First professional audition on Thursday

[Mighty_Joker]

Hi folks,

For those who are one of my millions of followers how know that I'm a budding professional, I've landed my first pro audition. It's for one of the UK's leading tribute bands called The Kommitments; soul, motown and funk covers for parties and functions. It's well paid, well reputed and near me! Their drummer just left (ironically on a cruise job which I turned down), and I happen to play jazz with the sax player, so got to the front of the queue.

So, I've got 4 standards to play: Respect, Mustang Sally, Hard to Handle, and Valerie. I'm confident in my abilities, and the lead bloke sounds very nice on the phone, but I'd really like to land this gig, so I'm turning to you veterans for a few tidbits of advice. My teacher told me to keep it simple and solid, advice, I imagine, that will be hard to beat, but I thought I'd ask anyway. I'm planning on charting the songs (already done two of them), and just playing along to familiarise myself with the arrangements, and then I'll just try and enjoy myself. I've done one-off's and smaller scale auditions before, and always get complimented on my feel and energy, so I'm really quite confident I'll get it, but I'd like to do anything I can do maximise my chances.

All your input greatly appreciated, thanks all.

Jon

[toddbishop]

Their drummer just left (ironically on a cruise job which I turned down)

Whoa, what are you doing turning down paying work? That's not what you're supposed to do. You're supposed to say yes when someone wants to give you money to play the drums.

Anyway, good luck with the audition-- as they say, relax, have a nice time, but remember if you screw up you'll never work in this business again. ;-)

[brentcn]

Exciting news! Great job networking! :)

Advice, hmmm. Be thorough in your research. The songs you mention have many different versions, and the band will probably model one of them closely, so make sure you know which one to follow closest. Be familiar with the one they feel is closest, but also be familiar with the other versions. They might pull ideas from here and there if they feel it improves the show.

It's great that you're writing charts! Become so familiar with the songs that you don't really need to look at them, unless something unexpected comes your way (a section is extended or missing, for example), and you need to make a quick mental adjustment. Don't read unless it's necessary!

If they have charts for you, that's another game. It couldn't hurt to look at a professional drum chart, and also a piano, horn, or bass chart, and practice following along.

Practice in front of a mirror if you can. That serious look we sometimes get when we're playing difficult things isn't a great impression in this situation. Smiling, appearing relaxed, confident, and looking as though you're having fun will get you much further. Doing all of these things will come more naturally if you are actually having fun, so get yourself into that mental state where you actually DO enjoy playing the music! Find SOMETHING about the situation that you like, whether it's the groove with the bass player, the idea that there's going to be lots of girls at the gigs, it doesn't matter really. Just get yourself to a place where you exude confidence and enjoyment.

You know how your avatar picture here on DW is quite serious looking? If your Facebook or other online profile picture has a similar feel to it, change it to something more upbeat and positive, because the band leader will probably check you out on the web. Nothing "wrong" with your picture, of course, but a band wants someone who projects entertainment and fun, right?

Break a leg! :)

[Mighty_Joker]

Thanks for the input.

@Todd: I know,I know. It was a joint decision with my wife. Basically, it was for a full 6 month cruise without any home-time, and we've only been married a year. What with her being Australian, we've also already endured a lot of long-distance time apart, and simply didn't want to do it again for 6 full months.

Besides, it worked out, as it lead to this!

[larryace]

Geez Jon the audition sounds like a duckshot.... I mean those tunes...anybody who calls themselves a drummer should be able to play those tunes in their sleep. Assuming you nail the tunes, that leaves professionalism (be early, positive, not too chatty, nail your parts) and how well you get on with the others.

Hope you get the gig Jon! You will. Sounds like a sweet repertoire too.

[Drum Mum]

Jonathan, I wish you the very best of luck! I envy you this gig-this would be my dream gig, for sure-love that kind of music. Have you ever seen "The Commitments?" If you want a great laugh and some fine music, check it out! Among my favorite scenes were the auditions!

[Anthony Amodeo]

awesome news Jon

my advise is similar to your teachers

keep it simple
play money fills (aka Motown fills )
have fun
and be you

just feel the music bro and you will shine

dont let nerves get you down either

I always tell my students before a recital that if they dont feel nervous I have to check their backs for an electric panel to make sure they are not droids

nerves are how we know we are a live..... channel them into a kick ass positive performance

[Mad About Drums]

Break a leg :)

[toddbishop]

Originally Posted by Mighty_Joker

@Todd: I know,I know. It was a joint decision with my wife. Basically, it was for a full 6 month cruise without any home-time, and we've only been married a year. What with her being Australian, we've also already endured a lot of long-distance time apart, and simply didn't want to do it again for 6 full months.

