Beginners Guide to Busking (Full-Time Street Music!)

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CROSSROADS (Music Video): • August Radio Project -...
TO THE BEACH (Music Video): • August Radio Project -...
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My Busking Equipment:
Mackie ShowBox (Amp/PA): amzn.to/487pj9q
Samson Expedition Explor (Amp/PA): tinyurl.com/23cnkwx2
Michael Kelly Acoustic: tinyurl.com/5xct7psz
AKG D5 Dynamic Microphone: amzn.to/3P7Qf2Y
Zettle Card Reader 2: amzn.to/3qDfz6W
Clip for Card Reader: amzn.to/3qJKONn
Hand Trolly: amzn.to/47o4CXK
Portable Charger: amzn.to/44VYZyo
Gooseneck Clip: amzn.to/3YmtFGz
GoPro Camera (this is a slightly better one than mine!): amzn.to/3Quqv1j
Canon M50 Camera (this is also slightly better than mine!):
amzn.to/49aZExY

[@BataraKado]

Tip for any buskers starting out, i been busking for more then a decade, and i still get nervous about little bits of the process of busking. Best thing to do is get out there just do it... Always change locations after 2 hours. Never do the same spot every time. Dont wear a suit either because no one likes a busker in a suit that gets you ten times less donations. Also set a good example for the public and the children. Smile and enjoy what you do, try not to play sad songs for example "Alice in chains " ive always found the general public feel that is too sad, even though AIC is my favourite band lol can barely pull off nirvana covers luckily.. Pay attention to what your doing by recording your busking on your phone or even record voice memos of your busking set (the whole thing) STAY OFF YOUR PHONE WHEN BUSKING, THE WHOLE TIME 😉🤘🎸

[@AugustRadioProject]

Such good advice! 😃🙌🏻 is the wearing a suit from experience too? 🤣 but honestly these are very wise words!

[@DaveMorrisonMusic]

Great video. I've been a gigging musician with a day job for MANY years. Trying to keep a band together and fans coming out to shows. It was fun, and also SO MUCH WORK. The promotion alone took hours for every gig. Recently I suddenly I got interested in busking, and your videos and those of others, encouraged me. I put the gear together and learned about twenty classic covers to add to my originals. And I am now two weeks into this new adventure. I'm good at the singing and guitar playing, and a total newbie at everything else. Feels kinda great to be out there where nobody knows me, learning a whole new aspect to performing. Seeing people suddenly GET that there's a real singer playing a real song just a few meters away, and to see that light go on ... is very cool. Sunday, I played one of my own tunes, and a woman walked up and thanked me and gave me twenty bucks. She had tears in her eyes. You never know when you might touch somebody. Thanks for your thoughts about 'strategy'. I haven't been so energized about music since I put my first band together 30 years ago.

[@AugustRadioProject]

Honestly, that’s so cool to hear. What an inspiring story and great words here 😃🙌🏻 there’s a reason that busking has a ‘magic’ to it… as you described with people suddenly encountering the music and it reaching them! It’s an incredible thing to be able to instigate ✌🏻 thank you so much for sharing!!

[@loudquitting]

Hey Dave! How has it been going? Planning something similar soonish.

[@chow8126]

At my first time busking, no one give me any money when I am playing those hit songs, but in the other hand, anime and video game ost songs are those song which make me some money. And yes, I am a geek for anime and video games. 😁

[@AugustRadioProject]

This is so cool! This is exactly it - it’s about finding your way of doing it! Anime and video game songs are some of the best! 😃🙌🏻

[@alphagas]

I just started busking this week after learning the accordion for 3 weeks. I don't have any act together, and I just kinda noodle and stumble through songs. My sign says "$$$ for Accordion Lessons". My mindset is "everyone needs to know how bad I am at the accordion"

[@AugustRadioProject]

I love it! 😃The perfect way to go about it! It’s wild how much rehearsal busking gives you! 🙌🏻

[@WildWallaceMusic]

This video is great! all the info is spot on! Im also a fulltime busker making the exact same amount of money. An extra bit of advice i would also give to strategize is to be aware of the shops your pitching up next to. For example, theres a great pitch near me between WHSmith and Marks & Spencers, perfect older generation foot traffic, so i play hallelujah, house of the rising son, sitting on the dock of the bay and the like. Equally down by the primark and Next ill add much more modern sounding songs to the set.. nothing crazy but pepper them in. It really seems to work. Targetted demographics if you know what i mean!

