Clifton Hicks - Busking Advice

[@SpoonLady]

I love this video. :)

[@BobrLovr]

what is that style that you're playing? Very roscoe holcomb sounding. It's not claw hammer is it? Everything ive learned with claw hammer is very percise and doesn't have that beautiful strumming sound

[@LesBlackwell]

You can play without signing up for anything In Chattanooga now. You should never have to have a permit for busking if its acoustic and your in an appropriate place. I busk for a living and travel. It's a very old tradition that should never be put throw any paper work. I really appreciate this video. Thank you.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

That's good news & worthy insight. Thanks.

[@harvdog5669]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo Clifton, You can busk at Walmart at the first thru third parking space in the parking lot only. But not up by doors. I have a friend that is a retired professional guitar player of 75 yrs old with a battery, microphone, two guitars, one acoustic, one solid body electric. A nice big Amp. He leaves Amp in back of pt cruiser and brings out mic, guitars, music stand ECT. And he always plays sitting on a custioned foldup chair with a warming pad in winter. This fellow makes 100 to 150 dollars from 4 , 5pm to 11pm closing time. He goes out 4& 5 days a week..ok he uses a inverter from harbor freight, a 400 or 800 continuous watt unit I believe, even used lights and charged phone too. The battery is a good wheel chair battery. Well worth it. He charges it every night.. .ok I hope that helps in some way.. A new learner here. Good night

[@nickbruce6859]

I used to busk clemson sc!

[@kishascape]

Most places don’t care enough to actually enforce it though.

[@Rustygulley-r3r]

Many times when I didn’t have enough money to eat busking saved me.

[@louisbluescat]

Funny that this would pop up in my recommendations today. Just carried in two big grocery bags paid for exclusively with busking money, and i still have a good chunk left from the last 3-4 sessions. Me and my pal John busk in downtown Toronto, usually fiddle and guitar. We have the good fortune of playing both instruments, so we can trade off whenever. Has done wonders for my playing and the money is not half bad. Keep picking yer banjo Hicks!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

A man after me own heart! However, I should perhaps film a "Busking Part 2" where I discuss the ins and outs of shoplifting groceries...

[@AGuyThatMakesStuff]

At the high school I’m off to soon, it’s a boarding school, really a magical place, we go on a pilgrimage in our senior year after graduation and busk our way across italy. The freshman learn to juggle and ride unicycles, and the students learn to sing and play songs throughout their highschool life. The idea is to put your trust in God and not rely on your own money.

[@Ed1271]

My Cousins, Darin,& Brooke Aldridge Still Growing! Sherry & Sheila Aldridge Done Great, Lawrence Welk! You are So Good Too Sir Clifton. Thank You, Ed Aldridge.

[@kenny6920]

Singing is the key, the better you are at singing the more you'll make 100%

[@gringogreen4719]

Yup...😎👍✨

[@braydenmcmorran4562]

I agree 100% with Mr. Hicks here. I've been busking exclusively with my banjo for the past 3 years. It is so much fun! And going out there and doing it on a consistent basis will do wonders for your playing and singing.

[@Beelzibanjoo]

I wonder if I met you in Boone, NC. Did you have a Deering Goodtime banjo then?

[@becomingtexian-ahomesteadj6316]

I've been playing with a friend of mine... suburbs of Houston, Texas. We hang out and drink local craft beers at a place that like us hanging out. Honestly, I'm just there to practice. I call it, "sharing the wealth" because our houses these days are so close together and I like to play on my back porch but that's literally six or seven feet from my neighbors living room window. Anyway... we don't have a case open or anything, but inevitable we have a free bar tab when we leave! Clarence Ashley's version of Shady Grove and Wade Ward's version of June Apple go over very well there. Cheers & God bless, brother!

[@jasonreid585]

Dude, you have come a long way. Army “ bend knees” “keep hydrated”. 🙌

[@Motoskidoucet.12345]

I usually play 2 to 3 hours in my home town and I've never left with less than 65$. And i live in a pretty small town with like 13000 people

[@gringogreen4719]

I live in a big city out west but I've busked in smaller towns. Busking you can usually make $10-25 an hour and it will fluctuate. I busk soemwhere between 90 mins to 3 hours depending on how I feel, how good the foot traffic is and how good the tips are. Try busking in your town or in a bigger place that you know. I also recommend to make a trip out of it so know where you want to get a bite to eat or do some window shopping so that people there know you are a customer too and not just someone trying to panhandle in their eyes.

