The Dreaded Open Mic

Have you ever heard an old man scream Taylor Swift at the top of his lungs? The heart wrenching rendition of ‘Rainbow Connection’ by the quiet woman beside you? The train-wreck-of-a-song-idea? (it was me).

Every musician has been there. The sweaty, scared, beginning to a performer. The pure fear of judgement, in the least judgmental room. The self deprecating humor, as you explain what you’re about to do.… Welcome to the open mic scene.

Open mics are the perfect place for a starting performer, a safe space to relay new musical ideas. Here’s why, in my opinion, it’s the perfect place to start a career in music. Let’s take you through my first open mic experience.

“If it scares you it might be a good thing to try” - Seth Godin

My first open mic experience was at a fudge factory. Yes. A FUDGE FACTORY. I had horrible anxiety as a 19 year old, but had been writing songs my whole life. I wanted to perform and do singing gigs (I had done piano gigs already) so badly, but didn’t know where to start. I knew my first open mic had to be at a place nobody would show up. Thus the fudge.

I was pleasantly surprised when I was welcomed at this open mic, and it became the catalyst to my success as a musician. Over the next 3 years I would go from playing an open mic night at a fudge factory, to playing a debut at a huge venue in my state, collaborating with 10 different artists, playing hundreds of gigs, traveling for gigs, releasing 7 singles and an album.

“An open mic is a safe creative space and a catalyst for musical success.” - Google

The stepping stones from open mics, to gigs were not simple, as it took time and effort. Although, it was a great place to meet other creative people looking to share their work. It was an opportunity to be the star for the night and to face fears. More importantly, it was a community like I had never experienced.

Connecting to a community was the most important thing to do as a musician. As I met more people at open mics and running them, I got more experiences. I landed my first solo singing gig, and from there made many connections.

Long story short, I realized we all have a hidden artist in us. Community is a must for building a career. Fear is the killer of art. And art is subjective. Open mics are dreaded. But for what?! Open mics are the perfect place to try something new.

Todays Message:

Go to an open mic or put your art/music out there in a new way.

XOXO,

Not your average music blog