[@AugustRadioProject]

I love it! This is a well thought out strategy! I appreciate the kind words and thank you so much for sharing this! 😃🙌🏻

[@SSanf]

My little 11-year-old great grandson is an excellent, award-winning violin player. He wants to start busking at our local farmer's market. Our family is encouraging him because it is something that makes him feel good and special. He takes great pride in playing and practices his lessons with determination to get them right. I will send a link of this video to his mother who may find ways to help him here.

[@AugustRadioProject]

That’s so awesome!! I love this 😃🙌🏻

[@OliverMa21]

7:06 was so out of nowhere 😂😂🤣

[@Janetemusic]

Tried busking briefly a few times before, but planning to do it more seriously over the summer. Your videos make me so excited for it, your positive energy is infectious 😊 Thank you for being such a ray of sunshine and encouraging people to follow their dreams! 😊

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you so much! Such kind words! 😃 🙌 Definitely get out there, those warm summer days are always such a good vibe!

[@theunaccompaniedsenior]

Step 6: Pivot. Convert or transform your work into another medium, such as acting or modelling.

[@AugustRadioProject]

It is true… busking is an entry point to so many things! 😃🙌🏻

[@R.K.994]

Hey man, just wanted to say that last week I went busking because some of your videos gave me a final push to go out and give it a go. Turns out, it went super well for me and I just wanted to say thanks a lot. I think you're doing a really good thing for those who have always considered busking but never had the reasons to jump right into it and your videos give people confidence to try. I'm gonna take it really slow and steady but have fun every step of the way. Thanks dude!

[@AugustRadioProject]

This is so cool to hear! I'm so stoked for you and I'm also grateful to hear the videos have this effect - it's exactly why I make them! Taking it slow and having fun every step of the way is definitely a good idea - exactly how life should be lived! 😃 thank you for the kind words! 🙌

[@R.K.994]

@@AugustRadioProject ❤❤❤

[@bonoyeah]

Dude your energy is absolute light. This is exactly the video I needed to watch right now. Thank you for making it!

[@AugustRadioProject]

I appreciate this so much! Stoked you found the video 😃🙌

[@yago8672]

Very cool video, Gives confidence

[@Le_voyage_de_Sappho]

I enjoy watching you ❤

[@dickiekai]

Because you talked about the importance of being amplified while busking, I have been paying attention. Like you noticed yourself and said, the difference is night and day. I have ran two tests, performing with amp and without amp. As soon as I turn on amp people start gathering and put more tips in than without amp. It is immediately noticeable. Busk with amp from now on! Thanks friend!

[@AugustRadioProject]

That's honestly so cool to hear!! It's been my experience too - that volume makes worlds of difference. I also think people see you as more "professional" too! Stoked it's working for ya! Thank you so much for the comment! 😃🙌

[@user-vb1ld3ei4e]

Hey there I just want to thank you so very much for posting this, I'm 23 I just lost my job and I'm going to wind up homeless but I'm really prioritizing being optimistic and my mind. I obsess over my six string and I want nothing more than just to bring music collaborate with people and feel good. I cannot thank you enough for these tips, I wrote them down, I will study these daily and have lots more than an hour to repitiore!!! Thanks man God bless you

[@user-vb1ld3ei4e]

I still need practice but more than half of it is practicing my confidence, I'm excited to get out there, I hope to make enough so I can save some and use some to travel to a new town or city

[@AugustRadioProject]

Dang! I hope you're able to sort something out! I highly recommend giving busking a shot. Once you're out there, things will come your way. Even just to get out there to practice. If it's something you love to do, it'll shine through! 🙌 😊

[@ale_si_fa_i_film]

Great video, thank you for the enthusiasm and the energy. Thank you

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you! 😃🙌

[@calvinglenperformermusicia4108]

Another great video! Your videos genuinely gave me the push and confidence to get out busking myself, just been for my third busk ever today in Windsor and it was awesome (despite some dodgy weather!). I'm now considering going full time with this over the Summer - I was due to work a job I don't really like all Summer to raise money for my final year at Uni, but i'm starting to become confident I can make similar amounts doing what I love, which just feels crazy to me. Hope to bump into you performing on the street someday and thank you myself!

