Rustys26
13 posts
Jan 10, 2015
6:16 PM
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Hey all,
So I've been playing harp for a good while now and would say I'm an advanced intermediate player. I've always wanted to try out busking, but I live in a very small city in North Queensland, Australia which isn't an ideal place. However, I'm visiting my brother in Los Angeles in a few months and won't have much to do while he is at work. I was thinking about giving busking a go. While everyone who hears me says I'm "amazing"...I know that I've got lots of work to do and they just aren't familiar with how amazing a harmonica can really sound.
What I'm wondering is: Do I need to have serious chops in order to busk? I'm not bad in any sense, but I don't want to go out there and make light of it and disrespect any true busking artists...if you know what I mean.
All tips are welcome (no pun intended)
Cheers,
Rusty
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JInx
952 posts
Jan 10, 2015
6:45 PM
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you need enough to believe in yourself, to put out the hat....otherwise you're just begging
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Rontana
19 posts
Jan 10, 2015
7:28 PM
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If it's something you'd like to do - and it sounds like that's the case - then go for it. What's the worst that could happen? You get some valuable experience and perhaps some good stories.
Few things in life are worse than looking back and thinking "man, I wish I'd done that when I had the chance."
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Offering custom-built Cigar Box Guitars for the discriminating player of obscure musical unstruments
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2chops
323 posts
Jan 10, 2015
7:43 PM
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If you got it in your heart and mind to busk, then busk ye must. Seriously. Don't over think it and get all hung up on whether or not someone might think that you aren't being respectful. And don't be too concerned about not being good enough to busk. Cruise through some YouTube videos of buskers. You'll see the gamut from just horrible to absolutely amazing ability levels. I keep in mind what Michael Rubin said once. "Music is not a competition.". And, "Your music is valid.". Go for it and have a blast.
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I'm workin on it. I'm workin on it.
Edited for typo.
Last Edited by 2chops on Jan 10, 2015 7:45 PM
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Rustys26
14 posts
Jan 10, 2015
7:47 PM
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@Jlnx: I believe in myself in that I think people would genuinely enjoy my playing. I just don't want to step on other busker's toes by being in their "territory" or to annoy local businesses. I'm confident in my playing...busking is just a totally new thing for me, I've never lived in a big city so I have even limited experience in watching buskers.
@Rontana: I'm pretty positive I will definitely try it out...I just want to know what I'm getting into before I take the dive.
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Rustys26
15 posts
Jan 10, 2015
8:47 PM
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Cheers 2chops, good advice...ive never performed before so a bit nervous. Looking some of the other harp buskers on youtube I feel pretty good about this. Looking forward to it!
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Greg Heumann
2935 posts
Jan 10, 2015
10:29 PM
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Do you need a permit?
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
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Rustys26
16 posts
Jan 10, 2015
10:54 PM
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In LA, apparently you do not need a permit.
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BronzeWailer
1571 posts
Jan 11, 2015
12:39 AM
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Go for it Rusty!
I had my first (solo) go when I was still just a moderately OK beginner. I had partial non-mastery of maybe 20 minutes worth of songs. I started regular busking when I had 30 years of beginner-level ability and a year of serious practice. This was with a very good guitarist who played nothing but slide improvisations. That was an education in itself.
Four years later, I do do solo busking in Sydney when my guitar guys are busy.
I have forced myself to sing, accompanied only by the harp, or sometimes a capella.
Unless you are somewhere with good acoustics, like a tunnel, you will want an amp. I use a melamine salad bowl as a tip bucket (with $8 seed money), because hats won't fit my noggin.
The public likes a good groove, so more overtly rhythmic pieces work well, in my experience. Sing if you can, or start learning.
You want somewhere with decent foot traffic, but not too wide a concourse, because people may avoid you. Avoid playing near charity collectors; they make people shut their wallets tight.
It's a good idea to write down your repertoire on a piece of paper, because you may forget something you want to do.
Once you get into busking, you enter a virtuous circle of fun, in my experience. (There are times when the tips just don't come despite you playing your heart out; we call that character building. But you are still working on your chops and getting acquainted with the blues.)
Cheers!
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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jbone
1855 posts
Jan 11, 2015
11:59 AM
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You have some very good counsel to start with here Rusty. I particularly like what Bronzey said above. I would add that if you play your best it may not be so vital as you may think to be spot on with what you do. I'm guessing you know some catchy stuff. I'll also guess you know how to sing a bit. It's about having a natural good time, this is what connects you to an audience. You can be amazed at who responds to your stuff! From toddlers to octogenarians, bible thumpers to metal heads and all in between. I have seen this.
I have seen guys doing sitcom and cartoon themes, commercial jingles, spirituals, blues, folk, just whatever had some notes they could string together. Delivery is a biggie. For me personally, I want the folks who want to hear me to come in close to the tip jar on their own because they want to hear better! A tambourine or other item you can tap with a foot can be a good thing.
