Open Mic Industry Night: The Pilot of the Next Big Open Mic Experience

If you weren’t at Radio Artifact for Open Mic Industry Night, you missed more than another local music event; you missed something that felt like the future of live entertainment. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Diggity Dean Dane Sampson of Chillmore Inc., the night wasn’t just about music. It was a production, a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what could easily be the next hit television series built around raw, local talent.

The Venue: A Studio Set in Disguise

Tucked away in the back room of Radio Artifact Bar & Lounge, located inside the historic Urban Artifact in Cincinnati, the setting itself immediately set the tone. The space didn’t feel like a typical music venue; it felt like a TV set waiting for cameras to roll. The lighting was moody and cinematic, the acoustics were crisp, and the crowd was buzzing with anticipation.

The room was intimate, but it pulsed with purpose. Every detail, from the carefully arranged microphones to the soft, ambient glow bouncing off exposed brick walls, hinted that something special was about to unfold. It felt curated, almost a sacred space designed not just for entertainment, but for discovery. The audience wasn’t just there to listen; they were witnesses to something being built in real time.

This wasn’t just a stage; it was more like a platform for music to be discovered. The artists weren’t just performers; they were potential stars. Each one stepped into the spotlight with an almost tangible hunger, and the room responded in kind. It was a launching pad, not a landing spot.

A Thought-Provoking Opening: AI Meets Entertainment

Before the music began, the evening started with an unexpected but timely discussion on artificial intelligence in entertainment. Fame YNO opened up a conversation about how AI is changing the creative process from music production to content creation, marketing, and even curation.

Instead of giving a lecture, they turned the mic over to the audience, creating a live Q&A that sparked some real conversations. Artists and audience members alike shared thoughts, concerns, and curiosity about what AI means for the future of artistry. It added a layer of depth and innovation to the night, making it clear that this wasn’t just about performance, but also about elevating the conversation in the creative community.

Showtime: 10 Minutes of Brilliance

At 8 PM sharp, the music began, and it didn’t let up.

Each performer was given a tight 2-song, 7- 10 minute set, but no one wasted a second. What might have felt rushed in a lesser setting instead turned into a high-pressure, high-impact format that brought out the best in every artist. It was like watching a talent competition without the judging, just pure, distilled artistry delivered in bite-sized brilliance. There was no time for ego or filler; each act had to come in swinging, make their mark, and leave the crowd wanting more, and they did, over and over again.

The short sets created a sense of urgency and momentum, where the stakes felt high, but the vibe stayed supportive. You could see it on the performers’ faces: they were dialed in, laser-focused, and completely alive in the moment. No one was coasting. Whether it was a soulful acoustic ballad or a genre-bending beat set, every performance felt like an audition for something bigger, a calling card, a pitch to the universe saying, I’m ready.

And the crowd? Engaged from the jump. Phones were out not to scroll, but to capture. Heads nodded. People cheered between verses. There was this rare, electric exchange of energy between artist and audience that made every set feel significant. The host, Dane, kept the pace tight and the vibe celebratory, hyping up each act with just the right mix of charisma and care. They weren’t just introducing talent, they were building a culture of respect around it.

The crowd? Engaged. The hosts? Hype. The energy? Immaculate.

Standout Performers: Ones to Watch

The talent on stage covered a wide range of genres and energies from hip-hop and soul to experimental and melodic. Here are a few standout acts that left their mark on the night:

Bigfoot & Mama Foot (Honorable mention)

This mother/son duo brought a rare mix of charisma, rhythm, and raw chemistry. Their stage presence was magnetic, playful, but intentional, and their synergy made it feel like they’d been performing together for decades. 

JaBril Ta'ree (Winner of the night by SpinBin Magazine)

One of the evening’s breakout stars, Jabril delivered a deeply moving and introspective set that stood out for both its lyrical depth and emotional clarity. Whether he was singing or rapping, every word felt purposeful. Jabril didn’t just perform; he connected, and the audience felt every word.

Trench Baby ju (Winner chosen by Fame YNO)

Trench brought energy and authenticity. His presence was raw, unfiltered, and full of personality. With a gritty delivery and a real sense of urgency in his performance, he commanded attention and likely left with a few dozen new fans. This was an act that set the tone for the rest of the night.

Jon Carlo$ (Standout Performance)

Smooth, self-assured, and sonically rich, Jon Carlos was the definition of polished and purposeful. He moved across his set with the confidence of an artist who knows his voice literally and figuratively. His music felt both familiar and fresh, and he’s undoubtedly TV-ready.

Melace (Winner chosen by Chillmore Inc.)

A performer with a distinctive style and voice, Melace brought an experimental edge to the evening. With a sound that felt somewhere between alternative R&B and electronic soul, Melace created a vibe that was hard to forget. Her music was an electronic and emotional experience that had the crowd out of their seat.

Calvino (Winner chosen by Lonewolf Prod.)

Showing out with a bold, high-energy performance, Calvino made sure the crowd left on a hot note. His dynamic stage presence and fearless delivery made it clear: this isn’t someone who’s content with staying local; he’s got big-stage ambition and quality in front of the camera.

More Than an Open Mic: A Production in the Making

What made Open Mic Industry Night truly special wasn’t only the talent, it was the way the entire event felt like a rehearsal for something much bigger. From the setting to the structure, the hosts to the conversations, every element suggested this wasn’t just a one-off event.

It was the start of a movement.

The entire night felt like a test run for a TV series or live-streamed music show focused on emerging talent. And if this was the pilot episode, sign us up for the full season.

Closing the Night

Open Mic Industry Night proved that Cincinnati isn’t just a city with talent, it’s a city ready to showcase that talent on a bigger stage. With Dane of Chillmore Inc. leading the way, and the perfect stage provided, this is a series that’s just getting started. If you’re a local artist, you’ll want to be on that stage. If you’re a fan of fresh, original music, you’ll want to be in the audience. And if you’re in the industry… You should probably start paying attention.