FAQ

Here are some answers to our most Frequently Asked Questions

How many songs can I play?

The first 15 slots of the night are 10 mins each or two songs (up to a maximum time of 10 mins). After that, the slots go down to 5 mins (one song). This includes your "setting up time" onstage (so make sure you have your instrument ready to go b...

Can I pre-book my slot?

Yes! You can now reserve your desired slot up to a week in advance.But just like when taking a flight, you still need to "check in" on the night, at least 10 mins before the music starts.And if you can't make it, we do ask that you let us know by ...

Is there a piano or keyboard at UK Open Mic nights?

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a piano or keyboard at any of our UK Open Mic nights. Performers should bring their own instruments (including keyboards) and/or backing tracks that we will plug into our mixing desk using cables we already h...

Do you have (or can I bring) a drum kit?

Unfortunately, we don't have - nor can accommodate - a drum kit.There is a cajon at all of our open mics which you / your drummer / anyone is welcome come use!

What time is sign up?

The "walk-in" Sign-up is usually 7 pm. However, a few nights have a 6 pm sign-up.You can check the most up-to-date timings on our schedule page: http://ukopenmic.com/venuesN. B. It's worth noting that you can reserve your desired slot in advance o...

Can I use a backing track?

Absolutely! We're happy to welcome backing tracks.Please note, you'll need to have an audio player for your backing track (i.e. your phone) as we don't have audio players for you (i.e. no CDs or USBs).Additionally, your audio player (i.e. your pho...

Can I perform covers?

Absolutely! It is your performance, so you can choose what material you want to perform :)

Where are the open mics?

We run multiple open mics throughout London. You can see a current map of all our venues - and pre-book your slots at any of them - via our website; UKOpenMic.com . Whereas most of our open mics run at the same time each week for years on end, ...

Do I have to buy food or drink to perform?

Our nights are free entry so, technically speaking, you don't have to buy anything in order to perform!However, we do encourage performers to buy food and / or drink at the venue - even if it is just a soft drink (and certainly not to bring in the...

Do you have a contact / telephone number?

We have multiple hosts running our nights and sometimes they swap round last-minute, or if someone's on holiday. As a result, there isn't a specific telephone contact number for us. However, all our hosts are part of our Telegram groups - UKOM Ge...

Is there a house band?

In short...no! Performers are expected to bring their own accompaniment (be that in the form of an instrument, or a backing track on their own audio player). Nor do we have any house guitars for performers to borrow (you'd have to ask your fellow ...

Is there a piano or keyboard I can use?

There is a piano at the Lyttelton Arms on a Wednesday. Other than that, unfortunately, we don't have a piano or keyboard at our other nights.Performers should bring their own instruments (including keyboards) and/or backing tracks.N.B. There is a ...

Do you have amps?

We don't have any amps at any of our nights.We do have a mixing desk wired up to two PA speakers. We will run any cables directly from your instrument (e.g. your guitar) into the mixing desk.Where there isn't a jack socket (e.g. it's an acoustic g...

Is there a minimum age? Are your nights family friendly (do you allow children/kids)?

Whereas we (UK Open Mic) are happy to have performers, or audience, of any age, it is entirely the venue's decision on any given night as to whether they allow families / kids / children.Additionally, if under 18s are allowed, it maybe only until ...

What time does the music / performances start?

The music / performences always start 30 mins after sign-up.Sign-up is generally at 7pm, but some nights are different (e.g. 6 pm) so check our website listings for the most up-to-date timings.

Can I use electronic equipment (like laptops, midi keyboards, etc)?

The short answer is; yes, you can use laptops, keyboards and any other electronic equipment that you bring.However, please be aware that our slot times also include setting-up time.As the first 15 slots are 10 mins (or two songs, under 10 mins tot...

What / how many instruments and mics can plug in at the same time?

At all our open mics our mixing desks can take a minimum of any combination of 4 inputs (XRL/mics or instrument leads) plus a backing track played through a device with a headphone socket (e.g. your phone).

Do you supply Apple Lightning adaptors so I can play backing tracks from my phone?

Are Apple Adapters available at UK Open Mic Night Venues?