Open Mic Night: Tips For Musicians

Free Download: AliHandal.com
Open mic nights can be scary thing, especially if you are new in music or performing for an audience. In this video, Ali shares practical tips on how to prepare for open mic nights to be able to get out of your confort zone and to be able to get the best out of that experience. Regardless of everything, enjoy and remember: You Rock!
This video is aimed at Beginner Level musicians.
About Ali Handal:
Best known as one of the few women in rock who can solo with the electric fury and fluid grace of a Hendrix, Slash or Page, Ali Handal is also a multi-award winning songwriter and a gifted singer. Her songs have been heard in many movies and TV shows, and her performances have taken her from L.A. to Australia, Japan and beyond; she's sung on a Neil Young album, written & performed with Paul Williams, danced with Janet Jackson, performed at Neverland Valley Ranch, and even demonstrated guitars several times on "The Price Is Right."
Facebook: / alihandal
Instagram: / alihandalmusic

[@benniebaca3673]

At my first open Mic, I was literally shaking. I even told the crowd how nervous I was. What helped me was the stage lights that were shining so bright that I couldn't even see the crowd. It was a big crowd. I then played as if I was at home alone, in the zone. Got many good compliments when I walked off stage. Thank you stage lights.

[@AliHandal]

yay, Bennie!!

[@AliHandal]

I think you should only play when YOU want to play...

[@quentinbohannon6611]

He did lol ?

[@drbonesshow1]

Never tell folks that you are nervous. And at least you walked off the stage rather than fell off the stage or was taken off the stage by security.

[@SofoniBeats]

Yeah...when I first played an open mic I almost forgot the words to the song. How is your career doing now?

[@MidnightHabit]

My advice for open mics... Don't suck. Don't apologize, if you do suck. If you make mistakes, just keep going. Don't act like you're all that, either. Be humble and appreciative. Don't tell your life story and keep intros brief, unless they're really interesting or funny. If they tell you've got a 15 minute spot, don't go over that because others are waiting their turn (under that is fine). Don't over-promote yourself but, do tell us where we can find more. Don't go there expecting that you're going to be discovered. It's just an open mic. Thank your audience. Thanks your host(s) and say goodbye (at least, wave). If they like you, they'll probably come to you so, don't be pushy. Be yourself and just have fun.

[@robschaller9061]

I would try to find a place where the attitude of the house band that is running the open mic is "we're all just here to HAVE FUN." This usually means you should be identifying open mics where the people playing and the general audience of people that frequent the bar are OLDER as in you want to find a place where the players are 40+ in general. Most of the people playing are in general VERY GOOD and they realize that the dream of being a star is not going to happen. So they really are there to have fun. I did my 1st open mic this last January (about 3 months ago) and the improvement I've made as a player has frankly really shocked me. Every week now I get better. There is such a MASSIVE different between playing with a CD or with Pandora,KZbin etc

[@aeolusryder7896]

@@robschaller9061 Good Points Rob. I have played open mics on and off for many years and it is always nice to have a crowd which is respectful however, most of the time there is that one or two that could care less if anyone is playing but they like to be heard themselves. A bit annoying but when you learn to push through their noise and focus on your music then you won't get discouraged and sometimes you get the crowd with you and the inconsiderate AH0's are normally fade away.

[@TheBigMclargehuge]

This is excellent excellent advice.

[@WilonaMusic]

Gosh…. Thank you so much for this 🥹🫶🏾

[@JaxBeachBumbMusic]

truer words have never been spoken! 110% the best advice ever!

[@gdfggggg]

I think it's really great that people get off their butts and get out their comfort zone. Respect to you.

[@samsonmoore6774]

The comfort zone just seems too boring now n days.

