Busking for a living: LIVING ON A SHOESTRING (A Short Documentary)

LIVING ON A SHOESTRING is a short documentary focusing on Busking and Street Entertainment with musician, Jools Baker, who chose to give up everything, sell his flat, and live out of his van; busking and entertaining on the streets to follow his passion and share it with the public.
During my time with Jools - following him around as he plays his sax - my perception of what busking is and why people do it has changed dramatically. Busking and street entertainment is a way of life and a choice for many musicians, like Jools, who have a passion for music.
CREDITS
Director | Filmmaker | Editor: Tamara Gabriel
Featuring: Jools Baker
Music by: Ascendance / Jools Baker
© 2016 Doodlebox Media Ltd, and Tamara Gabriel

[@ket_zees_reads6516]

I love him. He’s living on a shoestring but he’s more joyous than many people that have it all financially but are feeling empty and lonely. He’s even inspired me to do a bit of busking, I already have my voice, I just need to learn how to play the guitar 😆 Cheers from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

[@theascendance]

Well I hope you enjoy your life!!! All the best jools Keep the faith! ! Check out pendragon 2 am

[@theascendance]

Thanks for the lovely comments "YOU GOT TO BELIVE IN YOURSELF PLAY AS MUCH AS YOU CAN MOST OF ALL"!!! KEEP THE "FAITH"

[@BrianOboylemusic]

Do it!!! I am as well, played my whole life but haven’t done live in 15 years or more.. we just gotta try

[@theascendance]

@@BrianOboylemusic that’s grate your getting out there playing again givein the joy hope it goes well for you keep the faith!

[@alexanderlvt]

I think any musician should go out on the street every now and then and experience this way of playing

[@ajkirkcaldie]

It's a shame that as society moves more and more cashless, its going to be much harder for buskers and we're going to lose the privilege of hearing random live music on the streets.

[@mikemachadomusic8555]

not true.... buskers take e transfers too!

[@miamimagicians]

It’s a little harder to take card because you gotta stop persformin

[@thefallofhanzo]

Cashapp, Venmo, PayPal, Facebook messenger, Zelle...

[@PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE]

Bitcoin is great for busking musicians. Better than cash, bc donations are online via a simple scan code with the iPhone.

[@theeguy9022]

I wouldn't even play for money I'd play because I enjoy playing and I want to maybe inspire others to enjoy this gift like I do theres no many things in life that can make me focus and forget my stresses and much as guitar and singing

[@damiankeavney9880]

Love this. I've been busking for years and now I'm retired and depend on it to make ends meet. I'm lucky to live in a town that "tolerates" buskers. No permits, regulations or hassles with the police. I do mostly fingerstyle instrumental guitar stuff and play whatever I want. It's nice to know when you're broke, that you can always hit the street for a few hours and earn enough to make it through the week!

[@theascendance]

You're so right I'm still going out too "YOU gotta keep the faith " enjoy your playing that's where it's at all the best jools

[@bs.music.kyi9]

Similar to Geoffrey Nelson, I just started busking in Monmouth county (the jersey shore). It’s difficult being a jazz drummer and bassist (with everyone expecting cutsie ukulele covers), but it’s really fun and makes okay money. I am 14, and I am doing this because my parents didn’t want me getting a summer job with the pandemic. Honestly, I will probably learn more life lessons from busking than I ever could from sweeping boardwalks and mowing lawns (and still making about 75% of the money). Thanks for the inspiration.

[@englishbilly1481]

Always give a busker a quid !

[@KarolCarlo]

I do busking since 2013/14 and this video made me smile a lot! Streets are so unique and memories from all situations are priceless! We did similar documentary last year about difficult times during pandemic and we gonna upload it soon! :) all the best to Jools and whole team responsible for this document! :)

[@theascendance]

Thank you jools

[@parasitesteve7752]

Why the heck are there no comments here? This was great. Very interesting and well edited. Keep it up, Tamara!

[@DoodleboxMedia]

Thanks Steve! 😊

[@LITTLEDANCERSADHU993]

I do the same, i love spreading joy and high vibrations like this amazing chap xxxxx

[@cheintz44]

What a wonderful life! We only get one shot at this - and he's taking his shot. Living his art. May we all be so fortunate to know what we want and then really go do it.

