Marvin Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 I am, probably, one of the most anxious people you'd would likely meet...racked with self doubt. However, I have in the last 6 years of playing bass again turned up for numerous auditions where I knew no one in the room. In that time I've never failed an audition. The bands have never lasted very long, but I've never failed to get in. I have passed on auditions for bands where I've thought the material will take too long to learn or it just doesn't interest me. All I've done to get in a band is learn the material as close as possible to the recording, no one has a crystal ball to know what 'slant' the other members of the band will be taking. Even for the originals band I've just joined, where the guys said I was the only bass player to have even attempted to learn the songs. Do your homework. One of the reasons though that I'm loathed to join another covers band is the 'blagging' approach is all to prevalent. Turning up, you've learnt the structure and at least the important signature parts and the rest of the band can't even say what the song title is. I got caught several times like this. One was where a drummer couldn't be arsed to learn the proper rhythm to 'Ain't no sunshine'. I had to modify my part and it sounded complete trash. Another where drummer and guitarist/vocalist couldn't even be bothered to refresh their memories of the songs they used to do. I figured out that they used to rely on the former bass player to learn the song properly and they worked off of him. This blagging method is why I won't even watch covers bands, too much of it going on. Band members stand there like statues not interacting with the audience because their too busy try to figure out what they're supposed to be doing...it needs to be in your head before you get on the stage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 My take on new people is what do these bring to the party. I'm not looking for someone to cover notes, that is a given..I want something else. You have to see the guy fits the style... so a widdly widdly gtr wont work with Tom Petty tracks ect... but since notes are the easiest thing to cover, I'll be looking at his energy or input. Why should we go with this guy over that guy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 (edited) [quote name='Marvin' timestamp='1453301238' post='2958242'] I am, probably, one of the most anxious people you'd would likely meet...racked with self doubt. However, I have in the last 6 years of playing bass again turned up for numerous auditions where I knew no one in the room. In that time I've never failed an audition. The bands have never lasted very long, but I've never failed to get in.[/quote] This is kind of off topic, but Marvin's post got me thinking. This might be of value to a newer player looking at auditioning for his first band. I have been gigging since 1966. Don't audition until you know what your looking for in a band, especially if your want to gig and make money.And contrary to popular belief, there's nothing wrong with that. Don't audition if you don't have the auditioned material mastered. Your better off cancelling. And if you get to the audition and realize early on your dealing with amateurs, meaning guys that your light years ahead of musically and operationally. Politely bail out the audition. Marvin says, he's never failed to get into the bands he's auditioned for. However, none of the bands went anywhere. Seasoned veteran players know if a band is going anywhere. First of all if the band is any good they are already somewhere. Here's my point, decades ago when I was new to this,I also got in certain bands very easily. These have always been bands that never saw their first gig or dollar. Now established bands with a name and a history of good bookings that were out there making money when I've auditioned for those types of bands, I've never gotten in. When a band has something to offer ( money ) the proposition is completely different. Politics, friends auditioning, looks, age all sorts of other things come into play. Most of these bands are not going to let a newbie walk into a goldmine without some decent credentials. And us veterans know most of these top tier opportunities are never advertised publicly. Just like any other business guys, it's who you know. Please guys, the[i] "but I have a regular job, I don't need the money".[/i] That's not the point guys. If you don't need the money, give it to the band members that do.I would bet some of you do just that. Blue Edited January 20, 2016 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1453296026' post='2958172'] [b]Not sure if it's possible to play a 'better' bass line than the original[/b] - which after all, is what punters are largely expecting to hear - but I would agree that we must avoid raising the temperature of our urine at all costs. In fact I'm going to start a petition on 38 Degrees, sign up now. STOP HOT URINE FROM EXACERBATING GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE! [/quote] I'm sure it is... quite often Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1453320068' post='2958466'] ................ Please guys, I am tired of the "but I have a regular job, I don't need the money". That's not the point guys and frankly IMO a lame response. If you don't need the money , give it to the band members that do.I would bet some of you do just that. Blue [/quote] Just because I might not need it... My fee is my fee and I'll do with it as I see fit. Why I should give it to the guys who don't work is as lame as people expecting a certain fee because that is all you do. If they need more money...go earn it. If the gig pays the band members £150 ea after exes, are you going going to regulate that pro rata as per their daily salary..? Not in a million. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subbeh Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 (edited) I do learn covers note for note but it's been necessary to adjust them to fit the way different people play them sometimes and doing this on the fly can be pretty good fun. I know how scary auditioning can be if you let it, I have Asperger's and find the prospect of turning up and playing with strangers to be downright terrifying. I let that stop me for a long time but since I've started doing it, putting myself out there and really making an effort I've had plenty of offers and really feel like its done me a lot of good personally and as a player. Hope you nail it CyberBass! Edited January 20, 2016 by Subbeh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 (edited) [quote name='Marvin' timestamp='1453301238' post='2958242'] All I've done to get in a band is learn the material as close as possible to the recording, no one has a crystal ball to know what 'slant' the other members of the band will be taking. Even for the originals band I've just joined, where the guys said I was the only bass player to have even attempted to learn the songs. Do your homework. [/quote] This is my approach - when I've