[@poobob5272]

What I've learned from busking in Chicago is it is the most honest dollar in music. You can go into a club and pay $20+ to get in the building and you might not end up liking the music. But you will stay because you paid to get in. But on the street, if you can stop someone walking for 5 minutes and they throw a dollar or two in the bucket, you know they appreciate what you are doing. The street is my favorite stage. I've seen the absolute best in humanity and the absolute worst in humanity playing music on the street.

[@pennsyltuckyreb9800]

Maybe just me, but I've noticed the banjo, in particular, has a very polarizing effect on people more than any other instrument. Folks either wildly love it or wildly hate it and get annoyed. It's a very strange phenomenon. That's why I like playing my banjo around friends and family too. It automatically weeds out who's actually my "friends" and "family."

[@sazji]

Great video with lots of good ideas. I think the word “busking” is British in origin; when I was a kid we just called it “playing out;” I first heard of “busking” from some English musicians in Europe and didn’t have a clue what it meant! One thing that’s frustrating nowadays is that lots of people don’t carry cash anymore, and also they think music should be free. One friend described how people sometimes pull out their phone and record a whole set and then leave nothing. The public needs to be re-educated!

[@lesliecaraher6238]

I enjoyed this video. It has several good tips - like the money lacing one that I will use. I busk at farmers markets here in Gainesville and the money is pretty good plus you might pick up a food and stuff from the venders.

[@robertball9009]

I don’t own a banjo yet but I love your channel. Such a wealth of info right here.

[@eliwebster509]

I hopped trains and hitchhiked for two years, I've busked quite a bit. There's so many different laws in different cities and states on it. You need a "permit" in some places and I think that's pretty lame.

[@gringogreen4719]

The word busking is derived from the Spanish word "buscar" which means "to seek." Busking is actually a great way to go out and get comfortable playing in front of an audience. Now I am a bit different on here as I am a guitar player with some banjo tendencies in my playing. I had to go out and get a dreadnaught because my parlour guitar at the time could not compete with the noise of the traffic. The good news is for better or worse (depends how good you are) a banjo cuts through way more than guitar. So you will have that going for you. Depending on where you are there are different rules and laws for busking. Its good to know before you go if you need a permit as some towns or cities will require this. Also you have to be warry of dealing with cops as permit or not there is a good chance they will come up and talk with you. When you pick a spot keep in mind that you do not want to impede foot traffic or have a negative impact on a store. Sometimes a store owner will ask you to move along, best thing is to be polite here, it doesn't help your cause to antagonize shop owners or law enforcement. Depending on where you are busking they might have rules about electric amplification and sometimes sitting. I recommend using an acoustic instrument and getting use to singing and projecting your natural voice. I'm out here in Arizona and my spot to busk was actually in front of my bank for several reasons. First I was not blocking foot traffic or impeding a business since it was closed. It is closed because I usually busk at night since AZ is hot in the day and also on weekends when the weather is cooler. Second I had cameras on me if something did go down. At my location there were bike loops I could lean on if I needed a bit of a break (right or wrong the cops in Tempe told me I couldn't sit, most likely because they could get beggars with instruments to move along). So Clifton is right, a bare case is bare for a long time, make sure you have about $20 in fives and mainly ones to throw in. Change sucks especially if you have to throw your banjo in the case and move quickly because you are asked to leave. Do not bring your nice banjos out to busk! I recommend buying a used mid level instrument and upgrading that to busk, that way you won't lose your shit if you ding it up. Also having a battle scarred instrument is cool to have in your collection. Lastly, its hard to know what you are going to make, when I busked I did not make a ton of money so usually I would be happy with a burger meal and gas money for my scoot. What surprised me as I sang and played was how little people cared if you were the only busker around. Teenagers and housewives were the better tippers, also assume people will mistake you for homless. Most of my music heros busked and it is another level in playing music that can be fun. Plan on being out there for an hour or two each time you busk. Make sure to bring water when you sing. If you are going to sell product make sure it is a quick and simple way to setup and tear down as you might be asked to move. I hope this helps if you plan to busk.😊👍✨

[@JohnWilson-bn1xs]

The term BUSKING comes from England, which has a long tradition of'STREET SINGERS".