For me I do love playing acoustic with my wife/partner Jolene but there have been times I would do 20 minutes or so solo while she was indoors cooling off.
Mellow Down Easy is a good hook. Some spiritual stuff maybe jazzed up a bit like Will the Circle be Unbroken, Amazing Grace. When the Saints go Marching In, St. James Infirmary. Some Jimmy Reed 1st position stuff, maybe a Dylan or two. Skip James' Hard Times. You don't need hours' worth, you can probably repeat stuff since it's a walk-by audience. We've had street audiences last 3 to 5 songs mostly.
Whatever your tip bucket is, put a few bills in to start. But I think most important is to relax, have a good time, and just work your chops.
Last thing, you don't have to draw people from far away, save your reeds and play a pretty normal acoustic volume.
Best of luck and success. Have a great time in LA!
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Thievin' Heathen
465 posts
Jan 11, 2015
12:15 PM
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So long as you are not trying to pay for your trip in the tips you hope to get, (IMO)their are no standards.
You can dress as a wino and tour the city via public transportation, you can put on a tux and play a plaza in the arts district, and anything in between.
The only place I ever felt unwelcome was The French Quarter in New Orleans. It seemed every 30 feet was staked out with someone running their scam or their gig or whatever, and encroachment was not encouraged. You will recognize such a situation before the 3rd note you play.
Come to think of it, I recently ran into a guitar player in the Deep Ellum district in Dallas who was not interested in harmonica accompaniment. It was a spiritual thing for him. He was from L.A. and believed he was standing on "the spot" where Robert Johnson recorded and wanted privacy. I believe he said he was channeling.
Reading back, I realize I may have hit upon the root of your question. Are we talking about playing music in the street or busking for food & rent & hoping to be discovered. Either way, you will know by the 3rd note.
Go for it, and may you chance upon the friendly musicians of L.A.
Oh, and bring along a couple of Johnson's. It is often easier to give away a cheap harp than reason with a street dweller who thinks he can play harmonica.
Last Edited by Thievin' Heathen on Jan 11, 2015 12:21 PM
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JustFuya
687 posts
Jan 11, 2015
4:38 PM
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You don't mention where, in a very big city, that you plan to play. Adam just recently busked on Venice Beach so he probably has more current insight on that venue.
I used to do considerable busking on LA beaches and always considered VB a parade of tight fisted fast moving tourists that are there to observe a scene that has free entrance (as opposed to a zoo). They have no problem paying exorbitant Disneyland prices but the walk down that boardwalk is brisk and easy on their wallet. But if you want a challenge, play to the kids that make eye contact (as has been pointed out here on other threads). Nothing stops a hand holding family better than one interested child. Most times it's not a big payoff but just making them stop to listen is an accomplishment and joy.
I suggest Manhattan Beach. Many passersby are local and appreciate music. Many are performers, consumers or somehow making a buck in the business. I did a fair amount of bartending during those days and found my best tippers were fellow bartenders. Ditto musicians while I was busking. Manhattan Beach is teeming with talent and appreciation.
I love BW's idea of seeding the tip jar (and his sheer joy of the art). I used to think it was pretentious but it's not. It's simply an excellent trick of a couple of trades that serves well. Money has not always been my incentive nor has it been been a good measure of my time well spent. I've walked away with a big smile and little more than my seed money because it either felt very good or I had a lass on my arm. Don't play down your accent if you are working the latter.
Some advice: Avoid Hollywood altogether. It's seedy and can get confrontational. And avoid rush hour.
Edit to add a link. I tried to find a current state of the art in LA. This info has more relevance than my personal experience and is entertaining in itself:
http://www.surfcityvoice.org/2011/05/please-support-your-local-buskers-without-them-surf-city-nights-would-be-a-duller-event/
Last Edited by JustFuya on Jan 11, 2015 4:50 PM
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Rustys26
17 posts
Jan 11, 2015
6:52 PM
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Thanks for all of the advice guys. Good stuff.
@ThievenHeathen: No, I'm not doing it for food/rent and certainly not to be discovered. I'm a marine biologist...music is a hobby, I have no intention to ever be a professional musician. But as a scientist...yes I could use some money too, haha. So the main reason I want to do it is for the experience and I think it would be fun...but also, having a new way to make cash would be a nice bonus.
Also, no...I unfortunately do NOT know how to sing. Not even close, though I practice a lot these days...at this point my voice would only chase people away. I won't be able to bring my amp with me, so was going to play acoustic...but maybe I can just take my mic and possibly my brother will have a friend that can loan me a suitable amp. We'll see.
I was planning to try Venice Beach at my brother's suggestion, but I may try Manhattan Beach instead.
I'll start running through which 5 or so songs I should cycle through.
