Thanks for this blog Adam I really enjoyed it. I go to a couple of local open mics in West Yorkshire monthly and you definitely find out what works or not very quickly. The nights I go to are not just for poetry exclusively but unplugged music too. They are in pubs too, so sometimes it's difficult to make yourself heard. I have to recite much louder than my recordings for the Poetry Cove Radio obviously. I've also started writing poems (Running Man Sonnet) on local themes to try and engage the audience in what I'm expressing.
I'm missing mine next week as I'm going to a gig but it's twice a month so I'll definitely get to the 2nd one. I've made a few friends there which another great side affect of sharing whether online or in person. And some are fellow artists that like my work so it's all positive.
I found this quote interesting: "I think people are more comfortable reading from their homes behind a computer than in person," because I wonder why this is. Is it because these poets feel stage fright when they perform (I know I would!), or is it because there is a sort of comfortability factor of being in a safe space, like your own home? I mean, I personally think confidence is a key player here, but this makes for an interesting discussion.
Hey Ken! Thanks for your comment! I think it has a lot to do with confidence. Not having to look out to an audience with beady eyes all on you. Being in an unfamiliar environment adds to the stress of being outside your comfort zone etc. But like everything, I say to those who are on the fence about going to an open mic, the more you do it the more natural it becomes and thus easier it gets.
"Young poets speaking the truth and changing the world one verse at a time."
That this is ours.
Great blog Adam. I really enjoy open mics at Second Life (SL) and would love to go to an actual live event (Never Been).
What you and the Poetry Cove have achieved with the radio is terrific on so many levels. I don't like the sound of my voice and honestly cringe every time I hear myself on the radio, yet, I carry on submitting and listening. It's liberating and scary. Stepping out of my comfort zone and contemplating how I can improve (Like your classes at the academy) is fun and important in order to grow. Thanks for this I enjoyed…
I find this very helpful! I've been looking for poetry communities hosting Open Mics near where I live for a while now and this definitely is helping me get there sometime soon :)
Thanks for this blog Adam I really enjoyed it. I go to a couple of local open mics in West Yorkshire monthly and you definitely find out what works or not very quickly. The nights I go to are not just for poetry exclusively but unplugged music too. They are in pubs too, so sometimes it's difficult to make yourself heard. I have to recite much louder than my recordings for the Poetry Cove Radio obviously. I've also started writing poems (Running Man Sonnet) on local themes to try and engage the audience in what I'm expressing.
I found this quote interesting: "I think people are more comfortable reading from their homes behind a computer than in person," because I wonder why this is. Is it because these poets feel stage fright when they perform (I know I would!), or is it because there is a sort of comfortability factor of being in a safe space, like your own home? I mean, I personally think confidence is a key player here, but this makes for an interesting discussion.
"Young poets speaking the truth and changing the world one verse at a time."
That this is ours.
Great blog Adam. I really enjoy open mics at Second Life (SL) and would love to go to an actual live event (Never Been).
What you and the Poetry Cove have achieved with the radio is terrific on so many levels. I don't like the sound of my voice and honestly cringe every time I hear myself on the radio, yet, I carry on submitting and listening. It's liberating and scary. Stepping out of my comfort zone and contemplating how I can improve (Like your classes at the academy) is fun and important in order to grow. Thanks for this I enjoyed…
I find this very helpful! I've been looking for poetry communities hosting Open Mics near where I live for a while now and this definitely is helping me get there sometime soon :)