Bluewine

We're learning new songs. We have to , we need new material to play for our fans before they get sick of our old set lists. Blue

Agreed, your exactly right Pete. And in most cases and for most of us that " perfect" band doesn't exist. Blue

Agreed, I'd do that especially if I was a younger local player. Blue

There's nothing wrong with joining a band for money. Like I say, I always have fun playing, but I don't play for for fun. I play for a commission. Blue

Here's another scenario to watch out for. " Yeah, we plan on rehearsing and learning songs and will start giging in 3 months" Really, where, what's your booking process and what type of gigs? Do you own sound and lighting? Both are legit questions. Blue

I hate to say this. My advice to anyone joining a band to gig consistently and earn money, only audition for bands that already have 6 months of gigs booked. I know, hard to find. Blue

I'm always missing the point these days. Really? He was talking about time signature and not number of songs for an an audition? Blue

Has this one ever happened to anyone. You arrive at the audition and you realize your in the most dangerous " hood" in the city and your car is surrounded by crack heads. Happened to me, I left and bailed on the audition. I was driving 90 miles per hour in 25 mile per hour zone until I saw the sign directing me back to the freeway. I was very frightened. Conjure up an image of me making my getaway. Lol Blue

Good point, that would be a disaster. Blue

I've seen ads and bands that say; " Let's Jam an see what happens." Not a statement that would drive my interest but at the end of the day isn't that what it's about. Fitting in musically and personally. Blue

I could easily learn 6-8 standard rock covers, however 3-4 seems to be the standard around here. A busy working band auditioning a lot of musicians for one spot, do they have time for multiple 8 song auditions? Blue

He did let us know what we'd be letting ourselves in for and we decided not to move forward with him. His comments were very offensive and had nothing to do with music. Blue

If you review a band your interested in because you noticed several stellar musicians in the band. If that's the reason your interested make sure those musicians are still in the band before you audition. I was going to audition for this hot contemporary country band because the guitarist was fantastic. When I spoke with the BL on the phone I found not only was that guitarist gone but at least 2 other members seen in the clip we're gone The ad did not make it clear the BL was trying to save a sinking ship. Very common over here. Blue

They failed my audition. Blue

Here's another don't. Don't come to an audition and start talking about politics and race around people you don't know. I've seen this one recently. He's not going to be a fit. Very prepared and good drummer though. Blue

Agreed, However ,I'll tell you what has happened to me twice. I pick 3 or 4 songs and get to the audition and then it's, "Oh we don't play those anymore" Blue

Caution! Be careful with any band that can't give specific songs to audition. Be cautious of any band that gives you they're entire set list and asked you to pick 4 songs to audition Blue

I'll start by throwing this one out there. If your auditioning for an established gigging band that will be putting money in you pocket , you don't come to an audition and proceed to tell everyone how to play. Blue

Open Discussion There are quite a few new BC members that can add to this discussion. Share any stories or thoughts or ideas from both sides of the fence. What are your do's and dont's? The pic, that's 1955 my mom is holding my hand taking me to my first gig. Blue

At 66 years old there's never going to be any riches for me. I settle for consistent weekly cash. Blue

Hi Dave, Thanks, and I'm always wireless so I'll be checking my sound in the house from now on. Blue Agreed, a start up band usually doesn't have a lot to offer those of us looking for money. I've seen ads for start up that clearly state; "If your looking for money, this ain't it" Blue

Thanks Stew Black, I wish this stuff was happening for me at age 26 instead of 66. The bookings are great ,however were struggling with scheduling rehearsals and ultimately replacing a founding member . He played guitar ( rhythm & lead) vocals, harp and he did most of the bookings. Stew, I feel great about the gigs, however as a band we're not out of the woods yet. I have some more of this story I can fill you guys in on later. Big band drama which is not normal for us. Blue

I had another acoustic gig Thursday night at the BlondiPop. Good crowd and nice venue. A guy complained that he couldn't hear the lead vocals or bass that well. Do you guys ever check how your levels are in the house? GREAT NEWS! My band has a great Summerfest ( world's largest music festival) slot this year. 7/3 at 5:00pm on the ULine Rock Stage. 80s hit nakers Lover Boy are the headliner. Another festival on 7/13 we're opening for The Charlie Daniels Band ( " The Devil Went Down To Georgia") A few other festivals have come through too Guys, I feel so much better Blue

There's more to the story which is why I had no problem taking the money. Blue

Ok guys, The Sprecher Tap gig was not good. It's a great looking place and load in was fantastic. Thing is, it's not a place people come to for live music. It was a bad booking. I don't think we were booked through management. Guys to be honest I don't think the band was paid. I think our band leader paid me out of her own pocket. Live and learn. A sad night, a small crowd of uninterested milinnials. Blue