OPEN MIC!!!
The thought of participating in such a thing use to make me flinch. It was always out of the question and Karaoke was a forbidden word.
But now my new found confidence was booming, exuding out of every pore. I was back, I was confident and I needed to express it to keep the momentum going.
'Troy Bar' is a Caribbean cuisine Bar SLASH! Music venue, in the heart of Hoxton. Perfect recipe really - Amazing food, live performances, brilliant hosts, and a great reputation. This is where I was to pop my open mic cherry, darling.
http://www.troybar.com/
I weaned myself in by attending one evening with my tutor Phil and a few class mates. The tiny intimate venue was rammed, our host that night was the ballsy and hilarious - Miss Vula Malinga - Basement Jaxx (love her!)
You step in, pay your entrance fee (modest amount) jot your name down to perform or carry on through the herds of people to get yourself a well earn't drink, surf the crowd for a seat and yam some good Jamaican food!! Now thats what Im talking about!!...
So thats what we did minus the participation. It had to be done this way to gear myself up. Although they were a tough faced crowd, they supported you whole heartedly. And the band WOW they are second to none! Whatever you did whether it be a poem, sing a cover or something of your own or simply there to grab and instrument and jam, these guys had your back, they'd feel the vibe, the words or recognise the song and they'll start playing and it ALWAYS works. Memorising I tells you.
I left feeling like Ive just been to some lucrative underground venue. We decided that the following week was our week to break the stage fright chain.
Tuesday 2nd Feb, Armed with a tummy half full of alcohol (to calm the nerves) and raw determination, I rocked up at Troy Bar. Unfortunately I was going at it alone that night as a few people from my class couldn't perform but some came to support me. (Thanks)
The host was different but still as good, the crowd was different but still the regulars came. Then before I knew it, I was up.
SHEESH It was hot up there, no1 in the audience was smiling but they did clap for me on my way up - It's the Troy Bar rule - As I got going it felt like home, The band came in which through me a little and I stumbled on some words, but the audience sang along which helped and they were smiling now ;) I probably didn't sound my best, but they clapped and cheered and that does something to you! What an exhilarating, thrilling feeling I was left with. I was grinning from ear to ear! My natural high kept me up all night that night. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRsYjl-j-o4
I cringe at this video but there you are for you're viewing pleasure (i hope) Haha
I intend to return there soon! got to keep the momentum going eh.... ;)
