An Inside Peek at Open Mic Mondays at Metro Atlanta’s Eddie’s Attic

Take a leisurely drive into metro Atlanta’s downtown Decatur district, and you’ll not only find a budding emergence of new condominium communities and trendy businesses. But what you’ll also find is a healthy peppering of culturally satisfying venues—one being the infamous, Eddie’s Attic.

The “Attic” History

My research on the place revealed that Eddie’s Attic is quite a popular haunt dating back about 15 years. Perusing the Eddie’s Attic web site, I found out that this invitingly snug and woody establishment once made its home in the upper regions of a Belk department store. A few changes have been made throughout the years, with Eddie Owen (the owner) handing over the Open Mic hosting reins to someone else until picking them back up again most recently.

Anyone residing in the metro area with a finger on the pulse of Atlanta’s local music scene will tell you that the “Attic” has inadvertently launched the musical careers of some pretty noteworthy artists; John Mayer and Shawn Mullins are amongst those lucky few. Several other reputable artists have made the Attic stage their home on one occasion or more. These would include (but are not limited to) The Black Crowes, The Indigo Girls, Sheryl Crow, Ani DiFranco, and India.Arie.

Monday Open Mic Night

Aside from being a premiere spot to hear really good professional talent, Eddie’s Attic is one of the best acoustic singer/songwriter open mic venues. The Attic’s Monday night open mic contest draws hundreds of people from all over the United States. The nightly contest pits at least 20 performers against each other with three being selected as the evening’s finalists. Each of the three return to the stage at the end of the night to perform one last “ditty.” After that, there is a final judging, and the evening’s winner gets $60 of cold, hard cash, and a spot in Eddie’s Attic’s bi-annual Open Mic Shootout. The winner of the Shootout, gets $1,000 amongst a few other goodies. But don’t show up on any Monday night expecting to perform that night. Open mic slots are so coveted that performers sign up to perform weeks and months in advance! (I discovered this the hard way.)

Another great thing about this venue, is that for a mere $10, one can purchase a DVD of his/her performance that evening. This is great for budding performers who are looking to improve their stage presence, technique and vocal ability. These DVD’s are also great for those who are looking to add to their press kits and media packages.

My Open Mic Experience

After finally procuring a spot to perform, I was called by the club and informed that an earlier slot had been left open. As luck would have it, I didn’t have to wait weeks simply to play my two songs. Upon arriving at the modest brick establishment, I was welcomed by the woody interior, and a few organic-looking but friendly individuals, and asked to pay a $3 artist cover charge (other patrons are charged $5).

Unlike other open mic experiences in Atlanta, the crew at Eddie’s Attic runs a really tight ship. Open mic artists are given a specific time they are to perform. This makes it much easier for those who have invited friends and family for support. Artists must arrive at the club no later than 30 minutes prior to their show time. I assume that failure to do so forfeits the time slot. The thought alone was more than enough motivation for me to make it there well before the appointed hour. What’s wonderful about Eddie’s Attic is that everyone in the place seems to have this authentic appreciation for musicianship and artistry. Artists are encouraged to find a “comfy” spot in the front lounge for their axes (guitars). And there is no smoking allowed anywhere except the outdoor lounge/patio.

After settling into this addictively cozy atmosphere, I attempted to shake some of the trepidation off of my nerves. But the staff at Eddie’s Attic also makes this extremely easy. Artists are asked what kind of additional equipment or set-up they need. And the sound engineer(s) are always attentive to the specific desires of those gracing the stage. Suffice it to say, there was not much for me to do other than show up and “sang.”

The Show

I have had the opportunity to play the stage at Eddie’s twice thus far. The good news is that my first go round, I actually made it to the finals and was thrilled to have found this out. The bad news is that I misconstrued the rules of the contest, and had already left prior to getting to play my third song. I returned for a second shot a few weeks later—only to be beaten out of the finals by some really awesome competition. Another good thing about Eddie’s Attic? No one is ever made to feel as if he/she doesn’t belong simply because his/her skills are lacking. All levels of proficiency are encouraged and welcomed.

At any rate, although my second performance did not garner a position in evening’s finals, I was awarded the honor of being highly praised by Mr. Eddie Owen himself. This rather unassuming 40-ish looking man could be anyone’s neighbor; upon meeting him, he is free of all the condescending rhetoric that music industry heavies pour all over newcomers and amateur performers. I was quite impressed that he took the time to seek me out after the show (even after not winning)—simply to shake my hand and praise my work. To have warranted his appreciation was my personal “stamp of approval.”

Other “Mentionables”

Aside from being a prime spot to showcase one’s acoustic chops, Eddie’s is a great place to relax without all the pretentiousness that other clubs slather on to make themselves feel more “exclusive.” One can truly fall into this place in jeans and flip-flops, have a beer and some wings, and hear some refreshing music. The actual performance room is perfect as an intimate setting. Wait staff is competent and friendly. And all areas of the place are clean and accommodating. But like other clubs in the metro Atlanta area, Eddie’s Attic is also a great place to network. For underground musicians like myself, “networking” typically means finding out what your competition is up to, discovering new spots in which to play, and attempting to grow your fan base. If ever there was the place for a substantial amount of musical comraderie, Eddie’s is the place for it. It is for these reasons, that I would play at Eddie’s Attic even if there was no contest or prize.

Reference:

• www.eddiesattic.com