ARGH Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 (edited) Ok,So Ive auditioned for many many many many,original bands over the past few years..and in weddings/functions work I can clear up,its easy,sometimes fun,sometimes a complete drag,but hey,its cash,and Im using my gear and making someones evening...dancing their butts off.Its nice,Im in a band and I have an amount of fun. But then theres the 'Original' band....I must have forgotten the politics of Right,so can someone tell me what the f*** a Bassplayer does in an 'originals' band,because by obvious right,I cant be doing it... Im walking in the audition,or sending the cd,or writing the part that they ask for (recent clue was "We want it to wash in"???),keeping it together..whatever...,no..Im not playing the 9 its usually my P or a fretless (If the sounds right) or my 6. Ive washed,I dont drink or get smashed on drugs (I think my straight life has been a problem) Keep mouth shut,watched whats going on,nailed the kick down...held back..gone all over the shop when asked...Is it my age (26ish..ok...30).... The ego's in check....the best response Ive ever had from a straight out "Well what do you want?" was "Cliff Burton"...I read,I harmonize,I support,I lead..I I I I ..me me me..arrgghhh.And they really want to replace the dullard that just root hung,badly,with somebody thats capable of writing..playing..etc..but you end up with "It sounds...er...different.." Ive tried forming band after band and every musician flakes over time..no tell a lie..DRUMMERS flake..guitarists dont..or they cant solo,to the point where I was almost in tears last night,and I had some nice Yank Bassmag Journo guy at 2 am,saying I should move areas or country....and was willing to write a piece on me and get me contacts (Nice guy!!!). Another said I should just say f*** it and be a soloist (I would,but Im shy...and the stage is so big). If I played GreenDayesque punk I would have no problems,But Im a bit further down the line for that (not to be a swine,but its a bit...not me). The lack of return feedback is making me paranoid,Ive winged before about people just not getting back to you re:emails,cds sent..whatever,or after the audition..I cant be that scary a guy..I only play Bass after all,but it seems as if you have an idea....or write a line beyond root notes... What am I doing wrong? Edited July 7, 2008 by ARGH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thisnameistaken Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Most common reason for not getting a gig in an originals band: Your face doesn't fit. Simple as that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennifer Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 "Keep mouth shut,watched whats going on,nailed the kick down" In my experience people stick together and work when they get on really well as people, moreso than as musicians. Not sure what music you are looking to play, but maybe you need to be looking for like-minded people socially as opposed to totally musically. I've got a situation at uni where i was in two bands - one with my best mate up there and he plays guitar, and even though he really annoys me sometimes, he's a great mate and when a jam doesn't work, we just kick back with a beer and everything is cool, and thus we're still together in that project, and sidelined out to a second act with a female vocalist and me on bass rather than drums (my main instrument). However the other band, i auditioned on drums and they really liked my playing but I got fed up with their general attitude and social oddities, we just didn't get on that well, and now i'm not sticking with them next year. Hope that sorta helps, its difficult, i've always known whether it works or not straight from the outset really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGH Posted July 7, 2008 Author Share Posted July 7, 2008 (edited) May I just add,Ive been punctual,and Ive heard them winge about how 'unreliable' and 'drunk' their previous was.....And i have communicated,told a joke...etc... Maybe if I was drunk and f***ed up on dope,or whatever and have tats and peircings..or a floppy haircut,and played a sh*tty rig and Bass I'd get in....(Now Im just being bitter) Edited July 7, 2008 by ARGH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 What kinda bands/genre are you going for auditions in? Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGH Posted July 7, 2008 Author Share Posted July 7, 2008 [quote name='Sibob' post='234375' date='Jul 7 2008, 06:35 PM']What kinda bands/genre are you going for auditions in? Si[/quote] Pretty much anything,from Metal...to Indie,to world....seriously,If I like it,I want to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy67 Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Are you really that bothered? I cannot be arsed with rude, non communicative, hey dude hows it hanging man nonsense any longer! maybe its age? maybe you are inwardly looking for that different thing but have not admitted it to yourself yet?? I always believe in be who you are and do what you do while sticking the fingers up to the man!! andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Maybe their expectations of "getting the MAGIC" are too high. Sometimes it just gels and you're in. Reliability and good company are damn high on my list of attributes, but there are so many good musicians that don't sparkle or create a synergy that all great bands have. I think it's a