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I'm an aspiring musician, and I've been afraid to sing and play music in public nearly forever. My goal is to be able to become good enough at guitar and to write a song so I can play it at an open mic night a year from now. Its just something I've always wanted to do. Does anybody have any good/cool places to go and do that sort of thing?
From Pittsburgh, currently living in Los Angeles.
My advice: check craigslist for open mic nights in the area. Check them out a few times. Practice some material you think will fit.
Then jump in, learn and have fun.
Repeat as necessary!
Oh, and if anybody has any experience doing this sort of scary thing, do you have any advice?
Pick your handfull of songs that you plan to play at your first open mic. Practice those songs relentlessly, IN THE ORDER YOU PLAN TO PERFORM THEM.
Even if you plan to sit while you perform, practice while standing up as much as possibe (if that seems silly, try it, then tell me if you don't see a huge improvement when you play while sitting).
Don't over estimate your knowledge of the lyrics. You'll be amazed at what you can forget when it's your time to stand at the mic for the first time!!!
When your big night comes, SMILE. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT GRIMACE OR CALL ATTENTION TO YOUR MISTAKES!!! Cuz you will make mistakes If you are playing your originals, all the better, cuz who the hell is gonna know if you screw up. If you mess something up, just act like you meant it, hell, do it again just because you can
Don't drink alcohol before or during your performance. Lots of people feel this helps with nerves...they are wrong. Booze will just make you forget simple things, will dry out your vocal chords during your performance, and if you drink too much, you might make an ass of yourself.
This is a BIGGY for your first performance...stick to songs that are well within your ability. You don't want to have to work at 95% the entire time. If you can do songs that only take about 60% (or a little higher) of your ability, then you will enjoy yourself much more the first time out.
If you're playing quitar, change your strings the day before.
Pee (in the rest room) before you go on stage.
Here's another BIGGY...don't beat yourself up when you make mistake, because, again, you will make mistakes. Try to line up at least three open mics close to each other, and the difference from the first one to the third will be amazing.
Enjoy yourself, and don't be concerned with what other musicians think.
To get over the stage fright, keep in mind the vast majority of the audience is not capable of, or too afraid, to do what you are doing.
You should be able to perform open mics w/ no problem after a year assuming the music isn't overly technical to perform. Good luck, and if you have any guitar related questions feel free to message me directly and I will gladly help you.
....and heed everything that RKC posted, great advice!
Just find a local bar like Mickenly's. Oh, do you have a Demo? That's a must, at least if you are trying to get in to a good paying gig. If you would like I can help you w/ the demo. I am Ron Penny, Owner of Absolute Musiq Records. Hit me up if you want the help, good luck w/ your career.
Specializing In: Artist Management & Development, Publishing, Branding & Web Design, Songwriting, Composing, Mixing, and Recording. Contact: [email]Absolutemusiq@Gmail.com[/email]
[url=http://www.MySpace.com/absolutemusiq]Absolute Musiq on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads[/url] -919.760.9600- Clayton, NC 27520
I'm an aspiring musician, and I've been afraid to sing and play music in public nearly forever. My goal is to be able to become good enough at guitar and to write a song so I can play it at an open mic night a year from now. Its just something I've always wanted to do. Does anybody have any good/cool places to go and do that sort of thing?
Thanks!
The Berkeley Cafe in Raleigh used to have these regularly . . . not sure if they still do.
As for advice, have a couple of beers beforehand to relax.
I caught an Open Mic at the Amazing Tone Music in the Falls River Shopping Center in North Raleigh last night. Apparently they do an Open Mic every Tuesday evening starting at 8pm. Wide range of experience level. I really enjoyed it and heard some good original stuff. Worth checking out!
Amazing Tone Music In Falls River Shopping Center
Some Shots from the Open Mic
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