How To Quickly RUIN Your Busk!

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PATREON LINK: / augustradioproject 🙌
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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

[@brianmorris8045]

Suspect weather, take a large weighted at each corner piece of raincoat material so you can pick it up and throw it over all your equipment in a split second. Keep it folded until it happens. Practice at home undoing the sheet quickly...it's better than damaging your electronic equipment. Another thing I learnt from experience over the years. You have saved up that money to buy that stuff, it will take a lot of busking gigs to buy new gear.

[@AugustRadioProject]

This is such a good idea - I'm definitely going to do this!! Funnily enough I got caught in the rain today and everything got wet (including my sign 😥) so I'll be purchasing a tarp of some description now! Thank you for this! 😃🙌

[@hilaryb92]

Your positive energy is infectious! I started busking this year and only wish I had started sooner. Your videos are so helpful and inspiring. I totally have a crush on you!

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you for the kind words 😃🙌🏻😳 I really do appreciate it!

[@bemuzic]

Hi, from a fellow busker! Totally agree with being respectful. The most disrespectful thing I've ever seen a busker do was in Cambridge. Someone put 20p in his guitar case, and he took it out and threw it at them and started ranting about that being an insult!! I was cringing, thinking he was giving buskers a bad name :-/

[@AugustRadioProject]

Dang! That's not cool from that busker. Perhaps they were having a terrible day in other ways? Still, no excuse... A donation of any size is an exchange of good energy, it's always got to be appreciated! 😃🙌 Stoked you're a fellow busker! Say Hi if ya see me in the wild!

[@dickiekai]

I began busking at 50-ish, to become a better singer. I have nicked some of your ideas, and those have paid off. Wish I started at your age. I use a dolly like you showed, Cube amp like you explained, and a KZbin channel too. Thanks for your vid’s! Best gear purchases this year? Small fan for gigs, and black “roll up” throw mat to stand on barefoot. This past season I secured my first ever paid gigs! I have a 3 hour show now I can now do, one song after another, and I pick up a lot, still, from you. Thank you! I can’t wait to get at it, as I still have that day job, and family too. FIND THE TIME! Here are my current tasks I am working on Push yourself! Busk in new places. Go out and learn how to sell yourself! Take advantage of where you are in life. You sound like you, so get confident and crowds will believe you too! Use your place in life as an advantage. Accept compliments. Talk to people that wish to talk. Go out twice a week, at least, to busk, open mic, your own gig, anything. Watch more August Radio Project videos!

[@AugustRadioProject]

I love it!! That's all so awesome to hear and I absolutely love your tasks/goals - especially to watch more ARP videos... 😉 so cool!! I think us street musicians can learn so much off each other, from our unique experiences! It's so important to share the stories and advice as it makes it better for us all! 🙌😃

[@naynaschatcorner4397]

This was me today! And its crazy that your video came up and you went through the same thing! I was so discouraged and now I feel better after your video! I was humbled today as you put it! lol

[@AugustRadioProject]

Clearly it came at the right time! Stoked it helped. These days can feel so discouraging but you just gotta get back out there again, busking can switch around on a click 🫰😃🙌🏻

[@loudquitting]

Hey man! I really like that you put effort into the busking but also the filming. You care about angles and your b-roll on top of everything else you have to do in order to perform. It seems like you've had a rough time recently with the donations. Can't do much about that aside from saying that you put out fantastic energy and I hope things turn around. I started practicing guitar a lot more often thanks to you and I actually hope to join the busking community one day. I wish you infinitely easier(and more profitable) days than the ones you've had lately.

[@AugustRadioProject]

This is so awesome to hear!! Thank you do much for the show of appreciation! Comments like this make my day! 🙌 donations have definitely been a little more hit and miss these past few months but overall things seem to be heading in a rad direction - I'm still learning how to put good video together but I'm stoked you've noticed the effort! Thanks again for kind words and keep it up with the guitar! 😃

[@brianmorris8045]

..and..the trick is to try and look like you've been performing for some time, even if you are a young busker. It's just the confident look. But practice at home, as if you are out busking. Pretend, in your lounge, or bedroom, or even out in garage or rumpus room, looking at passers by, and imagine what you will say to them besides thank you, if they drop money into the case or hat...break that up a bit. All about presentation. Whether it's one coin or a dozen. Lastly, be thankful you are in a country that allows busking most places.

