| Author | Message | ||
| Ron Zemanek (drz)
New Username: drz Post Number: 1 Registered: 2-2003 |
Can anybody tell me the best way to go about getting the opportunity to audition for touring/working professional bands? | ||
| Dino Monoxelos (dean_m)
Member Username: dean_m Post Number: 64 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hey Ron, I've been there, done that, and I'm still doing it. Maybe I can help you out through some of my experiences. What helped me out was moving to a city where the industry is pretty prevelant such as New York, Los Angeles or Nashville. In my case it was LA. I went to Musicians Institute where I made a wwhole lot of valuable contacts as well as some life-long friends!! From there it's a matter of hanging out and playing. What do I mean by that? Going to open jams, sitting in with people, getting your name into the "scene". Will this get you those big gigs? NO, but it may lead to some gigs that will in turn put you in touch with players that are on bigger gigs. I remember talking to Bob Birch, (Elton John's bass player)he was referred for the gig because of another gig he was doing where Davey Johnstone (Elton's guitar player) was producing. Does it always work like that? Again NO! Keep in mind Bob was playing clubs and casuals in LA for about ten years before he got the Elton gig. And his association with Davey only got him the audition. I auditioned for Ozzy when I was in LA, I later found out that there were about 3-400 other players auditioning too!!! This is what they call a "cattle call" Now if you're not keen on moving to another city, you can always put together a package and start mailing management companies, This is a long shot though because most managements won't accept unsolicited material. The other way is to start going to jams in your town and do the "hang". That may put you in touch with the right people. One thing to remember though, no matter how great a player can be, the attitude and the personality have to click as well. No one will hire you if they feel they can't sit next to you for hours on end in a tour bus or van. Oh yeah, this is another thing to consider. Most tours are what they call van tours where the whole band is in a van and everyone shares driving duties and hotel rooms. Unless you're lucky enough to land a bigger gig and now the band is in a tour bus. I've done both and I have to tell you, there's no better way to see the world than to have your bass with you, and to get paid for it as well!!! Good luck and I hope this helps a bit. Peace, Dino | ||
| Ron Zemanek (drz)
New Username: drz Post Number: 3 Registered: 2-2003 |
I pretty much thought it would go something like that. Thanks a million for your input, much appreciated. |