very careful balance of authority and compliance in the beginning when you're auditioning. I remember auditioning as the guitarist for a prog pop band in the vein of the lovely It Bites, about fifteen years ago. They were all great at what they did, had some great songs. They got me back for a second rehearsal and then split up a week later because they all fell out over whether to hire me or not. I know I pissed off the keyboard player but he was a very weird geezer, a lot of them are ;-) Anyway, I had learned the songs and put my interpretation on some of them and it split their opinions. They were probably ready to split anyway though. Keep trying, the MAGIC will surely happen one day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGH Posted July 7, 2008 Author Share Posted July 7, 2008 Lets put it this way....Ive started to sell off my gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy67 Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 [quote name='ARGH' post='234390' date='Jul 7 2008, 06:55 PM']Lets put it this way....Ive started to sell off my gear.[/quote] Why?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerdragon Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 [quote name='ARGH' post='234390' date='Jul 7 2008, 06:55 PM']Lets put it this way....Ive started to sell off my gear.[/quote] I would'nt do anything drastic like that. you know you are going to regret it. why not try forming your own band, you do the auditioning! that might work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teen t-shirt Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 [quote name='ARGH' post='234390' date='Jul 7 2008, 06:55 PM']Lets put it this way....Ive started to sell off my gear.[/quote] Can't be that bad surely!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Thinking about this, you must know loads of musicians, and I've found it's usually word of mouth that gets you gigs. Put the word out perhaps? I might have a bit of fun and audition for a few bands and see what happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGH Posted July 7, 2008 Author Share Posted July 7, 2008 [quote name='andy67' post='234391' date='Jul 7 2008, 06:59 PM']Why??[/quote]Because,I genuinely feel Im not gonna get a shot again,some people say be satisfied with what you have,but If you've lost it all,or had it taken from you,you miss it...you really do...And theres no point having a roomfull of instruments for all occasions,when those occasions just dont occur anymore. To be frank,Ive really had enough..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGH Posted July 7, 2008 Author Share Posted July 7, 2008 [quote name='beerdragon' post='234394' date='Jul 7 2008, 07:04 PM']I would'nt do anything drastic like that. you know you are going to regret it. why not try forming your own band, you do the auditioning! that might work.[/quote]Sorry fella..read the opening post..Ive done that to death,and nothing comes of it,and no-one wants to make the effort,I know thats defeatest,but Ive had no luck,in years,and its got to the point of hopelessness,those that were friends,that have made it,treat me as if i was a piece of history,and that hurts but hey...thats what it takes if thats what it takes. Ive NEVER been approached about a gig,Ive NEVER been asked ever to play for anyone.No chicks,no glory,just money,and a few smiles. Im not saying Im golden,Ive had deals,great laughs and been an utter prick to boot..But its just f***ing awful now,when a Child molesting rapist Class A using twat can get a tour around Scandinavia scott free all expenses..and I dont have a pub gig for 4 weeks because the guitarist has a sniffle... Its very f***ing difficult having a conversation with a friend thats just finished 4 months in Europe and USA when all you can say is..."Fuels gone up here" (Jealousy is a nasty little monkey that clings tight) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayfan Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 (edited) Birds of a feather flock together. Ergo, idiots are looking for idiots to be in their "please like me, NME" type bands. Play with a few older people who are less driven by fashion and desperation to make it and get your mojo back! Edited July 7, 2008 by stingrayfan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OutToPlayJazz Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 (edited) Lots of people want a simplistic plodder and are quite often frightened that a good bass player will steal their thunder. Sounds like you're way too good for the people you're auditioning for, if you're asking me. Real musicians would give bodily organs for a good reading technical bass player. Edited July 7, 2008 by OutToPlayJazz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 [quote name='ARGH' post='234400' date='Jul 7 2008, 07:10 PM']Because,I genuinely feel Im not gonna get a shot again,some people say be satisfied with what you have,but If you've lost it all,or had it taken from you,you miss it...you really do...And theres no point having a roomfull of instruments for all occasions,when those occasions just dont occur anymore. To be frank,Ive really had enough.....