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The Audition Process & Some Other Wacky Things to Think About…
Part One
For the next couple months I am going to share some ideas I have on the audition process. From finding out about auditions, preparing for the audition, all the way to getting or not getting the gig. If you are just starting out, a lot of these ideas will really help you out. After you get a couple tours under your belt your reputation will come into play, whether good or bad. Work will become easier or harder so we will talk much more about this later on as well.
I’m hoping these articles will shed some light on how to find more work and also on how to not get discouraged during this sometimes insane journey we call the music business. These ideas will help you prepare for a local band audition or hopefully for a major tour.
Most of the points I will share with you are ones I have learned from personal experience, many, many mistakes I have made myself, which I have learned from, and also mistakes and great actions I have seen other musicians make. These points are of course my thoughts on the subject, they are in no way the only way to find more work so keep that in mind and just grab what you can from these articles. Other than that use good common sense and a bit of instinct and you will do well.
First thing:
Go get yourself a passport right now. You never know how quickly a tour will be leaving, sometimes you will get the call to fill for another bassist who can’t make it, a last minute emergency, you get the idea. It usually takes about a month or longer to get a passport (unless you don’t mind paying a couple hundred dollars for faster service, which is of course, not guaranteed…) So don’t put this off, go to your Post office and apply for one ASAP. It should only take 20 minutes of your time to do this. If you get the call to do a European tour or even a full blown world tour and they are leaving in a couple weeks or less, it won’t matter how cool you think you are or how amazing your playing is or that your Uncle is the MD (Musical Director). They will hire the next guy who has a passport. Also keep in mind that because at this current time the euro is so strong, most tours are happening only in Europe. Why? Because is costs less for Europe to pay American Musicians and Artists.
Scan and print out your passport after you receive and SIGN it. This is good to do for two reasons. Before a tour, the road manager usually needs your passport info ASAP, now you can email him a PDF of it. Reason number two: in case you lose your passport on tour. Most U.S. embassies can issue a new passport in a day if you have a good copy of the one you lost.
Get a good package together:
This means collect the best recordings of your playing. Any great audio is a must. Live video is great if you have any. Also get good photos taken NOW. Don’t wait till you are asked because you won’t have time then. Try to get as many photos of you with as many basses as well. I’ll explain why in a little while. You will also need a good headshot just in case that is asked for. Try to do all of these photos with a pro photographer. It should put you back a couple hundred dollars but it well worth it. Don’t try to get your best friend who has a new 15 mega pixel camera to shoot these photos, you need more than a good camera, you have to understand light and exposure and have a bit of artistic talent to take great photos. You need a professional photographer and make sure you check out his work first to see if you dig it.
I remember touring with the guitarist Andy Summers. Most people are unaware that Andy is an amazing published photographer. We used to take long photo expeditions on our off days while on tour. We would both take photos usually of the same subject matter but I must say that after we developed them I would notice that 97% of Andy’s photos were absolutely brilliant. Maybe two out of my 24 were palatable. What does this mean? Well it means that it doesn’t matter who has a great camera, it’s who is behind that camera that’s most important. Just like it doesn’t matter that someone owns a $20,000 boutique bass, it’s up to the person standing behind it. Do your homework, check out other people’s photos, get some referrals, find a good pro photographer and hire him. You will probably use these photos for at least 5 or more years, not just for your promo package but also for CD’s, Myspace, your website! So choose wisely.
Photo Day:
When you go to get your photos taken, take photos with ALL your different kinds of basses. 4 string, 5 & 6 etc. Fretless, fretted, acoustic, upright if you have one. The reason being is that some acts will want to hire a certain kind of bass player. Here’s an example. Imagine that you are auditioning for a 60’s – 70’s revival type band. It could even be a modern band that wants that vintage vibe on stage. Maybe it’s the Black Crowes, maybe Sheryl Crow, maybe it’s the Rolling Stones. You get the idea. Let’s just say for arguments sake that you investigate the band on the internet and notice that the guitarist plays a 58′ fender strat thru a twin reverb amp, the keys player is playing an old beat up Hammond B3, the lead singer has a tie dye t-shirt and a peace sign medallion and the drummer is doing his best to look and sound exactly like John Bonham. Which photo will you send them? The photo of you with a 62 reissue Fender Precision bass or a photo of you and your new 9-string graphite neck, cocobolo top, piezo turbo bass? Of course the opposite also applies. In my opinion it shouldn’t make any difference, if you play your ass off, that is what should matter but remember that at this point it’s not about your or my opinion.
