Jim McKee, Rock Star... NOT!
About that "life-changing event"... it didn't work out like I hoped it would. So now, I can talk about it.
I auditioned to be lead singer in a rock band last night, a classic rock band that plays bars and private parties in the Metro Detroit area. How did I get to that point? A couple of weeks ago, on a complete whim, I put an ad on Craigslist, stating that I was a vocalist with NO experience, seeking a position in a cover band. A few days later, I got a response from a guy in this band, and he said they might be looking for a new lead singer.
So, last night I went to his house, to meet with him (just him, not the rest of the band). He had all the band equipment set up in his basement. We talked for a few minutes, then got to the music. Most of the ideas for songs to do, I got from the band's play list.
I thought I did pretty good, considering I had no clue what songs we'd be doing ahead of time. Perhaps I didn't have my complete "A" game on, due to being nervous as hell. But I'm proud of how well I did.
When it was all over, he said he was looking for someone who had a better knowledge of harmonies (I readily admit that I am a rank amateur when it comes to stuff like that). To his credit, he was really nice about it, almost apologetic. I can see his point, they are an established band with paying gigs. He also pointed me towards another group whose ad he'd seen on Craigslist, who are just forming their group, and he thought I might be a better fit for them. I may call them, not quite sure right now. Or then again, I may not.
Am I bummed out? Yeah, a little. But it was fun, and it was exciting, and I am glad and thankful that I got the chance to give it a try. As the saying goes, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
And I learned something about myself. When it comes to rock & roll bands... I'm a pretty damn good karaoke singer.
I auditioned to be lead singer in a rock band last night, a classic rock band that plays bars and private parties in the Metro Detroit area. How did I get to that point? A couple of weeks ago, on a complete whim, I put an ad on Craigslist, stating that I was a vocalist with NO experience, seeking a position in a cover band. A few days later, I got a response from a guy in this band, and he said they might be looking for a new lead singer.
So, last night I went to his house, to meet with him (just him, not the rest of the band). He had all the band equipment set up in his basement. We talked for a few minutes, then got to the music. Most of the ideas for songs to do, I got from the band's play list.
Beatles - "Michelle"
Beatles - "Here, There and Everywhere"
Rolling Stones - "Jumping Jack Flash"
Three Dog Night - "Easy To Be Hard"
Guess Who - "No Sugar Tonight"
Buckinghams - "Kind Of A Drag"
John Mellencamp - "Authority Song"
Del Shannon - "Runaway"
Van Morrison - "Moondance"
I thought I did pretty good, considering I had no clue what songs we'd be doing ahead of time. Perhaps I didn't have my complete "A" game on, due to being nervous as hell. But I'm proud of how well I did.
When it was all over, he said he was looking for someone who had a better knowledge of harmonies (I readily admit that I am a rank amateur when it comes to stuff like that). To his credit, he was really nice about it, almost apologetic. I can see his point, they are an established band with paying gigs. He also pointed me towards another group whose ad he'd seen on Craigslist, who are just forming their group, and he thought I might be a better fit for them. I may call them, not quite sure right now. Or then again, I may not.
Am I bummed out? Yeah, a little. But it was fun, and it was exciting, and I am glad and thankful that I got the chance to give it a try. As the saying goes, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
And I learned something about myself. When it comes to rock & roll bands... I'm a pretty damn good karaoke singer.
posted by Jim McKee at 2:46 PM
9 Comments:
That is freaking awesome and that takes GUTS GUTS GUTS!!! That would definately be a dream of mine, instead I am just a karaoke junkie!
I am contemplating on going to our local theater company and auditioning Sunday or Monday! I have never acted before, but it looks fun! I am just nervous!
Glad you stepped out of your box!
Oh YES, We call that Lead singer disease! LOL ;o)
Hey at least you DID IT!!!
The first step is the hardest. At least they called you. I didn't even get anaudition due to the fact I'm a GIRL!
Jumping Jack Flash? That is very anbitious, Jim!
Cudo's for having the balls to go and do it. I like Karoake singing also, but can't do it without 15 beers in me first. Yeah I know, I hate that type also.
*clapping* You keep going for what you want!
Do it! Call those other bands NOW! Good for you man, I'd rather regret doing something than regret NOT doing it!
Jumping Jack Flash is pretty easy for me, actually. Kind Of A Drag and No Sugar Tonight were a bit more challenging.
Keep trying! I respect your courage (-:
Awsome.
Go for the other band!
I played guitar & sang all my life.
Privately for the most part.
8 years ago (at 39)I started jamming with a few guys when one of them suggested we play a party.
Petrified, I agreed.
1st set. = Scared to Death.
2nd set = I am a Legend In My Own Mind.
Well, I caught the bug BAD.
We stayed together as a band and played gigs for 5 years!
3 years ago I started my own new band.
Just get in any band and get your butt out there.
You will make mistakes, but you will get better as time moves on.
There is no lesson you can have that would equal just going out there & doing it.
You only live once.
(that I know of......)
Good luck!
Dave P.
Buffalo, New York.
www.rockbottomrock.com
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