[@calvinglenperformermusicia4108]

On a side note - do you have a full recording of that song "to the beach", I hear on quite a lot of your videos, what a cool song

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you dude - I appreciate it and I think it’s so rad you’ve found busking too! 🙌🏻 I can only encourage you to give it a go this summer 😃 you never know what else it might lead to! I don’t yet have a proper recording of To The Beach but I’ve booked studio time for mid-May to get it recorded ✌🏻 seems to be a popular tune so I feel the need to get it out there. There is a demo version on Spotify right now but it doesn’t really do it justice 🙈 Thank you again for the kind words! 😊

[@pietrodellacasaa]

Really really thank you for your advice❤🌱 you seem to be a wonderful and joyful human being, I'll start soon my busking journey in Italy (today it's raining 😩) doing my songs in an not so crowded place to build confidence and your videos give me energies as the words of other people who already do busking that I found in my life. Love to all❤

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you so much for your kind words!! I really appreciate it 🙌😃I cannot recommend heading out busking enough... it's one of the best things we can do as musicians! I hope the rain clears up today and this week! 😊

[@troyintrobean2584]

I almost prepared to go for it because i dream about busking and doing something interesting for the public, and perform music for the public with my beat machine. I cant wait to have fun and just play with a plan on playing many types of music. Im ready im glad i came across this video

[@AugustRadioProject]

That’s awesome 😃 stoked the video has helped!! 🙌🏻

[@TristanPalmer]

Really appreciate your vids! Just started busking recently and I'm glad I found this channel, it's really helpful :)

[@AugustRadioProject]

That’s so rad to hear 😃 thank you so much for the comment ✌🏻

[@BrightonBeachBuskingBBB]

This is excellent ARP. So much information, in-depth perception of the "strategized" busking.

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you my dude 😃 it’s thanks to you that I learned most of this ✌🏻those interviews changed my life 🙌🏻

[@elvandammedegandia]

Thanks for yours tips, great 📷 video

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you 😃🙌🏻

[@cletussea-ray944]

Absolutely awesome video…stoked to be helping you, helping me, helping you!!!

[@AugustRadioProject]

Haha yes!! Thank you my friend!! 😃🙌🏻

[@the_E4_Mafia]

Great video Ben 👍, your enthusiasm is infectious. I’m working on the 1 hour set currently.

[@AugustRadioProject]

That’s rad!! Get that set down and the head out there 😃🙌🏻 thank you for the comment!

[@TCintheMix]

Thank you so much. Trying my first time this week! ❤

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you for the comment! I hope your busking goes well!! 😃🙌🏻

[@TCintheMix]

@@AugustRadioProject gone out twice so far and its been amazing. your help has been huge man. cheers

[@HichoMusic]

Going to give it a go, hopefully get the courage for this summer! And deffo because of your vids! 👍🏻🏆✌️

[@AugustRadioProject]

I cannot recommend it enough 😃🙌🏻 good luck for the summer and thank you for the comment ✌🏻

[@donaldmcmillan5529]

Thank you so much for the inspiration! I have been playing for years with groups but I have been feeling bogged down with looking for gigs and events to play at... Now I think I'm going to take your advice and start doing solo acts on the roads and just enjoy playing again. Let's see where that leads me!

