PLEASE NOTE: Open Audition applications have now closed.
Steve Vai has scheduled a tour of Europe for this June-July, and the USA in Sept-Oct. He is putting a new band together and in addition to private invite-only auditions, Steve will be holding open auditions on May 2nd and 3rd from 5pm - 8pm in Los Angeles.
At this time Steve is looking for…
- An amazing bass player.
- A monstrous electric violin player that can double on either keyboards, guitar or a horn of sorts.
We aren't necessarily looking for a virtuoso keyboard player, but are looking for exceptional violin and bass players. Steve is also not opposed to hearing anyone that has an extraordinary talent on any instrument.
The music for the tour will be a selection of stuff from Steve's catalog. Some of the music is very simple and some of it very challenging. The main quality needed is confidence.
If you are a bass player or violin player and are interested, we have posted two songs that will probably be part of the set and will be audition pieces: “The Crying Machine” and “Freak Show Excess” (click song titles to download MP3s).
If you’re an interested violinist you may want to learn the melody for “The Crying Machine” and choose some guitar doubling parts on “Freak Show Excess” to learn.
Although there will be a good bit of improvising involved, we have posted a portion of written violin music to learn. It’s a section from the second movement of a piece called “Shadows and Sparks” and a sound clip is posted here that represents the written music that is also posted. (Click links to download MP3 audio and a PDF of the score.) Although reading and performing this piece is not necessarily a prerequisite, it would be nice if you could play it.
Time and space will be limited at these auditions. Amplifiers will be provided, and a keyboard will also be available.
Although we are supportive of young and upcoming musicians, these auditions are not an opportunity for fans to meet Steve, nor are they an opportunity to give Steve your demo. All people auditioning must be over 21, and must be able to perform sections from the above pieces. If you decide to travel to these auditions, you will have to do so at your own expense. We also cannot guarantee that everyone will be able to audition.
If you are interested in attending please email us for further information and location: auditions@vai.com (please do not send attachments, and do not alter email subject line.)
Serious inquiries only please.
Thanks for your consideration.