[@scottrussell9504]

Thanks for the tips! I’m working on getting a set together for the first time. I was a public speaker for years for a living. But when it comes to playing in front of people, I freeze up. I’m 55 and just started playing guitar at 50. I practice/play everyday without fail and I’ve learned a lot of covers. Working on writing some of my own music, but I’m really self conscious about it. These tips are so helpful, now I’ve just gotta push myself outta my comfort zone. So glad I found your music. Thanks again for the great tips! Can’t wait to hear more new music from you! 🤘🏻

[@AliHandal]

That's awesome Scott! Never too late to follow your dreams! Let me know when you do an open mic, would love to hear about it! 🥰

[@Flamadiddle2]

3 to 4 songs (or 15 minutes), unless the place is empty. Don't hog the stage, there are others waiting! If there's time at the end of the night, ask if you can go back on stage. Also, try to get someone to record you, it's a great learning tool and fun to watch, well, sometimes. :)

[@AliHandal]

Agreed! 💕

[@Astrolibra76]

Yes, I agree - go to an open mic just as a listener!! As a musician just listening in (and especially if you're a perfectionist like me!!) you'll pick up mistakes in other singing or band performances. Really - this will show you how one can perform, be cheered, and not have to be perfect!! This really helped me and eased my fears!!! Next thing to think of is this....imagine this...you have skills most of the audience couldn't even pretend to get up on stage and perform! So, you realize two things: a) no one expects you to be perfect, and b) no one would dream of getting up on stage and doing what you do! So, just have fun with it! And everyone else will see that performance joy and have a great time....and as you go, (I agree) you'll find little things that the audience reacts well (or not) to, and so you will tweak as you go....Have a great time and enjoy bringing joy in music to others!! :)

[@AliHandal]

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree, Cindy!

[@deepeemac]

A very important tip not covered here: don't get drunk before you play! It can be very tempting to want to calm your nerves with a few drinks - especially if you're on later in the evening - but as a rule: on stage adrenaline can be your best friend; alcohol is more likely to trip you up.

[@AliHandal]

100%!! 💖

[@thejupiter1744]

Best avoided. Time after time when i used to go to acoustic open mics here in England and accross europe but people would just talk and talk LOUDLY thru every song, drowning out the singer. Happily i found one venue in london where the house rule is "no chit chat during performances". Wow, what a wonderful experience it was and still is. The irony was that almost all the people who came to play in the other "talking venues" would be the people talking the LOUDEST. Best open mic? "The library" Highbury and islington. London. Mondays.Two songs per person. Arrive early if you want a slot (6pm) NO TALKING DURING PERFORMANCES is the house rule.

[@LonskiBig]

....man would I EVER like to play an open- mic in London..........

[@atprra]

My voice was shaking during my 1st open mic. But the crowd was supportive. I did goof up at parts but no one cared.

[@AliHandal]

Good for you! Yes -- your experience is common -- the crowd will support you, and you'll goof up, but just keep at it. Next time will be smoother!

[@dan8426]

Went to my first open mic on Friday, was not planning on doing anything was just going to watch a new group of friends, I ended up singing with a couple people from the group. I was not going to perform and I ended up singing and it was my first time ever singing into a microphone or in front of people for that matter. I was pleasantly surprised that they enjoyed it and they all had great things to say

[@joshcaparas2536]

This video made me so calm and gave me a little confidence, thinking maybe I should do an open mic. I get so nervous when doing speech in front of class. I literally start to stutter and forget the words. I don’t know, what if I forget and mess up the chord and lyrics. But thank you so much for this video, you gave me a little confidence.

[@cpaoli44dogmom79]

At open mic, people don't care if you bring a music stand with lyrics, and chords. Some even bring electronics like an ipod with the special ipod stand to help out. That's what open mics are for. :)

[@audreywalker3794]

Thank you so, soo much! I used these tips at a local talent show, and i won. I now get to play at a festival, and my dad will be taking me to open Mic nights. Thank you so much! 😊

[@AliHandal]

Congratulations, Audrey!!! and thanks for letting me know...You made my day with your good news. Keep up the good work, and please continue to keep me posted! xo

[@audreywalker3794]

UPDATE!! I just got back from my first ever open mic night. I'm so thankful for your videos. As soon as I got home I thought back to this video and the first time I watched it. 😂😂 Again, thank you so much! 💕

[@MrWbgaffney]

thank you. I'm going to the stage. I've prepared thought, worked on timing, and even have a comfort about myself to rely on. your video gave me additional points to my plan. you relaxed me even more. the part of going in, just go through the doors ONCE, get a vibe. thank you for that reminder. cheers to you

[@AliHandal]

Great, William - I'm so happy to hear it! :) Rock on!

[@compulsor5853]

Very nice work, thank you. I'm contemplating dipping a toe in these waters. Performed steadily in bands 15-20 yrs ago, & finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel after couple years of personal life hell, this would be a 'solo' adventure first...

