Prep for audition/first meet

[Bluewine]

3 hours ago, peteb said:

But the thing is that in most towns / markets (or whatever) you are going to struggle to get three paying gigs every weekend. If you are in three different bands then you have a chance! 

Even if if both of these bands come off, I am still going to look to join / put together another band that plays an extra two or three gigs a month.

True, 3 gig weekends are unheard of now. 3 gig weekends were not unusual for my band a few years back.

We're lucky to have a 2 gig Holloween weekend this year.

Another discussion is getting into less gigs but higher paying higher profile gigs. We we're lucky enough to experience a few gigs paying $1, 200.00 for 2 hours with big stage, big lights and sound provided. Very sweet but hard to come by.

Pete, just so happens some additional fall gigs came through today. Not great gigs, more of the traditional 4 hour bar gigs. 

I'm a band guy, a 1 band guy. I never want to be in a position where a band would have to cancel a gig because of my schedule. I think some this depends on the area you work in and remember depping is not a thing in my area or level of play.

Daryl

Edited September 27, 2018 by Bluewine

[dmccombe7]

10 hours ago, Bluewine said:

If a band is going to net me an extra $600.00- $700 00 a month,I'll learn a sh#@ load of songs.

Blue

We've had this debate before Blue. We are both In it for different reasons. Worked out Approx £100 a gig so looking at circa £700 - £800 a month. That's roughly$900 - $1050 USD a month. I just want to keep playing as my hobby rather than as a job. I have a fear that if it becomes more like a job it will become more of a chore and i won't look forward to all the work and effort that goes into playing gigs. That's just my own personal viewpoint of course and it may be that i would love gigging twice a week but will never know. 

Dave

 

 

[dmccombe7]

6 hours ago, Bluewine said:

True, 3 gig weekends are unheard of now. 3 gig weekends were not unusual for my band a few years back.

We're lucky to have a 2 gig Holloween weekend this year.

Another discussion is getting into less gigs but higher paying higher profile gigs. We we're lucky enough to experience a few gigs paying $1, 200.00 for 2 hours with big stage, big lights and sound provided. Very sweet but hard to come by.

Pete, just so happens some additional fall gigs came through today. Not great gigs, more of the traditional 4 hour bar gigs. 

I'm a band guy, a 1 band guy. I never want to be in a position where a band would have to cancel a gig because of my schedule. I think some this depends on the area you work in and remember depping is not a thing in my area or level of play.

Daryl

Blue

Would it not be worth your while lookng at wedding or function bands as they generally make good money over here and the bands i know are in great demand every week with gigs paying several thousand £'s a gig. 

If i was playing for money i think that's the route i would be looking at and with your years of experience surely that would be quite easy fro you to play.

Dave

[Bluewine]

10 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

We've had this debate before Blue. We are both In it for different reasons. Worked out Approx £100 a gig so looking at circa £700 - £800 a month. That's roughly$900 - $1050 USD a month. I just want to keep playing as my hobby rather than as a job. I have a fear that if it becomes more like a job it will become more of a chore and i won't look forward to all the work and effort that goes into playing gigs. That's just my own personal viewpoint of course and it may be that i would love gigging twice a week but will never know. 

Dave

 

 

We're all different. I have always wanted music to become a job. When it became a job for me it actually became more fun.

Those that have followed my threads know I'm really into this. There is nothing about my experience that's a chore.

Blue

Edited September 27, 2018 by Bluewine

[Bluewine]

9 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

Blue

Would it not be worth your while lookng at wedding or function bands as they generally make good money over here and the bands i know are in great demand every week with gigs paying several thousand £'s a gig. 

If i was playing for money i think that's the route i would be looking at and with your years of experience surely that would be quite easy fro you to play.

Dave

Not in my area.

Functions bands don't gig enough for me. And they usually work for agencies and these booking agencies own the sound & light companies and charge in the area of $700.00- $800.00.

So after you pay for sound and lights your left with about $500.00 for the band. Not any more than I'm making now.

Plus , I'm 65, most functions band wouldn't grant me an audition.

Blue

[Bluewine]

10 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

We've had this debate before Blue. 

 

 

I look at this as more of a discussion or exchange of ideas, not a debate.

Blue

 

[dmccombe7]

1 hour ago, Bluewine said:

I look at this as more of a discussion or exchange of ideas, not a debate.

Blue

 

True, poor choice of words on my part Blue.

Really odd how things are so diferent over here. Weddings bands here have all their own gear incl PA and lighting and can charge up to £3 or £4k depending on wedding event but i believe typically you will pay a minimum of £1-2k for a decent wedding band.

