How to Get into Open Mic!
Performing at an open mic night is a way that a lot of artists get their start. It can be a great learning experience on how to please an audience, allowing you to grow as a performing artist.
Interacting with an audience is the best way to really grab attention and keep them interested in everything you sing or say.
A great performance is why the crowd shows up in the first place. Open mic night will give you a great amount of confidence, defeating any stage-fright you may have.
Networking is another great benefit of doing open mic night.
Not only are you introducing people to your artistry, you’re discovering other local artists whom you could collaborate with.
How can you start performing at open mic nights?
You need to find places that host open mic nights.
Whether you search locally or regionally, you should find places that sort of match your vibe. Think about what kind of music is played at this place and what type of crowd would show up.
Your goal is to gain more supporters so if you target the right market you will see the results.
I would suggest checking the place out on their open mic night to see how it goes in person, it will be easier to understand their vibe if you go in person. You will know more of what to expect.
To find awesome places, use social media, Google, or simply ask around. You can Google “open mic nights” in your city and check out the potential venue websites.
With social media platforms like Instagram, you can search using hashtags that actually say open mic or you can hashtag your city with the word “music.”
Instagram even allows you to follow hashtags so you can stay up to date on who’s doing what. I personally follow the hashtags #TampaArtists and #TampaMusic so I can always see cool local events that are coming up, discover local artists, and of course who’s doing an open mic night.
First find the perfect place, then prepare yourself!
Start off with properly warming up your voice link: here
Sing and/or perform your song dozens of times. Usually at open mic you are able to perform 1 to 2 songs depending on how many people have signed up.
Pick songs that would be great for the vibe this place has as well as what will show off your amazing talent.
For example, if the open mic is at a bar you would want to choose more upbeat and fun songs versus a moody ballad.
You want to make sure your performance is energetic enough to touch the souls of the audience; enough to make them a fan. Get more data on performance: here
Speaking of fans, invite yours. Tell all your friends and family where you’ll be performing so they can show up and show out for you.
Get into the Open Mic Mood
You most likely won’t know what time you’re going on stage because it depends on when you sign up so just tell your supporters to show up at the event at start time. This way they will not miss you and you have a crowd cheering you on when it is your time to shine.
The more open mics you do, the more comfortable you will be with performing live in front of an audience. It is not difficult to find who’s hosting an open mic, the hardest part will be for you to work up the nerve to get on stage and do it.
You can totally do it and excel once you understand that confidence and preparation is all you need.
Even if you are nervous, push yourself using confidence in your talents. Practicing your performance will boost your confidence even more and before you know it you’ll be doing open mic’s every week!