[@joangobourne7537]

beautiful performers.music has and always will be my passion.thank you father for being there.

[@SingerSongwritingSchool]

Great tips. Playing open mics is such a key step in really getting an idea for what makes a great original song. You start to hear lots of songs that don't quite work, and the ones that do start to really stand out. And, of course, you hone your chops and build a great community.

[@doortech8227]

Thanks Ali. Really comprehensive advice. I haven't performed live for 15years. (Apart from the occasional family wedding or funeral). I've already gone along to two open mics just to watch and get the vibe. Listening to your tips is already making me nervous, just the thought of puttingmyself out there again. But I'm working towards getting on stage in the next few weeks. Thanks again for the great tips! I wish you all the success in your journey! Peace from New Zealand 🤠

[@KenRossJordan]

Awesome advice! Thanks so very much for sharing this Ali Handal!

[@misstessamaye]

Thank you so much for this! I'm taking it to heart as I plan on entering my city's music scene in a few months

[@Anvanho]

Great video! And very informative commentary posted by viewers below. Although I'm a professional musician (working full time these days), I really love to go to OM's when I can, here in the Bay Area, to perform and also, just to hear others. There's so much wonderful variety and originality to enjoy. Plus, for myself, I just love to perform anyhow, so it's a great forum. And especially, as Ali points out at 6:39, OM's are a goldmine for networking potential. Because of a few OM's I've done, I've ended up making connections with other musicians that landed me good paying performance appointments. So they are really a great avenue to showcase whatever you do!

[@AliHandal]

Thanks - so true :)

[@douglashorta2881]

You are so sweet! Well, It helped me to open my mind about open mics. Thanks for the good energy, I am sure it helps many people! 🙏

[@jeantovern3918]

This is INCREDIBLY helpful...thank you so much. I'm getting ready for my first... :))

[@xothtblkcatx2]

this was really helpful thank you

[@chuckcoates3594]

Keep on Keeping on . Miss Ali

[@flexwinggpipi]

The biggest difference moving from un miked event to open mike is the PA. It can be intimidating as your sat /standing between the speakers and your sound is coming from somewhere else. Ones with monitors are better but if not it will come with practice. Take a small amp with you and get the host to add a line back to the mixer will help

[@AliHandal]

Nick! This is so true. It really helps getting used to hearing yourself outside of your head. That way you can figure out how close to the mic you should you be, how loud it should be, strumming, etc... Great point! 😌

[@johndhastings2465]

Good advice Ali. I often sing a cappella at open mic on my own, which I am told is quite rare! I love it and there's nowhere to hide!

[@AliHandal]

That's great John! It's beautiful hearing someone sing a capella ✨

[@d.r1499]

I miss Open Mic Night's. Thank's Again Ali Handal.

[@yellowoceanoriginalsongs7142]

Thanks great video cheers

[@joeriveracomedy]

I watched one last week. I'm not a musician so I was literally observing as an outsider. The musicians were all good and unique. Good times.

[@bluda7297]

So kind, thanks for the tips!

[@AliHandal]

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching 😊

[@NewFalconerRecords]

5:00 Tune your instrument before you get on stage!!! Thank you Ali. So many performers at open mics get up on stage and spend their first three or four minutes tuning up. It drives me nuts. And then they proceed to play their full 15-minute set or so, and they've now put the whole night nearly five minutes behind schedule.

[@samsonmoore6774]

Thanks for the advice! You rock! I've been writing and practicing and feel I'm about ready to perform. Brilliant idea to check the venue out first to catch the vibes. I'm gonna take the advice and give it a shot.

[@AliHandal]

Let me know how it goes Samson! Best of luck and ROCK ON!

[@robf7537]

I've seen musicians that were amazing get frustrated, and I got frustrated, I've seen musicians that forgot things and made mistakes but since they were having fun, I had fun. Food for thought.

[@AliHandal]

Definitely, Rob! Obviously, it's a big deal for us when we're performing, and making mistakes or forgetting things can bring us down. But the audience and we, ultimately, are just looking to have a good time! That can certainly be expressed and infected by the performer 🤩

[@kindifrey6957]

Thank you so much Ali!!

