Tag: reviews

Everyday is an Interview: The Metallica Audition

I was recently watching the documentary about how Robert Trujillo landed the role of bassist for Metallica. The man is incredible—his energy, talent, and resume are legendary. I was already a fan of many of the bands he played with before Metallica, but seeing him walk into that audition and own it was inspiring.

Trujillo came in prepared. He already knew several of their songs, not just on a surface level—he could play them confidently, with feel and groove, ready to rehearse with the band that day. No hesitation. No excuses. Just music.

What stood out was how some of the other bassists didn’t seem to know the songs. These were seasoned pros. Musicians who had played in big bands, toured the world, and made records. But when it came time to show up for one of the biggest auditions of their careers, they weren’t ready.

Why?

This was Metallica. One of the most iconic bands in the world. If you’re walking into that room, your baseline (no pun intended) should be knowing their setlist, inside and out. If it were me—and this applies far beyond music—I’d be researching the band’s most recent shows, pulling setlists, and walking in ready to play at least five of those songs cold. Ideally more. You’re not just there to “audition”—you’re there to be perform.

Robert Trujillo got the gig because he was talented and prepared. He respected the opportunity, did the work, and walked in like a guy who already belonged there.

That’s the whole point of Everyday is an Interview. You never know when the call will come, when the room will open, when the shot will be there. When it does—you need to be the person who’s ready. Not almost ready. Not sort of familiar. Ready.

#Just Be Better

#Stay Healthy, Stay Strong

#IOwnTheMorning

#WWKDD

Balance

There is much talk about achieving and maintaining a work-life balance. I do not believe in work-life balance. Work is part of my life. Over the years, I have determined when it should be a priority. I also know when it should take a back seat. 

Each person struggles with balancing their priorities. I need to be prepared for any situation. At the same time, I strive to be a minimalist and not take more than I need. I do not like bringing more than I need to an event or task. But I also hate being unprepared. One reason for my minimalist approach is that bringing backup supplies starts a chain reaction. I end up with too many things I do not need. 

Here are some examples

I have a gig where I need a guitar, a pedal board, an amp, and cables. I prepared the packing list. Before I knew it, my car had four guitars, three amps, and two pedal boards. Despite all of the gear, I will end up using one guitar, one pedal board, one amp, and some cables.

The same thing happens when I go on vacation or play golf. I over pack and end up carrying things I do not need. It is one thing to have an extra pair of socks. Having an extra suitcase or golf bag you will never open is another. Also, I should never bring extra “toys” to golf until I learn to hit the ball straight. At that point, I will not need the “toys” anyway.

I preach the minimalist approach to my private students. Only take what you need to take a high-stakes test. There is no need to bring large equation sheets when three equations will solve over 95% of the problems. A large equation sheet will not finish the quest for the other 5%. One can only achieve such success through meaningful practice, AKA preparation.

How do I find balance? I review everything I need and do not need after each event. I am ruthless. Did I bring something I did not need? Did I forget something (once is human, a second time is unacceptable)? What challenges occurred that I was not prepared for? In doing so, I developed running lists for different events. These include an extended vacation and a short vacation. Other events include a beach trip, golf with my friends and family, small gigs, and practice. This ongoing process has allowed me to balance being a minimalist and being prepared.

Balance is an ongoing process. You have to work on it. It must be important to you. You must learn from what you do. Good luck with your balance.

#Just Be Better

#Stay Healthy, Stay Strong

#Be prepared

#Iownthemorning