Cheers!
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Thievin' Heathen
467 posts
Jan 11, 2015
7:09 PM
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Rusty, I was not suggesting that you are busking for food or rent but rather trying to prepare you for the wide range of what you might encounter on the streets of America.
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BronzeWailer
1573 posts
Jan 11, 2015
7:11 PM
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Good thread Rusty.
Great to hear your input too, jbone, Thievin' and JustFuya.
I do love busking although I won't make a living at it. Something memorable (positive) always happens.
This is OT but one of my wife's ex-classmates is a marine biologist up north, Ove Hoegelberg. Maybe you know him. (Maybe you are him.) We love snorkelling and try to make it up there every few years (Lady Elliott island is our favourite).
Let us know how you go with the busking prep/execution.
BronzeWailer's YouTube
Last Edited by BronzeWailer on Jan 11, 2015 7:19 PM
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Rustys26
18 posts
Jan 11, 2015
7:55 PM
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Thanks Thievin', I see what you meant now.
BronzeWailer: Yes I know of Ove but not personally. I'm up in Townsville, I believe he works in Bris. He is a pretty huge deal in my field though (climate change/ocean acidification) and I have cited him in a few of my papers. I might be asking you to put in a good word for me in a few years when I'm looking for a fellowship!!
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BronzeWailer
1574 posts
Jan 11, 2015
8:19 PM
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Rusty, well you have my dream job ! I often thought if I had to do it over I would do marine biology. Best of luck with your future endeavours. Happy to help!! :)
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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garry
552 posts
Jan 12, 2015
2:08 PM
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You might spend some time where others are busking and ask around, find out what the written and unwritten rules are. Might avoid some hassles or misunderstandings with the community.
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BronzeWailer
1575 posts
Jan 12, 2015
2:38 PM
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Good point Garry. I was in a busy mall once that I knew was frequented by buskers. I grabbed a prime position when it opened up only to be told later (quite politely) that the buskers had a queue, unbeknownst to me.
Another time a guy accused me and my partner of "stealing" his spot and "his" milk crates. He threatened violence against us. (He came across as somewhat unstable.) We just moved 100m down the road.
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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KingoBad
1589 posts
Jan 12, 2015
2:54 PM
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Just get out there and do it. One of the best tests of your entertainment value is to see what kind of reaction you get.
Busking is a talent all on its own, and you will just have to learn as you go. Watching other successful buskers helps too.
I've never been afraid of cops (unless there are laws against busking - and panhandling rules may apply - I check). I would be very considerate of other buskers, and give lots of space. It doesn't hurt to ask them. Sometimes you can have a cool collaboration on the spot.
I would be afraid of someone taking my stuff in a strange place. Just be smart, and it's not an issue. If you start raking it in, make a collection pause (but leave the seed money). Let your tip jar go before your instruments (I use a cardboard box instead of a hat). Use sunscreen, and a hat - or get a primo shady spot.
Don't worry about not getting what you expect your first time out. You are learning how to do it, and people smell it if you are not delivering authentically.
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King Casey
31 posts
Jan 13, 2015
3:43 AM
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Forget the 'seed money' bit, somebody keen on tipping aint gonna go 'Oh nobody's tipped yet, I'll hold onto it'.
Also, don't think you have to hitch your barrow to where all the other buskers congregate.
I've often thought..'Gee this would be a good spot'
and being rewarded with an appreciative audience
Think outside of the box
cheers, Mark.
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King Casey's Web site
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kudzurunner
5237 posts
Jan 13, 2015
4:12 AM
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I've always put a dollar in the hat or case as a good luck charm. I'm a fan of the seed-money principle.
I think you should go for it, but I'll say: much as I enjoyed Venice Beach, it took me a half-hour or more, and conversation with four different people (one of them was a group of three people) in order to figure out how the system worked. And I've had years of experience as a busker. In Venice, it seems that there are a series of spots along the boardwalk specifically dedicated to buskers; all the others are reserved for merchants of various sorts. The prime spots are located at one end, where a big road intersects the boardwalk. I was forced to walk quite a ways down towards the other end of the boardwalk. I ended up sharing a spot with a heavy-metal shredder. Half an hour each. And I didn't make much money.
Before you go out there, or wherever you go, I suggest that you replicate conditions on the ground within the safety of your own house or apartment. In other words, set up and play at home. Time yourself. Five minutes' worth of steady harmonica playing, with no breaks for singing, is a lot. Do that. Take a moment between songs. Play another. Play your set. See how it feels. At least make sure you've got the endurance to do it.
Busking is like classroom teaching. At some point, everybody who is now a busker, or a teacher, had to take the plunge, and the first time isn't always pretty. But it's always memorable. And it will teach you things that no other performance format will teach you. If you feel the call, I'd go for it.
