General Chat (Non-Music-Related)

I will be driving 80 miles to an audition, next week, it will not be a "full band" audition, but I guess an analysis of my playing ability for the two main members of the band...the band is booked thru early 2016 and travel extensively, I think in my mind I am going to prove to myself I am not too old and washed up to hang up my hat... don't know if my older age will contrast too starkly with younger players, but at least, they seemed to have no issues with age, since they never asked what my age was..which is a good thing, imo.. these guys and gals really sound great listening to them on you tube, and if I don't make the cut, I will have no animosity, and I hope they make it big, because they are all in, like a California or Bust type mentality....

planetguy's rule #37 for auditions.....

37. never go to an audition to check out any potential band unless ALL members will be present


remember an audition is ALWAYS a two sided proposition.....they're auditioning you and you're auditioning them.

thanks Mark, your advice is always heeded and appreciated, and I agree with you, but is the early stages of negotiations I am always hesitant in asking too many questions as to why the "management" and/or bandleader, of the band decides to manage the way they do.. I am already asking the leader via email if they play Chicken Fried in 440-A or whether they are tuning to e flat or using a capo, cause I know it is F# - C# - B if in 440A standard tuning.. yes, they gave me an assignment and I hope all the tunes are that simple.. other two tunes are "Country Girl" - Luke Bryan , and "Gunpowder & Lead" - Miranda Lambert.. I would like to juice up the rather in my opinion "shallow" lead solos too, hope they are not sticklers to note for note efficiency.. LOL.. I don't even know what the pay will be yet, cause I was afraid to ask..LOL.. (if I win the slot that is) LOL..

My rule #1 (only developed ater wasting too much time in the last 3 years!) - I don't audition for YOU until I get an ample opportunity to hear what YOU sound like - live videos, practice recordings - something so I can hear where you are, musically, right now. Videos where one guy played backup from 10 years ago don't count. My time is worth $40/hour ($30/hour cash!), so if you don't have anything that I can hear, be prepared to pay me to show up.
If we get to that point, expect to spend at least an hour discussing business plans - how the group is run, goals, etc.
I'm getting too fricking old to waste my time!

Maybe don't ask everyone's sexual preference this time!

Break a leg!

We're all getting too old to not do something. If you like what you've heard so far, it's worth an afternoon drive to find out the rest of the story.

Though it would be better if the whole band were there, auditioning for the leader of the band might have advantages because you'll deal with fewer personalities/distractions, and can get an idea of the overall vision; and you should take the time to find out whether you can work with the "boss" before jumping in.

If you're going to play country, brush up on your major scales. Good luck finding the right situation, whether this is it or not.