open mic U.S. (interview) Member Interview - Andy Fisher

How long have you been playing music?
Around 24 years, there was always a guitar in our house as long as I can remember.My Dad was a doo-whop singer in the late 1950's early 60's and he got into playing guitar when music really started to change in the 60's. So naturally I'd been banging around on some sort of instrument since I was a baby. But I think Dad really sat me down for the first time when I was around 8 years old (1985) So 25 years!

What instruments do you play?
Well originally guitar (1) I played the violin (2) for two years in elementary school (4th & 5th grade) I played a concert with about 500 other advanced string players here in Columbus at the St. John arena on the Ohio State campus. Then in 6th grade I met my axe the Bass guitar (3) however at my school this instrument came with one stipulation, I would also have to play Tuba (4) in concert band (which I did for three years). By ninth grade I found myself playing the upright bass fiddle / or double bass (5) in the high school orchestra. I have also taught myself minimal piano (6), so I'd say . . .Two

Do you sing?
Since 1996 I'd say my singing became an official member of my musical arsenal

If you write, describe the last song you've written.
Wow! About two weeks ago I had an awesome first time experience. My 15 year old son (who I've been teaching Bass & Guitar for four years now) came up with this real old school three chord Rock -n- Roll type of riff on the guitar, So I started singing these lyrics off the top of my head about being in jail and my cell mate wants to break out. The song ends up a real Rock / Folk song called "the fugitive"

How did you discover the OpenMic.US community?
Yesterday I was trying to find some new places to test my metal at an open mic where I have not been heard yet and Google directed me to your site!

What do you hope to get out of participating in this community?
Just a tiny bit of exposure to some folks who may enjoy what I do and perhaps along the way expose myself to some talented individuals as well.

How often do you play-out at open mics?
As oft of possible. In the years 2007 & 2008 I played 2 -3 times a month if not more (schedules permitting), when my girlfriend and I had our 2nd child in June of '08, I gradually slowed until 2009 came and went with out my performing live once. This year I have loosely reunited my band "prosthetic Hed" with myself now playing acoustic guitar and singing (instead of bass) and returning is our lead guitar player E.Klein. This year we have played 5 open mic nights and hope to do more soon!

Do you play-out professionally?
Not in years now but from 1994 - 1999 I had a run with a couple different local hard rock / Heavy Metal groups. "Black Winter" in 1994 (Bass) and "prosthetic Hed" from 1996 - 1999(vocals and bass). also for a short stint in 2002 in a band called "Hydro" (vocals/bass).

What 'words of wisdom' do you have for your fellow musicians regarding 'performing at an open mic?
'"It's only you, your instrument and your words. Just feel it the way you feel it when you're alone and they'll feel it with you"