1 – You get to hear original music, and often for free.

If there’s something that puts people off going down to the clubs and pubs, it’s the entrance fee and what you get for it. Paying a tenner for expensive drinks and to hear the same R&B music pumped through alcohol covered speakers for the entire night is only something that can be enjoyed whilst completely wasted. Why do that when OMN are often free entrance and you’ll get to hear some original material from up and comers that sometimes deserve more recognition than the established artists. Not only that, but often the musicians will begin with covers to get you into the set, so you get to hear pop songs like you’ve never heard them before. Want Lady Gaga done acoustically? Or an electric flute doing Beyoncé? Then you’ve come to the right place.

2 – If you’re creative, you get to test out new material.
OMNs are a great forum for artistic exchange, and whether you’re new to the whole idea of playing gigs, or a pro wanting to test out new songs, OMNs are often more casual, welcoming, and laid back enough to make you feel comfortable about dying on your arse. You’re still more likely to get a round of applause for trying your best than getting a glass bottle thrown at you- don’t believe what you see in the movies.

3 – It’s a great place to meet new and interesting people.

If you’ve just moved to a new area, then OMNs are a great place to meet new people, often who will be local to your area. Even if you aren’t there to sing, just hang out at the bar, show support and respect to everyone who plays, and you’ll soon find yourself talking to complete strangers, and you never know, there could be fit musicians there.

4 – When you see a talented person it reaffirms your belief in the human race.
Ok, it may sound a bit pretentious and over the top, but there is nothing quite like seeing talented people unaware of how amazing they are. While some people stay home and watch Mariah Carey wannabes belt out another repetitive (and quite frankly appalling) rendition of “I will always love you”, you can sit at an OMN and watch genuinely good singers seek nothing but your cheers rather than your money. There are amazing performers out there, and they are at OMNs.

5 – Everyone knows musicians are fit
There’s no denying it, there’s something oddly attractive about a guy who can play the guitar, a girl who can bash the drums or a loner you’d never normally touch with a bargepole belting out a tune. Open Mic Nights prove an excellent opportunity to just have a perv on some hot musicians, and although you might be disappointed by some of the acts, eventually you’ll end up listening to some cute guy singing about how they’re looking for “the one” but just can’t find them…swoon.

6 – You get to hang out with people who love music, and let’s face it; they are the best kind of people

There’s nothing better than hanging out with people that appreciate music, and you’ll find that most of these people will attend OMNs. People who are passionate about music tend to be more open minded about it too, which is why OMNs are so perfect for them. Where else could you hear country music one minute, and electro funk the next? Sure it’s a stereotypically cool place to hang out, but for people who are passionate about music, it’s also the best place to hang out.

7- Nothing beats the atmosphere.

Whether you’re listening to music, comedy, poetry or someone having a rant, the OMNs have a different atmosphere to any other night you will experience. It becomes like a mini creative community, where everyone gets the chance to express themselves in a unique way. You’ll see some of the most talented and unique artists, as well as possibly the oddest people you will ever see in your life.

8 – It’s great for a date

So you’ve finally asked your crush out, and it only took you three years, but big problem, you’ve just realized you have nothing in common. Don’t worry, take them to an OMN! It gives you something to talk about, and if you decide that they aren’t the one for you after all, you can just listen to music without having to fill those dreaded awkward silences.

9 – It’s not just about the music

Ok so maybe hearing a budding singer/songwriter isn’t your thing, but the all best comedians have all done OMNs to get experience and perfect their routine. From Michael McIntyre to Tim Minchin, all the famous comics have done their OMN at one time, and some still do in preparation for their big tours. So why not check out a small comedy night in the middle of nowhere? You might just find Lee Evans testing out his new material at last minutes’ notice. Just try not to brag about it to your mates too much, remain quietly smug, it’s more annoying.

10 – Schadenfreude

There is another reason to go, and it undermines every other reason that has been previously mentioned, schadenfreude. If you’re a cynical bastard, had a bad day at the office, or just fancy laughing at someone else’s expense, there often is a singer whose voice goes through you, a guitarist who can’t play, or a drummer that just bashes out their anger issues. Just don’t boo, laugh to yourself instead that you’re not that poor sod up there.

Words by Eleni Cashell

Illustration by Arsida Smajli