What It's Like Performing in the NYC Subway: Busking

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Busking, also called street performance is the act of playing in public for donations. The tradition goes back to ancient history and has launched the careers of artists Robin Williams, Ed Sheeran, and Sheryl Crow.
Nahre Sol visits the amazing musicians of the New York City subway to learn about why they busk. Later she gets tips from the pro buskers and attempts busking herself with her friend Dotan Negrin from Piano Around.
Follow the musicians in this video!
Dee Who: / @thedeewho
Nessa Dove: / nessadovemusic
Yut Chia: / yutviolinist
Troy Weekes: / troyweekesmusic
Gabrielle Aldort: / @gabrielaldort
Koku Gonza: / kokugonza
Emma Park-Hazel: / emmaphsings
Susan Keser: / susankeser
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[@SoundFieldPBS]

SHOUT OUT to all the amazing musicians 🎶 featured in this video and you better go follow them! links in the description! 💞 💕 💞 As always if you like what you see, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE 🙃

[@unniFI]

this was an experience. Felt more like i was watching a minidocumentary than a youtube video. The editing and audio design especially stood out. Excellent job!

[@TheDeeWho]

Thanks so much for having me as a part of this show, and for making such great content in general. All your shows are so well done and thoughtfully presented. Sound Field shows are some of the best content that KZbin has to offer and I'm mad proud to be in one of them! 🙏🤘💖

[@jo287]

Now that's epic without disrespect at all! Hands up & down!

[@fin2725]

I love your music ! soo chill reminds me of dublab LA. Would love to collab some time :)

[@jasonlieberman4606]

If I turned a corner in the Subway to see Nahre busking, I would definitely fanboy at least slightly.

[@TheNativeEngine]

How slightly?

[@SheWhoComesAtNight]

Native Engine Because the artists are constantly moving around and very rarely have a business card or time to keep written info handy. 🎼 🚊 That’s New York City for you!

[@TheNativeEngine]

@@SheWhoComesAtNight Thank you.

[@jasonlieberman4606]

Okay not really slightly, that was just tongue-in-cheek lol. I'd probably freak out just as much as if I saw Kirk Hammett or Dave Grohl

[@kuruptid]

Haha me too! Totally.

[@noviatoria2436]

"Sorry I farted on your world. It's my idea of a nice smell."

[@MisterAppleEsq]

Fancy seeing you here!

[@noviatoria2436]

@@MisterAppleEsq Apple!!

[@TheDeeWho]

🤣😂 I was a little embarrassed when that just flew out of my mouth, but um... 🤷‍♂️

[@AGilbii]

@@TheDeeWho When you said it, I felt it! You're great!

[@sonamshrish430]

N she be “wait what!!!”

[@ShirubaGin]

When the best music is the music you'll never hear.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

That's the truth

[@whoneedsanation]

The best music is the music you make bud

[@Musketeer009]

The London Underground has a similar system to the NY Subway. There are licensed buskers only playing the system. I'd like to say 'Thanks' to Trevor, a black musician of Carribean origins, wearing a hat and playing an amplified acoustic guitar. I used to encounter him at Liverpool Street Station in London when I workedin the City. I love his strumming which I always found uplifting. He made me a couple of cassettes of his music. If you come across him, please listen and donate if you like what he does. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@SoundFieldPBS]

I'll be looking out for Trevor. He sounds amazing.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

@TruMusic89 I've seen those videos too of the piano that's set up down there!

[@Musketeer009]

@@SoundFieldPBS Lol. You'll have to come over to London (UK) to see him then. I'm sure he will be pleased to meet you..

[@Musketeer009]

@TruMusic89 There are upright pianos dotted around public areas all over London, for anyone to play. Sometimes they get hijacked by KZbinrs.

[@MisterAppleEsq]

Hell yeah, the Tube has the raddest buskers. Also the upright pianos in stations rule... I usually play memes.

[@jacoder23]

Clicked for Dotan and Nahre, stayed for the stories.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Dotan and Nahre are some of the most fun people to work with! This video almost didn't work out, but the optimism and excitement made it all happen.

[@jasonlieberman4606]

@@SoundFieldPBS why, had trouble getting the footage as planned?

[@SoundFieldPBS]

@@jasonlieberman4606 It was a very tight schedule and we had gear limitations, but Dotan came with a very excited energy and it helped us cross the finish line !

[@Kram1032]

@@SoundFieldPBS wow I'm so glad. This is one of the best videos on this channel so far (and there are a lot of great videos)

[@Maffulfish]

Soundfield ALWAYS come up with a new and interesting angle to study music, you guys are sick!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

You're so kind thank you! We are having fun :)

[@apg13997]

No, they're perfectly healthy.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

I can't believe someone gave a thumbs down to this wholesome content. The internet is a scary place

[@brianmcdonald42]

If that discourages you, you're doing it for the wrong reasons. :)

[@tiffy717]

Brian McDonald Joke ----> Head

[@brianmcdonald42]

@@tiffy717 Right back at you.

