What is expected in band auditions

[Unholy]

Hey everyone, we've ALL been there at one time or another. whether it was an ad on rockpage, or a number a friend had given you to call the same things echo in people's mind each and every time. Things like, "Am I good enough?", "I hope I don't screw up too many notes and blow it".

My question for you seasoned rockers today is, when people who audition for you, what do you look for in prospecting musicians? I'm asking both personally and as a group. I'm just kinda curious as I've never really asked, and when you do you just get generalizations and comments about things such as attitudes. Here's your chance to break it down for us!

[Sapo]

be able to really play, really sing, and know the material. You'd be surprised how many people don't or can't.

[JackANSI]

For me an audition has always been a two-way thing. Its not just for you to show what you can do but also a time to see if you like the situation you are getting into. I remember as many bad auditions as good, so brace yourself.

An audition is basically a job interview with a twist. Some would have you walk in dressed to fit an image, others just want you to know the material and don't care what you're dressed in. If the people holding the audition are professionals, you'll know exactly what their expectations are and won't have to ask.

On the flip side, if you go into an audition, know everything you can about the role you are filling. Also don't over extend yourself, stick to what your good at and maybe a little bit beyond that. Don't try to pull off something that is beyond your current skillset (like playing and singing at the same time if you can't)



When being auditioned I look for many things dealing with the band to see if its going to be worth my time. If I show up on time and there is only one other person there, that's usually not a good sign. If everyone is there and they are mostly talking about stuff that goes on in highschool (like so-and-so #1 is going to be at x show and so-and-so #2 doesn't like them, this should be a good show!) Run and run fast. They could be good musicians in their own right, but BS gets old faster than playing the same song over and over.



When going to an audition I used to dress like I would for a gig, but the last audition I didn't and it turned into a really darn good thing anyway so... check with the audition holders. Know the material and leave your sheet music and lyrics in the car unless you just can't do it without them, admit to your mistakes, and carry a notebook to write down any passages you had trouble with (unless you're able to remember that). Don't waste their time: don't noodle beyond warmup, don't text or talk on your phone, and if it doesn't feel good to you, leave asap.

As always, every situation is different, so ask about the job!

[VENTGtr]

All that Rob said. Guess I'd add, as an example, if you're a drummer, don't try to throw every single fill you know into every song. Play what's appropriate, or at least what you think is appropriate (Then you'll know how your style fits in with them). Had a drummer show up once who brought in this MASSIVE kit with every little timbali, roto-tom, teeny-baby cymbal, set of woodblocks, etc. you can imagine. Took forever to setup. Tried to hit every one of them in every song. We asked him to just play along and not feel like he has to hit everything. Didn't listen....didn't get another audition. Could play, just wreaked of amateurism.

Along with that, bring the smallest bit of gear you can. If you're a guitar player and you're going to someone's house to audition, the last thing they probably want is your cranked 4x12 while their family is upstairs. If you don't have something smalller, that's a different matter, but keep your volume appropriate to the situation. They should probably also mention this in advance, but keep it in mind.

Discuss what tunes they'd like you to know, and know them. Ask good questions in advance (Do they change keys one any of the tunes, do they tune down, etc.).

When people are talking, whether you're in the conversation or not, don't be noodling. If there's something you want to check on, turn down.

I always like meeting up with people before actually playing just to hang out and talk, make sure everything is clear, etc. Have had times where everyone will get together and within 5 minutes it's obvious someone's not right. Then, at best, it's just wasting time, at worst, is completely uncomfortable and can be tense.

Be a pro and expect them to be the same. Be sure you like the situation and that you're all on the same page.

[hannible]

Perfect answer, but I always called it doodlin on stage a no no! Unless you have a problem with your gear, no one should know your on stage till you play your first song! Open up with a good familiar song that everyone can play without thinking! That is impressive! Mike Rubine is always telling us...You guys are so good and you don`t even warm up...If your a guitar player, play scales to get your fingers goin....sit in with as many bands as you can just for the experiance. The House Band is used to having experianced players sitting in on every gig we do...its part of our show....If you think your good enuff, we will give you a chance for maybe one song...if we find out you really are good, I may be sitting down for a few songs....Thats ok...I get paid anyway HeHe tomr

[Unholy]

thanks for the replies guys! It's been interesting reading what you've had to say.

