Open Mic Reps

Check, check. Do I sound okay? Check, check - 1,2; 1,2.

In early February I turned up my open mic routine. I’m showing up to get the reps in. What reps? The reps of showing up authentically.

I’m self-taught playing acoustic rhythm guitar. I began my sophomore year in college, borrowing my older brother’s acoustic that was sitting neglected for years at my parents house. I began taking that guitar with me everywhere, until I didn’t. Large swaths of time would go without me playing (more about this another time).

I never have been a student of the guitar. It has, instead, been an expression of my intuitive nature.

In the past few years, I updated my guitar to one that fits my body better and I’ve recommitted to my songwriting, with the increasing intention to play daily. I’m now to the point that when I don’t play, I miss it - I feel less regulated and whole.

I began an open mic journey a few years back. Doing one take recordings in my home and then sharing on social media. Then a year ago I committed to weekly playing and singing in the park across the street from me - 30+ min.

I “busked” a couple times in that time frame - not with the intention of earning money, but with the intention to show up - more bravely, boldly, confidently, comfortably, consistently.

So a month ago, after doing a little internet research I found a weekly open mic 2 miles away and committed to going weekly for a month. From there, I got an invitation to another open mic.

It’s really hard to write about this because it’s very much in process. I’m bravely, if not awkwardly, nervously showing up. I’m excited for this journey. There’s more to share but I’d love for you to follow along and I’d love to hear what your doing to get your authenticity reps in!

The following song is a new one I’m working on and sharing as I work on it. It’s a call to action - a call to love - a call to grow - a call to change - a call to “Wake Up!” I played it at my first open mic and got in trouble for swearing and sharing a “political” song because there are people on “both sides!” (that performance is not shared here). I knew then that I need to share it more! I felt like an artist activist. I felt like Dylan!

I’m continuing to work on it and played it as my first song at a new to me venue: Kulak’s Woodshed. I’m thinking to use this song as a benchmark of my progress.

1. How do you want to show up more authentically in the world?

2. How can you get reps in to show up more bravely in the world?

3. How do you feel when others show up authentically in your life?

4. How do you feel about waking up?

Rooting for you!

- elle