[@unknownarchitect1]

Brian McDonald oh snap

[@SoundFieldPBS]

@@unknownarchitect1 this is 3d chess

[@metaforest]

Busking gave me freedom to explore the ideas I had on guitar in a live context. No one was listening more than a few minutes at most. So I could just make shit up on the fly. React to people walking by in song. Or explore variations on a song I already knew.

[@TB002]

I pass Susan Keser often on my commute, and even though I'm wearing headphones, I pause my music so I can hear her playing.

[@farisasmith7109]

4:56 was straight up police abuse of power. I can see if the person is bothering people , but most buskers are at the most entertaining and are the least annoying. No need for all of that.

[@12012channel]

That was uncalled for. By the police officer's reaction you would think that guy was brandishing a knife or something.

[@Haseri8]

@@12012channel ACAB, ACAB forever and always

[@oxossidomorro1056]

Oh my god! Nahre is so amazing. She's so talented with keys and has the same talent in words.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

She's a gift to this world

[@johnnash3203]

Hey! I'm a student in ethnomusicology in Paris and i'm really passionate about busking in the Paris subway, so this video is just a treat for me! It's so interesting to see how this kind of musical performance is lived in an other major city and it's great to be able to see what's similar and what's different between the two! I hope I one day get the chance to experience the New York busking by myself!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

You should post some of your performances to youtube I'd love to watch them.

[@guillll]

John Nash Don't go to New York though. In a world where air pollution kills 8 million people a year, flying across the ocean for fun is a really bad idea.

[@notimportant3686]

i hope you don't... you guys are intruding on our quiet... nobody is on the subway to hear a music show... it's the absolute worst when you're trying to catch a nap because you'll be riding for an hour or just to enjoy some quiet because you're tired please don't come to NY to do this... we have enough of these folks as it is

[@TheDeeWho]

@@notimportant3686 you my friend are living in the wrong town. Best of luck to you, you gonna need it!

[@notimportant3686]

@@TheDeeWho doesn't everyone need luck?... what a stupid comment

[@MikeM-so3je]

Busking: "Performing for someone in their space." Such a great definition and explains why it's so intimately difficult. Great video!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Hey Mike thank you!!

[@cristian2180]

Gabriel Aldort is the one that convinced me to buy a keyboard after seeing him demonstrate yamaha keyboards. What a god.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

He's got such a big personality!

[@bobcunningham6953]

Yeah. When I've been caught singing and playing my ukulele outdoors at my local park or the beach, the most frequent comments are: - "If you quit picking it, maybe it will heal!" - "You should sing solo. So low I can't hear you!" But it did result in my meeting my music teacher, who gave me my first lesson free, on the spot! Turned out I had a natural ability to "find the key", harmonize, then improvise, despite being unable to read music. So now I will occasionally sing along with buskers I see, especially when they don't have a crowd, and sometimes they'll even invite me up to the mic! Still need to work on the uke...

It's incredible to know all the stories from this musicians, at some point of my life I busk, and recently I went to interview and colaborate with some busking musicians for a KZbin video. Being able to be on the different sides of this activity gives you prespective. If you see a busking musician, give him/her your support by listening and donating. Nice work!

[@TheZenguitarguy]

An additional issue is that there are not many venues to play at anymore and the business model for venues is to get butts in seats and sell drinks. There are so few places to play for younger musicians and musicians outside the mainstream that being able to play and generate some attention and $$ is a necessity. As the venues and opportunities disappear artists get more creative about creating windows of possibility. jacob Collier became well known for his innovative vocal arrangements and videos that he made in his bedroom. Also Nahre I always like how open minded and open hearted you are about exploring the process of sharing music. Thanks!

[@sean_dini7804]

No way! I’ve seen the DeeWho on the 6 train! I got his card and told him I play bass too! Great guy and even greater music! Keep it up!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Dee is amazing! That’s so cool you’ve met him. He’s really getting out there

[@TheDeeWho]

💖 💖 💖

[@brunoabud6672]

I'd love an episode on Noise/Ambient and Drone music. Just thought I'd throw this out here. Really loving this series.

[@richardlu6706]

I came across Dee Who for the first time on the 7 train a few weeks back and he was super dope. Living in NYC, especially riding the subway, can sometimes feel lonely because of how closed off we New Yorkers tend to be. In my opinion, these buskers bring back a bit of that human warmth and it wouldn't be the same without them.

[@TheDeeWho]

💖💖💖🙏🙏🙏🤘👍💪

[@sunra59]

Hats off to anyone who tries to reach out to a stranger, whether it’s through music or just saying ‘good morning’. Enjoyed the video. Thanks.

[@gustavosousa3554]

I’ve come across so many great subway performers in New York, can’t imagine the city without them

[@maxwellbrown7802]

Wait a minute ... I didn't know Gabe was a busker! When I used to work at Guitar Center in Astoria, he was the sales rep for Yamaha. One of the coolest dudes I know.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Really fun nice guy!

[@vipinsl]

this video made me tear up . I just love it when i get to see pure passion in people .

[@SoundFieldPBS]

I'm crying with you! PURE PASSION

[@vipinsl]

@@SoundFieldPBS thank you for doing what you do . I'm always inspired by your videos .