[@theascendance]

Thank you! Yes we only get one life! Only for the brave! And taking risk do we learn and find what we don’t need in live You’ve got to love life to live it

[@DjNikGnashers]

Man I love your attitude to life Jools, and I share your life-long dream.

[@theascendance]

Thank you for your kind comments I wish you well And hope you achieve happiness in what you do Keep the faith!

[@mattwilliam4803]

🎶Busker's make the world go round🎵 -- you are a truly lovely soul -- thank you !!!

[@jordanielmills]

I was a busker for years with my dad and sister and I miss it all the time. The money was absolutely miserable but the time we spent doing it was well worth it. Tough gig but damn we were good!

[@lightening791]

I love buskers. Im sure everyone who watched your performance enjoyed it

[@Raulo707]

Without music , there would never be peace

[@macpakinga1271]

Awesome man im living on a shose string . Your a legion mate 🎷🎺. Busking is my passion 24/7. Love the skank feel 🎸🎼🎵🎹🥁🎻📯😎❤️. Age 63.

[@theascendance]

Thanks man, keep the faith and live long and give the joy to others I’m 63 too!😉

[@jimcreard]

Bin grad auf ner Europa Strassenmusik Tour und kann nur sagen, großer Respekt für einen Autodidakten der alles auf eine Karte setzt und NUR vom Busking lebt! Ich könnte ohne paar Gigs nebenbei nicht über die Runden kommen. Aber lückenlos ALLE Full-time Musiker die ich in meinem Leben so kennengelernt habe, kriegen diesen ganz bestimmten Attitude, den man nirgendwo lernt außer in genau diesem Leben und der ist GOLD wert - keeeeep on ROCKING!!!! Ach ja und ganz fantastische Doku Leute!

[@theascendance]

Yep you got to be brave! People are helpful in Europe I did it for 3 years! Had the time of my life! Grate to here you doing it Stay safe! Keep the faith And thanks for your comment

[@petebony3093]

What a great video to watch and listen to. All I can say to you Sir is "Respect, Total Respect!

[@theascendance]

Thank you for those kind words ! Complements ! Are worth more than the money to musicians! Love you’re life All the best Jools baker

[@johngallaghermusic9777]

Thanks for this lovely video. I love Jool's attitude and outlook for busking and living a humble and sometimes difficult lifestyle. But it also has it it ups aswell and people can be very kind and generous. Just starting back busking myself after many years because i cant get bookings in pubs anymore. Looking forward to it. All power to you Jools and all the other great musicians out there.

[@theascendance]

Thanks for the chat! The street is promoting your self! It’s tough at the moment for people but the joy of what we do is still relevant! For me 20% down’ Street entertaining measures the wealth and the health of the street! You got to keep the faith! Love your life! That’s the main thing!

[@PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE]

"A very joyous life" -- Yes, that is what it is ultimately all about. Thank you for sharing your musicianship and wisdom.

[@theascendance]

Thank you for your comments [e-mail]

[@yourtub8705]

I misread title and thought this guy was busking using a shoestring I thought that was pretty amazing

[@ronnieblanchet4072]

Soli Deo Gloria! God bless this man

[@theascendance]

🙏

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

I get this guy, it is all about the music, I busk in New Zealand and yes it is hard but it gives people something else to stare at rather than their phones. Some people look down at you but people have to remember that I am looking at hundreds of odd looking people and have to contain myself sometimes. The ones who appreciate music will always put in the hat. Sometimes I have to drag myself out to do it but once I have finished the first song I am away..........Music is a passion

[@theascendance]

Grate to hear from street buskers enjoying and share if there experiences give the joy keep the faith and give people a real playing expenses

[@melodylemon1671]

very inspiring and well-produced documentary, thank you I'll try and busk in Paris these next 2 weeks, hoping for the best

[@sbingham1979]

I really loved watching this video. You have a great attitude, and there is something pure and courageous and generous about what you are doing.

