First impressions count for everything.
Ok, so you have fielded phone calls from prospective band members and whittled it down from a cast of thousands to a handful of possible bass players. Now is the time to get to the serious part of the auditioning process.
It's Face to Face time.
Before you start you need to have an idea of what you want from a band member. The reason for this is that these pre-requisites will determine which applicant your and your bandmates will choose.
Things to consider could be:
- Same playing level and experience as the band.
- Someone who knows what they are doing.
- Reliable equiptment
- Applicant mixes well with others members
- Shows committment to the project
- Anything else that you or your bandmates find important
Make sure you arrive at the designated rehearsal spot early and set up giving yourself plenty of time. I say this because you are going to be just as nervous as the applicants that will be coming through the door. Relax and enjoy the day.
You are going to form a band!! This is the exciting part.
From the time the first applicant steps through the door here is the step by step process.
1. Did they arrive early, on time or late? - If they arrive late that is a bad start (unless they have contacted you beforehand or have a very, very good reason).
First impressions mean everything and almost always what you sence in a first impression is usually correct. Muso's are notorious for being slack, don't allow your fledgling band to perpetuate that reputation.
2. Introduce yourselves and engage in small talk after applicant has set up his/her gear. - As a gesture of goodwill you might offer to help set the gear up or bring in stuff from the car (a good time to check out the reliability of the applicants car for yourselves).
3. Have a jam to warm up on. - This allows everyone to have some fun to start with and it also allows you to check out the applicants confidence and improvisational (jammimg) skills. This is very important for band songwriting sessions. You never know you might write the bands first collective song at this point.
4. Go through the songs. - Both you and the applicant over the phone agreed to learning two songs for the session. If the applicant says "Sorry, I didnt have time to learn it" then stop the session and say your goodbyes. The reason for the task was to see how much initial committment the applicant has to the project.
If the applicant is keen to show off their wares at this time then play the songs. This is where things could click together and the fun really starts.
5. Put down the instruments. - You've seen what the applicant can offer your band, now is the time to make your offer to the applicant. Down the tools, find a comfy place and start talking about:
- Group direction
- What the band goals are
- What are the applicants expectations
- Rehearsal expectations etc, etc
6. Set a time in which you will call them back with an answer. - Thank them for their time and make sure you honour that promise.
7. Band debriefing. - This is essential!! Make sure that in your audition schedule you leave some time for everyone to get together (without the applicant there) and ask questions like:
"Well guys, what do you think of that one?"
Band consensus is everything in the auditioning process. And now for the last step.
8. Next applicant arrives, start again from step 1 - Make sure that the process is the same for every applicant to ensure efficiancy and consistancy.
There you have it. It can go one of two ways. Either you have to start the whole advertising and phone interviewing process again or you have found someone that you all agree would be a perfect addition to your band.
Once again I can't stress strongly enough the importance of calling everyone who auditioned and letting them know either way (make sure you call the successful applicant last so you can end on a high note).
Once you have made you choice and contacted your new bass player.....
Congratulations, you now have a band!!!!
Until next time,
Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician
www.coreystewartonline.com
www.soultradermusic.com
www.theliarsbench.com
For more articles check out "Corey Stewart Songwriting Tips"
Keywords: indie music, independent music, music industry, music business, music business tip, music marketing, band promotion, free band promotion, corey stewart
