Trying out for a band

[charic]

Well im trying out for a band for the first time, any tips?

Rik

[DirkThrust]

Don't get too stressed about it. There'll be plenty more bands to try out for. Bands are like busses and women. There's always another one along soon.

The main thing that has always helped me is to learn the material. Practise it until you are completely comfortable with it.

Listen to the drummer and lock in with the bass drum. Getting tight with the drummer will impress them more than doing lots of fancy stuff, but if the drummer can't keep time with the bass drum then you are probably better off looking for another band.

They should also treat you with respect. You are gonna have to spend a lot of time with them and how the various band members get on together will be veryb important.

Edited August 17, 2007 by PaulMartin

[DaBassMonsta]

Hopefully they've given you some tunes to learn and you've got them well practiced.

Other than that - just be yourself. Seriously. It may sound naff but they're trying out for you just as much as you are for them.

Just be relaxed and do your thing. If it works out - excellent, if not - don't worry.

[Guest subaudio]

[quote name='PaulMartin' post='46916' date='Aug 17 2007, 05:47 PM']Don't get too stressed about it. There'll be plenty more bands to try out for. Bands are like busses and women. There's always another one along soon[/quote]

+1 also do as much preperation as you can, get a recording of their stuff or the covers they do as soon as poss and learn them properly, if there isnt time at least do cheat sheets, and remember music is supposed to be fun

Edited August 17, 2007 by subaudio

[warwickhunt]

It's already been said but have the mindset that you are auditioning them as much as they are you! All of the above, especially the fun bit...

Other than that:

Turn up on time and make sure you know where the rehearsal/audition venue is (visit it before hand).
Check your tuning (make sure they aren't in some form of drop tuning, they should tell you).
Have spares - leads, strings, fuses, batteries etc.

If it doesn't feel right for you be polite at the end and say thanks but no thanks. You'd be amazed how often you will cross paths with musicians over the years, so don't burn bridges and p*ss people off.

Edited August 17, 2007 by warwickhunt

[charic]

Thanks for the advice so far, these guys seem awesome, its been cool chatting to the guitarist so far and im looking forward to it. And admittedly a tad nervous (this happens still although i played my first gig infront of 200 ppl 4 weeks into playing bass :S).

Ive been listening to the music (or song) that they have on myspace and it seems easy enough to write stuff to, just play along kinda thing and add a fill where you can. Any tips on working out runs on short notice btw? Im hoping to be able to add a bit of dave ellefson to the group

Have a listen if ya want: www.myspace.com/screaminunison

i think theyre looking for a new singer too atm.

Thanks for the advice so far guys!

[AussieBassman]

[quote name='PaulMartin' post='46916' date='Aug 18 2007, 02:47 AM']but if the drummer can't keep time with the bass drum then you are probably better off looking for another band.[/quote]
Agreed-this is rule #1-if the drummer's cr*p the band will never sound good.

[elom]

The non-bass playing element is a major factor in getting the gig. Bass-wise you're either good enough for them or not (and I guess you know the answer to that already), most of it boils down to whether they like you and you like them. As others have said, just be yourself and see what happens.

[Bloodaxe]

Also, when encountering a new drummer I find it helpful to position myself where I can see their right foot, rather than struggling to pick it out of a welter of other information. Helps me to lock in

Pete.

[Gazm]

[quote name='Bloodaxe' post='47811' date='Aug 20 2007, 04:05 PM']Also, when encountering a new drummer I find it helpful to position myself where I can see their right foot...[/quote]

Yeah I remember playing in a band with a kung fu drummer, keep your eye on their fists too

Seriously though, there's some good advice on this thread, follow it and you'll be fine.

Pete.

[charic]

Thanks for the advice! Got the spot!

[skywalker]

Nice work Charic - enjoy

[Gazm]

[quote name='charic' post='50327' date='Aug 24 2007, 05:15 PM']Thanks for the advice! Got the spot![/quote]

Well done mate.

Pete.

[DaBassMonsta]

Nice one!





So... when are you gigging?

[Johngh]

Well done mate, brilliant !

[charic]

Well apparently we have a gig in october, thats IF we manage to get a singer by then. I was really comfortable with the band and it definately helped when they kept asking if I was sure I had only been playing a year and a half

[Lenny B]

The bass player's job is to make the drummer sound good - Jack Bruce.

Hopefully, there's a good drummer to start with...

[charic]

Actually yeah hes decent. And we actually get on. Nonsense you say???..... I kid you not

[parker_muse]

Good luck with your band!

Playing with lots of different people develops your playing and unique style in lots of different ways,


but remember,


ENJOY IT