[@AliHandal]

My pleasure, Kindi!! Rock on! 😎

[@jeffreyvandenburg4967]

Great advice! I'm planning on doing a comedy/acoustic show at Guitar Merchant in a couple weeks, and the very thought of it makes me nervous af! I'm probably gonna mess up, but my strategy--if I forget a verse for example--is to do some ad-lib in a humorous manner ("I totally know the next verse, it'll come to me, I meant to do this, it's coming up any second now"). It's much better than just pausing and creating dead air, plus it'll keep the audience entertained.

[@distrachan2671]

Nice job! Thank you!

[@AliHandal]

Glad you liked it! Thanks so much!! 🤩

[@jamesrusso2523]

Nice information ,thanks

[@mclaren3028]

I appreciate your informative video. I especially noted the tip about going to a new venue without playing in order to visualize it during practice. I have been to two open mic nights and during both I was really nervous ('hey these aren't my hands, their no long connected to my brain...'). Looking forward for this anxiety to be less of an impact on my performance over time as I push myself to go to more. Thanks again for the tips and positive reinforcement to all us beginners.

[@AliHandal]

My pleasure! And trust me, it gets easier the more you do it. I was sooo nervous at the beginning and now I loooove the adrenaline rush!!! Hahaha good luck!

[@d.r1499]

The Reason i like open mic night's, is i alway's get to play Drum's & Sing & play solo's while singing, & i get to jam with Amazing People, that i have never, meet before in my hole life, & it never get's boring ever, Because it's all in fun, & i really Hope other's feel the same way.

[@kpec3]

These are good tips! Especially about tuning, because I live in a music city, everybody can hear when you are out. Trust me, people would rather you check it than hearing unintentional minor seconds...

[@AliHandal]

Lol, no doubt about that! 😜 Thanks for watching 💖

[@SubwayDJ]

Wow, simple tips but things I completely overlooked. Thanks!

[@AliHandal]

Great! Glad you found it useful

[@fuckuulyricstealingbitches6453]

Subway DJ.. **YES, I WAS "Thinking" WoW Simple Instructions, However Sometimes Easier Said Than Done Friend. Lol. Best Wishes. Keep ROCKIN**

[@fuckuulyricstealingbitches6453]

Ali Handal.. **YES INDEED**

[@jmorra]

Everything about you is reassuring, and all of these tips are valuable. I am new to this at 56 years of age, and having a blast. Performing makes you slow down, stay on time, and make songs instead of noise. One bit ofadvice from me...practice your song with a metronome. That way you become aware of how much you are rushing, and how slowing down and staying in the groove not only sounds better...it's easier.

[@AliHandal]

Great advice John! Would totally recommend that and after a while I would start easing up on the metronome to start developing internal time! Victor Wooten has these timekeeping exercises that are amazing! 🎶🎸

[@jmorra]

@@AliHandal thanks for the tip...I will look him up! You tube...why didn't I have you when I was young??

[@AliHandal]

@@jmorra Hahaha I know there are like infinite things to learn now! Now how to find the time??

[@AliHandal]

Also John, if you have any other questions or intrigues on music, feel free to look me up on Instagram and message me!

[@Justin-hb9wc]

Thank You.

[@oogieboy5874]

I made the mistake of trying to tune my guitar too close to the stage and was out of tune. I was so nervous I just went with it. It was a disaster. However many folks came up and congratulated me on a good original song. Ali, thanks for the info.... Love those "chocolate chip" eyes!

[@AliHandal]

I know the feeling! I think it's a rite of passage to have a tuning issues at an open mic, hahaha. Hope you've done some more without worrying about tuning!

[@SofoniBeats]

I was at an open mic one time and the system messed up. I learned the hard way how to do an acapella performance.

[@garrymacantanaiste575]

Good on you Ali, Great advice.

[@AliHandal]

Thanks for watching, Garry! 😊

[@tuthuynuyen]

Yeay! Ali you are fab!!! If you ever do a gig in Liverpool UK, give me a shout. I'm a singer songwriter and I'm really loving what you do!

[@AliHandal]

Thanks so much!! :)

[@johnbisazza7970]

thank you so much Ali, I'm a poet turned singer during Covid lockdowns, this video was so great thank you

[@AliHandal]

You're very welcome, John! Glad you enjoy it! Stay safe!

[@zarkye0071]

Very nice Ali...

[@AliHandal]

thanks!

