With all live gigs cancelled, Gscene is asking LGBTQ performers how they are filling the creative void for fans and helping to keep up community spirits.
First up is this popular Brighton “troubadour, musician, entertainer, singer of songs”, who’s been delighting Facebook followers with responses to song requests. Nicky Mitchell
What are you currently doing online performance-wise?
Well, on Mother’s day, a friend asked me to make a video of me singing Fly Me To the Moon for her Mum, because they couldn’t be together. Of course… I obliged and while I was at it, offered to make other dedications for others too. So I currently have a backlog. People can donate via my virtual tip jar, but I didn’t really want to make it about that. I want to do it because I want to do it and because it’s nice to do something.
What kind of dedications are people asking for?
Mostly for partners or loved ones they are separated from.
Can you give us some examples of requests?
Fly Me To The Moon, Dream a Little Dream of Me, but my favourite so far is Enter Sandman by Metallica, which I am working on….
Are you writing songs ‘to order’ in response to requests?
I have been commissioned to write a song for someone, but it’s a secret!
What has been the reaction?
Lovely and warm and endlessly kind.
Have you gained more online followers?
Probably, haven’t looked.
How does it compare with live performance? What are the main differences?
With video you get endless ‘do over’ opportunities, so you have to set your own level of what you will accept quality wise. Mine is pretty low. ; )
Is there a most-requested song?
One of my own songs that people love. It’s called Forest Waltz and you can see it on my Facebook page.
Nicky is on-line at 3pm today , tune in and check her out!!
I’ll be posting vids on my YouTube channel and website soon.
How many songs are you performing each day?
About 10.
Have you learned anything from this process?
That I can adapt.
Do you think other people have learned from this process?
That money is not everything… I was very ahead of that particular curve.
Do you know of any other performers doing similar things?
Yes, Liane Carrol is live streaming her regular Wednesday night gig from Porters Wine Bar in Hastings and raising money for the South East NHS.
For a lot of performers, it is a real need to express themselves. A muscle you get used to flexing over and over and over again. It is an outlet and a way to connect with the world and other people. It is a source of joy and a primal drive for most of us.
Are you likely to continue with this when things “get back to normal”?
I don’t think anything is ever going to get back to normal. We are facing a 10-week lock down I think, maybe longer, and then we will face a global economic recession the likes of which has NEVER been seen.
What are your plans pertaining to upcoming gigs?
For ticketed shows…1. Offer a refund, no quibble. 2. Livestream the gig anyway. 3. Reschedule too.
If you’re a performer and are finding innovative ways of connecting with your audiences, we’d love to hear about it. Please contact us via news@gscene.com
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