The Day I Auditioned For Jamiroquai - And What Went Wrong!

Jamiroquai at the time was one of the biggest bands on the planet, I had just been in a band that had lost its record deal, I was doing quite well doing session work, but guess who my favorite band was? you guessed it, Jamiroquai! In this video, I talk about my audition, what went wrong and what I could have done better. The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.

[@75tram]

Great story - and very humble of you to share it!!

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Martyn.

[@automatoncollectives7237]

@@TheStudioRats It’s silly of you to try and say this was a “stadium band”. Please.

[@Foghornish]

I met Toby Smith and the rest of the band a few times back in the 90s. They were all great guys, but Jay Kay was very much the boss: fair play every ship needs a captain. He's a complex character I think. He had beautiful women throwing themselves at him backstage. Anyway glad you didn't give up, and remember everything happens for a reason. Love the Fender Rhodes you've got their too, I had one myself in the 90s.

[@zender2012]

Sending positive vibrations to you brother ! 😃 👍🏼 The best place to be , is where you are now🙏🏼 Peace and love, Stu 👍🏼

[@TheStudioRats]

Legend!

[@zender2012]

Everyone has bad days 🥴. I remember good days, bad days, alright days, and a ton of amazing days with the lads. Absolutely fantastic 😃

[@TheStudioRats]

Stuart Zender I can imagine you have some great stories Stu. You were part of the band in its hay day, it must of been an awesome ride.

[@3ver4fter53]

@@TheStudioRats Hey guys, how incredible to have both of you interacting here after this story. Thanks so much for the fantastic music and for the humility.

[@juani9180]

​@@zender2012Hello, I know you're not going to answer but I love your work on all of Jamiroquai's albums. after all you are part of the best funky stage in the world

[@jayseb]

So refreshing to hear real stories, from real people! Failure happens and it's all good. Share some more, this is great material. Cheers.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers again Seb

[@globalizemeuk]

From what I hear, back in 98 he was a bit of an arse. He’s a lovely guy now, I live locally to him and he’s chatty, friendly and humble. I think marriage and fatherhood has mellowed him.

[@bsilentmusic]

Marriage and kids will do that for ya lol

[@ant2312]

as per the usual with young music stars he had a bad cocaine problem at that time, he gave it up in 2003

[@NotCharAznable]

I think they were all just too young for that level of success. Plus they’re rebels. Of course they’ll do all the illegal things

[@johnpartridge7494]

Love this! More stories 👌

[@redroverthefngamecat]

More please. Stories are a great way to pass on experience and learning to many. Love it!

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Red Rover, will do.

[@marmadukewinterbotham2599]

Very interesting - yes, I'd like to hear some more stories! I have to say that I think it was churlish of Kay not to be pleasant on your entering, it would have been just common courtesy to greet nervous auditionees so they settled in and gave of their best. As you said, it all turned out for the best. He failed the audition to be the lead singer of The Brand New Heavies and went on to better things...

[@TheStudioRats]

About the Brand New Heavies, I didn’t know that. All the best.

[@davidthomas1467]

Funny, Simon Bartholomew played for a time in Jamiroquai

[@MRxr400]

these lessons of life as a musician are priceless. i've only ever been a cover band guitarist and auditioned guys for a second guitarist in our band. we never play songs exactly like the albums, and i love someone who listens and finds their spot in the song and plays with the band. opening up for some creative playing. i look for ways i can play less to mean more and give room to others. unfortunately, i can't read music and only play by ear, but i feel it works well for cover band work.

[@leonisalpha4537]

This must have been nerve wrecking. I got nervous just by listening to your story. 😵 I am sure most pros have stories like this. ID love to hear more😃

[@TheStudioRats]

will do

[@Skybluetoo]

That’s a great story. Many years ago I had to travel across the desert from Egypt into Israel in armed convoy travelling at a set speed with Pre agreed stops. It took 13 hours and all I had was my Sony disc player and ‘Funk Odyssey’. I learned to love Jamiroquai on that trip! Amazing band.

[@TheStudioRats]

cool story

[@jjadams1000]

Great story...we all have those moments...part of being human. Cheers.

[@videostar80sduo24]

Great story, Paul - lessons for us all there. Plus - as you said - when one door closes, another one opens.

[@renetvedtpedersen5048]

Great story, even though it didn't go as you wanted. Would absolutely like to hear stories like these. Jamiroquai was also one of my favorites. Really like the way they use the instruments and rhythm in their songs.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers yep Jay Kay is a tool but they are/were a great band.

