No singer-songwriter is an island (an ode to the berlin music community)
When I speak to other musicians, they often mention how the Berlin music community is the reason why they choose to live and work here.
„Just get on stage on an open mic night and try it out, everyone is so supportive“, they said. But I simply couldn’t believe that to be true. That is not what I knew from growing up back in Sweden. What I knew was: if you make a mistake, people will laugh at you. It you are anything less than perfect, it is fair game to ridicule you. Misspoke? People will bring it up days later. Not well prepared? Prepare to see eyes rolling.
So how could I expect anything less now, surrounded by talented people?
Then I went to my first open mic in Berlin, my first open mic ever, and after alot of convincing by the host, performed an original song. I was so terribly nervous, I messed up a verse and my mistake seemed to last an eternity. But no one booed, no one rolled their eyes. Instead I just received support and encouragement. And I understood, that here are people that welcome you with open arms, people that know how much it takes just to get on stage and share your art. And they know not to mock the process.
Being a solo artist can be a lonely undertaking, you write your songs alone, rehearse alone. Especially starting out, you don’t know anybody, you don’t know how to share your music or meet other musicians. It did take quite some time for me before I connected with other musicians but now that I know quite a few absolutely talented and allround impressive and kind people, it is clear to me just what community means:
It means lifting each other up. Letting people in. Coming to each others shows. I see shows where half or more of the audience consists of musicians, showing up for other musicians.
You can’t do it all by yourself.
And the beautiful thing is: you don’t have to.
In Berlin I have been able to share and listen to songs in an early stage in the process in safe spaces with other musicians.
I have reached out to ask for advice and been overwhelmed with the amount of support and willingness of others to share their experiences and advice. How generous they have been, giving me their best tips on where to go, what to do.
I have been invited by friends to go busking, something I would have never done by myself.
You can’t do it all by yourself. And the beautiful thing is: you don’t have to. Go out and meet other freelancers and co-work somewhere, meet up for brainstorming sessions.
I would not even be on stage and I would most certainly not have released music at all if it wasn’t for the amazing friends I have made that keep encouraging me to do this. And I would not have had the opportunities I have had until now unless people had put their trust in me, asking me to open for them, to play at their venues, let me borrow their equipment.
There are so many great musicians living and working here, networks and possibilities. And now I believe what the others were saying and can count myself lucky to be part of Berlin’s vibrant and unique music community. I hope one day that I am in a position to be able to pay it forward to another beginner who doesn’t know quite where to start.
Until then, thank you.
