Soundbites: Get your mic on

With top notch artists and pop stars heading to our neck of the woods, where does that leave our aspiring songbirds? Thanks to popular demand, a new open mic concept, where upcoming musicians are given an opportunity to showcase their talents, is gaining ground in Dubai. And it’s officially launching on March 8 at The Gramercy, DIFC.

Jazz musician Ciaran Fox, who performs there Monday nights, will be hosting the event. Soundbites spoke to the Irishman about the concept and what it hopes it will do to the city’s music scene.

Q: What’s the response been like for the Open Mic Nights?

A: Many regulars have been demanding a [formal] night like this for some time. So as you can imagine there is a big buzz about it. You never know who we may find, I may be out of work soon.

Q: What’s your take on the avenues available for amateur singers to showcase their talents in Dubai?

A: I feel that we could do a lot more to encourage and embrace new, upcoming talent. Open Mic Night at The Gramercy is a great start, it is a massive opportunity for amateur singers to gain valuable experience performing to a live audience in one of the city’s busiest and buzzing music venues.

Q: How is Open Mic Night different to karaoke?

A: It’s different in the sense that although we will be using backing tracks, the objective of the evening is to give amateur singers a platform to perform and showcase their ability, while still being in an environment that is relaxed enough that they can all have fun. I’m not expecting groups of girls singing ‘I Will Survive’ or businessmen with ties around their heads trying to rap to ‘Ice Ice Baby’. Having said that, I secretly hope we get some of these. A Laugh is good for the soul.

Q: Is it only limited to jazz music?

A: No. Although The Gramercy is known for live jazz, they also mix it up during the week with their Latin Ladies Night on Tuesdays and a Video DJ on Thursdays. So on the night we welcome any style or genre.

Q: You’ve made your passion in singing your career. How can someone else do the same?

A: I know it sounds a bit of a cliché but hard work and determination is the key. Obviously it takes a certain degree of good luck to be in the right place at the right time for someone to see or hear you and appreciate what your doing. But no one will hear you if you’re just blasting it out in the shower every morning. You must create opportunities and the Open Mic Night is a great place to start.

Q: What is your advice to those who have stage fright?

A: Really just relax and enjoy it. You’re doing something you love so remember that. Everyone gets it at some point and its not a bad thing sometimes fear is the key to the magical performance.

Don’t Miss It:

Head down to The Gramercy this Friday night from 7pm onwards for Open Mic Night hosted by Ciaran Fox. To book a table call 04 4377511.