Oh right, I guess that would be a consideration! I just gave you the speech my brother gave me when I turned down a circus gig touring rural Canada that came in like three days after I got back from a grueling five months on a (blarf) Carnival boat.

Re: your current audition-- just play the stuff, project energy and good vibes, and don't worry about impressing them with your drumming prowess. Play big. Good luck!

[con struct]

"Hard To Handle" is a great audition song, one you absolutely must nail. They're looking for how tight you can play.

I'd say that's the key tune. The others are for seeing what kind of beat, a groove you can provide. Think "in the pocket."

Treat this like any other audition. Own those songs, go in and play them like you were born doing that.

And good luck!

[Anon La Ply]

I take it they're basing their versions of those of The Commitments and the singer tries to play like Andrew Strong?

What I liked about the session drummer in that set is his lovely time, his crisp, clean approach and a very nice sounding backbeat crack: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sxc8Sm0nXpE

Break a leg!

[Mighty_Joker]

Thanks everyone! Funnily enough, Hard to Handle is the only one I haven't heard before. I haven't actually seen The Commitments, nor even heard about it, until last week. I've been watching a few clips to get a feel for it, and I've been having a lot of fun playing along.

I'll let you know how I get on. I'm not so nervous, just apprehensive. I've done lots of "turn up and play" situations, and always had positive feedback. This is just a new area; I'm a bit of a latecomer to the Motown thing, so I'm just trying to adjust to the right feel. Technically, it's not an issue, but the feel needs to be right.

[keep it simple]

Jon, I take it you've looked at these first base?

Produced http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDDVlhTiXo4
Raw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5pMNyMsri4
Recent http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpe_YC1Wvg0

[Mighty_Joker]

Yes, I have thanks. I'm currently charting from their stock of recordings, which is a very nice thing to have. It ensures I'm getting the right arrangement, just the way they like it.

[Mighty_Joker]

It looks pretty good fun though! Not many cheering drunk fans at my jazz gigs...

[keep it simple]

Originally Posted by Mighty_Joker

It looks pretty good fun though! Not many cheering drunk fans at my jazz gigs...

& here was me thinking the chick singers were the bonus ;)

[Mighty_Joker]

Being newly married, I'm not in a position to enjoy that bonus to its full extent, unfortunately. ;p

[davidr]

Capture the spirit of the song and have the best feel of all the people they audition.

[HMNY]

Not much I can add in terms of what to do, but I do wish you the very best, good luck mate.

[Mighty_Joker]

Packing the car, setting off in a couple of hours. Wish me luck! I'll report back how I get on. Thanks for all your support.

[HMNY]

Drive safe, good luck, you have a lot of folks, all around the world, rooting for you!

[Anthony Amodeo]

Originally Posted by Mighty_Joker

Packing the car, setting off in a couple of hours. Wish me luck! I'll report back how I get on. Thanks for all your support.

just kill it bro

none of us have any doubt that you will just slay these tunes

use your natural confidence and give them all the flavor

get back at us

[Netz Ausg]

Good luck dude. Remember, if anything this is a learning experience that can only improve your attitudes and abilities as a musican and a professional individual, regardless of the outcome.

I'm sure you'll nail it, though! You seem very well prepared (80% of the battle). All the auditions I've succeeded in are because the bands were impressed that I'd done my homework (plus they thought my drumming was good, too, obviously :P)

[Mighty_Joker]

Just got home. It went really well; everyone was very friendly and welcoming, and they were trialling a keyboard player too, which took the pressure off me a little bit. We played the songs I'd prepared in quick succession, and we had a great feel throughout. We spent the rest of the two hours going through a few songs on their set-list that I'd heard of, and I kept up the feel and followed their cues. It was great fun!

Overall, they were very happy, they complimented my feel, liked that I can read, and we got on very well. It ended with me leaving a little early, as they wanted to go over a few things with the keyboard player. The head guy was very grateful, very happy, and told me they were looking for a regular drummer (they're currently using deps), and he would give me a call over the weekend for a proper chat.

So, fingers crossed! Thanks for all of your support, it really did help, knowing you were all rooting for me.

[HMNY]

Good to hear, really hope this works out for you.