[@schizodeltaman]

This is just what I needed, I busked in Leeds today and barely covered travel costs but after your advice I think I was giving off the wrong vibes, first of all I was asked to turn volume down after first 5 mins which affected my confidence and ruined the busk because it affected my energy, I kind of went into my shell. My mind went blank and I forgot lyrics and set list, I ended up quitting quite early. Still tomorrow is another day and another opportunity, thanks for sharing your valuable experience and advice. Green day Oasis mashup was great. Keep the Faith.

[@AugustRadioProject]

It’s crazy how much a comment or being asked to turn down can throw you off. It’s rad you recognise it though 😃 get out there again and bring your best energy! The best thing about a busk that doesn’t go well is that there’s always another busk 🙌🏻

[@patchevansbrokencountry2583]

I always ALWAYS put £2.50 in my case then I know how much I make. 32 quid for me would be rad mostly I make between 6 and 30 quids. Your point about planning the length of your busk is so important because, in my experience, people pass by with no money, get some and come back. Finally, a woman came to me the other day and said " I am a professional violin player. You sound really good, make it louder." Cue massive grin on my fizzog and didn't bother how much I made. Sweet moments.

[@Certif1edBusking]

Different for different people, but I find a tenner works best - a couple of £2 coins, some £1 and 50p coins can prompt people into which coins are best to drop. That said, I average between £20 and £60, and usually a note or 2 come my way (plus the inevitable coppers and Euros) 😃

[@philc8622]

@patchevansbrokencountry2583 Interesting hearing how much you make (and the person that replied to your comment). What neither of you noted is how long you busked for to get those totals - what is your typical busking time? I'm always amazed by ARP's effective hourly rate, it's way more than I've ever achieved. He's obviously doing something that connects with people to get all those donations, and maybe it's just karma that he's so generous with sharing all his knowledge on busking coming back to him! I also appreciate his honesty in showing that not every day is a great one (financially), but it is often the non-financial human interactions that are the ones you remember afterwards, and maybe those are more valuable in the long term.

[@AugustRadioProject]

Not too long ago a fellow busker told me to make sure the 'sweeten the pot' money is only gold and silvers... something about how then you're more likely to receive golds and silvers as people follow suit to what they think others have done. He even said to take out the coppers... I thought it was an interesting point! 🙌😃 so true about people passing then coming back, that happens a fair amount! I love that about the violin player too - busking brings the best moments!!

[@andrescarmonavillegas5477]

Hey man, I love your energy. Keep up the good work!

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you!! Appreciate it 😃🙌🏻

[@trilbyadam9095]

You legend ARP, thanks for your honesty about the down days, just gone through a few myself, I’m busking in Rennes next weekend so thanks for keeping me pumped up 💪🇫🇷🎸🙏😎

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you for the kind words!! Let me know how you get on in Rennes, I hope it's good! 🙌😃

[@stewarttaylor997]

Nice one Ben,never give up,that's the key,you relly don't know who's walking down the road and what memories you set of in their minds,buskin has been my life for a long time,i'm gigging more so the buskin has taken a backseat for a while,but what wonderful world it is,keep up the good work mate and spread the love xx

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you Stew!! It's so true! 🙌 I hope the gigs are going well, I'm sure I'll see you on the road at some point soon! 😃

[@timothysprague3930]

Thanks for your positive vibe! Imma try busking!

[@AugustRadioProject]

YES! No problem and I highly recommend busking, so rewarding on so many levels! 😃🙌

[@tinka9291]

It’s funny how you were saying you never know what impact you may have had on someone, even if donations aren’t great that day… I was literally admiring 10:10 in your set and how you held the note- was one of my fave moments of your singing!

[@AugustRadioProject]

So stoked! Thank you for this 😃🙌🏻 10:10 is a great number too 😊 I guess this statement works for moments in the videos too!

[@pascalmorgenthaler]

amazing video! ❤ never give up and follow your dreams!

[@AugustRadioProject]

Wise words 🙌🏻😃

[@talentrics]

great videos.. just want to say thanks! Your intuition is good, and it will pop. Hang in there!