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King Casey
32 posts
Jan 13, 2015
1:16 PM
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I used to avoid wearing red underpants in case they brought me bad luck, but realised it was a load of bollocks :).
When memorising any tune, once I've got it down I'll go to the local park and set up under a rotunda.
Once you try to play out of the house you find it's different world so this to me is the half-way point.
cheers, Mark.
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King Casey's Web site
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Rustys26
21 posts
Jan 14, 2015
10:24 PM
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Thanks for all of the tips guys! I'll get practicing and let you know how I go in a few months!
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jbone
1858 posts
Jan 15, 2015
3:50 AM
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One other detail. And it sounds like all is going well for you Rusty. But when we relax, make eye contact with most folks close by who are looking at us, and have easy convo between songs, we establish a repoire. That connection is just too cool. And it can lead to a buck or a possible gig later, a contact on a forum, etc etc.
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Moon Cat
488 posts
Jan 15, 2015
6:34 AM
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Everyone here gave great advice especially Kudz and I think playing on the street is one of the best ways to get better actually. Because after a while, what I learned was that I had to have all three components of a music: Melody, rhythm and harmony, happening all at once or the implication of all at once to keep it all going. Other wise you just run out of songs and licks quick. And when you get bored they get bored... In short you need to: play or imply chord changes (harmony), keep a steady groove (rhythm) and put stuff in between linking and embellishing the changes (melody). When you with a band the bands doing a lot of that stuff naturally so you get spoiled and dependent. I played a lot all over the world on the street and any time I just played fancy licks people just sad "wow" or thats "amazing" or "I didn't know harmonica could do that" and then gave me just a little bit or nothing. When I started on a groove and had it with a change or two or three and threw in some melody and licks here and there, people would hear that stuff from a block away or whatever and by the time they got to me they had were dancing with their money out Rusty...BUT Who cares if someone doesn't like it, they don't have to give you anything, this is really for you man. After saying all that it's good to know a bunch of songs too especially especially if money is needed, people like stuff they know but they really like grooving…. All the best Rusty! -Jason (PS anyone hate the word: "busking" ??? I hate that word! I think it sounds really dumb...just call it playing on the streets, busking is dumb HA!)….MEOW!
www.mooncat.org
Last Edited by Moon Cat on Jan 15, 2015 6:45 AM
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STME58
1159 posts
Jan 15, 2015
8:41 AM
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I play on the street quite a bit but have yet to "put out a hat". In places like Balboa park a permit is required and the process to get a permit is quit time consuming. If I don't have a tip jar out I am not busking and the rangers leave me alone. So why do it? As many have mentioned here the dynamic is much different than woodsheding but not quite as intimidating as getting on stage ( well, it may be even more intimidating in some ways). Knowing that people can hear you helps keep you focused on making listenable music. When someone dances or sings along you know you have made a connection. I try to have tunes that can make a connection based on information people display, like playing the Pokemon theme if a kid walks by wearing a Pokemon shirt or the USC fight song for a person displaying USC colors. The other day a person walked by wearing a Texas belt buckle so I broke into "The Yellow Rose of Texas", he ignored it but two women nearby started dancing! You never know what will happen. The songs in my repertoire that I hear people singing along to most often are, "Over the Rainbow", "If I Only Had a Brain", and Beethoven's 9th.
I have gotten a couple of gigs because someone heard me on the street.
I have to agree with Moon_Cat on the term "busking", it sounds like a pejorative!
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isaacullah
2911 posts
Jan 15, 2015
9:53 AM
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Already tons of great advice here. Go for it Rusty!! Playing obn the streets is literally what helped me get over the hump, in terms of musicality (still working on getting down the other side!). It will change your world in a really great way.
Although I have played out at a couple tourist destinations on a "regular" day, I find it's always better/more fun/more lucrative to play out on special occasions. For me, that's been "First Friday" art walks in a couple of cities. People are in a good mood, there's a lot of them, and they are coming SPECIFICALLY to support the arts, including music. They expect to hear street performers, and they even expect them to sound raw, and not perfectly polished. IMO, those are the best kind of events for "intermediate" level players to take the chance and start playing on the streets...
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JustFuya
700 posts
Jan 15, 2015
10:25 AM
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I've never amplified my own sound during the serious busking days and that was simply a budget restriction. But I wonder if a few special notes carried naturally on the wind doesn't draw people closer to you and make the experience more intimate.
Yes, I vote for forming a committee to replace the word "busking". To me it implies aggression. Schnerping? Maybe not, but something more cuddly.
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Ed Hopwood
1 post
Jan 18, 2015
6:14 AM
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Hi folks, but late on the thread but one thing I've found through busking is that it's great for creativity. There's an element of being able to improvise and play with themes and ideas that you may not be able to access in other musical situations . I feel it can really build confidence for inexperienced performers, certainly did for me!
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