Let it be known that I love Open Mic Nights. They provide a way to meet other musicians, practice songs in front of an audience, and even as a way to get some decent gigs. But just as every musician has a slightly different style, every Open Mic Night has slightly different rules.
Open Mics are great ways to try new songs, both covers and originals. You get a feel for how a crowd responds to that song, which should help down the road.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your Open Mic Night:
- Arrive early. Arriving late might mean getting a horrible spot or not getting to play at all. I suggest getting there at least 15 minutes before the sign up time. If they don’t advertise a sign up time, arrive 30-45 minutes early.
- Ask Questions: If you’ve never been to the event before, find out how many songs you can play, if there are any house rules, and who is in charge. The person leading the night should be your best friend, especially if you plan on returning.
- Sign up for yourself. Since everyone is fighting for a spot, it’s not fair to sign up people who “might” be coming. Also, please don’t sign up each member of your band individually, one after another, and then play for an hour straight. The audience will get tired of this. Sure, everyone can play, but at least sign up for different points of the night.
- Bright your own stuff. If it’s a good venue, they should have the amps/PA and chords to plug you in…but don’t expect to borrow someone’s guitar. If you need a music stand, bring one. If you have a favorite effects pedal or snare drum, bring it.
- Fast Transition: Don’t wait until you are on stage to tune your guitar. Ideally, start getting ready when you’re on deck, maybe halfway through the set of the person before you. There is little worse than having to wait forever for the next person to start playing.
- Plan Ahead: Have at least some idea of what you are going to play. Sure, you can read the crowd and play more appropriate songs. Also, please don’t start playing the intro to every song you know…just play the songs you came to play. Everyone will appreciate it.
- Don’t talk too much: Make sure you tell everyone who you are and how to contact you, and feel free to briefly introduce your songs. Please don’t tell long stories, inside jokes, or have complete conversations on stage; this isn’t behind the music, it’s an open mic. People are there to hear and play music, if they want to hear more, they will talk to you after your set. Wasting a lot of time may also hurt your prospects if someone is considering you for a paying gig.
- Be a good Audience Member: Listen to the other performers and talk to them especially if you like something you hear. This kind of networking could turn into performance opportunities down the road. I’ve met several people at Open Mics that ended up inviting me to play shows with them (and splitting the pay). Be respectful when other people are playing.
- Buy Something: The bar/restaurant/shop hosting the event does so to bring people in and to make money. You don’t have to go crazy, but buy a drink or a snack. This will ensure that the person running it gets their pay and that the location will continue hosting open mics.
- Have Fun – try new songs, play what you love, and enjoy every minute of it. If something goes wrong, just keep going…the audience understands. Smile…you’re doing something that you love in front of a crowd
Have you played an open mic? What advise would you give someone trying it for the first time? What is your most embarrassing open mic experience?