Open mics for non-performers

[ncc1701]

I'm wishing I could bring myself to do more open mic sort of things, but I'm held back by the fact that I write mostly pop-rock stuff that doesn't really translate well to a single acoustic instrument. Plus, I can barely sing the lead vocals decently in the studio, and I REALLY have a hard time singing while I play. Which is piano, by the way, not guitar.Is it a sin to bring a CD of the instrumental track to an open mic and sing karaoke-style?

[davewalton]

Quote:I'm wishing I could bring myself to do more open mic sort of things, but I'm held back by the fact that I write mostly pop-rock stuff that doesn't really translate well to a single acoustic instrument. That's probably what Eric Clapton first said about "Layla" when his producer suggested doing the "unplugged" version. Quote:Is it a sin to bring a CD of the instrumental track to an open mic and sing karaoke-style?Nope. A fair number of "open mic-ers" are vocalists and they bring backing tracks. Some I've seen were just singing along to their full CD, although I'd say that's the last preference.

[arkjack]

You should write out a chart and make copies for the house band to play for backing..... provided the house band can read a chart..... I've done that once or twice.... I have a portable digital 8 track that I record different backing tracks on and play along with and do the vocals. It has a nice feel because its played in live and not sequenced. you could do the same and "hand"sync to the piano part and no one would be the wiser....ArkJack

[edteja]

It depends on the open mic. Check them out before you try it. It would be poorly received in the ones I've gone to over the years, and you would need to bring the CD player and the hookup to the PA, and a mixer, since most I have played at have a PA system and nothing more.