. While were not friends,I think the reason my band is celebrating 9 years of being together is because they are all cool/ good people and somehow we stay booked and make $$$.

I have worked in bands with questionable types and it sucks. If you have experience these types are easy to spot.

I wish you luck, here is another thing to keep in mind. it is a lot harder winning a job with a booked functions band than with most Originals bands for obvious reasons.

Blue

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Make sure you know the key they play the songs in - some drop keys for vocals etc.
Make sure all your gear is working properly before setting off.
Get there early, introduce yourself and if they haven`t got all their gear in yet, offer to help.
Don`t play too loud - if anything hang back a bit and wait to be asked to turn up, not all bands like a really loud present bass.
Ask what the bands aims are - if gigs 200 miles away from home mid-week aren`t what you`re after, or are not possible for you due to comittments, establish this now.
And above all, be nice.

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Relax, enjoy the audition for what it is.
A way of meeting other musicians. Sometimes it leads to ongoing friendships within a band context and sometimes the chemistry just isn't there and you will probably feel it.
Learn the songs and make sure you know them better than the band. That always impresses a new band.
Don't be too flash. Stick to what the cover needs and maybe in between songs show a little flair but never hold the band up doing it.
Go with the flow of the guys and it should all be great fun.
All the very best with it and good luck.

Dave

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