What happened to the #openmic that used to thrive on Steemit? Who's with me in launching a Hive Open Mic?
@wildfamily and I collaborated on a handful of Open Mic events, supporting us as we developed our unique style as song carriers.
Envisioning the Hive Open Mic
To me, this feels like a brilliant time to set a new stage, and shine a bright spotlight on budding musicians who are ready to shine! We find ourselves at a mystical moment when the live music arena is burning away, while artists wonder what to do with their creative fire.
I'm seeing a weekly invitation for artists to share their heart songs. I see weekly music themes, designed to inspire artists to explore and discover new territory with their musical talents. I see a small team of music enthusiasts who offer their insights about the songs submitted here, with ample encouragement for those brave souls who share their voices.
Ultimately, I see a universal Harmony that is created through the celebration of our collective Voice—including the vocal cords and the instruments and all that is given a voice. Music allows us to join forces on a vibrational level, building community connection, while honoring and celebrating the arts.
Sharing original songs for a global audience can be intimidating at times, but the rewards of connection, expression, and encouragement make it a meaningful experience.
Remembering the Steemit Open Mic
I fondly remember The Steemit Open Mic, hosted by @luzcypher and sponsored by @pfunk, @curie, @isaria, @ausbitbank, and other legendary success stories. Clearly, The Steemit Open Mic will serve as a strong precedent for future open mic events. The above link is the 1-year anniversary, when the event was at its prime.
Personally, The Steemit Open Mic was my #1 earner of upvotes and STEEM. I participated in dozens of weekly contests, along with a sister campaign called the Steemit Open Mic Songwriters Challenge, sponsored by @meno. I also gained tremendous value through real friendships that surfaced naturally through my participation. Plus, it gave me a chance to develop my voice and refine my skillsets as a singer-songwriter, a performer, and a recording artist.
A few of my highest earning songs include: “Far Out In Oregon”, “Adios To The Blues”, and “Mustang Again”. A few of the songs I introduced here became the signature songs of a band called Cosmic Butterflies [And A Bear]. It's simple to see the value that comes when artists are willing to share for an audience.
Cherishing the Open Mic Experience
In my very humble experience as a semi-professional musician, I witnessed myself growing in confidence and improving in performance throughout the time of my participation in The Steemit Open Mic. Looking back, I can see clear signs of this growth through two songs that I carried, eventually carrying me into the studio with my 8-member band. For example, here is the progression of our song, "Flourish."
Flourish
"Flourish," presented in Steemit Open Mic #95, July 2018
"Flourish," music video by Cosmic Butterflies [And A Bear], July 2019
Home
A second example is this our song called "Home," with three progressions shown here. FYI, our band Cosmic Butterflies [And A Bear] was scheduled to perform our live music world premiere concert during SXSW just last month, on 3/16/2020. Because of the cancellation of SXSW, we postponed our public presentation, so you'll be among the first to hear the studio recording shared below.
"Home," presented in Steemit Open Mic #94, July 2018
"Home," presented at home, October 2019
"Home," studio recording by Cosmic Butterflies [And A Bear], December 2019
Realizing the Hive Open Mic
Because the entertainment industry is at a stand-still, with musicians and artists wondering what to do with their ample creativity, I propose we hold space here on #Hive dedicated to a #hiveopenmic. I feel this platform will appeal massively to the numerous musicians seeking new ways to share their talents and reach their audiences. These musicians will benefit from Hive's actively engaged audience, who will be moved by the medicine of the music.
While other social networks are arriving, with their various incentives for creating, commenting, and curating, Hive is the one with the firm foundation and the highest propensity to be a haven for creative professionals. I have witnessed first-hand the many levels of growth in Open Mic participants, including myself. I believe the Hive Open Mic will liven up the field, and make it buzz.
I have to humble myself, being a newbie on Hive. In my quick searches, I've discovered a couple of #openmic posts here on Hive, but I don't see a designated space for this type of organized event. Correct me if I'm missing something. Honestly, I'm still finding my way here on Hive, and I might even be a little bit lost, but I'm hopeful it will hold the same level of vibrancy that I felt on Steemit two years ago, when I was highly engaged.
That said, I feel I have a strong voice in this conversation about reviving the open mic for Hive, making it new. In addition to my open mic experience, I also hosted an 21-episode event called Steemit Vision Quest, celebrating the creative spirit as we bring our inner visions into focus. Plus, I served as a curator of the OCD Daily, showcasing newbies with exceptional creative, original content.