[/quote] Don't take this the wrong way mate, but it appears you are not really interested in answers and opinions regarding your original question, but that you are having a bit of a sound-off about something you feel you've got no control of. You've got to get out there and be a bit forward, on all sides of the stage. Don't just f*ck it up and give up. It sounds like you need a life coach at the moment, not a gig. Can you explain what you are really looking for in a gig? Someone said, "A wise man makes more opportunities than he finds." and it's bang on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jase Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 It happens to good players....can't have a star in the band now can we Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironside1966 Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Be careful what you wish for, do you really want to play with a bunch of idiots? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGH Posted July 7, 2008 Author Share Posted July 7, 2008 (edited) [quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='234414' date='Jul 7 2008, 07:23 PM']Lots of people want a simplistic plodder and are quite often frightened that a good bass player will steal their thunder. Sounds like you're way too good for the people you're auditioning for, if you're asking me. Real musicians would give bodily organs for a good reading technical bass player.[/quote] Where are they? Really....Where the f*** do they hang? Because Ive been looking for them nationwide,and all I find is different levels of c**ts. The older Gen round here just want to play covers,or wont do ANYTHING unless its for money..seriously..the love of playing,the challenge of writing has gone. Its utterly dead. I was chatting to the Good Dr (Dave) the other day about originals bands have no stamina they blow out at 1/2 to 1hr onstage,I can keep going all evening,and get up and do it again...night after night...Hell Ive earnt it..the 4 walls I own has been mostly paid by music. Ive got the transport,the gear.....the 'Hair',the knowledge,as it were...I learn fast,I play tight and well (ok..I THINK its well,but yourself aint the great barometer for how good you are). And after near 2 decades of playing,its just become a job... How does Modification affect the price of a Yankee P Bass? Edited July 7, 2008 by ARGH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 (edited) I'm all for people making their own opportunities! Don't just go for rehearsals with any old band, make sure you love the music, then if you love the music, make sure you like the people....if either is missing, leave it! If you're not feeling it...it'll come across as such! Also I think it's fair to say that if you're going for a 'world music' audition one week and a 'metal' audition another, you probably aren't going to have the 'look' for at least one of them....although it shouldn't do...aesthetics do play a role...moreso in rockier genres! Find out the jam-nights and stuff that decent players hang out at and go play! Talk to a lot of people (you mention you're shy...that's no good) Good luck! Si Edited July 7, 2008 by Sibob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Whereabouts do you live? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGH Posted July 7, 2008 Author Share Posted July 7, 2008 (edited) [quote name='silddx' post='234419' date='Jul 7 2008, 07:27 PM']1,Don't take this the wrong way mate, but it appears you are not really interested in answers and opinions regarding your original question, but that you are having a bit of a sound-off about something you feel you've got no control of. You've got to get out there and be a bit forward, on all sides of the stage. Don't just f*ck it up and give up. It sounds like you need a life coach at the moment, not a gig. 2,Can you explain what you are really looking for in a gig? Someone said, "A wise man makes more opportunities than he finds." and it's bang on.[/quote] 1,Yes,Im having a rant..I have no control,and its a pisser. 2,what most of us would like,a happy ,musical intercommunication between X number of persons onstage ..in a free,yet structured..creative way. Making music thats both rewarding and challenging..Im not interested in cash.....I dont want money,Ive a coversband,and job for that...but I want to play,play..play... Ive done the jam nights,and the open mics....tell a lie,I get asked by coversbands if Ive a gig,and I have to decline,because I do....But never any original work. I get nice comments, "You are really creative as a player" "Man...you play all of the instrument" "Your better than 'our' Bassplayer" (Why not ask me for the gig then..arrrgh). Its nice...its great,but it dosent seem to lead to anything,no matter how much I persue.... Sorry Lads and Lasses,Im being right negative tonight. P.s...the shyness is a lie. Ive no trouble chatting,ask the northern Bassbash guys...and the Dr. Edited July 7, 2008 by ARGH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteb Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 I think that you have to look at what an original band asks themselves when they audition a new bass player, which is: 1. Can he play the bass parts to their songs? 2. Can the new guy bring anything to drive the band forward, in terms of image, stage presence / charisma, songwriting, contacts, etc – bearing in mind that they may well want someone who will not detract from the principles and doesn’t expect to write songs? 3. Do they fancy spending a large part of the next few years having to work, live & socialise with this person? The guy they choose does not necessarily have to be the best player – as someone said before, your face just has to fit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.