[@cindarella1100]

Thank You Ali 👩 my stomach is always in knots before I perform on stage; that never goes away 😟 it is a huge relief after I've performed; especially if everything went good 👍 from: Scranton, Pennsylvania

[@AliHandal]

I'm feeling just that! A bit nervous about the upcoming tour! Part of the gig 😌 xoxo 😘

[@fredeagle8766]

hello Ali, good advice.

[@jayshrivastava3804]

Ali! Thanks for the great advice! My wife tells me I am good . . . and that is a great compliment because she is my wife . . . but I could use some outside criticism. I prefer playing my electric guitar over the acoustic for open mic. (Even though I play and strum basic chords) I will look you up for sure in regards to great music song writer advice. All the best to you and your music career . . . . and thanks for your stellar advice!

[@AliHandal]

Thanks, Jay! :)

[@earloutdoors3286]

Really good advice. My first time I was so nervous I crawled up my own butt once or twice! But if you just play the songs you love the way you would play them at home you’ll be fine! remember why you’re there!

[@AliHandal]

Love this! ❤️

[@doyadoyawannadome]

She's so gorgeous!! Great advice as well :)

[@SteveTaylor68]

You're so awesome, Ali! Sage advice, I could listen to you talk all day.

[@AliHandal]

Hahaha thanks Steve!! Feel free to look me up and DM me on Instagram if you have any questions or concerns 😎🤘🏻 instagram.com/alihandalmusic/

[@SteveTaylor68]

@@AliHandal I appreciate that, Ali, but I'm am old musician. I've played in bands for 30 years. I just like hearing you talk, lol. It was great advice.

[@AliHandal]

@@SteveTaylor68 No worries Steve! That's awesome you've played in bands for that many years, you must have very good tips as well ;)

[@SteveTaylor68]

@@AliHandal only plant your corn early, lol. And dgaf, lol

[@sonofvision6664]

Small local songwriter's contest for me. Didn't shake but mind went blank. Oh well. I loved it. Nice crowd. Not to sure about night venues though.

[@kevinpaul1719]

I just bought a Gretsch Corvette II and it was in the car. My bass player and lover talked me into a couple drinks and hit the open mic. I did and my new dream guitar started to fall apart in front of a packed house. Now I take a tried and true guitar.

[@blakerave]

love you!

[@leannbarker2051]

Thank you 🙏

[@AliHandal]

You’re so very welcome, LeAnn!! Thank you for watching 🙏 😊

[@lashendriawyatt]

Wonderful 💕☺️👌🏽

[@AliHandal]

Thanks beautiful

[@HeWhoFlewFromInwood]

Have fun!

[@vinaykashyap2600]

Hey Ali, Thanks a lot for this video. I'll be performing in my first open mic tomorrow...Your tips will certainly help me a lot. ☺

[@SofoniBeats]

Good look....I would love to see the video of your perfomance

[@vinaykashyap2600]

@@SofoniBeats Ohh...am sorry. No one shooted the video😥. But you know, I am awarded with the second best performer and it published in newspaper as well. It is very proud moment for me. Thanks a lot for ur tips dear!!

[@SofoniBeats]

@@vinaykashyap2600 No problem

[@andrewwierzbickimusic442]

Liked and subbed lol. This helped a lot thank you.

[@AliHandal]

Great!

[@ashtonparkband]

Happy to be your 1,000th like 👍

[@AliHandal]

Yay! Thank you! 🤩

[@AmyAlways]

Great video :)

[@lazosopenmic]

Great advice! I run a regular open mic with the main purpose of supporting musicians especially those starting out. I photograph them editing high quality photos and basic video of the whole performance and upload it to KZbin for the performers to use to promote themselves and the venue often engages some of the performers to have their own show. We all need to help each other in this industry where we are not always valued because it appears we enjoy ourselves!!

[@AliHandal]

Oh that's awesome, Larry! Thanks so much for doing that, that's truly amazing! 🤩 Where are you based at?