[@alexandersteffen7805]

You played with jamiroquai, that's it. Just for that you should feel like a winner. Nice story

[@TheStudioRats]

The right man got the job. Rob Harris is a fantastic guitar player.

[@lowfatmatt433]

What an epic story. I would have done exactly the same, obsessed over tone and played the parts to the point of exhaustion. On another day for another band might have got you the gig. Thanks for sharing

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Low-fat, yep it definitely changed the way I auditioned after that.

[@douglasnewman4163]

Great story, Paul. Lessons to learn all the way along in life. We either learn from them or repeat them, I guess. Thanks for the insights.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Douglas.

[@louissanderson719]

You need to get an interview with Rob Harris!

[@jamiroquaiordie]

Being auditioned for one of the greatest band that ever existed must be hard, dude. Glad you didn't gave up... and you surely did a good job

[@freddylopez7536]

I feel your pain my friend. I've been in the exact same place. I had an audition to play with Frankie Valli. It wasn't my biggest dream in life but I do love his tunes and the band was very cool. I wanted the gig. But like you my nerves killed me. I played very mediocre and lost the gig. There ya go. Boom. Love your playing and your channel. I'm here frequently. Peace.

[@TheStudioRats]

Wow Franky Valli I’d love to hear that story Freddy.

[@stevemartin8362]

You sharing this experience, Paul, simply sums-up what's great about you guys and your channel....down-to-earth, good, honest sharing of a love for music, especially that which revolves around guitars (don't we just love them.....recently got a 2008 PRS DGT and I'm in smitten!)......and we like-minded souls get the benefit......can't thank you enough, guys, and more power to your elbows (and fingers).

[@TheStudioRats]

I appreciate that! CHEERS steve.

[@fish1463]

Such a cool story, I feel your pain though, I can imagine how terrifying that must have been.

[@janicebowling5443]

Hi Paul. Great to hear this story. I hope you are well, and would be great to hear more! Take care

[@TheStudioRats]

X

[@jeffpeterson2012]

That was really insightful and surreal. I play the drums and I go to open mics hear in Chicago. They ask me if I can play certain songs, well I always know the songs but I play the drum parts as how I see fit because I didn't want to sound like anyone else. And sometimes the other musicians get frustrated because they want the original drum parts but I always felt confined doing that. I was starting to feel like Maybe I should change. But after watching your video I am relieved and Happy to stay me. Jamiriquai is thee Hottest band EVER. My style. Your story was so awesome. I loved hearing it. You seem really cool. Please tell more. I'm gunna tell everyone In Chicago about your video and to watch it. JAMIRIQUAI are very big here still. But man that was so interesting. Thanks. You are a cool cat!!!!

[@rustyscrib6071]

Wow, that is a great story. It's interesting how nervous you were around Jay. He sings, but he certainly doesn't know how to play guitar or any other instrument that I know of. I probably would've been more nervous playing with the band. At the same time he is the leader, so whatever he wants goes. Like yourself, this my favorite band in the world as far as the genre that they play. It just wasn't meant to be, but you ended up in a good place regardless.

[@srsanders455]

Great Story Paul, yes more of these please. :)

[@TheStudioRats]

Will do.

[@burresseffects]

Wow, man. That’s an inspirational story. I’m sure it was an unforgettable experience, and so what if you didn’t get the gig. We all end up where we need to be eventually. If you ever make it to Nashville I’d be happy to jam on some Jamiroquai with you! The world could certainly use more positively charged disco funk these days. Cheers.

[@jameskesler1930]

Would love to hear your about your other experiences that provide lessons learned. Keep up the great work!

[@davidrainhammusic3100]

Lesson for life right there...dont over-think it. Great story Paul 🎸

[@TheStudioRats]

Chhers David.

[@frankcoleman7186]

Great story!!! and one by which to learn from!!! No lesson is for free but it is for you to keep!!! Loved❤️ your story please keep sharing them with us!!! They're really Lessons to learn from!!!😊🙏🏻

[@markcarleton6647]

Thanks for sharing your story. I admire your guitar playing, and now your humility and honesty too! Much respect.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers mark.

[@JamesAlexanderGale]

Defo want to hear more Paul! Great story, as a fellow guitarist working in the industry I can relate so much to this scenario! Auditions can sometimes bring out the worst, most awkward situations. Looking forward to more stories!

[@Stratanton]

Congratulations Paul for your honest description..We are waiting for more stories..!!!