[@AugustRadioProject]

I hope it helps - there’s definitely something special about just setting up and playing on the street. You witness a special connection between you, the music and the folk walking by! 🙌🏻😃 I can’t recommend it enough ✌🏻

[@1000eyed]

Fantastic video! Excellent tips! I am going to strategize! I am yet to venture out to other towns, but will make it happen very soon. Your lighting is fine! Hope your throat recovers soon. Btw, your channel keeps me excited about busking.

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you 😃 happy to say the throat has cleared up 🙌🏻 and I’ve ordered some lighting so hopefully that’ll make all the difference 🤙🏻 definitely strategise, it made all the difference for me 😊

[@ghostbass_alex]

I’ve been busking the whole summer with my bass and a looper pedal. For some reason kids love me which means their parents pay me 😆

[@AugustRadioProject]

That's so awesome!! I love how kids react, there's no social filters... they just get fixed by the music 😃 🙌

[@ghostbass_alex]

How do you busk in winter though? It’s getting cold in Oslo and I don’t think my fingers can handle it anymore

[@AugustRadioProject]

@@ghostbass_alex here in the UK our winter isn’t really that harsh. I have fingerless gloves and always go for 2 pairs of socks 🤣 but I actually find busking is slightly better in the winter - people seem to enjoy it more! 🙌🏻

[@ghostbass_alex]

Oh really? Hmm, okay. I'll see if I can find a tome for it. Good work man, keep up the channel :)@@AugustRadioProject

[@user-sf9sz2fl4u]

I’ve been watching your vids for a while now. I’d love to try busking some day and eventually become a professional artist. Your vids are a big motivation for me!

[@AugustRadioProject]

That’s so rad to hear!! My advice is to just go for it! Put yourself out there and watch the magic happen 😃🙌🏻✌🏻

[@joejohnson7400]

I love your videos...I'm a busker entertainer.. Chester and North Wales..keep up the good work

[@AugustRadioProject]

That’s awesome and so rad to hear!! Stoked you’re here and doing what you’re doing 😃🙌🏻

[@yes0n421]

My oh my August, discovered you a month ago cause there's something in my head telling me to do this. I'm just craving to do this, and your video titles are just talking to me. lol You're a sign the universe is telling me to do this really.

[@AugustRadioProject]

You gotta go for it 😃🙌🏻 follow the calling and see where it takes you!!

[@trilbyadam9095]

Another winner ARP, keeping me pumped up, i busked in Dinan France last week, was great fun, 👍

[@AugustRadioProject]

That’s rad!! How did it work in France? Any permits or anything? Thank you for the comment as always Trilby Adam 😃🙌🏻

[@trilbyadam9095]

To be honest I don't know, I've busked in a few places over there now and have never been asked or stopped. If you turn up with two strings on your guitar and lookin like you have just climbed out of a skip then I think they will be on you in a second. Other than that, go for it lad!

[@ZeginMakesMusic]

I play creep all the time. Now i think i shouldn't....lol

[@AugustRadioProject]

Haha! You definitely can play Creep - just make sure you vibe with that song. Don’t play because you think you have to, play it because you want to 😃 I hope that makes sense! 🙌🏻

[@MrCheswickMusic]

Ha ha, I tried a version of "NGGYU" and couldn't get it to sound right, I think I rickrolled myself with that song choice

[@edwarddakora3697]

Hi @AugustRadioProject, great video. Can you also do your own music when busking, as well as other music people already know e.g Oasis, Michael Jackson, Tom Petty etc?

[@AugustRadioProject]

Yes of course! I play lots of originals when busking and I know a few buskers who only play originals! 😃🙌

[@AshleySmithh]

Great video dude! I was just wondering, have you ever had any trouble with people trying to rob you? I want to start busking with a loop-station setup, but I'm hesitant about being on the street with expensive equipment (although this is probably just my brain coming up with another excuse to procrastinate more 🤣). Anyway, your videos are super inspiring so keep up the good work man!

[@AugustRadioProject]

I’ve never had any problems. I think as long as you’re relatively vigilant it’s all gonna be okay. Keep everything within eye shot. 😃 I don’t think buskers are an easy target for criminals because there’s so many eyes on you and you also often have a microphone that you can yell into. 🙌🏻 I have however, witnessed a bunch of shoplifters get chased by security which makes for some entertainment 🙈

[@AugustRadioProject]

Also I appreciate the kind words!! Just get out there 😃 it’ll be worth it!!

