My First Open Mic

About two months ago I was working on a project for my video class. I chose to make a music video for one of my original songs. I thought about writing a new one but then one day I brought my guitar to class and my instructor happened to bring his guitar as well. I joked about it but he told me to get mine and so I did. He then told me to play him an original song. I awkwardly and embarrassingly started to play. Now at this point I was not comfortable playing in front of people and would go quiet or extremely flat. I have only sang solo very few times in my life, once in high school, once at Grays Harbor College when I took voice lessons, at my Dad’s wedding and at my brother’s wedding. I did okay in the high school but totally bombed college, was super nervous for the weddings I think my voice cracked and I went flat. If there were other times I don’t remember probably because I blocked them out. 

However, I love to sing. I love to pull out my guitar and create music. Every time I do I feel at peace with myself. When I was pregnant I played my guitar to relax. However, I always wondered what was the point writing this music if I was too scared to perform it for people. I did make a CD with some songs I wrote awhile back but they are okay recordings and it was great fun but I still wouldn’t say I was completely confident.

So here I was playing my song for my instructor and my two classmates/friends. He tells me to play it again and so I do. I start playing it and he jumps in with some amazing guitar riffs. Then my friend jumps in and starts singing the harmony with me. And it was like that was the key that opened the door. I loved it. I was walking on air. So it began. After finding out that my instructor plays in a band with his significant other I was flattered when he kept saying my song was really good. Then when I was playing it and his partner was around she too said it was good I am not sure why that gave me the confidence I needed but it was certainly the right keys.

I started to toy with the idea of performing at an open mic. I set the date. September 9^th. I had two songs already so I wanted a third. I finished writing a third song. Before I felt like I could do it I decided to start playing for my friends anytime we had a gathering. I was so nervous but then it got easier and fun. When I went camping a guy that was camping across from us played the guitar and he did open mics so he gave me some pointers.I played for him and he said they were good. With all of this positive feedback I figured if I was that horrible SOMEONE would say something if I was that horrible.

Per suggestion I decided to go to the open mic at Forza Coffee Company. My friend Mandi, who is also a singer/songwriter, wanted to do it as well which totally helped me have the courage to do it. Since we arrived early we were second and third on the list. I was third. I will forever be grateful for Mandi going before me. I am not entirely sure I would have had the same confidence if I didn’t see my friend do it first and survive!

It was so great that so many friends and family came to support Mandi and I. The place was pretty low key and our posse took up half of the space. When I got up there I wasn’t really all that nervous. I am not entirely sure as too why but I guess I was confident in my ability. I was situated in front of the mic and soon I was singing my first song. I did mess up on the first set of chords but I didn’t let that slow me down or stop me. I soon was into it and loving every minute.

I hate to brag but I will. I did amazing! I think it was the best I ever performed. I don’t think. I know. I know because of the compliments that I had received afterwards, not just from my posse but from others there, which totally makes me feel great. One lady told me that I had a very beautiful voice. I am happy that I was able to perform well so that everyone could enjoy it. I guess there even some teary eyes at one of the songs. I still have a very long way to go to be a solid performer but I am certainly not going to stop now that I realize how comfortable I am behind the mic.

All I know is this new amazing feeling and that I am still on a high. I just know that I am continually building my talent for music and I am excited to see where I go with it. I have worked really hard since the 7th grade to get where I am at. When I was little I actually wrote that I hated to sing! My mom told me in 7th grade that if I was going to sing that I needed to sing correctly. So that is what I have been working on and now it is one of my ultimate passions. Especially after open mic night!