Its possible you might be spot on with regards playing full time. I have a feeling my current band might go down that route or as close to it as poss keeping in mind they all play in other bands except for me. One band is enough for me. Once the money starts coming in and the gigs are enjoyable fun (Glam Rock covers) i can see them wanting more gigs with this band. Their other bands only bring in a few hundred pounds a gid between 4 or 5 of them.

If we end up playing once or twice a week i don't think it will be so difficult for me as being retired for 2 yrs now i don't regard weekends as anything special to look forawrd to. Every day is a weekend for me 

Dave

[Bluewine]

4 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

True, poor choice of words on my part Blue.

Really odd how things are so diferent over here. Weddings bands here have all their own gear incl PA and lighting and can charge up to £3 or £4k depending on wedding event but i believe typically you will pay a minimum of £1-2k for a decent wedding band.

Its possible you might be spot on with regards playing full time. I have a feeling my current band might go down that route or as close to it as poss keeping in mind they all play in other bands except for me. One band is enough for me. Once the money starts coming in and the gigs are enjoyable fun (Glam Rock covers) i can see them wanting more gigs with this band. Their other bands only bring in a few hundred pounds a gid between 4 or 5 of them.

If we end up playing once or twice a week i don't think it will be so difficult for me as being retired for 2 yrs now i don't regard weekends as anything special to look forawrd to. Every day is a weekend for me 

Dave

Yes, a bit different over here.

I should mention DJs have taken a good share of the wedding business over here.

And that lighting and sound contracting is a big scam. They get a % of the $2,000.00 plus $700.00 for sound and lights. A lot of these guys have good day jobs and some with family money where they really don't care about the money and they're honest about it.

It's why I would ask a ton of money related questions before I'd make a decision on joining a band.

Blue

Edited September 28, 2018 by Bluewine

[Woodinblack]

I don't understand any group regularly paying $700 for sound and lights. If my group was getting $2000 for a wedding gig and immediately shelling out $700 for lights and sound, I would be looking to getting that stuff myself.

[dmccombe7]

6 hours ago, Bluewine said:

Yes, a bit different over here.

I should mention DJs have taken a good share of the wedding business over here.

And that lighting and sound contracting is a big scam. They get a % of the $2,000.00 plus $700.00 for sound and lights. A lot of these guys have good day jobs and some with family money where they really don't care about the money and they're honest about it.

It's why I would ask a ton of money related questions before I'd make a decision on joining a band.

Blue

When you say sound and light contract are we talking solely for the band use or is this a contract to cover all areas of the event. I know some US weddings can be quite lavish to say the least with several hundreds of guests invited. 

Dave

[dmccombe7]

38 minutes ago, Woodinblack said:

I don't understand any group regularly paying $700 for sound and lights. If my group was getting $2000 for a wedding gig and immediately shelling out $700 for lights and sound, I would be looking to getting that stuff myself.

Me too. Most bands have a PA anyways and a basic lighting rig for a band is only a few hundred quid upwards. 👍

[Bluewine]

11 hours ago, Woodinblack said:

I don't understand any group regularly paying $700 for sound and lights. 

Neither do I. For some of these guys they consider breaking even a win. They're not in it for profit 

Count me out.

Blue

[Bluewine]

10 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

When you say sound and light contract are we talking solely for the band use or is this a contract to cover all areas of the event. I know some US weddings can be quite lavish to say the least with several hundreds of guests invited. 

Dave

Strictly band use.

Blue

[Woodinblack]

1 hour ago, Bluewine said:

Neither do I. For some of these guys they consider breaking even a win. They're not in it for profit 

Now that I don't understand. I know we are often in these situations where you are saying that for you it is a job, whereas for the rest of us it is a hobby so you're more concerned with the money than us, but if you are doing a wedding, that is a money thing, they are a complete faff but they pay well. I expect to walk away with at least double what I get from a pub gig at a wedding, and that is why I would do one, unless it is just a wedding reception in a normal pub!

[Bluewine]

28 minutes ago, Woodinblack said:

Now that I don't understand. I know we are often in these situations where you are saying that for you it is a job, whereas for the rest of us it is a hobby so you're more concerned with the money than us, but if you are doing a wedding, that is a money thing, they are a complete faff but they pay well. I expect to walk away with at least double what I get from a pub gig at a wedding, and that is why I would do one, unless it is just a wedding reception in a normal pub!

Again, I don't understand it either.

Some bar band guys like myself think the grass is greener with functions and wedding bands. But find after you pay the expenses, your back in the same boat At least in my neck of the woods.

