The worlds best open mic!

Twelve steps to create the perfect open mic (a personal view)

Having travelled to over one hundred different open mics in different venues around the UK - I came to the conclusion it was time to write up my top tips for what makes a great night for everyone involved (audience, performers, organisers and venue).

1. Find the right venue! If the place is already a known music venue this is good, but not essential. The right venue and the right management should make musicians, performers and their friends welcome - and not dictate what can and can't be heard.

2. Agree a night and keep it simple.  The third tuesday of every second month of the year is not easy to remember for those of us with damaged memories!  Whether its once a week, or once a month, get the night fixed and get the word out.

3. Make sure it is truly an 'OPEN' open mic.  Good nights are when anything goes (as long as it doesn't involve shitting on the stage - see previous blog) and all styles of performers are received with equal enthusiasm.

4. Following on from the above, actively encourage a diverse range of musicianship and performance.  Non stop singer-songwriters with guitars (all night long) can become a tad boring, its good to have a range of musicality going on.

5. Publicise the night and keep the information up-to-date whether through a facebook page or e-mailed newsletter etc.  There's nothing worse than arriving at an open mic and finding its been cancelled and no-one could be arsed to tell you. 

6. Make sure you've got a decent PA and several mics (plus functioning mic stands).  I'm not talking top notch gear, but it should work and preferably be operated by someone who knows the kit.

7. Do it for LOVE, not for FAME!  Obsession with being succesful in the music industry clouds judgement.  It can also make a hostile environment in which only those deemed suitable for the stage, or a part of some musical clique, are accepted to the stage.

8. Give performers something back.  A recording or film of their performance is a nice touch, a free drink is also appreciated.  It needn't cost much but again, makes for a friendly atmosphere in which musicians are appreciated for their endeavours.

9. One song is not enough!  Give performers time to play two or three numbers so they can reveal something of themselves (I'm not talking body parts here).

10. Set up a booking system that is fair to everyone.  I would recommend: first come, first served, ideally at the venue, on the night.  In this way even if people don't get to play if they like the night will come back and make sure they get  to play next time.

11. Become a compere!  I've been to many nights where the performers set up, do their bit and pack away without so much as a take it or leave it.  It doesn't take much to introduce the acts and also to thank them when they've finished.

12. And finally, get paid for your hard work. If you're the organiser of one of these nights you'll know it takes a lot of work and the venue is taking the cash at the bar on what would otherwise be a quiet night.  Your hard work should be repaid at a fair rate.