blue Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 (edited) [size=4][font=Arial]The audition process has changed for me as I've gotten older and I hope wiser. [/font] [font=Arial]What's important when auditioning a new member? It will vary depending on the genre, location and age of the band. [/font] [font=Arial]Originals and cover bands will also need to be taken into consideration. There might be some common denominator's. And lets say for the sake of discussion we are talking about bar level bands not pros doing it for a living. Here are a few thoughts;[/font][/size][list] [*][size=4][font=Arial]Experience[/font][/size] [*][size=4][font=Arial]Skill/ chops[/font][/size] [*][size=4][font=Arial]Transportation[/font][/size] [*][size=4][font=Arial]Gear[/font][/size] [*][size=4][font=Arial]Appearance[/font][/size] [*][size=4][font=Arial]Does the candidate know what he/she is looking for in a band[/font][/size] [*][size=4][font=Arial]Does the candidate know how to be in a band[/font][/size] [*][size=4][font=Arial]Age ( that's a real tough one)[/font][/size] [/list] [size=4][font=Arial]I'm 60 and it use to be you always wanted the guy with the best skills and chops. Now I know that candidate is not always the best choice. [/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Another thought, some are looking to join bands for the wrong reasons, like access to substances, drink and women. Some guys out there are good musicians but lack the social skills to be in a band.[/font] [font=Arial]The bullet point on knowing what a guy is looking for in a band. Here in the States, if a guy is looking to gig steady and make some $$$$ , he/she is probably not a good candidate for an originals band. If your looking for creativity and artistic integrity you might not be a match for a cover band.[/font] [font=Arial]Please share any of your thoughts on this topic.[/font] [font=Arial]Blue[/font][/size] Edited July 22, 2014 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbowskill Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 (edited) I think the number 1 thing with auditions.. Is finding someone with honesty or having it(as in style attitude etc). Edited July 22, 2014 by danbowskill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbowskill Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 And obviously being a capable player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 I think the listing in the original post is pretty much nailing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julietgreen Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Has a van comes quite high on the list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted July 23, 2014 Author Share Posted July 23, 2014 Nothing beats good people that can play. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weststarx Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 (edited) From my point of view appearance is the least important for covers bands but I can see it being a big importance for an orginals band. Similar with the age thing as well. Personally if my band needed a new band member and two people auditioned, if one was older but could play well and the other looked the part but wasnt any good - I would hands down pick the older guy everyday. I'm 21 and its music at the end of the day, looking good doesnt get people dancing... Edited July 23, 2014 by Weststarx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Hi Blue, the biggie for me that you have missed out of your bullet points is personality. A decent human being who will be part of the team trumps all the chops in the world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Number6 Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 I like charisma and honesty.....i like a person being honest about their abilities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevB Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Reliability. Can have great chops and be easy to play with but if you end up hunting for a dep every other week because of some crisis at home, work commitments etc it all goes out of the window. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toneknob Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 1. await some evidence to support competence: youtube, soundcloud etc 2. meet for a pint to ensure they're not an idiot (advise a responsible adult of your whereabouts and expected return time) 3. meet at home (theirs preferably) for low-volume play-through of rehearsal material 4. spend actual time and money in a studio with other bandmates Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacqueslemac Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Understanding apostrophes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shizznit Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Being able to learn at the same pace is important. We auditioned a new singer last week. We only expected her to go through 3-4 songs maximum. She sang 8 in total...3 of which she had never heard before. She got her iPad out, brought up the lyrics, had a quick listen and pretty much nailed each song. We pretty much work at the same pace and we were very impressed about how quickly she learnt the songs. I have had too many occasions whereby you feel like someone is dragging their heels and not progressing as quickly as you need them to, despite of their skills and commitment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 You're looking pretty good for 60. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0175westwood29 Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 the thing for me which is most important is that i need to be able to get on with the person! regardless of music i need to be able to hangout with them, then we can start thinking about music, as my band are originals the music thing is a bit easier, can they write a tune, for a guitarist my pet hate is ppl who dnt have a tuner! andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 [quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1406109992' post='2508348'] Hi Blue, the biggie for me that you have missed out of your bullet points is personality. A decent human being who will be part of the team trumps all the chops in the world. [/quote] I think the OP covers that with his "Does the candidate know how to be in a band?" bullet point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1406145222' post='2508807'] You're looking pretty good for 60. [/quote] Easy tiger! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 [quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1406145942' post='2508827'] Easy tiger! [/quote] It's OK, I'm already married to an American. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted July 24, 2014 Author Share Posted July 24, 2014 I photograph a lot younger than I actually look. It's all smoke and mirrors and hair dye, however I don't go out of my way to look old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted July 24, 2014 Author Share Posted July 24, 2014 Speaking of "Good People", I have been in my current band for 3 years ( I'm a one band only type of guy ) and at every gig without fail ,as soon as I start tearing down our guitarist wife who does marketing and some administartive stuff for the band pays me in cash. There's no band fund and theres never any of that we will pay everyone next week or at rehearsal. It's just a cool way to handle it cause I need the $$$$. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CamdenRob Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 (edited) [quote name='blue' timestamp='1406055591' post='2507920'] [size=4][font=Arial].....some are looking to join bands for the wrong reasons, like access to substances, drink and women.[/font][/size] [/quote] I've definitely been joining the wrong kind of bands if this is a option.... On a slightly more contstructive note... One of my projects has recently been auditioning for a drummer, tried loads but settled on a guy a month or so back. The final say is with the singer/songwriter... I think too much emphasis has been placed on the "nice guy, team player" thing... I mean your not going to work with someone who is so obnoxious that they bring the whole thing down, but I'd rather go for someone whose playing made the band better that just choose someone who is a nice guy to hang out with.... We are after all here to make music first and foremost. Edited July 24, 2014 by CamdenRob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 [quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1406145899' post='2508826'] I think the OP covers that with his "Does the candidate know how to be in a band?" bullet point. [/quote] Yes, probably does, although this possibly points more towards the practicality of being in a band - turning up on time, helping with set-up/breakdown, learning the songs, whereas personality to me would would have more emphasis on the individual and how they interact with the rest of the band/audience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spacey Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 (edited) To be honest, remember the people you are auditioning are looking for a band as well. Be prepared to stop if someone hits all buttons as they will also be of most interest to the next band. Once they have a job, you lose them. Don't mess about 9/10 will be time wasters who can not do the job. When the "man" walks in, have the respect and offer ready on the table there and then. Thinking someone even better might be along loses you the chance to have a great player in your band. Edited July 24, 2014 by spacey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 [quote name='spacey' timestamp='1406207744' post='2509319'] Thinking someone even better might be along loses you the chance to have a great player in your band. [/quote] Yes, that was the problem with all those bands I subsequently didn't join. They should have snapped me up while they had the chance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CamdenRob Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 I'm yet to fail an audition because of my playing but I have failed a few for being a grumpy bastard who won't play what he's told.... I also failed one once for being too bald... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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