Featured Performer: Nick Ronayne

Nick started attending open mic at Flipnotics shortly after moving to Austin. He's attended three of the different open mics that I've hosted over the years. One of the things I noticed about Nick right away was his quick wit, hilarious stage banter, and genuine interest in the other musicians performing. He was quick to friend a lot of folks at the open mic, has formed a few bands, and even hosted an open mic of his own at Tiniest Bar in Texas for awhile. He's settled into Austin quite nicely.

I chatted with Nick about Flipnotics, what it's like to be an open mic performer, and more. Check out the interview below.

• Q: Which of the Lisa Kettyle Presents: open mics have you gone to?

  Nick: I've been to Flips, Romeo's, and Medici.

  Q: What instrument and style of music do you play?

  Nick: I play acoustic guitar and sing songs...that sound like they might be on the soundtrack of Juno...?

  
  

  Q: Any favorite memories from over the years?

  Nick: Many great memories. Mostly memories of meeting awesome people and making great friends. If my Austin friends were a family tree, Flipnotics open mic would be the trunk. When I played my first open mic at Flipnotics I had only played in public once or twice. I believe it was that first night when I broke a string which made my guitar out of tune which made my singing out of tune. My knees were shaking too much to stand so I sat. I finished my 2 or 3 songs fueled only on the good vibes and enthusiastic words/hoots and hollers coming from the ever attentive and supportive audience. I'll never forget that terrifyingly wonderful feeling.

  
  

  Q: Why do you play open mic?

  Nick: I play open mic to meet band members, to get my music out there/gain "fans" (which really just translates to supportive friends), and to get shows.

  Q: What makes a good open mic for a performer? For the listener?

  Nick: Simple. For a performer? A good audience. For an audience member? A good performer.

  
  

  Q: Any tips for open mic performers?

  Nick: Open mic is not a show. Don't act like it is. Play your songs the absolute best you can and get off the stage. There are 20 other people in the room who are there to play. Not to hear you play. Don't explain your songs or when/where/why you wrote them. Just play them. Before and after you're done playing, talk to people. Talk to people before you play because then they're more likely to listen to you when you do play. Talk to people after because that's when they'll ask you questions about your songs/music which is the appropriate time to explain it. Also, that's when people will talk to you about booking gigs, starting bands, having post-open mic jam sessions, etc... Be humble, and grateful, and ask questions. Go to a lot of different open mics...that having been said, pick your 1 or 2 favorite ones and go to it/them regularly. Lastly, and most importantly - be tuned and ready when they call your name.

  
  

  Check out Nick's current musical project, Javelina.

  
  

  
  

  

   Performing with Javelina

  

  Playing an underground SXSW show at Parkerhaus with yours truly

  

  Hosting open mic at Tiny Bar