[Tharris526]

If you can purchase the DVD "Standing in the shadows of Motown". It will give you insight into the band that was on all the recordings on the Motown records... "The Funk Brothers" There were three drummers and each drummer had different pick ups... When you figure that out you can tell which drummer was playing on each song. May they all "RIP"

[Mighty_Joker]

Hi folks.

Just to update you all, I didn't get the gig. Basically, one of their previous drummers filled in for them at a gig a day or two after my audition, and decided he'd like to rejoin. They decided to go with him instead of me. They told me it was a hard decision as they were very impressed with me at the audition, but it was inevitable as he had played with them for some time previously.

The part that really bothers me though, is that he never rang me in person to tell me straight. Instead, I found out tonight from their sax player who originally sent me the audition and assumed I'd been called at the weekend. Even when I sent them a message, he replied via email and wouldn't ring me, saying he was embarrassed I'd found out that way.

Oh well. Thanks for all your support.

[Netz Ausg]

Sucks to hear that dude, but I'm sure you've taken something away from the experience (even if it's not to expect 100% professional conduct from even the most professional of groups). You rocked it, though, so congrats on that front!

[Mighty_Joker]

Originally Posted by Netz Ausg

Sucks to hear that dude, but I'm sure you've taken something away from the experience (even if it's not to expect 100% professional conduct from even the most professional of groups). You rocked it, though, so congrats on that front!

Thanks mate. Professionalism seems to be at a premium these days.

[Midnite Zephyr]

Better luck next time, bro.

Don't they know that if a drummer quits one time, he will surely quit the band again? Not really, I just made that up.

[Liebe zeit]

Originally Posted by Mighty_Joker

The part that really bothers me though, is that he never rang me in person to tell me straight. Instead, I found out tonight from their sax player who originally sent me the audition and assumed I'd been called at the weekend.

I hate that. What's wrong with people? What does it take to speak to people straight, eh?

[Netz Ausg]

It's bad enough when you have a job interview and don't hear anything back unless you've got the job - an audition is a lot more personal, though. Fair enough when you're applicant #1000 answering the same questions as everyone else - when you perform for someone you put a little something of yourself out there for everyone to see.

We're auditioning for a guitarist next week - I'll make sure we contact all applicants.

[MattA]

Originally Posted by Mighty_Joker

The part that really bothers me though, is that he never rang me in person to tell me straight. Instead, I found out tonight from their sax player who originally sent me the audition and assumed I'd been called at the weekend. Even when I sent them a message, he replied via email and wouldn't ring me, saying he was embarrassed I'd found out that way.

Oh well. Thanks for all your support.

That's really annoying and somewhat unprofessional. I've had a similar thing happen to me before so I feel for ya there.

All you can do is draw positives and know that each audition is one step closer to the right gig for you.

P.S. Congrats on marrying an Aussie girl! Couldn't find one in the UK? ;)

[HMNY]

Sorry to hear, and the way that you heard was rather awkward.

As others have said, there is still stuff you can take away from this experience, you made it through your first 'pro' audition, did a good job, next time you'll know what to expect, and how the process works.

This was certainly an outcome I had not expected, given the drummer had left before, I don't think I'd expect him to re-join.

[Mighty_Joker]

Originally Posted by MattA

That's really annoying and somewhat unprofessional. I've had a similar thing happen to me before so I feel for ya there.

All you can do is draw positives and know that each audition is one step closer to the right gig for you.

P.S. Congrats on marrying an Aussie girl! Couldn't find one in the UK? ;)

Funnily enough, we met in Japan.

Yes, onwards and upwards. Enjoyed myself and came away with increased self-confidence.

[markdrum]

Hey MJ,

You did all of the right things the right way. You might have dodged a bullet in view of the way that the band mishandled this whole thing. Remember, when you're in a group you pretty much live with those people. If these guys are this unprofessional then maybe they did you a favor. It sounds like you know exactly what to do. Their loss.

[toddbishop]

MJ-- That happens a lot, so don't be discouraged. As long as you're out taking auditions and making contacts you're winning-- something will hit for you soon enough. Keep hustling...

[Spreggy]

It's all connections. You had a good audition, someone will say to someone hey this guy that auditioned played just fine and was easy to work with. Kinda sucks about their poor communications, that's musicians for you. Something will fall out of it. Keep auditioning, soon everyone will recognize you as a force in town, a go-to guy. And then the big bux and chicks and champagne and limos just star rolling in!