Frequently asked questions
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You'll find more detail on Hints and Tips.
How do I play at OOTB?
Can my band play at OOTB?
Where is OOTB held?
Do I have to bring my own guitar/instruments?
How long can I play for?
Who runs OOTB?
Does OOTB have a constitution?
Can I add my web site to the "musicians" page?
Can I add my mp3 to the "musicians" page?
Can I put my mate's name on the blackboard?
Can I book a spot in advance?
I don't do original material. Can I play a cover?
Why are the reviews always so glowing?
Can I sell my CD at OOTB?
Can I suggest a question for this FAQ?
How do I play at OOTB?
You play by simply turning up in person on the night. The music itself
starts at 8pm, but it is a good idea to get there well before that, as competition
for slots is usually keen. For this reason, OOTB operates a booking
policy in order to try and achieve a fair rotation of artists week by
week.
You’d be more than welcome! OOTB is an open mic event, so as long as you get your name down before all the slots are taken you should be fine – we normally recommend turning up about 7:00– 7:30pm, and that’s not even always a guarantee! We don’t allow pre-booking. As for bands, the stage is very small, and music is generally acoustic. We don’t have a drum kit (or space for one), but we do have bongos, tambourines and even shakey eggs! And any more than about three mic-ed up or plugged in musicians at one time causes our soundman David’s head to explode! The schedule's tight but if your band can assemble, set up, play, get your stuff together and get off stage all in 15 minutes, bring it on!
Where is OOTB held?
At The Canon's Gait bar, 232 Canongate, The Royal Mile. (Map
opening in new window)
Do I have to bring my own
guitar/instruments?
We have three house guitars which you're welcome to use, including one
strung left-handed; there's a keyboard too, but tell us early in the evening
so that we can bring it out ready for you. There are also bongoes, shakers,
hand drums and tambourines which are free for audience members to join in
the fun!
How long can I play for?
Each artist/band can play 3 original songs in their slot. The
slots are divided into 15 minute sections, starting at 8.00, and continue
until the last slot at 10.45, with a 15 minute interval. However, to be
fair to ensuing performers, if it looks like playing a third song will mean
you over-run your 15 min time slot, we may ask you to cut it to 2 songs.
Even if you play three songs of three minute pop perfection, we probably won't let you play another one, in order to take you up to the full 15 min "Why?" you may ask. The answer is that there is inevitably some changeover time involved between artists, which can be longer when ensembles are involved. If everyone played 15 mins, then the last act wouldn't have time to play.
Another reason is that we have what we term "squashee slots" situated just before the break and the end of the night. These slots are dependent upon whether we are running ahead of time. A "squashee slot" is where we do our best to let people who couldn't play a full 3 song set (due to the list being full), play a single song.
Who runs OOTB?
OOTB was initially run by James Igoe and Nelson Wright, but as more
people from the Edinburgh music scene have become involved, that has grown
to form the OOTB Management Committee, which sets the policies of
OOTB. Current committee members are:
- 'Big Jim' Whyte
- Scott Renton
- John Barclay
- Ewan Michael Riley
- Norman Lamont
- Tommy MacKay
- David O'Hara
Additionally, many musicians very generously give up their time on order to help OOTB run smoothly.
Does OOTB have a constitution?
Yes, you can look at the pdf if you
want (128Kb). If you can't be bothered, here's a summary of what
OOTB's about (as set out in Article 2 of the constitution) are:
-
To promote the creation and performance of original music.
-
To provide a platform for musicians in the Edinburgh area to reach a wider audience.
-
To stimulate a vibrant and dynamic original music culture in the Edinburgh area
Can I add my web site to the "musicians"
page?
We only add web sites of artists who have played at OOTB, in
order to be representative of the the music scene in Edinburgh generally,
although there are some sites from further afield too. If you have
played at OOTB and your site isn't there, feel free to let us know! (info@outofthebedroom.co.uk)
Can I add my mp3 to the "musicians"
page?
Yes, but we only add mp3's of artists that have been recorded at OOTB.
At present, we occasionally (and erratically) record the music at OOTB.
So, if you have played at OOTB and have a recording of it, feel free to
send it to us (info@outofthebedroom.co.uk),
and we'll decide whether we want to put it on. We always ask permission
before putting anyone's recordings on the site.
Can I put my mate's name on the blackboard?
No.
Can I book a slot in advance?
No, with the rare exception of people coming from well outside the Edinburgh
area who have contacted a committe member beforehand.
I don't do original material. Can I play
a cover?
No, except on the nights designated specially for them, which go under
the cryptic title of 'covers nights'. There are a couple a year and are
highlighted well in advance on this site.
Why are the reviews always so positive?
It's our job to be positive and encourage people to 'have a go' in public.
For that reason we're more likely to highlight what was good about someone's
performance than their shortcomings. We may still suggest that it would
be better if you sang into the mic, or played songs lasting less than nine
minutes, but we won't say you were diabolical and should never come back!
Can I sell my CD at OOTB?
Yes, on the night you play you're welcome to sell CDs. We won't stock
your CD at the table - that's reserved for the OOTB compilations - but we
encourage you to promote and sell your own CD when you're there.
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