[@lazosopenmic]

Thank you too Ali for sharing your experience and hopefully giving more hidden musicians confidence to take the next step. I hold these open mics right beside the seaside at a lovely little town called Bude in Cornwall so if ever you visit our little

[@lazosopenmic]

Thank you too Ali for sharing your experience and hopefully giving more hidden musicians confidence to take the next step. I hold these open mics right beside the seaside at a lovely little town called Bude in Cornwall so if ever you visit our little

[@lazosopenmic]

Thank you too Ali for sharing your experience and hopefully giving more hidden musicians confidence to take the next step. I hold these open mics right beside the seaside at a lovely little town called Bude in Cornwall so if ever you visit our little

[@lazosopenmic]

Thank you too Ali for sharing your experience and hopefully giving more hidden musicians confidence to take the next step. I hold these open mics right beside the seaside at a lovely little town called Bude in Cornwall so if ever you visit our little

[@katyyork934]

My first open mic night was back in February (I think XD) I was 13, and my mum had SOMEHOW managed to convince me to go and not necessarily play, but to just check it out and see if I'd maybe like to play in the future... In the end the girl who runs it convinced me to play, I messed it up so badly I was so nervous, it was my first time singing through a mic, first time in front of random people... I'm 14 now and I've still been playing them, and I'm starting to think about trying to get some gigs XD

[@AliHandal]

HI Katy - I'm so glad you stuck with it, even though your first experience was tough. It does get easier the more you do it! All the best to you!

[@katyyork934]

Ali Handal Lol it really does thank you!

[@dougnickerson]

I like what you say about building community - it’s great for leaning and making friends :,/and i know people are busy but I always find it not great when a performer runs right out the door after they’ve done their own performance . Especially packing stiff up in front of the stage while the next person is plying . And , they are actually missing a lot by leaving very early - it’s about listening too ; I’ve learned a lot from players that don’t play the same instrument, or who I may not consider to play ‘as well as’ me - in my conceited way 😀

[@AliHandal]

Definitely, Doug! It's about support to our fellow artists and performers too 🤩

[@ritupabankotoky]

Thanks

[@mochi65]

Do you ever get to Honolulu? I'd love to open for you. ☺️

[@andyknoxfrom2coloursblue326]

Some great advice here, and its just as relevant across the pond here in the UK. I think the most important advice to take from this is respect. Respect the host, respect the establishment and respect your fellow musicians. I have formed a fantastic support community from speaking with other musicians and some of the regulars that attend these events which has led to me getting gigs (and even a concert in my honour to raise funds to replace a broken instrument!). If I hadn't shown respect to these people then none of that would have been possible.

[@PeteJake100]

Great tips. Do you find that they let you bring a bit of a rig with you for Open Mike Nights? If I bring my Grace Designs Felix Preamp/DI, will they have any issue with me connecting it?

[@AliHandal]

No you should be good, Peter! It's a quick connect right? I don't see why they would have an issue with that 😌

[@artistboi009]

Hey Ali, Love the Vid! I have a few questions. Is it a good idea to focus on your originals if you're a band who wants to get their music out there? How many songs should you have prepared?

[@cpaoli44dogmom79]

I would say yes, but it probably depends on the venue. Check out what bands get hired to gig there. They may have a preference of a specific Genre, or like the Firehouse in Rochester, they LOVE origionals, & prefer them.

[@fuckuulyricstealingbitches6453]

**Thank You Very Much For The Information, I'm Sure It Will Come In Great Use. I'm in RVA, Do You Ever Make It This Way?? BIG HUGS**

[@mwj5368]

I've played for about 10 open mics in the last 2 years. I'm still very nervous every time I play. I'm not sure why that happens. Maybe only a slight change at one of 3 coffeehouses where I'm slightly less nervous. I'm so nervous it's almost like I don't want to perform because being so nervous is not a pleasant experience. Has anyone heard of that problem of after 10 times still being just as nervous? At the same time I do feel I have something to share or to give the audience, the gift of my music, only I sound so much better at home when I'm not nervous. My own nervousness effects the quality of my performance. I'm still going to try, get over it somehow, by repeating trying to play, yet only toward the end of the evening when not as many people are there.

[@BrickDavis]

dudes and dudettes. I picked up the guitar at age 11 and I play relentlessly until my life was shook up and I moved to the PNW from Chicago which in all pretenses should have excelled my music playing skills appreciation since we have a lot of good musicians flowing and blowing thru this community....anywho I love music but never stopped listening yet I did only pick up my guitar seldomly for like 7 years...so sad.....but yes my brain was malfunctioning, still is, mental illness, it's a wreck,, but it could be worse becuase I was invited to a friends and I had told him I used to play and wish I still did, so I brought my acoustic to his house and played along with some songs and even songs I didn't know but were 145 chords and he was like dude, dude, dude, this is the thing, your' hosting open mic night and if you build it they willl come. and oh man they did. and it was amazing , we got a community out of it and to top that off I made a friend or two, weird music the universal language like smiling earnestly. anywho the first few years of this open mic from 2017 to 2019 were rough, stage frights and just not enough time in recent months to hold up playing for an hour if no one showed. but we got momentum until covid which sucked and now we started up about three months ago again and its gonna rock....beautiful music man.

