After work (first day on the job, by the way) I met a couple of friends at the Ocean Island Inn. It's the main backpacker's hostel in town and Wednesday night is Open Mic night. Another night full of incredible music, but one young lady really stood out from the rest.
As she was called to the stage she did a little, awkward dance to get some nerves out. It was adorable. Sat on a stool, legs crossed, guitar across her lap. Toque pulled down low to her eyebrows, faux-fur around her neck, a zip-up hoody and jeans on. She spoke up to introduce herself and her first tune, an original, and described the motivation behind it. The she began to play. Then she began to sing. And as fast as the first few words left her mouth the rest of the room went dead silent. All eyes, and ears, were locked on Lily.
She played three original songs, all of which were beautiful, clever, well-written, sounded completely original, and above all else, were wonderfully performed. Her voice was her voice. Constantly changing levels with complete ease- enjoyment, even- and full of grace, grit, and soul, sometimes a little of all three at once. She also demonstrated a lot of humour, hope, and love in her lyrics and demeanor. She communicated with the audience through her music and her words but also with her often animated facial expressions.
Lily took her bow to a roaring applause. Well-deserved. She's the best unsigned unknown I've seen since moving here and I've seen many, many acts deserving of a record deal. Everyone wanted a piece of Lily as she took back her seat in the crowd. "Amazing!!" they shouted. "You're wonderful!", "That was incredible! You're a star, Lily!" they cried. Humbly blushing, Lily thanked them kindly, hugged many and showed genuine shock at all the adoration. Her sincere modesty was endearing.
A little later I noticed her leaving for the night. I couldn't miss my chance to talk to her so I jumped out of my seat and chased her down, much like a crazed fan would do, and I was. Caught up to her in the hostel lobby, introduced myself and told her exactly how I felt about her music. Know what she did? She kicked one leg out in front, fist-pumped, and made some kind of happy dance out of it. Really cute! I asked, "Where can I see you play again?" She said, "I don't know!" I asked, "Do you go to any other open mics?" A little more concerned she said, "I don't know!" I asked, "Do you busk?" A little more concerned she said, "I don't know!" Clearly overwhelmed I calmed her down and asked her to explain. "This is only the second open mic I've played," she said. She seemed like she didn't really understand all the attention she was getting. "I just work at a tea shop."
As it happens, I also work at a tea shop (first day on the job, remember?). We both work at Teaopia! I, at one location, and she, at the only other location in town. We were both a little impressed at the coincidence (although on the inside I was grumbling that she didn't work at the same one as me) and it kick-started a little conversation. Time for her to go, she asked for my e-mail address, so I wrote it down for her (and my mobile number too).
Lily left me feeling completely in awe, completely inspired, and probably just a little bit in love.
No comments:
Post a Comment