When I originally set out on this musical journey, I felt that seven open mic nights in seven days would be a good way to give my readers something interesting to read about, another way to share many of the fun and exciting stories I lay my head down with each night. What I didn't anticipate was the time and energy that I would need to have in order to pursue this goal; needless to say I didn't realize how much was needed of one person to explore this much music. But despite struggling with exhaustion and a sore throat (yes you can really talk that much) I have found myself in a more prosperous and enriching position than ever before. This is how five days of live music changed my life and the future of Sick Mind Productions.
It started Monday June 17th at Mr.Brownstone with Cory Owens and Alex Mandy, which was the perfect kick off to the exciting week ahead. I am quite familiar with the open mic held here every Monday and I felt it was a great way to welcome my readers into the days ahead. Originally my goal was to muster up the courage to perform, but of course I couldn't find it in me once again. Its times like these I am reassured that my purpose in music isn't to be the star, but to be the business mind that musicians search for, and I can honestly say I am perfectly fine with that. An up close and personal experience is what Brownstone is all about, and this is the experience I aimed to give my readers throughout the open mic tour. It was this night I had again run into Jacqueline Dawn (a regular to the Brownstone open mic) and thankfully I had to opportunity to visit with her once again the following night which, unexpectedly, has turned into an opportunity I can't ignore.
Tuesday June 18th was the jam session at the Libra Room on Commercial Drive. Now I must admit, I arrived at the Libra Room with an agenda, and I sure got exactly what I was looking for. I had first witnessed Mattaeyus Moon's rock and roll swoon only a short week before this as he serenaded the crowd with Since I've Been Loving You. Now I know I have retold this fact many times, but if it hadn't been for that one performance, I am not entirely sure how things would have progressed within the last couple weeks. After his performance I had Ms. Dawn snatch up the opportunity for me to talk to Mattaeyus Moon, and things haven't been the same; I've been following a rock star on tour ever since.
Then came the Fairview on Wednesday June 19th, and despite the empty room it was a refreshing and humours change from the past two nights of shmoozing a room of musicians. Though I wasn't able to take much from this experience musically, I was exposed to one of the many sides of an open mic night. This, I can say, was a great learning experience for me; a chance to understand the importance of successful and effective promotion.
But still to come was the open mic of them all - Cafe Duex Soliels. June 20th and I was amongst a full house, and of musicians I had ironically and briefly met in the past. The night was energetic and lively, truly focusing on the talents at hand. It was here I began to understand the community within this area of Vancouver, how closely linked many of the hidden talents are. I have noticed even more so now that many of these musicians collaborate and create together throughout the city streer, and in a sense knowing these individuals has given me a sense of home. Never did I think that within seven months of moving to the city of Vancouver from my small hick town of seven hundred people I would have the friends I have, the connections, the memories. Looking back at the open mic at Cafe Duex Soliels, I realize that this was not only fundamental to the goals and success I have in mind for Sick Mind Productions in the future, but it has given me a sense of belonging and purpose amongst these genuine musicians. And after those busy four days, Friday had become a write off, and my bed won the war. I hit the sack getting ready for what awaited me to following evening - The Jimi Hendrix Shrine.
Looking back on the tour, I don't regret failing to visit all seven locations, or even for changing my anticipated locations throughout the week. I'll admit, I managed to only make through five evenings and to three of the pre-scheduled seven locations, but what was important to this experience was the music and meeting the very individuals that create it; exposing myself to a world and lifestyle I had never seen first hand. This is the life of the struggling musicians, creators who live within music to such an extent that even these small stages and performances give them a sense of accomplishment, a level of gratitude. I believe that it was this exposure that reassured me of why I want to work with these artists. I see their struggles, but I also notice their dedication to their art; they eat, live and breathe music because this is all they know and have cared to know. Having the opportunity to discover and understand this lifestyle has given me the motivation to find and work with musicians who deserve to be discovered; who I know have fans out there craving the exact addiction they have to offer.This is where dreams start for the true stars, this is where they get that first taste of live performance. I've always said I want to change lives, help people reach their goals and realize their potential. But this experience, unknowingly to many of the unique and cherish-able people I met throughout, has changed my life in more ways than I can describe and I only hope I can return the favour to the musicians who deserve it, who have worked towards their wildest dreams while fighting an uphill battle - making an impression in the music industry.
Yet more memories of many, I can't even begin to imagine what is to come. Within this life all we can do is take it day by day, and what comes may.
Sincerely and Always,
Carly June