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you so much! I’m excited for the year ahead and will be sure to keep showing up 😃🙌🏻 thank you for the inspiration ✌🏻

[@cletussea-ray944]

Awesome! As always!

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you!! 🙌😃

[@nailuj237]

0:26 hilarious how the guy is reading his newspaper standing. He's letting the page turn by the wind. Probably the wind of change..

[@AugustRadioProject]

I know!! I love that you've noticed, as I was editing this it was making me giggle! 🤣 🙌

[@barryshaw6354]

Fantastic video Ben, super positive, super helpful, great playing and great advice. Keep doing what you are doing because you do it so well. 🎸👍

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you Barry - I appreciate the kind words 😃🙌🏻

[@realemmanuelaaron]

Beautiful watching you do this ❤ I'm going to give this a try. Thanks for yiur review❤

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you!! 😃🙌

[@LimitlessMastery]

Awesome video brother! I’m seeking some inspiration to give busking another shot and follow my dream to be a musician and content creator. Thanks for sharing and lifting up my spirit 🤙🙏

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you for the kind words - stoked you’ve found the video and I can’t express enough how important it is to follow that dream 🙌🏻😃 gotta go for it!

[@arondoyle4097]

you're a legend. a fellow busker from ireland

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it 😃🙌🏻

[@arondoyle4097]

I appreciate it so much, love your channel 💕

[@donaldmcmillan5529]

Talking about being told to turn it down...This is not exactly busking but once I was playing at a family reunion.. My faimily reunion. I was providing entertainment which I had done before and everyone loved it but I was being told to watch what I played and kept telling me to turn it down because there were a lot of older people there.. I was already playing at about talking volume. The disheartening part of this was there was one person in particular there that made his living reviewing professional bands and he was looking forward to hearing me.. It was an opportunity to show my stuff to the pros... and I felt completely handcuffed. Fortunately for me right now is that I'm an older retired person who loves playing and not so much in it for the money.. but that would be nice. I'm getting started later in life and friends of mine went into it wanting to make it big but they made it to where they could make a living most of the time on justt their music. They actually got me to play with them once in a while but I had a full time job doing the old 8 hour work days. Now I'm bound and determined to spend the rest of my days playing music everywhere I can.

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you for sharing this!! I think when people ask a musician to turn down, they don’t realise how that feels! But it sounds like the folk that mattered appreciated you 😃🙌🏻 I think it’s never too late, nor is there any better time than the here and now - go for it!! ✌🏻

[@outerbanks854]

When someone asks you to turn down... Put them on blast... Over the mic.. "sure I can turn it down"..." but I need to put it to a vote" "I have been asked to turn this down" "I feel like this is set at an adequate yet polite volume" "Does anyone agree that I am much too loud?" Show of hands??

[@AugustRadioProject]

🤣🤣🤣 This would be one hell of move to pull off! I actually rarely get asked to turn down, maybe twice in the last 2 years or so...! 😃🙌

[@tuvansoykan]

I'm sure your capo has been working for you well but I would like to recommend trying a Shubb or G7th capo as these can adapt to different tensions depending on which fret you place your capo. Regular capos have a fixed tension so they can ruin the fretboard in the long run. Just my two cents as a fellow capo user. Have a think about it :)

[@AugustRadioProject]

Oh dang! Good to know! You know, I've always wondered what makes a 'better' capo so I super appreciate this 🙌😃 back when I played in a band I was notorious for forgetting my capo... I'll have look into getting a G7th, I've heard they're the best!

[@OGStazzy]

I busk from time to time. I never really care about the money . It’s mainly for the love and sharing but sometimes it does feel overwhelming and I’ll start playing fast but like you said there were a few times I got a 20$ bill at the end or someone asked me to turn my amp way down and next thing you know I bargained for 200$ and made enough money to change my spot. Thanks for sharing.

[@AugustRadioProject]

It's so cool eh. I love that the understanding of how rewarding busking can be is so universal! There's definitely some kinda of magic to it, that's for sure! Thank you for sharing! 😃🙌

[@chinatosinthiti3076]

Hi August, thanks for making great videos about busking! I'm at a turning point in my life in a lot of things, but more so in the scope of mental health, social life, and in music. My background I'm a bedroom songwriter/ heavy metal bass and guitar player who don't ever sing. I decided to learn singing and pick songs/ arrangements from different genres for busking. Thanks for posting content for both positive and negative aspects, it helped me bot to lose hope on bad days. Cheers from Thailand!

