Introducing Debut Talent, a new initiative in Haslemere that gives musicians of all ages the opportunity to perform live in front of an audience in local venues.

This is Haslemere had a conference call with Danie, Gary and Mash the founders of Debut to find out more. Danie originally came up with this Open Mic idea and was quickly joined by Mash and Gary. Mash is a professional musician and film composer. He told us he’s “the sound boy”. Gary played bass in bands at school and university and said he’s there “to support Mash with the sound and Danie with the organising”.

How Debut Came About

Danie shared with us that her son, Sebastian, sings and she wanted to give him more opportunities to sing in a crowd. Sebastian, in Year 6 at Shottermill Junior School, had performed regularly around Haslemere but the gaps between performances could be 3 to 6 months, so she decided to set up an Open Mic session at The Lion’s Den on Wey Hill in December.

This first Open Mic went very well! They were treated to opera, rock, Christmas carols, breakdancing, guitar, violin, piano, and a nursery rhyme recitation. The performers ranged in age from 3 to 53 years old. The Debut trio now see they have created a positive environment for performing. Mash said, “There is no pressure. It’s a friendly and encouraging audience.”  He continued, “Performing live in a nurturing environment could literally change a life.”  We love that Mash is offering the skills and knowledge of his day job for the good of the community.

How Haslemere Fringe Took Notice

Fortuitously, at that first Open Mic, one of The Haslemere Fringe organising committee was there with her daughter who had gone along to sing. This has led to The Haslemere Fringe offering Debut a stage to performers under the age of 18 to host a session or two during July's fringe. At the Debut Open Mics in the coming months, you can come along and perform without pressure for practice and enjoyment or you could use the performance as an audience for the fringe. It makes the fringe so inclusive!

Meet Sebastian, Marni and Alexei

(pictured in that order in the photo accompanying this article)

As we were on the conference call, we could hear music and chatter in the background and asked where the sound was coming from. Gary said they were all at his house and their children were having a band practice as we were talking. We have already mentioned Danie’s son Sebastian (vocals, Year 6, Shottermill Junior School). He was rehearsing with Marni (piano, Year 6 at Shottermill Junior School and daughter of Mash) and Alexei (guitar, son of Gary and Year 5 at Shottermill Junior School). All three had performed solos at the first Open Mic and, after that, Alexei suggested they form a band. The sound we could hear was their rehearsing together (with intermittent pillow fights!) to prepare for the next Open Mic taking place at Harpers Steakhouse on the 8th March (5pm to 8pm).

Gary told us Alexei loves guitar and has progressed very quickly. Having been in a band himself, Gary knows a bit about the set ups and wanted to give Alexei and his friends a chance to perform. Mash has five children and lives in Haslemere. He said that daughter Marni loves being in this new band with Sebastian and she gets so much out of it. Now she just wants to play live in front of an audience. Mash told This is Haslemere, “We’re plugging into our kids’ love of performing and opening this up to the community.”

We were lucky to hear directly from the young performing trio (band name to be decided) when they joined our conference call. Sebastian told This is Haslemere that he loves singing rock and pop. He is currently having singing lessons and is doing his grade 3. He is starting to get into guitar, just strumming and trying it out. Alexei is mad about the guitar and sometimes tries his dad’s bass. He said his singing was not so good but Sebastian may give him lessons on backing. He loves to tap his fingers and always has a rhythm in his head. Marni is on piano. She told us that originally she was playing for fun and now she is on the path to doing her grades. They all kept repeating that they just love to perform. And it’s not enough performing at home, they want the buzz of introducing their band to a new audience. They said that even though they “get a little nervous”, it is “enjoyable”, “exciting”, and “fun” playing live.

The first song they have composed together is called Action. Sebastian wrote the lyrics; Alexei came up with the chords on guitar (it’s in the main key of C and E) and Marni came up with the accompaniment on piano. They stressed there is no band leader! Asked if the band will welcome new members, they revealed they may have someone in mind on drums. They are really proud to have put the song together. They all dream that one day they will work in the music industry. Sagely, Alexei cautioned, “Never give up on your dreams!”  We’ve not even heard Action yet, but we must admit that we are already fans of the spark and energy of this nameless band.

Join The Fun With Debut Talent Open Mic

Wrapping up our conference call, Danie was keen to share that all are welcome to perform at Debut’s Open Mics. She said, “There is no need to be perfect. It’s a safe space and it’s fun. Come and give it a go.”

You are asked to register first as this will help Danie, Gary and Mash to prepare a set list and manage logistics on the night. You are asked to bring your own instruments and a keyboard will be made available.

Debut Open Mic nights are open to performers of any age, any musical style, and any skill level. Whether you’re stepping onto a stage for the very first time or already building experience, what matters most to Debut is having a platform to polish your performance.