OPEN-MIC NIGHTS

OPEN MICS REMOVE A LOT OF THE PRESSURES OF A FULL GIG AND GIVE YOU AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO GET SOME LIVE MILES UNDER YOUR BELT. FOR A START, THEY USUALLY TAKE A SLIGHTLY MORE RELAXED APPROACH, AND THERE’S THE BENEFIT OF ONLY NEEDING MINIMAL GEAR IN OR

DO: ARRIVE EARLY

This should go without saying. Find out as much info as you can about the open mic before the day – the person running it, what time you need to be there to register (if needed), what gear is provided, how long your slot will be. Make yourself known to whoever is running the event, be polite and reasonable about the slot you’re given. Chances are the same person will compere the event and possibly be in control of the sound too, so now’s a good time to let them know if there are any special requirements for your set.

DO: GET INVOLVED

Open mics only thrive when there are people there to watch, and that means not only bringing a few people yourself, but watching the other acts, too. In general you’ll find open mic nights to be positive, supportive environments with a whole range of different experience and ability levels. Put your phone on silent, keep noise to a minimum while other performers are playing, enjoy the music, engage with the other performers personally, and don’t forget to clap! Do all of that, and you’ll find that you receive the same support back when it’s your turn.

DON’T: WASTE TIME

Quite often there’ll be a number of performers wanting to take the stage, and this means you need to be ready when it’s your turn. If you are just plugging your acoustic into the backline or PA that’s provided then find a place to get tuned up ten minutes before. Have any setlists, chord charts, lyrics ready, in the order you need them (put them in a ring binder if they’re crucial). The same goes for pedals – if you’re using a looper pedal or any other effects then be prepared so you can change-round quickly and keep the flow of the evening going.

DO: BRING THE NECESSITIES

That power-hungry delay/looper that forms the cornerstone of your set? You’ll need your power supply. Playing slide on a song? Don’t forget to pack it. Worked out an awesome Talk Box part? You get the point... If there is anything unusual about the gear that you need, check and double check that you’ve packed it rather than assuming there will be spare, niche items for you to borrow. The same goes for things such as adaptors and cables for plugging in your phone if you’re using backing tracks. It’s better to carry a few more items than end up disappointed because you can’t play your music in the way you’d like.

DON’T: ANNOY THE SOUND ENGINEER

Nothing irks a sound engineer (or an audience) more than surprises, particularly loud ones that hurt their ears or worse, damage their equipment. When it’s time to plug in/unplug, make sure the volume of the amp or PA is turned down. If you’re soundchecking, set your volumes to appropriate levels so you don’t create crazy feedback as soon as you plug in. If you can’t hear your voice or guitar properly, just ask politely. This is your local, not Wembley (even if it’s a local in Wembley), and if you lose the crowd before you’ve played a note, you’ll have to work harder to get them back.

DO: BRING A TUNER

You’re going to need a tuner, simple as that.

While you might think you come off with the air of a troubadour who’s about to drop an enchanting tale of grizzled road life as you pluck those harmonics, you don’t. Plus, if the bar staff have to hear that irritating sound of ‘almost-but-not-quite’ double-plucked strings once more, there’s no telling how they’ll exact their revenge on your pint. Use a guitar tuner, either plugged in or clip-on and we guarantee you’ll sound better for it.

DO: HAVE FUN!

Relax, try not to let your nerves get the better of you and be yourself while playing or talking between songs. By all means have a nerve-steadying drink beforehand, but don’t get carried away (at least until after you’ve played).