Auditions

How many of you folks still audition for gigs? I played 3 gigs today and during one of them I was approached about auditioning for someone. To be honest it has been decades not years since I had to audition for a gig of any kind. But I was wondering how many people here are still willing to audition for a gig.

Hammer

NEVER!
Thats what a good website is for
or Let them come to see your show...

.....OR unless it's a full paid audition



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 08-25-2008).]

There's an Agency here in Australia that (I believe) still insists on Auditioning people at a local venue on a Monday ("industry night").

I don't want to get high and mighty here (because I'm really not!) but at this stage, having played as much as we have, and professionally, in as many venues and situations as we have, I feel vaguely insulted that a Video of us, or one (or all) of our Agent's recommendations won't do to work for this particular Agency.

If it's for a specialised job (a Stage Musical or something similar) I would have no problem with it - but just for a "gig", unless it's truly out of the ordinary - yes I would have a problem with a full blown "audition".

This brings up a point/problem I have with some (only some) Agents - that don't keep up with the current crop of talent or potential performers, and some don't visit new venues or get out to "keep tabs" on existing acts. I really think there is a complacent attitude when it comes to knowing the "up and comers" or new(er) acts AND keeping the quality and standards high for existing, longtime acts at popular venues.

Deane, it would seem that the person already heard you. That should be enough, unless a higher power must agree.
Years ago, if I had an off night, I would approach a club and offer to play for my regular price and tell them that if they didn't like my performance they didn't have to pay. Nobody ever failed to pay. Don't know if that would still work, but if you are going to audition anyway, it might be worth a try.
Hope to see you soon!
DonM

I work as a Magician in the UK and have been working also as a keyboard vocalist recently. I telephoned some of the retirement homes in my area to enquire about work as a musician and was astinished at the low pay rates they were talking about. As a magician I would normally start negotiations at around £100 per hour (depending on how long they want me for etc) but some homes were talking about paying £25 or less per hour and wanted me to audition too For a larger fee with possibility of repeat booking I may have agreed, but for the money they were talking about I feel they can take a chance. How bad can you be. I might add that I am rebooked at the gigs I have done so far (night work paying much more money).

I don't want to say I'd never audition for free-period, but I'd sure never make a habit of it.

I've done things like offer a one time cut rate, 1 set gig at a few places I really wanted in...and they worked out more often than not.

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Bill in Dayton

I have the same attitude about this that is being expressed in the posts. I only play senior gigs and as has been mentioned they don't pay as well as clubs, dances, or private parties. It seems to me that for the money they could book once and see how it works out. I can remember when I was playing all the hot spots and sought after gigs and that was a lot different - money was super and the sidemen were amoung the best and a whole lot of fun to play with. There were dozens of guys trying to get those gigs - sometimes we were invited to sitin on a "jam" session with the band leader or booker. No one seemed to gripe about that because it usually led to booking gigs with someone if not the main gig.

Hammer

Hammer

Deane,

I agree with DonM. I essentially did the same thing as he did a number of times, and there were no instances where I was not paid, and I was usually asked when I could set up a performance schedule for them.

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

What I do when I get a call about an audition is invite the person to one of my house gigs. I pick up the tab for them (usually, it's part of a trade with the establishment). I figure, if they don't want to take the time to come to me at a regular gig, I don't really want to work for them. Usually, the caller is representing an entertainment committee of some kind and I really don't have the time for that silliness.

The last audition I went to was in 1973. It was for Steak and Ale, and I worked for them for 5 years, so the trip to Louisville (80 miles) was well worth it.


Russ

[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 08-26-2008).]

We auditioned the Mikey Maestro Show at the resort we're at. It was well worth it in the long run. We finish our 2nd contract next week.



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God Bless,
Mikey

www.mikeymaestro.com
www.myspace.com/kidconcert
www.balloonanimal.com
www.1000colorcards.com

I can't remember the last time anyone asked for an audition. It is much more common that I get a call asking where they can come see me.
Eddie

[This message has been edited by btweengigs (edited 08-26-2008).]

I think there's a difference between an audition for a gig, and an audition for a band.

I won't play an audition night for a club... My demo package and word of mouth in my small area is sufficient, and if it isn't, you can be assured it's simply the club trying to get something for nothing. If they have that attitude BEFORE you work for them, you can be assured they will have that attitude once you start!

But I WILL audition for a band, either at rehearsal, or I'll sit in for a set on a gig, but ONLY if it's someone I REALLY want to play with The rest of the time, well, I only get the call if they are after me, anyway!

But, most of the time, I LOVE to go out jamming, and have probably played at one time or another with most of the musicians in my local area, so I'm known for being able to get up at a moment's notice and do my best to make what I play 'fit in' with whoever else is playing. I jam every opportunity I get... I sometimes think my greatest musical pleasure is playing songs I don't know, on gear I don't know (if they have a rig to play on!), with guys I don't know...

Nothing else forces you to be on your toes as much, to be in the moment, as it were. So, I approach an audition with a band as just another opportunity to jam, and one with maybe a paycheck at the end of it! But after all these years of jamming, sadly, there are hardly any players left that don't know me well enough (in my little area) to actually need an audition. Hell, it's hard enough to even get some of them to a rehearsal, these days!

Great attitude, Diki! Playing with others of similar commitment and ability has always been what it's all about...at least for me!

Hurry up and get old enough for that drink I'm buying while I'm still able to climb the stairs to the bar!

Regards,


Russ

I don't remember the last time I auditioned and I'd like to keep it that way. I've already closed off my 2008 calendar because I have no more open dates. I didn't want to be this busy but I am and it's great. If you really have to audition, go in and kick their ass with good stuff. That approach has always and will always work.

Best of luck,

Joe

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Songman55
Joe Ayala

Get a basement bar, Russ...

At least getting TO the booze is easier, and afterwards... well, who cares, afterwards?

I'd be as happy as a sand-boy to come blow with you if I'm ever in the area (and vice-versa). In a sea of OMB smug self-satisfaction, you are one of the few who don't let it go to their heads.

I'll carry the G70, out of deference to your age . YOU can carry my trombone (it's got a custom lightweight slide!)..

Diki, I got it...! We could book our act as "Fabulous Russ" and "Bonehead the Bone Player"!


(Got a nice ring to it, don't ya think)?

Be well, friend-playing with you would be a gas, I'm sure!

Russ the tonedeaf one

"Bonehead is better than no...."

See, I got the T-Shirt concept already

I WANT A SHIRT! We could be the Boneheads getting no **** twins!

If sex is like playing music, I'm a much better player than I was when I was younger. See, I used to rush a bit at the end of each "Tune".

Now, sadly, each song just sort of "peters" out!


Russ