I see a lot of people saying things like "Know the material". What if to the guy coming into the audition hasn't had much exposure to that set list. Obviously ignorance isn't an excuse, bit if someone had put in some serious time to learn and was only able to learn a few, should that hinder their chances at an audition?

For musicians who have had a lot of experience with their equipment, I can see them picking up a lot of songs in a short span of time. But how about the less experienced? Should they be given more or less leeway?

[JackANSI]

thanks for the replies guys! It's been interesting reading what you've had to say.

I see a lot of people saying things like "Know the material". What if to the guy coming into the audition hasn't had much exposure to that set list. Obviously ignorance isn't an excuse, bit if someone had put in some serious time to learn and was only able to learn a few, should that hinder their chances at an audition?

For musicians who have had a lot of experience with their equipment, I can see them picking up a lot of songs in a short span of time. But how about the less experienced? Should they be given more or less leeway?

Depends on the situation once again.. If its a gigging band (cover or orig) looking for a replacement fast, you better know a majority of the bands catalog by heart when you show up.

If its just people getting together to start something, you'd be smart to at least know some of the songs the others like/know and a few popular/fun ones from their list of influences to get things going.

Part of the audition is seeing how well the material is absorbed by the person showing up for it. All else being equal, the person with the depth of knowledge closer to the rest of the band will get the gig. Since all else is hardly ever equal, the band has to pick the right mix of attitude, knowledge, and personality to fit them. But, even if you're the most easy going, easy to get along with guy, if you don't know your parts, you're going to get skipped over for someone that knows the parts.

[hannible]

Very good question...Lots of things are involved...Time...as a beginner, you spend alot of time memorizing songs, maybe a year to learn 10 songs...it takes 30 - 40 songs to play a 3 hour gig...how long should the rest of the band wait for you to learn your parts? If you are a fast learner nice person honest, and can play your parts, you got a good chance... Jam sessions are the way to go for beginners and experienced players, to meet other players and talk to them about forming a band...play 1 song well, and you can be a star! If you can sing and play, your value is doubled...DONT BE DISCOURAGED...if it was easy, everybody would be doin it! Don`t sell your soul to the Devil to be a player, but practice at home, then go to rehearsal with the whole band, then play a few gigs for free, like your friends party...befor you charge money to play, you should record and listen just how good you are and how much someone would pay to hear you play....remember without the bar owners, most of us would be out of work....can`t drive bussiness away...BE READY, GO FOR IT!!

[Colton]

If they bring beer, they're in.

[Flaw]

If they bring beer, they're in.

[VENTGtr]

I see a lot of people saying things like "Know the material". What if the guy coming into the audition hasn't had much exposure to that set list.

May depend on how quickly you'd be expected to be out live (For example, if you're replacing someone and shows are booked, etc.).

I've gotten calls to fill in a day or two before playing material, most of which, was unfamiliar. Stay up late, jot down notes, etc. But, those are different situations.

But, in a normal scenario, hopefully, enough time is allowed, realistically, to have time. When you're planning on getting together, give a time-frame that works for everyone and try to meet it.

If you're the one(s) looking for someone, you should realize that things can come up and sometimes have to be rescheduled. One band for which I auditioned and joined for a short time, the day I was first going to meet them and run through some stuff, a bathroom pipe leaked and that needed immediate attention. Happens.

Hopefully, the band will be cool enough to understand that. If not, might not be a good sign from the start. Like Rob said, in a sense, they're auditioning for you as well.

At the same time, the band will (Should) keep it in the back of their mind that patterns can persist. If someone comes in just not knowing anything, or even more annoying, shows up not remotely knowing what you've discussed, but keeps asking if you all know songs THEY do...eh.

Obviously ignorance isn't an excuse, bit if someone had put in some serious time to learn and was only able to learn a few, should that hinder their chances at an audition?

Again, depends. If the band feels like this person would be a good fit, it would make sense for them to give them the benefit of the doubt, or even give them notes on the song's changes. Pre-Rob, I had the bass changes to every song we did (Had a period where we went through a good number of bassists).