auditioned and been given material to learn I learn it the way it's presented to me. If it needs changing later on then fair enough, but I'd regard learning it to be part of the audition. Mind you, like Marvin, the number of auditions I've turned up to and the band are [i]surprised[/i] I know the tunes astounds me. Edited January 20, 2016 by ahpook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1453321423' post='2958490'] Just because I might not need it... My fee is my fee and I'll do with it as I see fit. Why I should give it to the guys who don't work is as lame as people expecting a certain fee because that is all you do. If they need more money...go earn it. If the gig pays the band members £150 ea after exes, are you going going to regulate that pro rata as per their daily salary..? Not in a million. [/quote] My comment was for those who brag about not needing the money as if somehow they are better than those of us that do need the money. For those who do brag about this I still say,prove it and put your money where you mouth is and either don't accept the money or like I said give to the guy in the band that does need the money. To be clear, as long as your not bragging I'm cool. Blue Edited January 21, 2016 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bassman7755 Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1453346449' post='2958652'] For those who do brag about this I still say,prove it and put your money where you mouth is and either don't accept the money or like I said give to the guy in the band that does need the money. [/quote] Its a fair challenge and one I sidestep by making a point not to play in bands with people who "need the money", not out of any sense of superiority but purely because it just isn't worth the tension that the differing motivations can cause. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 [quote name='bassman7755' timestamp='1453382373' post='2958944'] Its a fair challenge and one I sidestep by making a point not to play in bands with people who "need the money", not out of any sense of superiority but purely because it just isn't worth the tension that the differing motivations can cause. [/quote] Also, when you chase Mr Dollar he tends to run away. Best to do as you see fit and then if [i]he [/i]finds [i]you,[/i] it's a bonus... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1453384769' post='2958996'] Also, when you chase Mr Dollar he tends to run away. Best to do as you see fit and then if [i]he [/i]finds [i]you,[/i] it's a bonus... [/quote] See, no, I wont do that...as I think I'm worth paying. I'm sure plenty of others value their time accordingly as well...?? So, I always start from the premise that I will be paid..and it is more a question of how much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) [quote name='bassman7755' timestamp='1453382373' post='2958944'] Its a fair challenge and one I sidestep by making a point not to play in bands with people who "need the money", not out of any sense of superiority but purely because it just isn't worth the tension that the differing motivations can cause. [/quote] That's fair. And I like a good debate. Me, I would never look at a local start up or originals band. Originals bands in Milwaukee only play charities and benefits or to family and friends for no pay. Start up bands are never together long enough to see their first gig. Blue Edited January 21, 2016 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunburstjazz1967 Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Surely all bands were a startup band once, even your beloved Beatles? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 [quote name='sunburstjazz1967' timestamp='1453399437' post='2959210'] Surely all bands were a startup band once, even your beloved Beatles? [/quote] If I ever run into a start up with that level of talent, I'd consider it. Don't get Me started on the caliber if originals bands in Milwaukee. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) [quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1453285044' post='2958018'] I recently had to retire on health grounds so I've been thinking of maybe joining a covers or function band just for something to do, but I know I'd just not have the discipline to spend time listening to & learning songs I really don't like. I'd just find it stressful & miserable, which would translate into me being nervous when it came to auditioning for any bands. [/quote] I do this for a living and have never had the luxury of "I don't like this song or I don't like that song" When there's a song I don't fancy, I'm going to do something with the bass line to make that song fun for me to play. Works every time. Blue Edited January 21, 2016 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1453398473' post='2959192'] So, I always start from the premise that I will be paid... [/quote] So do I. But my point is that I don't do it entirely for the money. There are other factors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gust0o Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 [quote name='Rich' timestamp='1453197885' post='2957224'] If the original bassline is one that I particularly like or is key to the song, I'll try to play it faithfully. Otherwise, I'll add or lose bits or just invent stuff. [/quote] Seconded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimR Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 "Bragging"? It's not bragging Blue. The US has a completely different culture. In the UK we have an extrrmely socialist biased system that allows people to make music for free while being fully supported by the government. They don't have to go out and 'work'. We don't even have to pay for our healthcare. Those of us that do work also 'in the main' work a 35-40 hour week. There are exceptions but we don't work anywhere near the hours I know my American friends work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 [quote name='TimR' timestamp='1453404544' post='2959287'] "Bragging"? It's not bragging Blue. The US has a completely different culture. In the UK we have an extrrmely socialist biased system that allows people to make music for free while being fully supported by the government. They don't have to go out and 'work'. We don't even have to pay for our healthcare. Those of us that do work also 'in the main' work a 35-40 hour week. There are exceptions but we don't work anywhere near the hours I know my American friends work. [/quote] Cool, Good to know, I thought there was some sort of cultural difference. Yeah ,over here if you can't afford healthcare insurance, if you get sick, you just die. Sucks Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1453402221' post='2959249'] So do I. But my point is that I don't do it entirely for the money. There are other factors. [/quote] Me too... I think you can have your cake and eat it too... and by that I mean, play what you like and still get paid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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