Blue

[lowlandtrees]

On 24/09/2018 at 22:04, Bluewine said:

Practice twice a week is usually a "red flag" unless the focus is a "for fun only"  band and they want to have fun twice a week or it's a "start up" project.

Other than that I can't see why there would be a need to practice twice a week.

Blue

I don’t mind practicing twice a week...I aim to practice personally for at least an hour every day...I love playing. This particular band was not local though. I also like a week between rehearsals to work on stuff. 

The problem with small towns, however, is the lack of musicians so I am prepared to travel but preferably at the weekend 

[StringNavigator]

SNOOZE ALERT! If you don't like long winded posts, just pass this one by.

Never lose sleep from anxiety over an audition, unless it's with Sir Paul McCartney... I think I've had a night terror like that... He said to leave the stage in front of 10,000 screaming people who suddenly went quiet as I trundled off... Then, realising that I had forgot my bass, I had to go back out again to get it... You could hear a pin drop... and then he took over the bass and everyone went wild. 

If you don't get picked, then you're both not on the same page or they have someone better in mind - and you're lucky to find out sooner than later. Besides, if you show up as a nervous wreck, you'll never pass muster anyway. Look at it as a jam session, except you know the song. 
If you're unsure with the song then you are not technically ready for that band or you hate the song on some level. This is a great time to mention the Tascam CD-BT2 Bass Trainer (play-along CD player). It makes you sound like you're the BP in the mix. I'm sure there are even greater things sold as computer software, but it's the greatest prep for auditions (or rehearsals). Everyone's on the same page before rehearsal.

An old friend of mine, a drummer and a Limey, would show up at an audition and just before they started, he would say to them, "OK, boys... Show me what you got!" Now, that's the right stuff for an auditionee. You ARE auditioning that band every bit as much as they are auditioning you. You can phone them back later, just like they phone you, and tell them "Thanks, but no thanks!".

Did you exchange pertinent information before all that packing and driving?

Did you tell them that you were a BP? On Bass guitar or double bass? 
Four or five string? Fretted or Fretless? Pizzicato or plectrum?
That you have YOUR OWN transporation or not? Do they?
That you FULLY OWN excellent gear? Speaker size 8x10 or 1x10? 40W or 300W? Combo or Piggyback?
What about their equipment quality?
Yours and their locations? Discuss travel time/mileage? Rehearsal studio rental costs?

That you are seeking an established or a start-up band?
Covers or Originals or both? Improvisation required or not allowed?
Dance Band, Pub Band, Function Band, Jam Band, Bar Band?
Local gigs? Touring? Charity gigs? Just for fun?
Yours and their repertoire list, musical interests and goals?
Age range/limits, if any? 
Gender stipulations?

Musical styles/genres? Are they looking for Rocco Prestia or John McVie? Or Carol Kaye?
Sixties Soul, Disco, Jazz, Blues
R&B, Ballads, Boogaloo, Funk, Gospel
Texas, New Orleans or Chicago styles
Jump Blues, 50's R&R, Doo-Wop
Classic Rock, British Invasion, New Wave, Punk
Beatles to AC/DC...
Traditional Country, New Country, Country Rock, Southern Rock, Rockabilly, Cajun
Reggae, Ska, Rock Steady, Calypso, Soca and Steel Pan
Big Band Era, Popular vocal music, Ballroom music, Swing, Dixieland
Waltzes, Polkas, Latin dance rhythms

Some possible discussion points:
Set-list (sequence, title, artist, band singer's key),
Line-up (current and desired),
Rehearsals (schedule, location, cost),
Performance intentions (frequency, audience, venues, area, local/touring),
Age range, if any.

Experience has shown me that, for my own self-preservation and peace of mind, I need to avoid certain situations, and you should, too. Find out this stuff.

Multiple-project band-hoppers
Bands that can't seem to hold-on to a bass player
Bands that keep their old bass player lurking about 
Bands desperate for a temp bass player that lead you into believing that you're permanent 
Bands with debts, covert overhead costs or requiring signatures
Manipulative personalities, phonies, weasels, sneaks, liars and cons
Bands that change out members for friends when they gain some success
Unequal distribution of compensation
Weaseling-in of friends/family into the band 
Weaseling-in of friends/family into position to run band operations, so that they can actually run it
Bass line micro-managers, critics and advisors
Musicians who bought a bass as a second instrument and now think that they are a bass player, too 
Self-appointed band-leaders with minute talent, no draw, no studio, no gigs and no charts
Self-induced virtuosos or anyone that would refer to themselves as a "pro" without laughing
Songwriters trolling for employees, or even worse, volunteers
Originals and other anti-dance music. 
Also, petty re-arranging of hit songs, so the band leader can justify position
Band-room potheads or intoxicated zombies. Maybe both.
Band-room smoochers, relatives, cults and Fraternites 
Politicos
Bands cashing in on tributes to the recently departed...

