Audition Tips

Responses to This Article

Permalink Reply by graham lightfoot on June 9, 2009 at 12:17

Hi Mark, my interpretation of these situations is that unless they were progressive rock/fusion/extreme metal they were not looking for fab chops. In my experience the less you play the better, after all most other intrumentalists/vocalists wouldn't know a double-stroke roll from a cheese roll and tend to regard the drummer as beatkeeper and rhythm-maker. Perhaps those little bits of "my style" were, rightly or wrongly, more than required. It doesn't say much of their musicality if they didn't recognise that you were bringing a little extra to the table or just simply that they felt threatened by your ability.
Other aspects can play a part even if all seems well at the time, too old, too young, wrong haircut, too heavy, wrong image, wrong sex,kit too big or too small, culture clashes, all this seems trivial to any decent musically minded drummer but you'd be suprised at how many other issuses during the audition were being scrutinised.
I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that the secret is to underplay, minimal fills, with timing right on the money and smile a lot!
This is my story- about 20 years ago I auditioned for a very well known and respected longstanding (they're still going) folk/rock band got shortlisted from 22 down to the last 3- and came third! second was chosen cos he worked in a music shop and the guy who got the job got it cos he played a some (not great)guitar! I know cos he was a mate.
Anyway best wishes with any future auditions and take heart that it wasn't you- it was them!
Regards,
Graham, resident beatkeeper of Coldshot.

Permalink Reply by Terence Mark Frensham-Page on June 9, 2009 at 18:26

Thanks Graham, sound advice and some pointers on what to do next time.
Looking back,maybe I was overconfident and gripped by 'the excitement'.
I have been for many auditions in my time,each one has been different and I have always tried to take something away from each one,to make the best of the next one.

On the plus side, the audition requests are still coming in,so I guess you are right, it's not me,it wasthem!!
Many thanks and best of luck with Coldshot.
Terry.

Permalink Reply by graham lightfoot on June 19, 2009 at 6:18

Hi Terence, in an ironic twist of fate I auditioned for an eight-piece soul band the other night, trying to be Mr. clever I learned a couple of tunes off their website so as I'd have their arrangements spot on. You've probably already guessed whats coming next, as apparently on stage they play them exactly like the original! So all the work I put in was at least partialy useless. Despite that I was on top of my game and got to play the main bits without fault. Nevertheless I got, like you, "The call" no real explanation, which frusttrating and puzzling cos you never know what it was that made them select the one they did- it wasn't me-it was them!
Regards
Graham.

Vox/GuitarPermalink Reply by Colin Gillman on June 19, 2009 at 14:47

I'm no drummer but I know about auditions. I think your comments have made me more aware of how to handle 'the call' in future. I think it would only be fair to say why someone didnt' make the cut. I look for personality over talent every time. You might be the best drummer there is but if someone in the band isnt' comfortable about you then there's no hope. It's agony I know but I think a lot of bands have similar vibes. Especially if it's an originals band. Just my ten cents.

Vox/GuitarPermalink Reply by Toby Burton on June 19, 2009 at 20:11

I agree with Colin. It's largely a personality-based decision. Telling someone they didn't pass your personality test though isn't easy, so this is probably why they said something crap like 'you were too technical'.

My current drummer's not the best, but he knows it and freely admits it. It can be a bit frustrating for me at times, cos I've played with better drummers. But I wouldn't swap him for another, cos he brings such enthusiasm and humour to the band, half of which have been friends for nearly 30 years.

You'll find your band Terence. Good luck. Toby

Colin Gillman said:

I'm no drummer but I know about auditions. I think your comments have made me more aware of how to handle 'the call' in future. I think it would only be fair to say why someone didnt' make the cut. I look for personality over talent every time. You might be the best drummer there is but if someone in the band isnt' comfortable about you then there's no hope. It's agony I know but I think a lot of bands have similar vibes. Especially if it's an originals band. Just my ten cents.

Permalink Reply by Terence Mark Frensham-Page on June 20, 2009 at 17:48

Hi, Thanks Colin and Toby.
I didn't even consider the 'Personality' factor,something to bear in mind.
I even told them a Drummer Joke:
" How do you make a Drummer's car go faster?"
- " Take the Domino Pizza sign off of the roof!"

Ah well, we live and learn!

Good news though,next week I will begin working with a new project. More details after the initial rehearsal...

Permalink Reply by Simon Davies on October 21, 2009 at 13:41

See these were a while back - but interesting and wanted to chip in if you dont mind - Ive been on bothsides and a lot of it is personality - Ive been in decision making and I may love some one and somebody else doesnt - its not often you get everybody agree - same when you deciding to ask somebody to leave - thats really hard - what Ive learn is dont take auditions too seriously as a lot of them you wont get but ask for and be respectful to others - I now really enjoy auditioning with this attitude and I always look to get somethng out of it as most of the time - you won't get choosen - but I ask for constructive feedback - and I give it too and I say that before I go to the auditon - then I know I will be treated fairly and thats another point - I once went to an audition for a band and they wouldnt tell me the tunes - ooh we will jam on the day - I turned up and they started playing orgnials and I had to join in - no help at all - yeah I can use my ear and get along - but talk about pressure and I felt a bit small as they knew it all and I didnt - ie their own songs. So I turned them down (before they turned me down ! and told them - its a two way street and you didnt respect me). On the other hand I didnt get a gig in another band a while back - I said I really enjoyed it and thank you keep in touch if things change - the drummer phoned me up a few months ago to join his new band as he personally thought I was a good fit - we're out gigging now !

Permalink Reply by Vince Barnes on August 26, 2011 at 13:30

Hi there

 

We are a band looking for a drummer (though you may be a little far away from us - we rehearse in Woking) and we are looking for someone exactly like you who will add their own creativity. A lot of our songs have slightly different patterns, stops and fills and so we are looking for a drummer who can play.

 

We are not bothered about age - how you look, the important thing is no egos and fun to play with (and obviously can play).

 

If you are interested (and willing to travel to surrey for rehearsals and London for gigs) then drop me a line - you would be more than welcome

 

Best wishes

 

Vince

vbtudor@gmail.com

07950 812965