The Working Man

The Gig of a Lifetime!

It was a bright and beautiful Saturday afternoon. I had the day off and nothing much to do. So, I decided to pull out my basses and clean them up a bit. Tighten up some loose screws, put in a few new batteries, change some strings. While preparing for the days event, I figure I'd add a little noise to the room to keep me company. So I clicked on the TV. As usual there was nothing on worth watching, so I went to my DVD collection to see what I could find. I came across a DVD featuring Sting titled "Sting Inside the Songs of Sacred Love." I had purchased it sometime ago and never had a chance to watch it. Well, this seemed to be a good time to throw it in, so I did. As I sat there with one of my basses across my lap, I found myself more into the DVD then the cleaning and repair mission I had planned on. It's a great watch for musicians. Along with the performances it also takes you through the rehearsals and the preparations that are necessary when making the transition from the recording to performing the music live. I have been a fan of Sting for sometime, since the Police era, so it has always been a dream of mine to perform with him one day. As I watched, I started to wonder, "What would it really be like to perform with him? What kind of gig would it truly be? I've worked with big name artists before so that basic mystery is solved. But, each personality is different. I started to think back on past performances and what they were like. You know, all the do's and don'ts. As I wondered back in time, I quickly grabbed my laptop figuring that this would be a great subject for an article. Something every working man and woman should know: What to do when the gig of a lifetime knocks on your door? And here's what I came up with.

The Audition:
Leave your ego at home. Remember, this is not your gig. You must be a total team player, willing, ready, and flexible enough for anything and everything. Don't change your personality or who you are. Be yourself and relax. Enjoy the whole process, the audition, the meeting new people, and the networking. And remember, even if you don't get this gig, you could be laying the foundation for the future. Be cool, confident, and not cocky! When you get the call don't panic, and don't feel you have to do anything different. Remember, they want you, and not a copy of someone else. When it comes to what to perform at the audition in most cases they will send you the material before hand or send you a list of tunes to learn. In either case, do your homework and know your parts. Know the artist you may be working with. Do a little research. Don't be afraid to ask questions, just don't ask too many. When the time comes to find out if you scored, don't call them! Let them call you! If you don't hear from them for a while, don't panic! Some call backs can take weeks, and in some cases, months. So chill, if the gig is really yours it will happen. In most cases you won't meet the artist on the first call. But when and if you do, don't become the giggling, crazy fan. Remember, you are a professional. Keep yourself in check. Wait till you get home to go nuts, bounce off the walls and pass out! Dress nice, be clean and neat. Don't go broke buying a new outfit that you think will make them love you. Save your money! You may need it for the plane ride home. Remember, they are human just like you... they just make more money than you.

Okay, let's say you got the gig, now what? Again don't worry, it will all fall into place. After you've landed the gig they'll sit down and go over all the details with you, travel plans, your pay, etc. Be patient, and let them explain everything before you ask any questions. Again be professional. Last but not least, enjoy the experience. When you land a gig like this it's the coolest. Be careful! Watch your money, and enjoy the ride.

Well by now you are saying "that's great Kenn but how do I get that call?"

I'll see ya in the next issue.

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