[@edwarddakora3697]

Thank you for this video 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Very inspiring and very encouraging to get your favourite instrument and play 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Great ideas, great insights on Busking, now it's just a matter of getting out there and performing 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Thank you once again 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@theascendance]

Yep you got to love it Too live it I wish you well

[@daisp9335]

What a great character

[@stephenp2450]

very diy punk. very freeing. awesome.

[@lawrencerasmus]

I opt for restaurants or a small bar because people listen and don't just walk by plus you can get quite a few $20 tips , cover song choice is the important thing.

[@takeonemusic5537]

to be honest ,a successful busker the talented one who can make a good performance anywhere and not so much about the place!

[@JorgeVelezMusic]

Loved this! Thank you!

[@daejavue69]

Jools is living on a shoe string from his music , he dosn't need riches just an audience & their gift of money in appreciation for his talent .

[@iandavis3599]

that lightning strap was my 1st strap. havent seen it in years

[@joaquinodriozola4963]

man this is a great video why such low views? youtube algorithm arise at once!

[@daejavue69]

He is my younger brother loved playing all his life since he got his 1st guitar when he was about 14 , bless him .

[@rosewalsh5444]

Fantastic, I love your vibes, loving your unique style ... music is life and yes pure happiness ❤️💯😎✌️

[@theascendance]

Thanks jools sax wish you well keep the faith xx

[@theascendance]

We're getting closer to the new release of the doc Tamara gabriel xx

[@PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE]

Tamara! Fantastic production!!

[@taliwaya89]

Love it!! I busk in Korea.

[@auntiemoshbcs5892]

very inspirational video

[@marcrummusic]

I totally get this guy. It's all about the music!!

[@theascendance]

There no other way when your driven that way...

[@leepatrick1756]

Really enjoyed this! Lee

[@theascendance]

It's out wensday, !!!! Its fantastic! !!

[@lisawanderess]

Very cool! I'm a sax player too and live in my caravan and I think it's great what you do! Made me smile!

[@theascendance]

Lisa I'm glad you enjoyed the dock Glad to hear from another sax player! !! KEEP THE FAITH LISA!!!

[@lisawanderess]

@@theascendance hey guess what? I’m busking with my saxophone now and people have been super responsive and generous. I busk for 3 hours at a time twice a week and am making extra $$$ for my shoestring life too!

[@TheSteelerider]

Only the British would regulate street performance, and require a “permit”. Dear God you people love your laws and rules.

[@theascendance]

Well let’s say there are a lot of have ago! If they got there act together and dident play the pitch all day there would be no need for regulation you got to have respect for each other and the public Do your 2 hr show and go!

[@chuckjines67]

Santa Fe New Mexico requires a 35 dollar business license.

[@springbooth3547]

Excellent

[@BrightonBeachBuskingBBB]

So good. Very well produced. Loved it!

[@theascendance]

Thanks for your interest I look at your channel too! It’s fab! Keep doing it!

[@nicolaisponholtz5879]

This is awesome!

[@theascendance]

And yes! I'm out tomarrow and I love it!!

[@bennyhill3505]

Studio recording sounded good....👊🏿. Fellow busker, I know the score. Trials, tribulations, and joy of Working on the street.

[@theascendance]

It's all for the joy of music thanks jools x

[@theascendance]

Thank you you know how it is!! All the best jools xx

[@nikkibehr4783]

I am a busker

[@joejohnsonentertainer4991]

You are truly enjoying your life…..

[@theascendance]

Thank you John hope your getting the joy too all the best keep the "faith" jools

[@theascendance]

Tamara 's "NEW REALISE DOCUMENTRY " HERE SOONER THAN YOU THINK!!

[@LUNALISEA]

❤ 🧡 💟 💚

[@theascendance]

The next "doc" comeing to youtube near you soon!!!!

[@anthonylloyd4248]

What a cool dude

[@theascendance]

Yes you are cool too!!!! Thanks all the best jools x

[@kennethellison9713]

"...all these people called Trane and what have you." Great quote about naiveté and aiming high.

