OPEN MIC NIGHTS: First Time Advice?

OPEN MIC NIGHTS What to do and how to prepare.

You've been a musician for some time (whether it's a hobby or profession). An open mic night flyer catches your eye. The urge to perform your material starts to grow. You internally imagine people screaming, clapping, and coming to you for autographs. So decide, "I am going to do an open mic night." But the questions follow:

1. What is an open mic night?
2. Do I have to be good?
3. Where can I find one?
4. What if no one listens?

To answer your questions...

SHORT ANSWER An open mic night is an event where participants or acts come and perform their material in front of an audience at a venue. You don't have to be a pro, but it is good to practice beforehand. You generally want to scout venues within your area/ vicinity. And so what if nobody listens? You went up there and performed. You take that experience to heart and learn what to improve on.

LONG ANSWER A great start to getting used to performing live. Mind you, not all open mic nights are equal, as many will require you to purchase something to keep the venue hosting that OM. The rules are simple: prepare a song, arrive early, sign up, and perform, right? Not exactly. If you are serious about performing at an open mic night and want to make a routine of networking with other musicians, here is what you need to know.

TIPS

1. Relationships. Treat others the way you want to be treated. The minute you start gossiping about other artists, it immediately marks you as 'avoid at all costs.' The industry is small, but word gets around fast. Instead of being prideful, try showing interest in helping others. Many artists fail because they try to do it all on their own, wait for miracles to happen, or even show some level of entitlement. You have to understand that it's all about relationships. You, the artist, are there to help others. It's called service.

2. Prepare. How do we prepare for shows? Simple. Structure a simple practice schedule. Let's be real. To really make a performance stand out, think about the song you are singing. Are the lyrics family-friendly? Will this song choice hurt my reputation? What can I do to let the audience know that I am here for them, not for me? One of the best ways to prepare a song (original or cover) is to go over the lyrics. Set aside 30 minutes to an hour to practice your song choice. Warm up as always. Keep track of your progress. Practice looking at the audience instead of relying on your instrument. The goal is to go from shy to expressive. And it's easy. So I would recommend practicing in front of a mirror. It may sound redundant, but trust me. It has helped me and other artists to be prepared for anything.

3. Me vs. We. Whether you are participating or an audience member, show interest. Or at the very least, show manners. The participant/ act is there to perform their work. Be respectful of their time. When they perform, listen, observe, and stay seated. Put your phone down (unless you are there to record your buddy and help them with their socials). Being an artist requires a team of people you can trust. Be the artist another musician can rely on.