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Post subject: Busking... any tips, stories etc?
Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:01 pm
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Hi, my peeps,

I'm really keen to hear any stories and tips you lot may have regarding busking, particularly from chaps in the UK, as I'm tryin' to get an audition for a London Underground busker's license. Anyone done some time on the LU? Really, anyone with stories or advice RE street performing in general, drop a line here, please.

Yours,

The Stone

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Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:10 pm
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What are you talking about?


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Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:26 pm
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evh1978 wrote:
What are you talking about?


Forgive my presumption but, I guess you're from the US. My research thus far suggests that the term 'busking' is not widely used in the States.

The term refers to performing (encompassing anything from music to spoken word to juggling to miming etc) in a public space for the money passers-by might throw into your hat/instrument case or whatever.

The financial rewards are said to be relative to what you put in (naturally), but the overall reward for me would be doing what I love... playing for crowds.

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Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:20 pm
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I've spent a few years in the UK, and a fair amount of time traveling on the Tube (never heard anybody call it the Loo :shock: ). I've heard a fair amount of buskers also, some were great! But I would think that you have to have something to REALLY stand out. Keep in mind you'll probably be competing with classical violinists from the various nearby Arts Colleges.


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Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:46 pm
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I've never made any money off of my music in any way shape or form.


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Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 6:43 am
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The term "busking" is widely used in the States.

I haven't done it, but I know people who have made a fair living busking in major urban areas. You're right to go for a license for a hub like the Underground: in my experience, people who live in a city like London or San Francisco expect to see buskers in certain places the city and are in a more "giving" mood because of that expectation, so your best success is always in those spots.

I met a guy playing a hand-made fretted instrument that was like a guitar in scale length but more lute-like in having something like 10 courses of string, four of them octave pairs. He had a license to perform in Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco (one of just a handful of such performers), and he was not only getting paid, but was selling CDs of his music to passersby. It helped that he was an awesome player doing something unusual.

Some basic bucking advice:

1) Seed your money collector( guitar case or what have you) with some cash... never start out empty.
2) Continually gather up the money, just leaving some seed money... don't let people know you're getting rich.
3) Smile and make eye contact, but DON'T hassle people... don't enter into conversation unless they start it.

As twangee says, I think you've got to do something clever or be awesome at whatever you do to attract attention: another guy strumming a guitar and mumbling Neil Young songs isn't going to do well.


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Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 7:08 am
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Gravity Jim wrote:

As twangee says, I think you've got to do something clever or be awesome at whatever you do to attract attention: another guy strumming a guitar and mumbling Neil Young songs isn't going to do well.


You guys sure are right about that. I am definitely under no illusions there. I'm all over that getting awesome issue like a tight pair of undies on a fat guy. I've heard that it takes months to get an audition for a London Underground busking license, so I've got some time to hone my chops. While I'm waiting, there's always the streets.

There's a bit of a debate on the web over whether it's best to play familiar tunes or original stuff. The former will pick at peoples' heartstrings a little more, but also run the risk of making you bland and unoriginal.

I'm not a covers man myself, but what do you guys think? Which do you prefer to hear when you're out and about? What's more likely to make you go "that guy deserves a moment of my attention and a few bucks"?

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Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 7:46 am
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TheStone wrote:
I'm not a covers man myself, but what do you guys think? Which do you prefer to hear when you're out and about? What's more likely to make you go "that guy deserves a moment of my attention and a few bucks"?


As long as it sounds good i pay
We need more culture instead of commercials in the public :D


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Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 7:48 am
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The people I've seen who were doing best were playing classical or original instrumental music.


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Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 8:44 am
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Maybe you should try to find a day job.


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Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 8:52 am
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evh1978 wrote:
Maybe you should try to find a day job.


Maybe you should stop posting to threads on subjects of which you have no knowledge.


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Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 9:42 am
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I'll think about it.


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Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 9:46 am
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You guys are stupid. If your a kid and your reading this and thinking about doing it, don't do it. Stay off the streets. Stay in school. Do your homework. Don't listen to these jerks.


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Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 9:59 am
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Wow. Such hostility!

Jewel was discovered while busking.

I would have to admit though, staying in school is the best option if you haven't finished yet. But make your own decisions and remember that the choices you make in life dictate the lives you lead!

Regret can cause all kinds of harbored and pent up aggression!

Just my $0.02


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Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 10:14 am
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evh1978 wrote:
You guys are stupid. If your a kid and your reading this and thinking about doing it, don't do it. Stay off the streets. Stay in school. Do your homework. Don't listen to these jerks.


Most of the time, this is great advice. There are, however, exceptions.

I had a pretty unusual dad who told me after I graduated from high school that I should spend at least a year being a hobo. I didn't take him up on it, but looking back now, I think he was on to something. When I compare my artwork before college to the work I did my senior year.... there is a strong argument for having lost something for my time in school.

The better advice in my opinion is NO MATTER WHAT... avoid the most common downfall of musicians. DON'T DO DRUGS! and staying away from alcohol would also be a good move. Art isn't necessarily learned in school. But drugs will destroy you every time.

That is my 2 cents.

Martin


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