How to audition a vocalist?
Seems to me you might want to have a several-pronged audition, as I think there are several components you want to look at. Music-making is not, after all, only about making music. First, make sure you know exactly what you are looking for: type of voice, ability to improvise, how they get along with the rest of the band, etc. And then leave room to be surprised, so that if someone comes along who is “right” but doesn’t exactly fit the objective criteria, you won’t discount them. Your main objective is that the vocalist be able to make music with you–with the established band. You have your own sound, they should be able to fit in, not make you bend around them (and some divas will want you to do this). So I wonder if it’s possible to make a recording of one of your songs and get it to the vocalist beforehand so they can prepare it. Then I’d want to let them do something they know and love, so that you can evaluate how they work when they’re totally comfortable with the song. Your kar
I think altobarb has detailed the exact sort of audition I would like to step into if I were to audition for a band. Give the vocalist a chance to do something comfortable for them – that way you get an idea of what they can do. Most vocalists will choose something that shows them in their best light anyway, so that’s a good start. Then you can move on to your stuff as a “part two”.
I agree with the approach that altobarb outlines. If no karaoke for step 1, then some agreed upon or common cover songs from bands in the direction you’d like to go. I’d also add that some pre-screening upfront can be a lifesaver for all parties involved. Record a demo of one or two of your songs (how about the one you’ll ask them to work with you on as part 2 of the altobarb program) and have that available as an mp3 and ask for mp3s of your candidates’ previous work. While I wouldn’t exclude anyone for not having mp3s, it’s very handy if you/they do have them and both parties can know in advance what they are getting into (even in an audition). Written descriptions of your and their respective sounds are one thing, the music is another. Good Luck! Before mp3s were so common I couldn’t tell you the number of times I’ve agreed with someone’s influences or what they say they sound like and been absolutely shocked upon hearing them play/sing/whatever! A lot of folks don’t seem to get the
