Hey all,
Thank you so-so much for sharing your experiences and being so positive! When I got into work this morning I'd all but chicken'd out, but after reading these replies felt empowered!
It was a weird one, there were less people than last time; about 10 maybe - and just 4 performers including myself. All really nice people and though I wouldn't consider myself the most outwardly social, I've had really nice friendly chats with new people both times. Guess that's what happens when you're around like-minded people, and it's worth going just for that.
The setup is quite low-tech and the mic didn't quite reach my height of 6ft, so it was a bit on-and-off at picking up my vocal. Also forgot to use a pic for one of them which was terribly distracting and hurt my clammy thumb.
As there were only a few performers it as staggered to mix it up a little; I did two of the tracks separately (Face of Sulk and Playing Games) both of which received a good reception even with plenty of mistakes and a missed verse here or there (nobody ran away or boo'd)! One of the organisers even told me I should start putting stuff on SoundCloud.
For people like
@redrhodie who still aren't sure, I'd just go to a small one and check it out. That was my plan, and half way in I was so eager to get up there myself I ended muscling my way up and making a fool of myself - but still enjoyed every moment. You may feel the same, or it may wash over you, but it will definitely help you realise if it's the sort of thing you want to try. If you definitely want to try but just don't think you've the nerve,
@CaliaMoko hit the nail - once you manage to crawl onto the stage it feels amazing. (Best of luck on your new ventured by the way, from what seen on the forum (applying for grants, forging your own community, great music) you are well on the way.
@pompeyjazz That's amazing, I forget you're local, you'll have to let us know if you're gigging in Brum I'll love to see it! Digbeth is a great area for 'creatives' - so much going on, just got to have that confidence to jump in.
Sterling advice too
@PaulAds - definitely messed up on the mic with all the fluctuation but luckily it's a forgiving audience in quite a small acoustic-friendly room (Build under the arches of the railway track). Was odd to find myself staring at my chord hand too, I know these tracks like the back of my hand so there's no excuse - and terrible stage presence!
Another boost to confidence anyway - it's one thing getting good feedback on videos here to gain the confidence to cross that barrier, but it's almost a different type of confidence being in-front of people that needs to be conquered in parallel. Been invited back next month and if that goes well, on to the cafes and pubs!
And come on
@adamfarr - everything you've said about my style (thanks btw) applies to you just as much - always excited to hear what you come up with so please do!
Thanks again,
Scott.
