🗣 Mistakes That Led To My First Show of 2025

My First Open Mic & My First Show

Upcoming Song!

My new song Losing You will be out July 9.

Dragaan - Losing You

I was beyond nervous.

I couldn't think about showing up without starting to have a dry throat and a cramped stomach. I haven’t performed in years.

But that’s why I had to go.

I got the notification.

"Open mic tonight 7:30pm"

Still nervous, I told myself I'd sit in the crowd and watch for the first time. I'll pretend to be a regular bar-goer and see if my music was even the vibe for a place like this.

A perfect plan.

I picked the most tucked away place far from everyone, near the AC unit that was starting to freeze my leg off after five minutes of sitting there. I pulled out my laptop and ordered a cup of water.

First mistake.

Someone notices and comes up to me. I tell him I'm here to see the performers. He tells me I can sign up to perform if I wanted to. I didn't know what gave it away at the time, but when you show up to a bar with a laptop and ask for a cup of water, it doesn’t really describe the typical bar-goer. He was the owner and was also a musician himself who has been hosting these open mics since 2020.

He walks away, and I'm left with my thoughts. With my plan already a failure, I was struck with guilt. I drove all the way over here. I might as well perform my new songs. Maybe that would even help me make new friends and fans instead of just being that guy in the corner.

Four artists have already gone, and I'm still thinking it over. I was stressed that I'll mess up, forget my lyrics, and go home an embarrassment.

The fifth band goes up, and they're playing some classic rock tunes.

But is my music really for this place? Would anyone like this?

I caught myself before I would start spiraling.

You never know until you try. Worst case scenario is a bunch of new people hear your music, and they don't care. At least I get some practice with my stage presence.

Finally, I step up from my chair and write my name down on the list. I was number ten.

I go back to my table, and I couldn’t even sit back down.

I sing my own songs to myself in the corner while the others perform — pacing back and forth and drinking water to stop myself from having a dry throat.

Then my name was called and I went up.

I look at the crowd, and they’re staring into their drinks, unbothered.

I saw a few heads turn around to see who was playing. Their intrigue gave me the validation I needed for the start of my set. I gained more courage, and the way I moved to my songs started to feel more in tune.

Then I forget the next lyrics.

Second mistake.

Fuck.

But I catch myself again. I remind myself that no one here knows this song. They didn't know I even existed until this moment. And while I fumble over the lyrics, I make up new words to carry the melody and get back on the train of consciousness. I hop back on. No one noticed.

Two songs in, I must’ve blacked out because the next thing I saw was people dancing along. This amazing reception to my music in front of a bunch of strangers was warming me up. I start to feel myself coming out of my shell. The nervous guy that showed up at this bar a few hours ago wasn't there anymore.

This acceptance had me feeling like I found my people for a short moment. I continued gazing into the crowd as my music lifted me up. Seeing this impact had me thinking that maybe I am onto something with this music thing.

I end my set and get an applause, but really I'm just happy that it ended better than I expected. Once I'm off the stage, I talk with all the people who were watching me perform.

With the new connections, new fans, and a new spot to keep in mind for future open mics, I was feeling much more confident than I was in the beginning. This failed plan turned into an accidental success.

A success that was so magical that I wanted to chase it again.

This would start my week-long run of daily open mics.

But I'll talk about those another time.

My First Show

Because of my participation in open mics like these this week, I got invited to perform for 4 Food 4 CLE — a campaign raising money for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

If you’re in Cleveland, Ohio, and want to come support and see me perform, you can RSVP on my website. (It’s free!)

You can also donate here — Just $1 can provide three meals to a family in need.

I have many more shows and events getting booked as I’m writing this newsletter. I will keep you all updated on these as soon as they are 100% confirmed. I’m so excited for what this year has to offer!

Fan Shoutouts

Since I missed last week’s newsletter, I had A LOT of great fan comments and videos using my songs from TikTok and YouTube. I’m going to try my best to show my favorites here below:

Here are my favorite videos that inspired people to get into their art bag:

@eepordieTrying to organize my art supplies slowly growing my hoard again. #art #artist @Dragaan | Music Artist

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And here’s Salem showing her artwork to my song Keep Coming Back.

Thanks for reading! See you next week.