I've known some good players who can't learn a song to save their life, at least not correctly or without (ARGH!) online tabs, which always seem wrong (At least the ones they seem to choose). If that person takes the help offered, could be fine. If they just ignore it, a red light.

[bassist_25]

An audition is basically a job interview with a twist.

Indeed, and the audition is like an assessment center, albeit, less formal. There are certain things I look for, whether I'm the auditioner or auditionee. They are generally the objective and mechnical things: Good tempo, clean technique, professional sound. But the reality is a lot of it can be quite subjective and falls within the abtruse realm of having musical chemistry with someone. Usually if it feels good to play music with somebody, then you're probably fitting with that person.

Jamming is really the easy part. The hard part is seeing if someone is the right fit, personally, for the project. IME, it's real easy to drop the ball on the part of the hiring project in this regard. I'm not saying that you have to whip out a personality test that was validated by a team of I/O psychologists to see if someone's going to be the right fit, but it's important to make sure that person is not going to be a liability or hurt the value of the project in the long run. Interviews are the least valid methods of selection, but behavioral-related questions are the most valid interview questions. Others may see it as being a little too forward, but after being around the block a few times, I would have no qualms asking a potential band mate, "Give me an example of a time when a band member's significant other caused internal strife in a previous project and how was that handled," or "Tell me of a time you did not help load out the PA system and what resulted from that?" At the least, I'm staking a time investment in a person; at the other end, I'm taking a financial or reputation risk on that person. Of course, you can't 100% predict behavior, but it helps if you can increase the percentage.

Some things are a little harder to evaluate in an audition, such as stage presence and songwriting ability. I'm a fan of having a potential bandmate perform a song or two live if the band is gigging in order to get a feel for that person's presence and how that person can handle himself or herself in front of an audience (for example, some musicians can have metronome tempo in the practice room, but are like riding on roller coasters when they get psyched out being in front of an audience).

[witchhunt]

As usual, most of the replies are making a mountain out of a molehill. I could be wrong, but I doubt that any of the replies are coming from people that make a living off of their band, but that's what it sounds like. I feel it's a good idea to meet the potential member beforehand and tell him what you expect and give him the chance to tell you what he expects. After that, he either fits or he doesn't. Cut and dry. That simple.

[Flaw]

As usual, most of the replies are making a mountain out of a molehill. I could be wrong, but I doubt that any of the replies are coming from people that make a living off of their band, but that's what it sounds like. I feel it's a good idea to meet the potential member beforehand and tell him what you expect and give him the chance to tell you what he expects. After that, he either fits or he doesn't. Cut and dry. That simple.

wow someone who is in touch with reality on here...

[RFBuck]

I'm with Paul here. The whole psych evaluation may seem overboard to some, but he's touched on critical elements that I call "creepers." Little things that creep out of the woodwork.

Yeah, you can jam and get along and it seems like it fits, but let's say the newbie brings his GF to the first gig and she gets wasted and hangs on other guys (distraction) or is loud and abrasive to fans...this was something that could have been avoided had a detailed interview been given ahead of time, including even meeting the GF. Or worse yet, when the GF starts talking for him.

Ability is critical, and THAT part is cut & dry to me. They can do it or they can't. I'm much more concerned about the "fit."

[VENTGtr]

Making a living, no. I'm also not wasting my time with it. Have worked with enough people who are unreliable, end up "not being allowed" after committing, or any other pile of things.

Doing whatever can be done to head that off, I do.

Was a good topic and the poster had some good questions.

[bassist_25]

Making a living, no. I'm also not wasting my time with it. Have worked with enough people who are unreliable, end up "not being allowed" after committing, or any other pile of things.

Doing whatever can be done to head that off, I do.

Bingo.

For me personally, I like to do things all the way. That may seem to be a bit too much for some, and that's cool. People get different things out of playing music. Of course, I'm an advocate of writing a mission statement for a band the same way one writes a mission statement for a business or organization, even if the goal of the band isn't to be a major money making enterprise...but that's just me.

[witchhunt]

As usual, most of the replies are making a mountain out of a molehill. I could be wrong, but I doubt that any of the replies are coming from people that make a living off of their band, but that's what it sounds like. I feel it's a good idea to meet the potential member beforehand and tell him what you expect and give him the chance to tell you what he expects. After that, he either fits or he doesn't. Cut and dry. That simple.

wow someone who is in touch with reality on here...

