rocknroll

In early January 2024, our band member Isaac told us about an open mic event , for the sunrise moment in Long beach. It was our first live performance in a long time. So, it was a great opportunity to brush up on our live performance skills. However, our live performance went poorly.

There was a welcoming crowd. People were very insightful about their views on the environment.  A few artists went up to perform for the open mic. Some did poetry, others creative visuals and others had speech. It was great to see people give a damn.

When it was our time to perform Edgar, Isaac and I went up on stage. The location looked like a middle school gym converted into an assembly hall. It was a throwback. All we need now is a backyard show.

On stage, I did not find a reason to worry. I felt confident. We had set up our instruments before our performance, but I forgot to set up other essentials. A chair, a mic stand and sheet stand to hold the lyrics. I wanted to replicate my practice space at home. So, I could reduce any mistakes

Then 

We checked our instruments  

Did a half assed sound check. 

And began the set 

which consisted of three songs: 

Born into this

Promises

The End of All Things

Born into this began strong. 

I felt we were in it. But then the song became a mess half way through our set. Our timings and tones were jumping around like atoms struggling to escape a boiling kettle. It began to sound like we didn’t rehearse. As the audience began to clap with us during a vocal repetition. The song did end well. So, I am thankful for their support.

. 

Afterwards it was the song Promises. It went well. Out of the three, I can say we delivered for anybody listening. Which was great, because after this track  I felt warmed up.

The last was the track was the  “End of All Things”. It is the oldest song from this set of songs. I did not believe we would struggle, but we did. I did my best to play it off, but I could tell the audience knew better. Their expressions said more than I could describe. Some eyes cannot lie lol We said our thank yous, walked out and were greeted kindly by people there.

In retrospect, our January open mic performance at the Sunrise Movement in Long Beach hurt us. But I think it was a necessary reality check. Its put a lot of things in perspective for myself. However, it also was a wonderful experience. So thanks to everyone at the “Sunrise Movement in Long Beach”. We look forward to the next show.

Cheers,

Ed from Relentless