As a performing songwriter almost any opportunity to perform is a great opportunity however when you are starting out there seems to be a vicious 'catch-22' situation happening.

There are not many gigs for less experienced singer/songwriters but how can you get the experience unless you actually perform gigs?

Hmmmmm...... This is where the open mics come into play.

Open mics are just that, an open performance forum, an opportunity to play and to get your songs out there.

These performance forums are not just for beginners either. From time to time I use these open mics to showcase my best stuff or to road-test brand new stuff to an audience that is there for the music.

Even though the audience is generally comprised of the other performers and their friends the atmosphere is one of supporting and for someone just starting out that is so important.

Most songwriting organizations have a showcase night that members can perform their songs to an encouraging audience. That is how I started, playing at SCALA's showcases. These songwriting organizations will also have information on where (and on what nights) open mics are in your area.

My suggestions for open mics are this:

1. Decide that you are going to go - I know how it feels to build up the courage to do something like this. You say you're ready but then your inner critic tells you that you cant. Physically going to the open mic session is a major win in the battles that you have with your inner critic. Just do it!!

2. Dont put yourself under any pressure to perform - Take your instrument (if you like) but dont beat yourself up if you dont perform that night. Before I played my first ever solo gig at SCALA I went and just checked it out. I soaked up the scene and met some really nice people. It was those people that encouraged me to get up and perform (and I remember the gig being truly terrible but hey, you got to start somewhere).

3. Make sure you are prepared - If you are going to perform make sure that you know the songs beforehand. If you need to use a music stand so you can read the lyrics then bring one. Its ok to do that. If you are musically prepared then that becomes one less thing to worry about.

4. Make yourself known to the MC - Open mics have an MC that introduces the acts and keeps the night running smoothly. This MC is usually the person who runs the open mic night as well. Get to know them. The more they know you the better your experience will be.

The person who runs an open mic is someone who cares about nurturing new talent and in this music industry that seems to be running on instant gratification its a rare thing to find people who are willing to develop talent. These are the people you want to have on your side as you are starting out and learning the ropes.

5. Allow yourself to be nervous - Nerves are not a bad thing. It means that you care about what you do and you want it to go well. I have been performing for over fifteen years and I still get nervous (ten minutes before I am to go on I'm still in the toilet). If I stop being nervous before performing then that is the time for me to stop performing as it means that I have stopped caring about myself, my art and my audience.

In time you will learn how to channel your nerves in a positive way however, deep breathing and trying to relax before you go on is still the best thing to do. Dont compare yourself to the other performers and dont think about what you are going to do. Just focus on the here and now and (if you have prepared adequately) perform.

6. Enjoy yourself - You have waited for this moment for a while and now you are doing it so enjoy and remember, the audience is there for the music (not because they have to be there, they want to be there), they want you to do well, play to them.

Find out where the open mics are in your area and go to all of them, check them out, get to know people and have fun. You never know where the experience might take you.

Until next time, happy writing and performing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

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