[@AugustRadioProject]

Hey! This is awesome and I'm stoked the videos help - it's exactly why I make them!! 🙌😃 I appreciate the kind words and I also this it's awesome you're coming from Thailand - maybe one day I'll be over for a visit!

[@chinatosinthiti3076]

@@AugustRadioProject 😇 Hope one day I have videos to share. Btw do you busk your original songs too?

[@user-yv8ik2xx1z]

Nice one again....keep at it..

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you!! 🙌😃

[@brianmorris8045]

Live long and prosper busking, young lad. I like your attitude to your craft. You should go very far.

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you! I appreciate this so much! 🙌 😃

[@mangallahiri5599]

❤ good job brother

[@AugustRadioProject]

Thank you 😃🙌🏻

[@Certif1edBusking]

I always check for an ARP video to guide me around places I haven't been before - was sooo useful for Hastings on Saturday - what a Rad town! That camera gives great video and audio - what model is it? 😁

[@AugustRadioProject]

That's so awesome to hear! I do love Hastings so I'm glad it was a rad time! 🙌😃 the camera is a Canon M50, I've had it a fair while but I've got a new wide angle lens (11-22mm) so it captures the busk a lot better. The audio is much better than the GoPro!

[@ericcrawford9827]

Twang! Compliments are priceless.

[@AugustRadioProject]

😃 🙌

[@starbuckita]

NICE that Oasis Green day mix sounded great!! I was like... wait a minute that's Wonderwall, he doesn't do that usually then bang the mashup !!! 🎸😂 that guy was great on harmonies with you too, cool! ya these vids about not giving up, just keep showing up, are a lift mate!!! thanks for sharing, I know you're just being you but it is good to hear it, sincerely! wish I was in a place that embraced busking music, especially since my union is on strike atm... anyways, cheers to Crawley and Tim Newman!!! you guys would be a great double bill booking! great journey ride along vid :)

[@AugustRadioProject]

The dude with the harmonies was epic. I'd been playing for about 10 minutes when he came over - a proper magic moment! 🙌 I appreciate the kind words as always and YES Tim Newman is a legend! 😃

[@MrCheswickMusic]

Ha ha the guy singing the green day/Oasis mash up was living his dream for 4 minutes there Great vid as ever dude

[@AugustRadioProject]

Haha! Yes!! It was one of those proper magic musical moments! 🙌😃

[@joelson1984]

Missing busking in Crawley ❤

[@AugustRadioProject]

It's a wild place! 😃🤣

[@HiDay-Songbird]

Hiya it's HiDay again....... I love the gadget you are using for your izettle.... can you tell me where it is from... the steel snake like thingy? thank you!!!!! I look forward to meeting you one day! I started busking 2 years ago..... I am old enough to probably be your grandmother, but I love it!!!!!

[@AugustRadioProject]

Hey HiDay!! 😃 stoked you’re out busking! The gadget is called a gooseneck clip 🙌🏻 you can get them from Tiger or Amazon (there’s a link in the description of the video!) 😊

[@HiDay-Songbird]

you are the best!!!! will let you know how I get on. Have had 7 paid gigs this past year and ready for more! @@AugustRadioProject

[@JollyWollyCollie]

Hope you played Friday I'm in Love when in Crawley :) Liked the duet :)

[@AugustRadioProject]

Indeed I did 😃🙌 I always enjoy playing that song when it is actually Friday, something about it!

[@elcaminodelbusker]

fantastic video. what do you think of uoloadin gig videos to a busking channel?

[@AugustRadioProject]

I'm thinking it's a good idea - especially with my new lens! 😃 they'll be some up on Patreon soon too! 🙌

[@brianmorris8045]

Great instructions, but even the best plans go bad...even when you have done everything right. I know...I've been a victim of people interferring.

[@AugustRadioProject]

It's true! No matter how much planning you do, busking has a way of doing it's own thing...! It's a good lesson to learn 😃🙌

[@ttaurus393]

Do you do this as your living? Your really good. It's hard to play just for donations fun but hard. Life of a musician take the good with the bad. Thafor sharing this video.