Now What:
So right now gather up your passport, photos, your best recordings (live and studio) and any video together. Make sure all your photos are also converted to digital form as well. Put together a good bio, list all your bands you have played with and any other experience you have. You want to have all your tools ready for battle and that’s pretty much what you are in for. So for now, the more the merrier. Just throw everything together into the same folder for now.
My next article will deal with how to find out about a gig or audition and what to do next so I’ll see you again real soon.
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite Abraham Lincoln quotes of all time, which certainly applies to this article: “I will prepare and someday my chance will come…”
Good luck, Ric
Positive Grid launches Spark 2, the next evolution of their cutting-edge smart guitar practice amplifiers and Bluetooth® speakers.
Engineered for acoustic, electric guitar, and bass, Spark 2 delivers an immersive practice and playing experience. Enjoy detailed sound and an all-new upgraded speaker design powered by Positive Grid’s exclusive Sonic IQ Computational Audio technology. With an onboard creative looper, optional battery power, and intuitive AI features for tone exploration and practice, Spark 2 is the gateway to a musical experience that goes beyond expectations.
Proprietary Audio and Advanced Technology
Spark 2 represents a leap forward in amplifier design. It integrates a new DSP amp modeling engine with double the processing power, and at 50 Watts, it packs 25% more volume than the original. Positive Grid’s proprietary Sonic IQ Computational Audio delivers incredibly detailed and dynamic sound. New HD amp models, enhanced by multi-band dynamic range compression and virtual bass augmentation, redefine the sonic landscape.
Equipped with two premium FRFR speakers and reflex ports, Spark 2 offers wide stereo imaging and broader frequency response, ensuring refined bass and clear, immersive sound.
Built-In Creative Looper
Spark 2’s built-in Groove Looper features hundreds of hyper-realistic drum tracks. From basic loops to multi-layered soundscapes or the ultimate jam session, this intuitive tool inspires endless creativity. Onboard amp controls provide quick, on-the-go looping functionality.
AI-Powered Tone and Smart Jam
Spark AI revolutionizes tone exploration. Describe any desired tone in the Spark app – from practical to outlandish – and Spark AI will suggest tones to audition or download. The more it’s used, the smarter it gets, delivering the perfect sound.
Additional smart features make it easy to practice, learn new songs and improve playing skills. Smart Jam listens to the user’s playing style and generates accompanying bass and drum parts, while Auto Chords analyzes any song streamed and displays the guitar chords in real time, to make learning and practicing new songs easier than ever.
Enhanced Hardware Design and Portability
Spark 2 allows for storing up to eight customizable presets directly on the amp for quick access to favorite sounds. Perfect the tone with large, visible onboard controls for looper, EQ, gain, reverb, and more.
Designed for convenience, an optional rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of playtime for on-the-go sessions. The new double-thick strap and durable build ensure easy and secure transport. Spark 2 is also Bluetooth® ready, allowing for music streaming and jamming along with favorite tracks anytime, anywhere.
Multiple Outputs and Advanced Features
Spark 2 offers versatile connectivity with a headphone out for private practice, stereo line outs for external audio sources, and a USB-C port which enables it to function as an audio interface. WiFi-enabled, Spark 2 allows convenient over-the-air firmware updates, keeping the amp up to date with the latest features and improvements.
“I’ve used a ton of practice amps while touring the world for over 38 years and it was always just a technical, bland exercise,” says guitar virtuoso, singer-songwriter and producer Nuno Bettencourt. “Spark 2 is like taking Madison Square Garden wherever you go – epic and versatile.”