[@dougnickerson]

Very cool

[@theascendance]

Thank you! All the best joolsax

[@paulstratforddearsley2516]

Looks like busking in England is pretty good (in summer?). In NZ we've got issues with street crime that would make it pretty dodgy- no way I'd take decent gear out to busk- it would get raxxed.

[@theascendance]

I’m sorry to hear that Paul but keep the faith and keep playing all the best jools

[@smokingjazz5067]

Do you make more with sax or guitar and singing? I m a very bad singer . I admire you

[@theascendance]

I make more with the sax and backing tracks all the best jools x

[@souljimmy1]

I'm only learning to play the saxophone 🎷 and I live in a private flat ' and there's a main road outside "and I go and practise when people are coming home from work?! And they pomp there horn " and wave 👋 🤣 and I can't even play a full tune 🤭🤪I've had a lot of good write ups on local Facebook sites?? I love entertaining them 🤡 but unfortunately it's had to stop!🙈there's complaints gone it to my landlord ' i did try going to a nother spot ' but for some reason I lost my nerve 😱🥺maybe if I can get some more learning " so I'll have a couple of songs to play 🎼🎵🎶🎷I'll give it a nother go 🥰

[@theascendance]

Just keep blowing those long notes and you will get better every time you pick the sax up So don’t give up keep the faith! It’s a hard road but if you enjoy playing you will be glad you continued

[@SubwayDJ]

yasss

[@j.cheese34]

I’ve seen him round Cheltenham before

[@theascendance]

Yes I don’t get around much anymore But I still practice the sax Miss going out with it but it’s tough times out there on the street even I can’t afford to give the joy! Hard times indeed You gotta keep the faith!

[@theascendance]

Thanks tmara for what you have done for me joolsax

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

Hey Jools! How are you?

[@theascendance]

@@TamaraGabrielUK bin trying to contact you got a book will be a film you could direct it all the best jools x

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

@@theascendance Are you still using the same email address you were a few years ago? If so, I'll drop you an email.

[@theascendance]

@@TamaraGabrielUK yes [e-mail]

[@Eastsussexbiker]

Quick question would a Roland Cube Street be a suitable speaker/amp what do you use.

[@theascendance]

Hi thanks for watching this doc Yes Roland cube is fine to do the job! I was using a Harley Benton 30 Watt mains rechargeable battery amp but they discontinued them it gave up the ghost now I’ve been using the cube with 6AA batteries I also use an I Pod for the backing tracks with the sax all goes on my small trolley I’ve done weddings parties funerals even jumping in on pub gigs with a band it seems ok if you google pendragon 2am on KZbin you can see more of my work Is a good job I wish you well it’s really all about the music! You got to live it to love it! Keep the faith joolsax

[@jacobsiga1474]

Is that song (Living on a shoestring 2:44 - 2:58) available online?

[@theascendance]

Sorry the song hasn’t been released but thanks for watching the documentary

[@theascendance]

It "OUT TOMARROW 9.AM TOGETHER AGAIN A SHORT DOCUMENTRY 20 21 DON'T BE THERE OR BE A SQUARE. ...

[@mapleleafer74]

OF COURSE YOU CHOOSE THE ALBUM, FUCK WHAT ANYONE THINKS OF YOUR TEETH.

[@animalfort3183]

Anyone busking right now?

[@isetta4083]

About to start next year, upright bass

[@PeterEdwardCaceci]

I’m busking everyday in Philly. We’ve had an oceanic corridor of rain this summer, lol- but it’s great- people are generous. I play guitar chord melodies, all styles, from Joe Pass to Zeppelin and Bach. It’s really the only way to maintain superior “chops” and earn additional funds when not gigging. Be busking!

[@meinkleinerobstgarten]

Living on a shoestring A fifty cent millionaire

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Crap teeth but cool sunnies!

[@DavidBridwellMusic]

Very entertaining! Anyone should be allowed to play in the street, unless they suck then stay at home and practice first lol

[@longtalljay]

Mister, he's a better man than y'all

[@MrParkerman6]

Why does this guy sound like he "accidentally" swallowed Paul McCartney?

[@theascendance]

What do you mean???