I never thought I’d sing on stage.
As an introvert, I was perfectly content making music alone in my room. I told myself I didn’t need to share my songs. Music was something I did for me, not for external validation.
But eventually, I realized that wasn’t the full truth. I had built an identity around being the person who stayed in the background, who wasn’t “meant” for the spotlight. That belief kept me isolated, and kept me from growing. It took me years to learn to real growth comes from connection, collaboration, and letting yourself be seen.
The Turning Point
After years of self-doubt, I finally found the courage to begin my music journey in 2022. It all started with a message I sent to a fellow Toronto musician on LinkedIn (shoutout to Caj Flow!). That one connection led me to Beatcave, a Canadian music community that organizes workshops and creative events.
Through Beatcave, I got the chance to record at a professional studio for the first time. It was also the first time I ever “performed” in front of others—there was a sound engineer, producers, and fellow artists in the room. I was nervous singing into a professional mic, but I knew I had to push through. I owed it to my younger self to finally share the songs I had kept hidden for so long.
To my surprise, the response was warm and encouraging. That feedback, and the helpful guidance I received, gave me the motivation and confidence to keep going. I started writing and recording more, and for the first time, I felt like I was truly part of something bigger than myself.
Stepping Onto the Stage
The next big hurdle was performing live. I had always avoided attention. Even in school, I rarely spoke up in class, so the thought of singing in front of strangers was terrifying.
But again, community made all the difference. Musicians I met through a Beatcave networking event encouraged me to check out a local open mic called Big Fam Jam at Supermarket in Toronto. With their support, I decided to go for it.
When I stepped onto the stage, the nerves hit me. I had to remind myself: I’m surrounded by people who love music just as much as I do. Once I started singing, the fear began to melt away. I allowed myself to be in the moment, and feel proud that I was finally on stage. Getting up there was 90% of the battle.
Why Performing Matters
Whether you're pursuing music as a career or just love to sing, open mics are powerful. They help you:
- Build stage presence
- Practice performing in a low-pressure environment
- Share your passion with a supportive audience
- Face your fears—and grow from them
For me, performing has become a way of sharing the part of myself I usually keep hidden. And every time I do it, I feel a little freer.
5 Toronto Open Mics to Check Out
If you're ready to take that step, here are a few open mics in Toronto that I’ve performed at or heard great things about:
You owe it to your younger self to share your love of music with others. Whether it’s singing in front of friends, recording in a studio, or stepping up to a mic for the first time, let yourself be seen and heard.
You never know what might happen when you do.
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