Color Options
Available in Pearl or Black finish with a dark weave grille and premium finish.
Special Event, Upgrade Pricing & Availability
Join the special live premiere event featuring Nuno Bettencourt and surprise guests on August 1, 2024, at 8:00 am PT/11:00 am ET. Visit positivegrid.com/pages/livestream for more details and to sign up for a reminder.
Regularly USD $299, Spark 2 will be available at special early bird pricing during the pre-order period. Registered Spark 40 owners can also receive exclusive upgrade pricing.
For more information and to sign up for pre-order alerts, visit positivegrid.com/products/spark-2.
A review of the Joyo Gloam – Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal for Bass
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Joyo for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
Introduction: The Joyo Gloam is a sub-octave fuzz pedal specifically designed for bass players, combining modern sub-octave effects with rich fuzz tones. With two independently controlled circuits, the Gloam aims to provide a versatile range of sounds, from deep, aggressive fuzz to Moog-like synth effects. This review will explore the Gloam’s specifications, controls, and overall performance, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 130 * 110 * 50 mm
- Weight: 403g
- Working Voltage: DC 9V
- Controls: The Joyo Gloam features a comprehensive control set designed to provide bassists with a wide range of tonal options:
- Dry Tone: Adjusts the tone of the clean signal.
- Dry Volume: Controls the volume of the clean signal.
- Sub Octave Volume: Adjusts the volume of the sub octave signal.
- Gain: Controls the amount of gain in the fuzz circuit.
- Fuzz: Adjusts the intensity of the fuzz effect.
- Bass: Controls the bass frequencies in the fuzz circuit.
- Treble: Adjusts the treble frequencies in the fuzz circuit.
- Fuzz Mode Switch: Switches between two different fuzz modes.
- Dry Tone Frequency Switch: Selects between two different frequency points for the dry tone.
Performance: The Joyo Gloam excels in its dual-circuit design, offering both a sub octave and a fuzz channel that can be controlled individually. However, it’s important to note that the octaver cannot be used without the fuzz circuit activated; the only way to solo the octaver is by turning down the fuzz while both channels are engaged.
Fuzz Circuit: The fuzz circuit includes standard controls such as gain, volume, bass, and treble, along with a fuzz mode switch that toggles between two distinct fuzz modes. While one of the fuzz modes is highly usable and delivers a rich, aggressive tone, the other mode falls short and is less practical for most applications.
Octaver Circuit: The octaver circuit features controls for sub octave volume, clean volume, and clean tone, along with a dry tone frequency switch that provides two different frequency options. This allows for significant tonal versatility, enabling bassists to fine-tune their sound to match their preferences. Despite its limitation of being tied to the fuzz circuit, the octaver produces a deep, balanced sound that stands out.
Combined Effect: When used together, the fuzz and octaver circuits create a wide range of sounds, from classic, aggressive fuzz to synth-like tones reminiscent of a Moog synthesizer. This combination makes the Gloam a powerful tool for bassists seeking to experiment with their sound and achieve unique, textured tones.
Pros:
- Versatile Controls: Extensive control options for both fuzz and octaver circuits.
- Rich Tones: Delivers deep, aggressive fuzz and balanced octaver sounds.
- Sturdy Construction: Durable build quality ensures reliability.
- Wide Range of Sounds: Capable of producing everything from classic fuzz to synth-like effects.
Cons:
- Unusable Fuzz Mode: One of the fuzz modes is less practical.
- Dependent Octaver: Octaver cannot be used independently of the fuzz circuit.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Joyo Gloam sub-octave fuzz pedal offers a versatile and powerful option for bassists looking to expand their tonal palette. Despite some flaws, the Gloam delivers impressive sounds and flexibility. Its combination of rich fuzz and deep octaver tones, coupled with a sturdy construction, makes it a valuable addition to any bassist’s pedalboard. For those seeking a modern bass distortion with the added depth of sub-octave effects, the Joyo Gloam is a compelling choice for a very compelling price.