[@Sidian]

Nice one. I'll definitely be starting busking at some point, once I've learned a bit of guitar. Say, you don't teach guitar any more do you? In your experience, how long could it take someone to get good enough at guitar to where they could busk reasonably well?

[@AugustRadioProject]

That’s rad!! I highly recommend it! Hmm it would depend on how much time you can put into it but I’d say 6 months with good practice and a good teacher 🤘🏻😃 shoot me an email, I don’t teach many people but we might be able to figure something out: [e-mail]

[@cartoonified1084]

So is busking your full time job? I’ve been interested for a while. Also what gear do you use when you busk or what cheaper gear do you recommend. Thank :)

[@AugustRadioProject]

At the current moment Busking is how I make 90-95% of my income 😃 so yes, it’s kind of my full-time job 🙌🏻 I’ve got a video on the gear I currently use on the channel and that’s relatively affordable 🎸 but I am going to buy a Roland cube soon (amp) so that’ll be the only thing that’s changed (although that’s quite £££!) I highly recommend busking ✌🏻 give it a go, it’s super rewarding 😊

[@mayabaranovamusic]

Thank you for your great video! I have a question - do you feel it is okay to busk just as a vocalist? I am still learning guitar, but considering playing with backing tracks in the beginning. Do you think it's okay?

[@AugustRadioProject]

I think it’s absolutely fine! Vocals are as much of an instrument as anything else 🙌🏻😃

[@mayabaranovamusic]

@@AugustRadioProject thank you so much!

[@samiravinciguerra2836]

Im from Germany and I started busking too now there. I wanna travel through England in August with busking. U wanna meet Then?🎉 Would be nice. All the best Samira

[@AugustRadioProject]

That’s rad!! 😃 yes of course - best to follow me on IG and shoot me a message when you’re here 🙌🏻 maybe pay Brighton a visit - it’s honestly one of the best places in the UK ✌🏻

[@arnaindigo518]

HI! I want to start busking in Europe, I am vocalist, but I don’t play any instruments. Can i use backing tracks? And can i play it through amplifier? Or how it goes, I am absolute beginner in all this stuff. Or how for example I can find musician to play together? Any suggestions? Please help!

[@AugustRadioProject]

Hey! This is so cool you want to start busking. In some places in Europe amplifiers are not allowed (Germany for example it has to be acoustic) so you’ll need to start by checking that where you are/where you’re going is cool with amplification 😊 many buskers here in the UK use backing tracks for vocals so it’s definitely something that’s done! My suggestion would be to look for some busking Facebook groups, join them and ask to see if anyone busks in the places you want to go. Also, it might sound obvious but in case you’re not already, if you see any buskers in real life then go and talk to them! I hope this helps a little! 😃🙌🏻

[@arnaindigo518]

@@AugustRadioProject thank you!💓

[@samiravinciguerra2836]

I would love to start with busking, study vocal right now but i still afraid of busking 😂can u give me a tip to deal with this fear ?

[@AugustRadioProject]

It’s one of those things where it’s a case of just going for it! Remember that there’s no pressure with Busking - it’s a very relaxed performance 😃 maybe start somewhere nice and friendly, maybe somewhere local (or not so local if you’d rather not see anyone you know 🤣) and just go for it!! You’ll feel great after 🙌🏻

[@fifi-starchild]

Help inception please ❤ fifi Starchild

[@NikosKatsikanis]

how do you avoid tendonitis in the fingers?

[@AugustRadioProject]

Honestly, I think it’s from playing for so many years and since I started young! 🙌🏻 if you find you’re getting sore/stiff fingers I suggest doing some warm up exercises like running chromatic scales or something, before you play and also just playing regularly (a little everyday) should help 😃

[@NikosKatsikanis]

@@AugustRadioProject i just found out i had trigger finger