Thank you.

[witchhunt]

Ability is critical, and THAT part is cut & dry to me. They can do it or they can't. I'm much more concerned about the "fit."

Buck, that is what I'm saying in a nutshell.

[HurricaneBob]

Years ago we were looking for a guitar player, he showed up and left as soon as he heard us play. That was a downer...lol

[Flaw]

i don't see the point in an audition honestly. I could go to one of your auditions be the coolest dude in a front, and in a month be a total douche bag. So now i went through your audition and your still left looking for a member.

I've been in bands for seven years. i have not once had a audition or held a audition, and my bands turned out alright. yes they all in the past broke up, but that's because of people changing through out the time that the band has been together. so that really would not of changed with a audition. so when i start a new band, ill first start out with the members of a prior band i was in that are cool and reliable, and whatever pieces of the band need filled have people who i know from my scene to come down and jam and see how it feels. if it feels good all you can do is go from there.

[Unholy]

Years ago we were looking for a guitar player, he showed up and left as soon as he heard us play. That was a downer...lol

lol, that sucks man. Did he give a reason at all?

One of my bosses at a place I used to work with said when his band found their lead guitarist, he wouldn't play in front of him for the longest time when they'd practice.


Thanks for the discussion guys. You've helped me see some things from a band's perspective and maybe given me some ideas on why some of my own previous auditions didn't go anywhere. Also some have given some solid advice on maybe where to start as well.

If you all wish to continue the discussion please do, as I'll never tire of reading your replies!

[bassist_25]

i don't see the point in an audition honestly. I could go to one of your auditions be the coolest dude in a front, and in a month be a total douche bag. So now i went through your audition and your still left looking for a member.

I've been in bands for seven years. i have not once had a audition or held a audition, and my bands turned out alright. yes they all in the past broke up, but that's because of people changing through out the time that the band has been together. so that really would not of changed with a audition. so when i start a new band, ill first start out with the members of a prior band i was in that are cool and reliable, and whatever pieces of the band need filled have people who i know from my scene to come down and jam and see how it feels. if it feels good all you can do is go from there.

So I'm just supposed to believe someone when they tell me on the phone that they can play guitar like Steve Vai, sing like Rob Halford, drum like Terry Bozio, and play the cello just as good as Yo Yo Ma? I'm an empiricist and have been BSed throughout my years as a musician. I'm not giving someone the gig, only to find out on stage two weeks later that he or she can't hack their way through Margarittaville.

Whether you realize it or not, you are acutally audtioning the people that you're jamming with. You're just not parsing semantics about it.

[VENTGtr]

whatever pieces of the band need filled have people who i know from my scene to come down and jam and see how it feels. if it feels good all you can do is go from there.

Then...you're auditioning them. Maybe not in the same way as finding someone you don't know, but still an audition. If it doesn't "feel" right, then you're looking for someone else. If you have that kind of pool to bring a lot of familiar people in, glad for you.

This band started (Initially to fill some dates of a former band, then just kind of kept moving along). The first lineup was guys I've known for years. Lot of people have come through. Prior to working with them, I had previously known two of them. Rob, Jas and Tommy, I'd never known, heard of, seen, etc.

[Flaw]

whatever pieces of the band need filled have people who i know from my scene to come down and jam and see how it feels. if it feels good all you can do is go from there.

Then...you're auditioning them. Maybe not in the same way as finding someone you don't know, but still an audition. If it doesn't "feel" right, then you're looking for someone else. If you have that kind of pool to bring a lot of familiar people in, glad for you.

This band started (Initially to fill some dates of a former band, then just kind of kept moving along). The first lineup was guys I've known for years. Lot of people have come through. Prior to working with them, I had previously known two of them. Rob, Jas and Tommy, I'd never known, heard of, seen, etc.

No see im jamming with them. Im not looking for resumes, a list of references, or a credit score the way some of you are responding with it. Its can you play well enough that we can work with, and are you cool. Two questions that can be answered in a hour jam session and talking around the garage with a beer. No

behavioral-related questions

are needed. I would never call what i do a audition after what you guys wroted.