Visit online at joyoaudio.com/product/281.html
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Behind the Strings – Jim’s Corner…
D’Addario & Co. proudly announces the launch of “Jim’s Corner,” a captivating new YouTube series telling the 400-year-old story of the D’Addario family creating the world’s largest music accessories company. This series features Jim D’Addario, Founder and Director of Innovation at D’Addario and Co., sharing his family’s remarkable journey from 17th century Italy to a 21st century global enterprise.
In the first four episodes now available, Jim D’Addario takes viewers back to the beginning, making strings from animal guts and knotting ukulele wire as a family around the television. Countless generations carried the passion forward until the 1970s when the company made it official and never looked back. Jim recounts the creation of strings that inspired legendary riffs, including one by The Who, the launch of Darco strings, the merger with Martin Guitars and the company’s humble beginnings with his wife, Janet and brother, John. Jim D’Addario’s firsthand accounts provide an intimate and personal perspective on the milestones and challenges that shaped D’Addario into the revered brand it is today.
Episode Highlights:
- Episode 1: The Early Days in Italy and the Move to America
- Episode 2: Inspiring Iconic Riffs and Legendary Partnerships
- Episode 3: Launching Darco Strings and Merging with Martin Guitars
- Episode 4: Building the D’Addario and Co. Legacy
Watch & Subscribe Now:
Join us in celebrating this incredible legacy by watching the first four episodes of “Jim’s Corner” on YouTube. New episodes will drop every month so please subscribe to our channel to ensure you don’t miss any future episodes and exclusive content from D’Addario & Co.: www.youtube.com/@daddarioandco
Gear News
Gear News: Aguilar Amplification Unveils Limited Edition NYC Gold Skyline Tone Hammer Preamp
Aguilar Amplification announces the release of the Limited Edition NYC Gold Skyline Tone Hammer Preamp pedal. Hand serialized 1-100, this exclusive edition celebrates Aguilar’s deep roots in New York City with a tribute to its iconic landmarks and vibrant spirit.
Born in the heart of NYC and raised on the road, the Tone Hammer Preamp DI has been an indispensable tool for bassists seeking inspiring tone and versatility. The new Limited Edition Gold NYC builds on this legacy with striking custom graphics encapsulating the essence of New York City. Featuring iconic landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, this pedal is not just a tool, but a piece of art embodying the soul of the city. Each unit features a sharp platinum silkscreen over a stunning matte gold sparkle finish, that is as visually captivating as it is sonically powerful.
The Tone Hammer is an essential preamp/direct box for every bassist’s toolbox. The Tone Hammer features fully sweepable midrange frequencies in addition to bass and treble controls. With the Tone Hammer’s pristine D.I. players are set for either studio or stage. To give this tone shaping unit the ultimate flexibility we introduce our proprietary Adaptive Gain Shaping circuitry (AGS). AGS allows the player to kick in an additional gain structure and EQ with the “stomp” of a button. You can go from modern slap sounds to vintage or overdriven. 18-volt operation gives the Tone Hammer plenty of headroom to reproduce the most dynamic playing styles. Separate gain and master controls allow players to dial in just the right gain structure for any instrument.
Aguilar Amplification’s Jordan Cortese adds, “With only 100 hand-numbered units available, this third iteration of our NYC edition Tone Hammer is a collector’s dream. “It’s a homage to our city’s monumental influence on music and culture and celebrates the craftsmanship and the story of Aguilar”.
Street price: $299.99 For more information, please visit www.aguilaramp.com
Gear News: Future Impact V4 Guitar & Bass Synth Now Available in the U.S.
Interview With Barker Bass’s Inventor and Writer Lee Barker
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #4 – Boutique and Vintage Basses, Dress Code for Summer Gigs
Gear News: Ibanez & Graph Tech Launch Multi-Scale Bass with Cutting-Edge Tuning
Album: John Entwistle, Rarities Oxhumed – Volume Two
July 22 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Gear News: Positive Grid Launches Spark 2
Gear Review: Exploring the Joyo Gloam – Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal for Bass
Alberto Rigoni On Unexpected Lullabies