[@AliHandal]

How's it going now?? Hopefully the open mic is still going!!

[@BrickDavis]

oh man, its goin now! we had the three year break from covid but we go it going again and my new years resolution is to start a band this year.....pipe dreams baby. anywho I hope you had a great new year and peace and love to you and yours in this exciting over stimuli world which is the greatest place to share music like "Dark Star" by Beck@@AliHandal

[@kevinallentoolechen1864]

you rock.....

[@AliHandal]

thanks!

[@drbonesshow1]

I sang a song called Get Out And Don't Come Back. At least, when I was finished the crowd and I were both in agreement.

[@zackjackson5503]

Don’t give up tho!

[@zackjackson5503]

@@R Hugh Sirius Ph.D. He can only get better

[@MrZootalores]

good advice all around..myself, i'm a gigging bass player who sometimes goes to open mics to play with whoever wants a bass player. round here, we've got a backing band if anyone wants that. sometimes the 3 of us just play & people ask us if we know certain songs they'd like to sing that night.. it's fun, check it out,listen, talk with players, do some covers then a few shows later when you're comfortable with everybody....*Release Your Gem* ... ha ha!

[@AliHandal]

Yes! This is also a great way to connect with other musicians and even do/get gigs with them! 🎶🙌🏻

[@scottrap]

I have that same T-shirt, LUCKY brand! 🍀

[@AliHandal]

Hahaha love it, Raphael! 🤩

[@slickmoney6621]

nice video

[@AliHandal]

thanks!

[@jackbarlow4104]

Hello, fellow musicians! Make sure you have your lyrics memorized. Do not take lyrics up there, especially for covers. If you have a Mic and stand at home, practice with it, even if you're not plugged in. You don't want to be bumping the Mic and stand with your instrument up there on stage. Lastly, the lights are sometimes very bright, it can be unnerving. Cheers!

[@tshep9000]

I cannot stand it when musicians bring up their ipad or sheet music to read during their songs. When they do that they are not really connecting with the audience or the music. They are just reading. Instead take the time to memorize the lyrics and practice enough so that you OWN the song so that now it is yours. With your own interpretation and arrangement. Also, please do not try to imitate the original version of the song ! It's already been done and done well, I think it really diminishes the music when musicians try to copy the original singer. Make the song your own, not their's.

[@scott24679554]

Thank you ,got my first open mic tonight

[@AliHandal]

Nice! How did it go??

[@scott24679554]

Ali Handal Hi Ali. Little nervous but everybody was really friendly made new friends ,play 3 songs. And got a well done from the other musicians. Took your advice got there early and met the host when he was free and he was really friendly. Iv been 3 times since thanks for your advice Ali really helped x

[@AliHandal]

@@scott24679554 That is awesome to hear!! I'm very glad you have gone more times I'm sure you'll get super good in no time! :D If you have any other questions or concerns, look me up an Instagram and message me! I'll do my best to help out :)

[@robertpolnicky7702]

If i had a tip it would be find out if anyone who performed at the place ever went anywhere with their music.

[@gaellesinsaire]

Hello, I'm singer and a compose song but I don't play any instrument but I would like to get help.

[@limzog9]

confidence helps :-)

[@AliHandal]

yes it does! Though I didn't have much when I started. But the way I *built* my confidence was by performing as much as possible and getting better and better. It's definitely a process, but it can be done!

[@alfiemarie]

is it common to do covers in open mics or do most people perform original music?

[@AliHandal]

It depends Alfie! Both work well 😊 Covers are good to get people going, but you can also do original songs to see how people react. Maybe one of each?

[@ldean0186]

Do I need an instrument or a microphone, do I need to have the things to play my selected song by myself or do I tell someone what song I wanna play ?

[@AliHandal]

Depends on the place! But they'll usually have a mic. You are probably better off bringing your own instrument. I would do some research before going to make sure though!

