I’ve been saying on the drive show (3-6pm Weekdays) that I was going to dust off my Guitar and play as many open mics as I could in Essex & East London, not only to find new local singer songwriters but also to help unearth some hidden open mic gems.
I’ll always put some useful information for performers at the bottom of every blog.
So the first on my list was a local open mic.
Spread Eagle 88 Queens Rd Brentwood
A bar that I was familiar with, as I’d been along to see our own Daniel Gregory (of Friday Nights Bliss Disciples,) DJ sets there.
I saw the listing as I follow them on instagram – As performers you’re always unsure what to expect when you get to an open mic. The best thing to do is get the vibe from the images on the post. The insta post was a picture of a guitar & amp, so I knew it was going to be more of a musicians open mic and not only for singers, with backing tracks. Not that theres anything wrong with backing tracks, as a lot of singers learn their craft through going along to open mics that allow backing tracks. We all have different tastes and that’s the beauty of open mics, there’s something for everyone.
So I went along with guitar in hand, or I should say on my back!
The assistant Manager Emily, was totally warming with a lovely welcome and directed me where I could sign up with the open mic host, Paul Smith.
Matthew Hammond Guitarist/singer/songwriter was already performing when I arrived so I found a corner as not to disturb his performance. He was great fun as well as super talented, he tried out a few covers to help fill in time as people were arriving later in the afternoon, Matt had great chat, had fun with his set and included a song about Diedre Barlow from Coronation Street called Toxic. (Matt Is in his 20’s btw), although I saw a flaw in his writing as he mentioned texting and Deidre Barlow was way before texting on Mobile Phones. lol
Next Up was Bob Broomfield,a Keyboardist and vocalist. He started gigging just before lockdown and has since started back up again and hoping to get more gigs in this year.
Local duo Izzy & Dan Izzy, vocals Dan, guitar came along with the backing of their family to perform a few songs. Dan is a really great rhythm guitarist and Izzy has a big range for a vocalist. They’d previously won an open mic competition that gave them a solo gig at the bar in 2023. They’ll be coming along to the studio soon.
Steve Simms guitarist/singer with a paired back vocal and had some great covers. America, Oasis’s supersonic (one of my faves of the night) among others.
Rory Wilkinson guitarist/singer/songwriter was the next up. He’s been back on the circuit for the past couple of years after coming back from a few years in the wilderness…(not literally in the wilderness but away from writing and performing lol).
Indie/soulful vocals with dreamy vibing songs.
Aaron & Brodie, Aaron guitar & Brodie vocals, daughter & dad were next up. Aaron an accumplished guitarist had been in bands over the years and is now getting back out there to perform solo.
Brodie has a really distinctive tone, the kind that makes you stop and listen. She’s on her way to Uni but is also writing songs and that’s her goal for 2024! She’ll be coming along to drive for a live session in the summer.
Aaron then had a solo set.
I got up and played a few covers and some of my own. It felt strange after not playing for a while, yet after the first chorus it was like I’d never been away.
A really Nice crowd of people.
Def looking forward to returning again soon
Instagram for The Spread Eagle
Ohh also I forgot to say myself & Rory were asked back for a gig!
INFO
Sign up: Before or on the night. Paul, the host says anyone that turns up with their own instrument will get to perform.
House instrument/s: No please bring your own
Are backing tracks allowed: Sure – they have facility for a 7mm jack output
How many mics and Jacks: Set up for 2 vocal mics and a number of jacks for instruments.
Host Paul Smith
Matthew Hammond
Brodie and Aaron
Rory Wilkinson
Izzy & Dan
Steve Simms
Bob Broomfield
Emily assistant manager