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Antonis, will do!

[@slobodanarodu2005]

It would be great to hear more stories from you Paul Cheers

[@ScuffhamAmps]

Nice story Paul! Good advice for anyone finding themselves in a similar situation. BTW, I once saw JK on the Kings Road - his head under the bonnet of a broken down vintage Aston Martin.

[@TheStudioRats]

I shouldn’t laugh but...

[@SjaakShirly6559]

Yes! More stories please!

[@antje4390]

I really appreciate ur honesty. I play keys in germany, was 13 when too young 2 die came out etc.... I feel u man❤

[@darvinreed2314]

Music has always just flowed from me I don't play other people's stuff I just play what I feel and it works like becoming one with my feelings and music it just feels natural the longer I play the better I get music has always been a healing thing for me I don't want to be famous or make it a job I just want to play and heal my own soul great story by the way and your probably better off you do great reviews

[@toddsteele72]

More stories please Paul. What a cool life you've had thus far.

[@Cring0r]

would love to hear more stories like this!

[@WilliamJackson-by1bb]

Keep the stories coming!

[@SteveR5954]

Thanks for sharing this story. Everything happens for a reason eh! and as you say the guy before you was great and you think he got the gig... so no matter what you did maybe the guy before was everything the singer was looking for ..... no matter what you did. Would be great to hear more stories of how you got to be here now. Cheers from Australia

[@philcackett1155]

Love to hear more stories Paul. Jamiroquai are a favourite of mine. Saw them at the o2.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers mate.

[@philcackett1155]

Di you play with Andrew Roachford? He comes across as a nice guy.

[@TheStudioRats]

Phil Cackett yep I did some studio stuff with him. He’s a really nice guy and super talented.

[@fruitcakedrifter1286]

Thanks for sharing something most of us can only daydream about.......You Da Man!!

[@bielartur]

That is a great store, Paul and a great lesson! And of course I would love to hear more! :)

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Artur ill see if i can do another next week.

[@scarab944]

Great story about perhaps my favorite band. It may have felt like abject failure at the time, but just to be considered for the job reflects all of the hard work and raw talent behind your playing. Getting to the level where you're on the short-list for joining one of the largest bands in the world sounds like almost unimaginable success to me. Would love to hear more of these stories!

[@lastrolo1517]

Great story and wisdom Paul. 😊

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks Rolo.

[@clancywiggam]

Good story! Thanks for that, Paul.

[@RedRose4711]

Yep...that was interesting. I definitely want to hear more!

[@SunKing968]

I think you did GREAT given the circumstances- I would have had a heart attack and collapsed head first into their amp and everything else before even beginning the first rhythm part

[@gunter5483]

Please more of that stories.

[@thelolguy007]

Really enjoyed this mate. Love the honesty. More please

[@simonc61]

At least you got to play with them. When I was 19, back in the late 80’s I moved to London to try and ‘make it’ in music. I got an audition with a band at Nomis studios, took the Tube all the way from Dulwich with my guitar. I had hair like Bruno from Fame then and have never had great fashion sense. I sat on the sofa in reception and this dude swaggered out dressed in leather, necklaces and bangles - ‘Are you Simon?’. He told me to hang on, went back into the studio then came back out and said ‘sorry mate but we’re not going to try you out after all’. Another time I didn’t even get that far - rang an ad in the Melody Maker and the guy on the other end asked if I’d been in any name bands. Before I’d even finished uttering ‘no’ he’d hung up on me. The band? The Pretenders.

[@TheStudioRats]

coool story Simon.

[@simonc61]

@@TheStudioRats You’ve just reminded me of another story - I went for another audition in the village hall at Stoke Fleming, near Dartmouth in Devon which coincidentally is where JK has a house. I can’t remember the band now but it definitely wasn’t Jamiroquai! I did have to use the amp they supplied though and I remember there being a few guitarists in the waiting room. It wasn’t bad as the audition in a Torquay nightclub though - I had to stand on the stage, blinded by spotlights and play along to a backing track while two guys from the band sat in the gloom and watched. Why do we put ourselves through this? :-)

[@michaels656]

Thanks Paul! Our “failures” can either be failures...or they can be a pivot to unforeseen successes and opportunities for personal growth. Really appreciate all that you share.

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks Michael, great advice.

[@sb6232]

Very humbling story...You can't tell by your playing : ) It's refreshing to see the "human" side as well as the " Sir guitar virtuoso king of tasty licks extrordinare.."

