Pt 2: Back to the Blog
When Michael and I began our musical endeavor together, I was envisioning a different kind of music scene in LA. What we are discovering is even better. We started going to open mics so that I could get used to playing, singing in front of people, setting up and breaking down quickly, but for us, open mics have become more than that. These intimate, sweet, community based venues that offer a place for musicians, singers, and songwriters to come together and share with each other is something we are new to. We are meeting so many cool, talented musicians in this city who are like us, writing music and perhaps getting on stage or sharing a new song for the first time. It is so exciting to be a part of each other’s journey in this way. We usually say we’ll go in early, sign up and play, listen to some acts, and then leave. What usually happens is that we end up closing the bar down.
Recognizing ourselves in others, getting to know each other’s songs, singing and dancing along to other people’s music is what it’s all about! I mean, don’t get me wrong, there have been great and not so great experiences doing the open mics. At times I’ve wanted to curl into a little ball, hide under the covers and not come out. When it’s all said and done, the pros outweigh the cons and I wouldn’t trade this for anything. By the end of the month we will have performed at least 17 times in front of various audiences all over LA at bars/breweries that support Open Mics. There is a tip jar, but so far no tips. Our audience consists mostly of other musicians. Not that there is anything wrong with that. We are there for each other. I would make a wild guess that we would all rather be playing for money, but these are facts. I was telling T. Kondon (from the Project Barley Torrance open mic) that all of this reminds me of a writer’s group where we all share what we have written, but it’s better because it’s music! It is such an honor to be in this time when bars and breweries are holding this space for our music and practice our songs in front of an audience. For some of the open mic musicians, it’s their side gig or their hobby, for others it’s their dream. For Michael and I, this is the path we are taking now in hopes of making a living as The Lolly Bombs while having fun along the way.
“Open Mics save lives”- Faith Kelly
“Come out and play maybe you will meet someone nice”- Caswyn Moon
(Faith and Caz made these kick ass “Open Mics Save Lives” tshirts. Check them out! https://couple-of-wanderers.printify.me/products)
