My first gig

I played at a showcase last night with some really talented young musicians and it got me thinking back to when I first performed in front of people.

I was 16 years old and I had made my way to the Quicksilver Mail in Yeovil for their weekly open mic night. I went alone and didn't tell anyone, I was just eager to watch the others and see what it was all about, wondering if I’d ever feel brave enough to try it myself one day.

Naturally, the host of the event grew curious about this prepubescent baby-faced teen sitting alone in the corner with his bottle of J20 and so he started speaking to me, and I explained why I was there. Instantly, he started trying to convince me to get up and play a few songs, offering to lend me his guitar. Reluctant and very nervous I agreed and made my way to the stage area. Suddenly, I remember fretting to myself (‘what songs should I play?!’ ‘Will I remember all the words?’..) He sat me down, adjusted the mic-stand to accommodate for my shorter height and handed me his guitar which I tentatively balanced on my leg; imagine being offered to drive someone else’s brand new Aston Martin when all you’ve ever driven is an old rust bucket... Well that’s what it felt like as I held this gorgeous guitar in my lap - and my palms were sweating all over it! I couldn’t rest my foot anywhere without either my knee trembling and causing my whole body to violently vibrate, or my heel uncontrollably beating off the floor… But I took as deep a breath as my lungs would allow and opened into the first line of Ralph McTell’s ‘Streets of London’.

Very carefully and strategically so as not to hit the wrong chords, I momentarily looked up and glanced around the room, and I remember seeing heads nodding in appreciation and people taking an interest and that helped me to relax. What I didn't expect though, was to do the same thing a few songs later and look up to see my mum and dad stood at the back of the pub! I didn't realise it, but a friend of theirs was at the bar and had messaged them to explain that I was singing in front of people.. within minutes they'd made their way out to watch and support me. Despite trying to keep it a secret, in that moment I felt really pleased to see them stood there.

I didn't exactly blow people away.. in fact if I went to a bar now and performed like I did back then, I probably wouldn’t get asked back again.. (the term ‘strangled cat’ comes to mind).. but being young at the time and showing that I was brave enough to give it a go meant the punters were patient with me and offered kind words of encouragement. That’s how it all started for me. I returned to the next few open mic nights and started attending more events in the surrounding area and got my foot in the door of the local music scene, before eventually building a setlist long enough to fill an evening and start chasing my own bookings.

Though I regret that I’ve neglected certain people and opportunities over the years, nearly all of my family, friends and relationships of past and present have been patient and supportive which means a lot. I guess it's the same for anyone with a passion - that passion defines you and thankfully the people around me seem to understand that and how easy it can be to get sucked up and consumed by something you’re passionate about. 
I wouldn’t know where to start if I were to try and list the amount of things that people have done or put up with over the years to help support me but I’m eternally grateful for all of it!

I looked at these great young guys playing music last night (much better than I was at 16!), and you can see that they're passionate.. Their parents and friends were in full support and helping to get the rest of the pub involved. Some were taking photos and videos for social media, others speaking to the promoter and handing out cards & flyers etc and it was just really good to see! It reminded me of the support I had during my early years and still have now! That support is what makes the difference.

Nobody's an expert at anything when they first start out but if you can see it's where someone's heart lies and you think there’s something you can do to help, then do it.. even if it's something as simple as a few words of encouragement. The best people in any profession are the ones that love what they do, so we should encourage ourselves and others to follow those passions and do what we love! Be brave and be selfish when you have to.

Why not send someone you know a little message today to encourage and applaud their efforts on something?.. It could be just what they need.

Thanks for reading.

J x