[@AugustRadioProject]

I do indeed 😃🙌🏻 “fun but hard” is a good way to put it, although I never find the “hard” bit difficult - I love it too much ✌🏻

[@RonOmallyOfficial]

What model is the new camera? I am looking for one as well for filming my busking sets

[@AugustRadioProject]

The camera is a Canon M50, I've actually had it a fair while but I got myself a new wide angle lens (11-22mm) which is why I can now use it to film the busks... I'd say any camera that has a nice wide angle is what you want (and good audio too) as then it captures everything that's going on a lot better! 🙌😃

[@brianjones4026]

Good Man August ..... cannot win em All ! 33 Quid is actually ok, but yeah the train ticket is the problem but then thats Britian for you, they dont give anything away eh ! Why I left ! I am wondering why in the recordings we dont hear so much the guitar amplification ! Do you use that speaker for just your voice and not the guitar ! Im just feeling the guitar might benefit from a little more juice running though her ! Maybe you do and its just the recording does not render the guitar amplified sound !!

[@AugustRadioProject]

I think my guitar was a little quiet on both days I was filming here actually so I'm glad you've picked up on it!! Still getting used to the levels on the amp and the new guitar's sound hole position means I hear it real loud as it's directly facing me... I'll get eventually 😃

[@lotusbreedveld8468]

what would you say is good starting money to put in your case before you start?

[@AugustRadioProject]

When I was in Leeds I met a well seasoned busker who told me to put in pound coins only, avoid the smaller coins as there’s a psychological aspect to folk putting in what they think others have. He even put in a £5 note as part of his ‘sweeten the pot’. I’ve been doing 3/4 pound coins lately and I’d genuinely say it’s improved donations a lick! 😃🙌🏻

[@JPVanderbuilt]

Just curious, being in the sun all day, do you keep applying sunblock?

[@AugustRadioProject]

Yes! ☀️ you can tell when I forget to put on SPF because I have a red face in the next video 🤣

[@DaveMorrisonMusic]

Any other ARP fans in SoCal USA? I've been busking on the bluffs at Santa Monica for the last couple of months.

[@AugustRadioProject]

How is it there in SoCal? I spent some time in Santa Cruz and the bay area when I was younger, I remember seeing some street musicians out and about but back then I wasn't busking so didn't really pay enough attention! 🙌😃

[@colincannings7946]

Hi, you say I came with the thought, that you were going to play two sets. How long are your sets?

[@AugustRadioProject]

About 2 hours to play all the song and I typically do it twice over (4 hours total)! 😃 🙌

[@dmitryigorevich3076]

sum41 mate, totally unexpected))

[@AugustRadioProject]

Such a great band!! 🙌 😀

[@aycarumble]

its nice to have all that equipment, maybe people think you have too much money compared to them. you did really alright at £30 there in the daytime, if you had some less cool and more bouncy lifting songs people will often turn back to listen, so why have an amp! sell it all and get a decent tight standard Dreadnaught like a tanglewood TW28 and play bouncy blues

[@AugustRadioProject]

The amp was given to me by Samson 🙌🏻😃 it’s actually a rad bit of kit! I hear what you’re saying, hardcore buskers go without amplification and I admire it. For me the amp works best 😊

[@Wammus85]

I really think you should make a new sign. Include qr codes to all your socials and add a funny picture or something like that. Especialy the qr codes are a great idea since people can then just scan them and add you immediatly instead of the guy on the start asking you if you do Tiktok or whatever. Great video otherwise. I do realy like the busking in kind of format but this is fine by me too.

[@AugustRadioProject]

I like it! I've been meaning to put a new sign together... my current one is a little worn 🤣 I'll for sure look into the QR codes, I've seen a fair few other buskers use them and it seems to work for them! Consider the 'project new sign' underway! 🙌😃

[@simplykatebush]

An important bit of organising for me especially in the Autumn / Winter is the weather forecast in the town/ city you’ll be busking in … can change at last minute though !!

[@mypanflutesecrets]

Try singing in French in ur slow days :) U might change the moods of people walking by...

[@AugustRadioProject]

This would be a good way to learn the language 🤣🙌🏻 merci beacoup!