Thread: Steps to success joining a rock band?

I've got lots of experience here...from both sides of the table.

First of all let me just get the gear issue out of the way...When auditioning vocalists, gear (own mic) was NEVER an issue, but it was nice to see some of them show up with their own...mics can be rented with PA, and most production companies have wireless', bands with own PA's might require you to get your own...so be it, do it...the vocalist almost always gets away with the lowest gear bill - hahaha

Next...some auditions are professional and structured, others are made up as they go...don't be afraid to call the band leader/contact and ask questions like "is there anything specific you'd like me to sing at the audition?"...lots of my auditions have been "just show up, if we have to sing a rock version of Mary Had A Little Lamb...we will"...but it hasn't come to that yet, usually we can find 2 or 3 "standards everyone can pull off and have some fun with.

Aside from a good strong voice, with good attention to tone, pitch, expression and soul etc, I generally look for a good overall attitude, and this may include being willing to try new things, new styles, new melodies, new techniques, new approaches etc.

And be cool....if you weren't at one of my auditions, I don't care how good you can sing...everyone is replaceable IMO.

Don't butt-kiss, but (for example) if the guitar player plays a smokin' solo and blows you away, don't be afraid to give him/her a compliment.

Best of luck.

1. Bring a mike that is a good match for your voice, if possible. With windscreen.
2. Prepare one song that the band is known for performing regularly.
3. Prepare the song that makes your voice sound its best. Show your potential.
4. Don't talk too much. They already know you're nervous. It's an audition.
5. Take criticism/feedback constructively.

1. Don't do drugs/alcohol
2. Don't smash your instruments/gear (seriously, it doesn't get you more fans)
3. Make sure you know what you can sing. Imagine Jimi Hendrix trying to sing a Metallica song, doesn't seem too promising xD

Originally Posted by Asterix_13

1. Don't do drugs/alcohol
2. Don't smash your instruments/gear (seriously, it doesn't get you more fans)
3. Make sure you know what you can sing. Imagine Jimi Hendrix trying to sing a Metallica song, doesn't seem too promising xD

1. Ah crap...when did that become a rule?...hahaha

2. Agree'd

3. I think Jimi doing a version of Nothing Else Matters would be killer, and quite possibly blow away Metallica's version....but we'll never know - hahahaha

as a guitarist and the owner or a short lived band or two, this is what i would expect of an auditioning vocalist:

i would expect him/her to have a microphone, not necessarily a mike amp though
yes! of course i want to know what the vocalist wants to sing, duh!
he/she should be able to sing without pitch correction. always.
also, a little out of the normal, i would expect him/her to be able to do harmonies over thier own voice

does this help?

i went to my last band's audition having learned a couple of their songs, but i didn't bring any of my own equipment, i just used what they had...i think if you do well enough with the song, they'll be more likely to let the lack of equipment thing slide. give a strong demonstration of your vocal skills, and i doubt they'll be thinking, "hmmm, he's
f-ing awesome, but he didn't bring his own mic..."

i wasn't saying he needed to have one on him... i just expect that he own one because i don't