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Started By
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Playing open mic nights. Your tips/advice for first timers?
Posted on 9/7/23 at 5:50 pm
Posted on 9/7/23 at 5:50 pm
So I’m thinking about hitting up some open mic nights. I really don’t even know where to start tho. I posted on here last year about playing in front of the church for the first time and have been doing that and and really enjoying it.
I’ve been writing a few songs here and there and would be interested in getting out to some open mic nights and trying them out. Where’s the best place to start and some tips you’ve learned from experience would be great. TIA
I’ve been writing a few songs here and there and would be interested in getting out to some open mic nights and trying them out. Where’s the best place to start and some tips you’ve learned from experience would be great. TIA
10
Posted on 9/7/23 at 6:31 pm to gsvar2004
Don't get nervous and puke on the people up front.
I will add, listen to your friend's and family's opinions about which songs to play at first.
Chances are, if they like those best, other folks will too. Later on, you can start adding your own personal favorites in.
I will add, listen to your friend's and family's opinions about which songs to play at first.
Chances are, if they like those best, other folks will too. Later on, you can start adding your own personal favorites in.
This post was edited on 9/7/23 at 8:50 pm
Posted on 9/7/23 at 7:09 pm to gsvar2004
If you've been playing in front of a little church crowd, it probably won't be much of a leap playing an open mic. Come prepared with 3 songs max. Expect to frick up. No one will really care or remember how great or lousy you were, so have fun.
I've been debating playing as a solo act for the very first time. I've played a number of live shows with a band (including some open mics) but never as the lone main man. If I ever compell myself, I'll likely bypass the open mic scene to open for another act instead.
I've been debating playing as a solo act for the very first time. I've played a number of live shows with a band (including some open mics) but never as the lone main man. If I ever compell myself, I'll likely bypass the open mic scene to open for another act instead.
Posted on 9/7/23 at 7:31 pm to gsvar2004
Where are you playing?
Posted on 9/7/23 at 7:44 pm to gsvar2004
quote:
and some tips you’ve learned from experience
People are starved for good theatrics. Incorporate fire, nudity and blasphemy.
Also invest in smoke machines, but don't make the mistake of using them outside during the day at some open air fest.
Just looks like you're trying to have a cookout.
Posted on 9/7/23 at 7:45 pm to auggie
quote:
puke on the people up front.
Posted on 9/7/23 at 7:48 pm to SEClint
I knew you were going to post somethin like that.
Posted on 9/7/23 at 7:50 pm to auggie
Gallagher wasn't funny, but he got booked
Posted on 9/7/23 at 8:27 pm to Honest Tune
quote:
Where are you playing?
Great question. There’s a little local brewery that does Wednesday nights, but I’m open to anywhere from hammond to Baton Rouge
Posted on 9/7/23 at 8:27 pm to gsvar2004
If it is not a songwriter night, and people are playing stuff like “Wagon Wheel” and “Simple Man,” don’t be afraid to talk to the audience, and explain “This is a song I wrote…” and say a few words about it. People are more likely to listen, if they have some sort of frame of reference. If they respond, great. If you are merely ambient noise as they socialize, cool also. Either way, it’s fun.
The more you perform, the better you will get.
The more you perform, the better you will get.
This post was edited on 9/7/23 at 8:46 pm
Posted on 9/7/23 at 9:43 pm to gsvar2004
Practice practice practice, especially playing your songs at half speed and at slightly higher speeds than you plan to perform them. This will help your muscle memory to kick in. Muscle memory is the best remedy against nerves because when you’re nervous, your body reverts to muscle memory.
This post was edited on 9/7/23 at 9:44 pm
Posted on 9/8/23 at 6:17 am to gsvar2004
quote:
Great question. There’s a little local brewery that does Wednesday nights, but I’m open to anywhere from hammond to Baton Rouge
I live closer to Lafayette and have been thinking about going to find an OM night there.
Playing in Church (especially when we would visit other churches with bigger congregations) helped me with the nerves and self-control. Doesn’t bother me anymore. I know who I am as a guitar player/singer/writer and can live with it, and maintain realistic expectations. After all the whole point is to enjoy it.
Good luck!! Take a friend or two, it’ll be comforting with some familiar faces.
Posted on 9/8/23 at 6:48 am to gsvar2004
Have a drink.
Just one. But a stiff one.
Play some simple shite. Something that bores you at home to play. Simple chords.
God Only Knows is an AWESOME song. Not a starter.
Just one. But a stiff one.
Play some simple shite. Something that bores you at home to play. Simple chords.
God Only Knows is an AWESOME song. Not a starter.
Posted on 9/8/23 at 7:20 am to gsvar2004
I’ve played a lot of open mics. Best advice I can give is they helped with workshopping songs for my actual band. Helped me find out what worked in a song and what didn’t. So get up there and play em like you want them to be played.
Also, use inflection on your vocals. That’ll take you a long way.
Also, use inflection on your vocals. That’ll take you a long way.
Posted on 9/8/23 at 9:45 am to gsvar2004
Don’t embarrass yourself. No pressure. Try to get to know the folks there when you get there. Some of those things have weird in crowd things going and I’ve seen folks show up and never even make it on stage.
Do you like to jam and noodle on blues chords and tired old songs? If so, you’ll do great.
Do you like to jam and noodle on blues chords and tired old songs? If so, you’ll do great.
Posted on 9/8/23 at 11:10 am to wareaglepete
There are three types of mistakes you can make playing music:
1 - the mistakes only you pick up on
2 - the mistakes other musicians would pick up on
3 - the mistakes everyone will pick up on
All three are going to happen, but if you limit the last one to very rare instances...you'll be alright. Don't expect perfection and studio grade sounds from yourself solo at an OM through a 20 year old Peavey PA system. It's not that serious. Most people don't notice the mistakes. Just have fun.
1 - the mistakes only you pick up on
2 - the mistakes other musicians would pick up on
3 - the mistakes everyone will pick up on
All three are going to happen, but if you limit the last one to very rare instances...you'll be alright. Don't expect perfection and studio grade sounds from yourself solo at an OM through a 20 year old Peavey PA system. It's not that serious. Most people don't notice the mistakes. Just have fun.
Posted on 9/8/23 at 11:41 am to carrguitar
quote:
1 - the mistakes only you pick up on 2 - the mistakes other musicians would pick up on 3 - the mistakes everyone will pick up on
Solid advice. Thanks. I have to constantly tell myself that. I’ll make mistakes at times at church and really beat myself down and then realize no one even noticed or really cared anyway.
Posted on 9/8/23 at 12:10 pm to carrguitar
quote:
1 - the mistakes only you pick up on
Singing the wrong lyric to your song or playing a chord that’s still in key, but not the exact right chord you wrote.
quote:
2 - the mistakes other musicians would pick up on
A wrong note or chord in key in a cover song.
quote:
3 - the mistakes everyone will pick up on
Playing notes or singing in the wrong key, dead air, no eye contact with the audience, out of tune instrument, signal cutting in and out, not singing loud enough or into the mic to be heard, apologizing, singing the wrong lyrics to a popular cover song, being significantly too loud, spilling your drink
This post was edited on 9/8/23 at 12:11 pm
Posted on 9/8/23 at 3:48 pm to gsvar2004
Step 1: preparation and mastery
Step 2: wing it
Bonus: high energy
Advice- no one is better than you and no one really cares.
Step 2: wing it
Bonus: high energy
Advice- no one is better than you and no one really cares.
Posted on 9/8/23 at 6:58 pm to kingbob
quote:
no eye contact with the audience
Seems like kind of a creepy thing to do.
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