[@glensmith5646]

Hi Paul. Just come across your Jamiroquai story. I was there too that day, I also auditioned, had the call the night before and managed to get to Our Price before they shut to buy their album. I had to learn I think 3 songs I was told I’d be expected to play. Remember the day well, I felt slightly under prepared and especially after listening to the guy they were playing back on tape whilst they commented how great he was. Kinda felt the decision had been made 😂😩 Great band to play with though. The keyboard player was running the show and what a player…

[@TheStudioRats]

Hi Glen, oh yeah the guy that got it was fantastic, I think his name is Rob Harris.

[@ant2312]

keyboard player back then was Toby Smith RIP

[@SuperLuckyCat7]

Excellent story. I can just guess how that must've felt... But you landed on yr feet 👍 Thx for sharing 😊

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks for watching! Yeah I think I dodged a bullet and the guy that got the gig is SO GOOD! He deserved the gig way more.

[@84homey]

so much good general business advice in these 6 minutes!

[@Beano_z]

Please, we’d love to hear more!!

[@stephenwoodhouse7178]

Brilliant story thanks for sharing. Please share more story's Paul.

[@voliteon]

Thanks for sharing!! Good on you - it's a super interesting story :)

[@JKGuitar]

Great video. This video randomly popped up on my homepage today!

[@fumeokid]

Super cool and honest of you telling this story- and your a great guitar player too! Fates mysterious ways…

[@martinv.8750]

It is amazing to see somebody shares these experiences of real life

[@NickTann]

Great story! Would love to hear more .

[@garywaddell6309]

Hey Paul, I’m just going through some of the older videos, I’d love to see and more of the history for you and James. Great story 👍🏻

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Gary

[@alessiograziani6355]

While you were talking I tried to imagine myself in that same situation... I immediatley felt that classic cold in the body and the growing heart rate... :) You tried and you discovered that it was not a matter of guitar technique or guitar knowledge (that for sure you own), but only of managing the panic and the fear that is natural to feel in those moments.

[@preciseaudioblog]

Hey man! What an experience! Of course you were nervous... good vibes!!

[@dplj4428]

Seems like lessons that apply to so many life situations.

[@Bobby_Digital37]

Great story!!! Please share more!!!

[@iainholmes2735]

Enjoyed the vid. For me, the best album is 'A Funk Odyssey'. Classic.

[@paulvsmith]

Great story. It reminds me of Pete Thorn's series on getting gigs and playing with others. You'd probably get the gig now, but only because you've gone through that experience.

[@silviosarunic3234]

there is no fate... you shape your life..... remember that!

[@jonjuan2020]

Thanks for the video Paul. Something about the chronology of your story doesn't quite add up unfortunately. You state that your auditioned for Jamiroquai was in 1998. Simon Katz was the band's guitarist from 1995 until 2000. He featured on the albums "Travelling Without Moving" (1996) and "Synkronised" (recorded in 1998/99). He left the band after the "Synkronised" World tour. Rob Harris, the band's current guitarist - replaced Katz in 2000. It's true that Stuart Zender left the band in 1998 (replaced by Nick Fyffe), but they have never been any accounts of Simon Katz leaving the band during that period.

[@ant2312]

Rob Harris joined in 1999 and thats from his bio on his own website " joining the band Jamiroquai as a member in 1999 which continues to this day. Rob has played and co- written on the albums Funk Odyssey, Dynamite, Rock Dust Light Star and has most recently played on the band’s 2017 release Automaton and embarking on a global tour with the band in the April of the same year."

[@jonjuan2020]

@@ant2312 With all respect, Rob Harris' chronology or memory must be wrong. On this TV performance from December 7th 1999 (Jamiroquai's last live performance of that year) Simon Katz is still the band's guitarist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4qnp6erpb6rb9E This is Rob Harris' first performance with the band in May 2000: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJmznGV5bMqNfdE

[@O.D.E.GuitarSoundtracks]

This in an Amazing story mate, i think that its not Easy at all to audition for a band like that and im quite sure you learned a lot from that experience. Thanks for sharing

[@dalewoodgate8165]

Great video, I think Rob Harris got the job at the time I met him a couple of times prior to joining that band and was playing with Don airy from whitesnake rainbow , I spoke to Don and he was telling me how great robs playing was Totally different type of music then though

[@TheStudioRats]

great player.

[@DWINC]

One door closes, another one opens

[@DrumGeek66]

Very honest and upfront of you, share some more experiences very interesting.

