Maybe you’re the new kid (or adult) in town or perhaps you want to expand your social circle and don’t know where to start. Trust me, when all my brilliant university comrades moved back to their hometowns, I was even considering joining a religion just so I could replicate that sense of community.
I didn’t have any talents that could fall into a socialising setup. Have you seen a group of writers sit in a room and have a good time? Go to Café Nero, and you will find your answer. I found the idea of integrating with the local music scene daunting as I didn’t technically have any musical talent, but I was proven massively wrong and found a welcoming community. All I needed was the urge to dance or tap my leg to the beat, combined with the bravery of meeting new people.
Here are a few things you can find at your local open mics, besides great music of course.
Relief from Loneliness – A 2023 report by UK Music highlighted that 40% of event-goers are now attending more live music events than they did before the pandemic. This increase is attributed to the positive effects on mental health and the strong community aspect of these events. Additionally, the same report found that 30.6 million people attended concerts in the UK in 2022, showcasing the high engagement with live music.
Furthermore, a study from the Music Venue Trust in 2023 revealed that approximately 70% of concert-goers reported feeling happier and less stressed after attending live music events, demonstrating the therapeutic benefits of music and social interactions at these gatherings.
The benefits of concerts and crowds don’t have to come from intense concerts in huge arenas. A local micro-pub or small bar will still work wonders for your social life if you take the opportunity to attend regularly and become a familiar face.
A Fresh Start – A new circle can offer a new start and becoming a familiar and friendly face is key.
A lot of people are there for the same reason you are – a sense of community. Being in a small city can sometimes make you feel like you’ve met everyone there is to meet, but that is never really the case.
Now, you might hit the jackpot if you find your tribe on your first trip out, but regularity and persistence are the keys to becoming a familiar face. The rule? Be kind and be bold. Engage with people about their set, ask the person next to you for their thoughts, even meet someone in the toilets and ask if they know about any other events in the area – just don’t be creepy about it. If you create a good enough impression, the good impressions will find you.
Commonalities – Maybe you are passionate about music and want to push your confidence with crowds, or maybe, like me, you have no musical talent and simply enjoy appreciating the crafts of others. But something we can all agree on is that music is BRILLIANT at bringing us together. Whether you have in-depth knowledge of the Beatles or know the lore of a niche Korean band inside and out, I can guarantee at some point you will find someone interested in what you have to say and will connect with you over your passion, no matter how obscure.
Misconceptions about Open-Mic Nights
What if I hate rowdy places? Mosh pits and loud sounds are my worst nightmare.
Of course, the music can be loud, but there is almost always an area where you can escape the noise, breathe some air, and rejoin at your leisure. If you are sensitive to sounds, consider bringing ear protection, or even investing in Loop earplugs. Most open mics do not have the crowds you see in the movies, and I have yet to see a mosh pit occur in Worcester.
What if I don’t like drinking, smoking or drugs?
I don’t either. The music scene has changed a lot, and you will find some of the most understanding and compassionate people at these types of events, so there is zero pressure.
What if my music taste is too weird or too mainstream?
Who cares! If the internet has shown us anything, it is that niche is great! And mainstream is mainstream for a reason. I can guarantee you will hear at least one Amy Winehouse cover at every open mic you attend, so if you think your music taste is too mainstream, rest assured it’s not.
Check out our comprehensive open mic guide from the area to find open mics near you. Want to go to a local gig? Then check out our local gig guide to find gigs near you.
By: Ellen Flannery