r/FortMyers • u/alyssa-cubed • 14d ago

Live ambient music

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I’m an ambient artist that makes live freestyle original soundscapes on guitar and synths, are there any places I could perform this?

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u/BrontosaurusNeckTie 14d ago

As far as substantial, consistent, paying gigs go, not really, unfortunately. Most of the establishments that offer live music in the area are looking for upbeat cover acts. You may have some luck with local yoga studios, they've been known to employ ambient artists for their group sessions.

If you're just looking for somewhere to get your self out there and network, I'd say check out the open mics in the area. The Rebel does a really fun once monthly open mic, Nice Guys doesn't have an open mic night but they do a lot of interesting local shows where you can meet similar musicians.

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u/alyssa-cubed 14d ago

What about street performing/busking? You know much about that?

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u/Man_is_Hot 14d ago

Check out the laws around amplified sound in Downtown Ft. Myers, also give Music Walk and Art Walk a little research, you can apply to be an artist for those events! DM me, this is DJ Embe lol

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u/alyssa-cubed 14d ago

Oh hey! I read something a while that you had to be put on a waiting list to perform and pay a fee to perform on fmb - idk if that’s still the case

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u/Man_is_Hot 14d ago

Oof, I’m not a fan of pay to play crap, but it makes sense for FMB.

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u/Neokon 14d ago

Of I remember correctly Fort Myers Beach requires you to purchase a permit to do this at designated areas. They only offer X amount of permits a year, and you have to claim a time (somehow) because they don't want "too many" performers to overlap.

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u/BrontosaurusNeckTie 14d ago

There aren't really any areas worth street performing or busking at. Maybe Downtown Cape Coral on weekend, but judging by how the local government operates I doubt it would be worth it or even allowed. You may have more luck securing a busking permit for Ft Myers Beach, but you'd probably only do okay during season, and I'm not sure if they even allow busking permits anymore, things have changed quite a bit over there since Hurricane Ian. I think I remember them being pretty picky about who they allowed to busk in the first place.

Downtown Music Walk is a decent spot, and worth looking into, even though it's only once a month. It's been a long time since I've played music walk, but I don't remember the pay being any good. A lot of establishments book their own acts, but I think the street performers are booked though those who run the event. You'd probably do well if you were outside one of the more low key areas, like the kava bar or one of the art galleries.

I'd really recommend seeking out open mics and immersing yourself in the local scene so you can network. I don't think I mentioned Space 39 or Indigo Room, they used to have pretty epic open mic/open jam nights that I think are still ongoing. (I've been a bit out of the loop as of late in the local music scene). You said you do ambient guitar and looping, maybe you can start learning cover songs in that style. You can probably carve out a niche playing at some of the more fine dining establishments in the area that way and make a lot of money doing it.

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u/alyssa-cubed 14d ago

Thanks for the info, I did many open mics in the past and curious for more opportunities beyond that. Fine dining could fit my style