Open Mics Can Open Your Soul

It's great to be an artist "in process" and share your work as you go. You even learn by listening to other artists.

Here's a video I didn't really want to post, but I told myself I would, so here's me fulfilling that agreement.

It was my first SOLO open mic appearance back in December of 2023.

I cringe watching this a little, my hands shaking. I'm reading the lyrics even with simple chords. Ah, that's self-doubt talking!
I realized it's better to post it with warts and all and that taking the risk is part of an artist's journey.

This song is called Holding Me and is one of the first songs I ever wrote. The phrase "drowning in the waters that I used to tread" popped into my head as I was cleaning up the kitchen. I was considering life now as it looks in my 50s and sometimes feeling left behind.

I don't plan to record it "for realz" any time soon as I'm having too much fun writing new material. But would love to hear if it touches you though.

By the way…

Open Mics are fabulous things.

1. It's a chance to take risks, to be bold and real with your own development.

2. No one cares... or do they? The funny thing I realize now is that almost no one cares how you sound or if you make a mistake. This is due in part to the other performers being concerned about their own performance. It's OK to start over, clam a few notes and laugh a little too. In fact, it's quite cathartic.

3. Good FEELs. The sharing and positive feedback you get at an open mic are wonderful to receive. Both the audience and the other artists all seem to appreciate you taking the risk.

You learn to appreciate others taking chances. It is a great thing to learn to be a generous audience member. In addition to making someone else feel good, you also get to train your positive mindset. For example: Can you find something to love about every performer you hear? This helps you train to hear the things you love about your own playing. I really like the bridge in this tune. Maybe I even love it. It was my first bridge that I ever felt happy with.

If you judge others, lookout! You are building your judgement muscle and it will come back twice as hard on your own self-judgement.

The Beauty of Taking Risks

I truly find beauty in all the bold risk-taking and the power of music to bring us all together. This particular open mic is super special, too, as it is hosted by a music school, and so many young students get a chance to perform (including my son). I also get to then embarrass him, which is quite fun :)

I hope that posting this performance encourages you to show your raw self to the world and claim your own artistry. That's a life lesson worth embracing, I assure you!

Big thanks to Jam Academy Music School and Elliot Austin and Aimee B for hosting this twice a month open mic at Bosk Brewery in Woodinville!

I have now performed there multiple times, and it gets easier and more rewarding each time I play.

Even better,

Amber Vitti Hill

has been joining me now, too, and singing a song while I play piano alongside her, which is a super fun project for us.

#openmic
#songwriting
#authentic
#doubtridingshotgun
#davehilljr
www.davehilljr.com