A must for artists who want to get started!
Open stages are a great way to get started and gain experience as a young singer/musician. They allow you to face a real audience, learn how to handle the stress of performing, network and maybe even get noticed!
Where to go for an Open Mic
First of all, find out which establishments in your area host such parties. A bar, a music school, a club, a café, the possibilities are numerous. In Lausanne, the EJMA organizes monthly parties in its atrium, the Base Bar or the Cave du Bleu Lézard also make their stages available. If you don't have the courage to sing, go there as a spectator at first in order to get used to the codes and the generally benevolent atmosphere that reigns supreme during successful sessions.
How an open mic works
There are a few things to know before going to an open mic. These events are usually for solo artists, or duos at most. Since the performances follow one another, the set changes should not be too long in order to keep a good rhythm between the different artists' passages. Accompanying yourself with guitar-vocals is ideal, as this configuration allows you to be completely autonomous and to set up without losing time. It is also common to find a piano on stage, if you opt for a "piano-vocal". Finally, you can ask the sound engineer to play an audio file that you have provided beforehand. Be creative!
It is important to note that Open-mics are free and open to all, and are often done by registration. You will be assigned a time slot and you will only have 10 to 15 minutes to shine. A host is usually in charge of the animation of the evening and plans the order of appearance.
Different styles
Most open mics do not have a set musical style. This favors the richness and diversity of the performances offered. However, be sure to check beforehand that the style is free, so as not to have a bad surprise. Be careful not to confuse "Open Mic" and "Jam session" which are two different concepts. The second one is intended for improvisation and is already aimed at confirmed musicians.
Apolline offers singing lessons in Lausanne as well as guitar lessons, drum lessons and piano lessons to help you perfect your musical skills.
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