[@Bcwilderness]

and dont take lsd , and check you have a good belt on

[@EricPunzo]

Lmaoooooooo

[@fewhite5126]

It worked for Carlos Santana at Woodstock. But seriously.. No.

[@SofoniBeats]

What advice would you give to a person who is ready to venture out of open mics....what would you recommend the next level?

[@CallMeCaroline]

Great video, I just made a similar one and I hope it is as helpful as yours!

[@AliHandal]

Just saw it Caroline!! I love that you started with "what is your intention?" Such an important aspect of starting/doing anything really :)

[@CallMeCaroline]

@@AliHandal Hi Ali, Thanks so much for checking out out :)

[@northcountryhermit5057]

Suggestion? Change strings a couple of days prior to open mic & bring your own microphone if possible!

[@JaxBeachBumbMusic]

folio weekly usually had the go to know info for current open mics being they are still around :) also, what happens when you practiced your best song and the performer before you play it first :0 well, sign up first next time. Not everyone shows up when open mic starts. hardly ever actually. but, since I only do original songs, I don't have that issue :D instead they will yell out DONT SUCK THIS TIME! xD and the helps a lot actually LOL

[@AliHandal]

Lol! 😂

[@chyodo1]

Excellent Advice! ... ~\m/~ 😽

[@landonsumlin2685]

Possibly dumb question, do you play your own song(s) or can you do covers?

[@brandonelliott7399]

Both. Depends on the nights

[@AliHandal]

You can do either! Or both! Which I find is an excellent way to get the crowd’s attention by playing something they’re familiar with AND THEN showing some of your stuff 🙌🏻

[@monaabarman3131]

I can't hear what I'm singing in open mic so in high notes&,low notes my song shakes or gets cracked

[@AliHandal]

Hi Somali - keep trying -- sometimes the sound systems at open mics aren't great. and sometimes when we're nervous is can be hard to hear. Keep at it and you'll get better. Remember to take a deep breath before you start :)

[@chuckcoates3594]

I like this girl. Rock on Baby.

[@DavidHakamaki]

Can you give tips for someone with no music ability or vocal tone? JK. Miss you. Hope to have you back for another house concert after the plague is done. Stay safe! ❤️❤️

[@AliHandal]

Hahaha, thanks David 😌 Looking forward to seeing each other again!

[@ben-jammin2284]

Would you recommend a beginner wait till they’re more proficient before attempting playing at an open mic? Some say it good for a beginner, but want your advice. I can play roughly 25 songs proficiently, but only ever played in front of my immediate family.

[@AliHandal]

Hey Ben! If you know the songs well (and I'd say 25 songs is a GREAT repertoire to start off!) and you've played them for other people before (even if they're close family) then I'd say you should go for it! It's really just a matter of how comfortable you are playing in front of strangers. Try not to be too hard on yourself or set the bar too high the first few times! The most important thing is that you enjoy yourself. I promise it does get easier with time 🥰

[@ben-jammin2284]

Thank you so much for the response! I spend about 3-4 hours a day practicing my set list to ingrain it in my brain deeply. So I’m very comfortable playing in front of my family. Partly because I know they don’t care or even notice when I potentially mess up. My worry would be the possibility of critical pretentious elites in the crowd that’d eat me alive in an open mic though.

[@gasstationcoffee3482]

Question: can you play an open mic with a full band (like 4 people)

[@AliHandal]

It's tricky, but you can! It kinda depends on the place. What would the lineup look like?

[@PS2Damon]

I saw a three man band on a small bar stage and they killed it. Just make sure you tell your drummer to not be loud as shit

[@randyward5840]

should you memorize or is it ok to bring lead sheets?

[@HayleyRobinsonhale]

From experience, I would say practice. I've taken sheets in the past and i just end up reading the sheet for the whole song even though I know most of it. Nerves often make you do this and it doesn't do to well with an audience. Like in the video pick your best songs! any song that your not sure off always ends up going bad aha trust me :)

[@AliHandal]

I agree with Hayley -- do your best to memorize. It'll make for a better performance, and your mind can focus on what you're doing (and remembering what to do), without the distraction of also knowing where on the page to look. When I've used sheet music in the past, sometimes I'd get thrown off just trying to find my place on the page after looking up to connect with the audience. Better to just memorize the music and, if you get lost, find yourself by ear. :)