Open mics can be scary.
Like heart-racing, hands-sweaty scary.
If you’ve ever stood in the crowd debating whether to sign your name on the list… you’re not alone. Every artist you admire started right there. That’s why open mics — especially Grinders & Shakers ones — matter so much.
They’re not about being perfect. They’re about showing up.
“Every artist you admire once stood where you’re standing — unsure, nervous, and brave enough to try.”
Just Come Prepared Enough
You don’t need your best song ever. You just need to know what you’re doing.
Practice a little. Know your lyrics. Make sure your track plays. That’s it. Once you’re on stage, let the moment carry you. People aren’t looking for perfection — they’re looking for something real.
Mess up? Keep going. That confidence hits harder than a flawless run.
Choose a Song You Feel
Pick something that feels like you, right now.
If you’re nervous, don’t test out a brand-new song you barely know. Go with one you can perform without thinking too much. When you feel the song, the crowd feels it too.
Short and strong is better than long and shaky.
Take a Second With the Crowd
Say your name. Breathe. Look up.
You don’t have to talk a lot — just enough to remind everyone there’s a human behind the mic. Open mics aren’t a race. Let the moment land.
At Grinders & Shakers, people actually want to see you win. Let them.
Stick Around and Show Love
This part matters more than people think.
Stay for other artists. Clap. Nod your head. Say “that was dope” when it’s dope. The energy you give is the energy you get back.
Open mics are community spaces, not auditions.
Don’t Force Networking
Some of the best connections happen by accident.
Grab a drink. Sit at a table. Talk music. Ask people what they do. If it clicks, it clicks. If it doesn’t, that’s fine too.
Grinders & Shakers events are full of creatives who are open — you don’t need to sell yourself to be seen.
Take What Helps, Leave the Rest
You might get advice. Some of it will be helpful. Some of it won’t.
That’s okay.
Listen, learn, and trust yourself. Growth doesn’t happen overnight — it happens by showing up again and again.
Keep Coming Back
The artists who grow aren’t always the most talented — they’re the most consistent.
Each open mic makes you a little stronger. The nerves calm down. The room feels familiar. The stage feels like home.
One Last Thing
If you’re thinking about doing an open mic, take this as your sign.
Grinders & Shakers is a space where you’re allowed to try, to grow, and to be supported while you do it.
Your voice matters.
Pull up when you’re ready — or even when you’re not.
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