[@JohnWilson-bn1xs]

oH YEAH...thought I'd add, RE: busking. There's a long tradition of "street singers" in the UK. Historically, it's been more common to hear vaudeville=style SONG N DANCE stuff. There are many examples in British cinema...where the buskers usually sport a sort of "busking tog"--a rather loud, even gaudy costume...usually black, with generously-applied white trim, and over-size hats. I think it was intended to alert potential patrons to the "show-biz", comedic nature of what they were witnessing...

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

@@JohnWilson-bn1xs Thanks for the info, John! I just pulled up busk in the OE dictionary and got, "... of Germanic origin. Originally in nautical use in the sense ‘cruise about, tack..." so it _could_ very well be an Old English word. I'm sure the practice of performing on the street for tips must be ancient & widespread.

[@barbarajacobs5549]

Grocery stores often encourage/allow busking. Some you have to sign up, others you can just show up. Probably best to ask the store. Personally I'd not do it alone but with someone else would be fun. I"d most likely do fiddle in that case, anyway.

[@robkunkel8833]

A great episode. I’m embarrassed to say that I still dream of being able to do it. Love some of the conversation about seeding the music box and not using a hat. You describe putting ten singles in different shapes on the bottom layer, like making a cake. Good thoughts about the competition and standing and locked knees. I saw a guy collapse delivering speech in a law school final just keel over sidewards, just as he finished. Very dramatic. Until later, still working on East Virginia.

[@gringogreen4719]

Rob, just go and do it even if it is just for an hour. Look at it as on the job training or just to get used to it. You will regret NOT doing it more than doing it.😉👍✨

[@barbarajacobs5549]

Great fun tips.

[@innovativeatavist159]

Ironically, there are hardly any viable options for busking here in Nashville.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

If you'd care to elaborate on the situation up there, we're all ears...

[@sonicboom1970]

Hi Clifton. I've been watching your videos since I started playing 5 string a year and a half ago. I busked here in Ireland with Irish tenor banjo for many years. I could tell you some crazy and interesting stories. My question is, what kind of banjo is this? I love that sound, and that circular strumming technique you have. I'd like to share a tip if I can, that is stand or sit, in an area with a large glass window behind you, or across the street. Ideally both. I found out that this can bounce your sound up or down the street, especially if you are busking without an amp. Hope this helps. Thanks for all the help over the past year, it been a real challenging crossover. But very exciting. Thank you again.

[@IsaacDueck]

I am 18 year old Las Vegas local, so I usually like to avoid the general insanity that is, The Strip. However, when we are on The Strip, I'm always delighted to see the many street performers out doing their thing. Unfortunately however, the Nevada government passed a bill recently that would ban people from standing or stopping for long periods of time on the foot bridges that we have here. Now, street performers would have to deal with the noise and the casinos blasting their music

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Yes, businesses blaring loud music onto the sidewalks has run me out of a few places.

[@garrymacantanaiste575]

You are so cool Clifton.

[@michaelsmith8836]

Bro have you ever busked as old leatherstocking skull face? I’d drop a fresh Jackson and stand there as long you played

[@mattevans297]

Bring a friend and get them to walk by periodically and stop and film you with their smart phone. That gets people to stop/listen/donate.

[@dwaingibbs93]

I just made a trip to gulf shores for a banjo competition, but I busked in Mobile Alabama, both on the way there and back. This was the first time I had ever done it and honestly, I enjoyed it probably 10 times more than the competition and festival scene. Now I'm kicking myself for never having done it in the memphis area that is so close to me. But that's gonna change! Also at the end of this video you said you would love to talk more about this. I'd equally love to hear it.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Busking > Festivals

[@dwaingibbs93]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo I'm now reconsidering the idea of going to any other festivals and just spending that time and energy busking or trying to play at local joints instead. I'll save money/make money, and have a much better experience

[@floydprice3829]

"There go my dogs after something.".. story of my life 😂

[@erniemiller1953]

I can play 30 minutes of songs well. Is that enough to go busking? I have thought about it, thinking I could make a decent amount, but don't think it is enough songs.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

That's plenty. You run through your thirty minutes of songs, then there'll be a completely new set of bystanders in the area and you just run through your thirty minutes of songs again. Busking is great practice in that way.

[@thetoads4939]

I remember practicing guitar outside when on break by my older brothers car at work when in highschool, people started offering me money first couple times I declined and said I was just practicing. But later i started accepting and singing over it. I'd make more on break than at the job, but it wasnt legal so I couldn't do it too much.

