DRUMMER CAFE

Tough call. On one hand, if they rehearse in street clothes, you may look silly. But on the other hand, you want them to see your whole presentation.

Are you at all familiar with their "look"? If you've seen them perform, and your do-rag and shades fit in with their vibe, go for it. Otherwise, just wear something neutral but cool. Good luck!

One important thing would be to let them know you will do whatever it takes to work with the other members of the group to advance the overall image, music, and worth of the band.  

Look them in the eye, shake their hands, and wear a smile.  The more comfortable they are with you, the more you'll be with them.

g'luck!  

(keep the bandana in your back pocket just in case)

Going to a gig before an audition is a BIG advantage. Do they want you to replace the drummer exactly, or are they looking for something more? Why is the current drummer leaving? Is he leaving on his own/is it a "friendly" split? Would he be approachable and available for questions? In a few situations, I've been fortunate enough to sit with the drummer I'm replacing and get lots of valuable information.

Some auditions would be in a studio where there was already a kit. I would take my pedal and sticks (sometimes cymbals), or whatever they said to bring. On only a few occasions I've taken my full kit.

They would have a kit there because they would be auditioning at least 10 drummers during the evening. We would each get about 15-20 minutes. Dragging kits in and out would take all night!

I would take a sheet that had a color photo of my kit with my gear list, as well as a few photos of some different "looks" that I've achieved with different bands. Now I have my website, but I still take these items for those who aren't online.

I learned to ask if it was a "dressed" audition. Some bands are picky about that. In a clinic, Sheila E said she considered it a joke when drummers would show up at her auditions dressed like Prince. Her advice was to "look clean, nice and presentable". Oh, and "be comfortable". It depends on the band, but clean is the best approach.

It was kinda funny, but a few weeks back this band (early 20s) was outside the rehearsal space next to ours. As I was unloading, I could hear their conversation. Three of the guys were confronting the fourth about his "jeans", and how he needed to "wear leather pants all the time." He felt that leather pants while promoting and at shows was enough. They were about 2 degrees away from firing him over this.

The conversation just seemed weird to me, because it had nothing to do with the guy being tacky on stage OR anything about sound. Anyway....

Best of luck to you on your audition. I'm certain it will go well!

Drumwild... Thanks so much for posting your imput, to answer a few of your questions - The drummer is leaving because of other job commitments (corprate guy). They have advised me that he is willing to stay around and help the new drummer out with any questions etc. so he will be approachable to speak openly about the requirements. I have asked about playing style and it seems they are willing to look at some NEW added to their songs which is really cool for me. They asked I bring cymbals, pedals snare and stands so that's also a plus. I have done some research on the band, checking out their web site and others that have pics and have decided to take your advice and just go dressed in jeans and a nice sleevless dress T and some hiking boots to be on the safe side. I will let me drumming technique (very visual, cross cymbal hits and I kind of groove in my seat while playing) to impress them. I'm a very relaxed guy (nervous=energy for me) and I have already screwed up one audition because I was afraid to hit the @$%# drums like I wanted to. That's not gonna happen again! I am going all out, smiles eye contact and honesty is the way I'm going into this. I'll keep you updated.... Anyone else feel free to jump inn, you guys have given me some GREAT info... Thank You !

Can you play in those?

When it comes to drumming shoes, remember that form (absolutely) follows function.

Not saying that you should cut down a pair of Chuck Taylors from the phone lines, I know you want to look nice, but they need to be comfortable and functional to play in.

I couldn't play in hiking boots myself.

Oh, and good luck on the audition!

Be yourself. Dress how you want!  It's a rock band.  And, if you plan on dressing like that a lot then they're going to have to learn to deal with it anyway, unless you're willing to change your dresscode.  I'm a firm believer in putting everything on the table up front.  Plus bandanas are standard attire for drummers anyway!  If they get uptight about a bandana then they're in the wrong business!  (It would be different, of course, if it was a country club jazz gig or something.)

Be sure and let us know how things go!

BOOOOOOOOOO-YEA! DUDE!!!!

Congrats!  

Congratulations!!

Sounds like you got a good deal.