[@NigelDThompson]

I love stories like this and thank you for sharing. As a failed musician myself I love to hear tales from the bands and musicians I admire. My tales of the road are a bit more mundane, but how many can say they’ve set fire to Shakey’s skip at a break in rehearsals eh ?..🔥🚒 👹😂

[@TheStudioRats]

That sounds like a great story Nigel, If you want to come on the live show on Wednesday to tell it.

[@Havanacuba1985]

Would love to hear more ,enjoyed it very much

[@AnonYmous-vu1lw]

You dodged a bullet man. Could be a broken man today with some big stadium stories. If he treats you like shit at his house whilst trying to find a new guitarist, imagine on tour… yet here you are nice and humble and able to smile about it. So the way I see it, you did good.

[@jamesturner5427]

Paul I am a man like you that has had to humble myself and admit my mistakes in front of my own family. Therefore whenever I see someone else do the same thing before the whole world, I say good for you because I know the courage it takes to admit ones mistakes. So you sir have gained my respect(because you have earned it/it is never given freely). It’s always better to humble oneself than be humbled by others. The world sure could use a few men that think like that right about now huh.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers James thats really nice to hear.

[@ey870]

Great story man - yes do more

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks! Will do

[@chrishyde1216]

You raise something that applies to all fields and professions, which is that being relaxed (but also focused) when you need to deliver is itself a talent. It at least means recognising it and working on what works for you on how to relax. My guess is that being in that band would have been a pretty bad experience. The signs were there: two band members leaving; JK being difficult. Low odds on his day being that bad.

[@Jimboslice911]

I remember seeing one jamiroquai song back when MTV still played music videos. Haven't heard from them again since

[@ant2312]

you must be american I presume? They're still selling out arenas and releasing successful albums around the rest of the world. Your radio and music channels over there just stopped playing them

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

Nice story with a happy ending so I wasn’t all bad and like you said you actually got to play with them!

[@spivvo]

Yes more of those please! Reminds me of my last audition where the médiocre singer and band leader was shouting at the keyboard player, if they don’t know how to put their musicians at ease then £@*# them!

[@TheStudioRats]

cheers Viking

[@robertmolldius8643]

Pat yourself on the back, you made it there. But you weren't quite ready for the job yet. Really good though, I think. Good work! 🙂👍👍

[@robsthedon]

Great story.

[@matthewedwards1089]

My biggest exams and work based tests were preceded with only mental rehearsing. Picture the maths, move, skill. That worked and enabled me to relax and go with the flow.

[@knockknock3686]

Good shout...

[@tonisiret5557]

I was 18 in '98, & I would've bricked it, if I'd got a Jamiroquai audition. I hope you forgave yourself, Paul! 👊🏼

[@TheStudioRats]

It was all for the best Toni, I’m sure I’d not be here if I was in a touring band like that.

[@Pughhead]

Christ what a story, makes me nervous just listening to it, thanks for sharing.

[@deadcatforcutie9349]

hell, yh - want to hear more stories!

[@dykeneuk]

More please…..fascinating.

[@paulngardner]

Thanks for sharing - great story!!

[@TheStudioRats]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@paulngardner]

@@TheStudioRats as I do all of your content! Fairly new to the channel and really enjoying it 👍 Just felt compelled to comment on this one for some reason!

[@klfaregonnarocku]

Just found this channel. Great story, thank you, no shame at all in what happened you learned, wasn't to be, moved on. Was it Rob Harris the chap before you? Always seems quite a humble guy, learned a lot watching him play on here.

[@TheStudioRats]

Hi Ralf, I think Rob Harris got the job that I was going for.

[@erajad]

If you watch the Anderton's "Captain Meets" episode, you can hear Rob's side of the story. It dovetails very well with the one told (very well!) in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b16ogqKendufqc0

[@klfaregonnarocku]

@@erajad oooo thx I will.

[@garethpoole1645]

👍Cool story, more please😉

[@Bo-Yan]

Dear Paul, your story is heartbreaking, impressed me much! Nowadays do you have a chance to communicate and play with Jamiroquai?

[@stephenwares8317]

Great story but sorry it didn’t work out for you. It’s funny because having grown up playing hard rock in the 80s and early 90s I suddenly because a massive Jamiroquai and ‘acid jazz’ fan in the 90s….to this day those are the only two styles I play in guitar. Love your channel, your playing and your whole approach. Thank you!