[@thomasperry9147]

Great insight thanks again

[@garycowger9579]

Flea Markets are also a grate place to Busk at get in the middle of one I made a lot of money at one

[@porkyfedwell]

I am too reserved to ever do that alone, but if I could find another musician to partner with, it would make me feel less uncomfortable.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Definitely! The only thing more fun than busking alone is busking with a partner or a band.

[@Reverend_Mojo]

I hang a Limberjack off a string tied to my picking hand, and let it dance on a wooden box in front of me.

[@jamesm5547]

Definitely check the local city / town bylaws- Kingston requires a permit (in 2019 it was $0). Using an amp is not welcome in a lot of public spaces. And maybe do yourself a favor and be courteous to business, ask if it's OK to play if you are close to their store front ~ some love it, some not so much. I've tried busking - it is fun, intimidating at first but man you will get better at playing fast Bring water...👍

[@atillion79]

Eye contact goes SO far!

[@bellsproutpizza]

"A lot of people make money if they got one leg or something" lol

[@GiovanniMaronati]

What song are you playing at the beginning of the video? Love it!

[@19stoney64]

I would love doing that to be doing that. Plenty of places here for that where there are plenty of crowds. Also a guy wouldn’t have to know a lot of songs if he’s moving around especially.

[@benpapafilms]

what’s the tune played at the beginning of the video?

[@easternkentuckyoutdoors8092]

Sugar hill

[@cowboy6591]

There are allot of Cities that you need a street musicians permit, such as Nashville , TN

[@jacobalexander7192]

I busk on 16th st mall in Denver, you run into some rather insane people

[@robertmcbain6247]

I taught myself to play the banjo busking, being legally blind helps with the confidence thing, take off your glasses and people just turn into blurs

[@TheWannabeBusker-z9c]

interesting vid

[@leighcecil3322]

Willy and the poor boy's 😁

[@muunbloc]

Are those metal or nylgut strings?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Medium steel.

[@muunbloc]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo Thanks, I've watched the beginning of this video several times because of that great tone

[@maxheinrichliebow]

Here in London, its a license-only tax paying thing.... ridiculous. I miss them days when buskers could just busk!

[@Gigitobanjo]

great video \o/

[@PermacultureAppalachia]

👍🏽👍🏽💰💰

[@keithclark486]

Have you ever had any body to drop a dollar in and take out ten acting like they were making change ?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

In those days, I carried a shortened axe handle with me, and would keep it hidden right behind the banjo case. Bums on King Street would get jealous whenever my case started overflowing with cash, which happened every time I worked.

[@evanwilliams2680]

Amazing video as always! Made a channel just to subscribe, I love these Q&A format videos. Your version of Sourwood Mountain on that mountain banjo was one of the best I've ever heard, it made me plan on buying one once I get the funds. Have you ever heard Rove Riley Rove? It's one of my favorite appalachian tunes, Bruce Molsky did a great cover of it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKqlaHRjrKyjbZI , would love to hear your rendition of it if you're looking for some good songs to upload.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Thaddeus Willingham (recorded in Alabama during the 1930s) seems to be everyone's source for this piece. Besides the chorus and some of the picking it is basically a standard hoedown or "corn song," but that chorus is lovely, and Molsky does a fine job accompanying on banjo. Do you know where to find the recording of Willingham or another early field recording like it?

[@evanwilliams2680]

There's an excerpt of the Willingham's recording of it available here: www.allmusic.com/album/mississippi-fiddle-tunes-and-songs-from-the-1930s-mw0002890834 , but it only contains one verse; I have yet to find a recording of the entire song. It took me a while to find that one, since Molsky's version is the predominant version available on the web, and most searches result in it.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Evan, THANKS. These recordings aren't too easy to find. And it looks like the only place to buy them legally is through Document Records over in the UK? I will have so send the information over to my aunt who, as far as I know, is the last fiddler in my family. Apparently a bunch of our Alabama relatives were fiddlers...

[@evanwilliams2680]

That's awesome, let me know if you find anything else out about the song. I've been meaning to get in contact with Molsky and see if there's a definitive recording that he learned it from. Been keeping my eyes and ears open both online and in record stores, but that excerpt is all I've found so far. Some other great excerpts on that link, would love to find a copy of the entire archived recordings.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I don't know for sure, but I think Molsky learned it from that recording of Thaddeus Willingham. That or he learned it in-person from somebody at a fiddlers' convention and used Willingham to further orient himself. I met Bruce briefly this past April in NYC at the Brooklyn Folk Festival but of course I didn't ask him much.

[@Lewisjls]

Stop it lisren to Eddie Peabody,