We should make a useful checklist for ourselves and not say yea! until all items have been investigated. I'd be very interested to garner info from other BP's on Bass Chat...

 

Edited October 31, 2018 by StringNavigator

[StringNavigator]

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Edited October 31, 2018 by StringNavigator

[StringNavigator]

On ‎17‎/‎09‎/‎2018 at 14:59, lowlandtrees said:

tried out my stuff today....duff main lead.....Gotta get into town tomorrow and buy decent leads and work on my gear.

Before you spend more money on lead cords, look into the price of a Line Driver and try it out in the store. They act as a buffer amp to protect your bass signal from losses due to stray capacitance in your coaxial cables. The regained sparkle is unmistakable. The longer the cord, the more the losses. Some cords have been crushed and you can't tell from visual inspection. Cheap coax has high stray capacitance. It costs money to manufacture quality coaxial cables. They also have an adjustable instant  boost of about 20 dB. Personally, I like the blue light.

 

 

[Bluewine]

On 29/09/2018 at 06:47, lowlandtrees said:

I don’t mind practicing twice a week...I aim to practice personally for at least an hour every day...I love playing. This particular band was not local though. I also like a week between rehearsals to work on stuff. 

The problem with small towns, however, is the lack of musicians so I am prepared to travel but preferably at the weekend 

If I was 40 years younger and in your situation I'd probably feel and do the same way.

Blue

 

[StringNavigator]

On ‎21‎/‎09‎/‎2018 at 08:31, discreet said:

 It's always been the same for me, I'm not really happy unless I'm playing the bass and anything else is just annoying crap to be got out of the way as quickly as possible so I can play the bass.

Thank you! That's how it is... Not for the faint of heart... It's the same intensity level as being a priest or a doctor or a cop or a porno star... You have to pray that you don't make a mistake, you have to nurse it, you have to walk the beat and you have to keep it up. It's exhausting...

 

 

 

 

Edited October 31, 2018 by StringNavigator

[StringNavigator]

On ‎23‎/‎09‎/‎2018 at 17:41, lowlandtrees said:

... they were very sound people and got on well but I felt...strange...about being one of five people that they were auditioning that afternoon. Guess that is what the likes of actors do every day. Glad I don’t have to make a living from this. 

This is how I feel exactly about auditions. And they give you a slot... 19:30-20:10... And you have to be packed and gone before the next slot begins... And then you wait for a call that may never come... And it's even worse for the band! They're there all night! And they get nothing out of it either. And deciding on which lad/lassie to tap is gut wrenching. Bands I've spoken to about it never want to do it a second time. They just take a referral instead.

 

 

 

[Bluewine]

Auditions can be sad. The saddest is when you don't do your homework and audition for a band that's not a match.

How many of you have showed up to an audition, professional, confident you know the material inside out and find the other band members are weak and playing at a lower level than you. Bad interpretation of the material, questionnable chords and notes, poor vocals.

Blue

Edited October 31, 2018 by Bluewine

[Bluewine]

Be careful when offered the job right after you audition. More than likely it's a " red flag" more than anything else.

Blue

[StringNavigator]

On ‎27‎/‎09‎/‎2018 at 14:05, Bluewine said:

 And they usually work for agencies and these booking agencies own the sound & light companies and charge in the area of $700.00- $800.00. So after you pay for sound and lights your left with about $500.00 for the band. Not any more than I'm making now. Plus , I'm 65, most functions band wouldn't grant me an audition.

You're right about agencies. You get work often, but they gouge you on expenses... and you pay taxe$! I toured with a rock band for an agency in Quebec when I was 16 and this very skinny guy who didn't speak English drove us and our gear all over Northern Que. I remember that he was always happy and  I never realised it then, but most of our money was going to him. We didn't have enough money to eat a meal in a restaurant and he was walking away with a wad of our earnings. Paid by the mile. We starved and ended up raiding the wine and cheese in the hotel kitchen, which was closed for bankruptcy. We rightly got fired, and the agency handled the police, but he was hired to drive us all the way back to Montreal where "he" received the balance of our money and we returned home penniless.

I can also back you up on function bands. My big touch of grey doesn't cut it with them. Age is the first question they ask. There just doesn't seem to be enough 60+ bands in Toronto. I'd be content to find an old boys shed band.