[@BloggerMusicMan]

Why would anyone say anything terrible about that young woman at 10:20, she has a very pleasant singing voice. :) Great video. Nahre Sol videos are great. :)

[@kayakchrispy]

BloggerMusicMan jealousy People can be evil

[@TheDeeWho]

Haters gonna hate! But like she said, most of the time haters actually motivate other people to give more money, so I appreciate the hell out of them. 👍

[@MsJeanneMarie]

Cities have tons of crazy people just because they have tons of people.

[@mwj5368]

Even if her voice wasn't all that great no one should ever do that as it's to me a form of assault or harassment when they keep repeating and interfering.

[@ironwoodbranch6720]

Karens, boomers etc.

[@chewycactus]

As someone that lives in nyc and sees buskers on the daily... I think part of the discomfort as an audience member is the guilt of not being able to give or feeling like you HAVE to give, so it’s easier to not make eye contact or pretend you’re ignoring them as a way to mitigate that issue. Also, people (homeless, performers, etc) ask for money all the time on trains.... sometimes I just wanna enjoy my own time on the train Nonetheless, interesting to get their prospective

[@darthbee18]

*new Sound Field video is up* *AWWWWWWW YEAAAAAAA* 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 🎵🎶🎻🎸🎷

[@SoundFieldPBS]

It's a holiday!

[@darthbee18]

@@SoundFieldPBS it is! 🙌😄✨

[@patg8107]

As confounded as the fart analogy was I feel that

[@SoundFieldPBS]

i felt that dee who

[@TheDeeWho]

Omg everyone loves the fart line... 🤦‍♂️🤣😂

[@romajimamulo]

28 is a suspiciously low number, especially given that it's just a permit, not like, something that gives salary

[@SoundFieldPBS]

That's what I'm saying!

[@christopherkotsopoulos701]

incredibly low considering there are close to 500 subway stations and the busier ones could easily have a handful of performers in each.

[@romajimamulo]

@@christopherkotsopoulos701 ... So you're saying there isn't even enough applicants?

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

@Romaji - The most basic explanation is that bureaucracies expect to exercise tight control over their sphere of influence. They see the musicians as an unwanted and unwarranted intrusion on their turf.

[@spacebunsarah]

Acab

[@BradHolkesvig]

I live here in Barcelona where they have banned any kind of entertainment from public places except a few Spanish musicians who get to play regularly in certain spots by the Cathedral of Barcelona. When I first lived here in 2003, I loved all the variety of entertainment and stopped to watch or listen to them. I miss that now as I go on my walks. I'm hoping they allow musicians and performers of all kinds to perform in those public places again before I'm not able to walk anymore.

[@katie4623]

Who ever thought Fur Elise would be a good busking piece.

[@OrafuDa]

14:43 Für Elise as background with Jazz chords (I suppose?), and Dotan playing a melody over it ... all on Rhodes, with a melancholic vibe (and you smile). Oh man, you really know how to make my soul chime and my eyes get wet while I smile. 💞 Even the beautiful Canal St. tiles fit well as framing for this. 💞 16:31 And the view of New York at dusk over the Hudson 💕 ... sigh :) ... have you read my comment about this mental image on one of the other Soundfield videos? 🤔 :D

[@SparkySINN]

I'm a traveling busker.. I'm currently busking in Savannah Georgia ... but they don't allow amps 😔 But Love this !

[@josephhocking4345]

SPARKY SINN I’ve done Savannah, River Street and with a small portable amp... You’ve gotta keep your eyes peeled for the popo. If you can see them, they can hear you.

[@SparkySINN]

@@josephhocking4345 I was going to try it... because it's wayyy better with an amp... they just changed the laws amd made them stricter 😢... I'm not as worried about cops caring as I am others reporting me because they are jealous that I'm using an amp .. or the stores... but I have microphones amd stuff so it's a lot harder to quickly hide that I'm using an amp....

[@josephhocking4345]

Ditch the Mic, work on projection, I know 8ts difficult... You need to minimize any appearances that you are using any type of amp or speaker. If you play acoustic, you got a head start but, a Mic on a stand is a dead give away. Personally, I try to mask ANY indication that I'm ready to play at literally any moment, even my tip bag situation is on the real down low until absolutely necessary. Good luck, mate!

[@johaunZ]

I love New York. When I go, Im going for the art scene. I defiantly will make a trip just to check the busking scene out, because when i was a kid i was a street performer, and circus kid. would be great to see and feel that energy agian.

[@niiiiiiisse]

I've asked this before on previous episodes but again, any chance more footage of Nahre busking will be released? They sound absolutely amazing together.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

I could make that happen...

[@suburbanflower]

I love Nahre's genuine interest and admiration..

[@jonathanrynjah]

I hope you guys explore all genres of Music cause music is music

[@SoundFieldPBS]

all music is music!

[@bazeblackwood]

@Arpicembalo wow, you must be incredibly naive to be so proudly and publicly wrong

[@SoundFieldPBS]

​@Arpicembalo all music is music. especially playboi carti, he invented music

[@darylquevada]

“Protection from law enforcement”. Never thought I would here that in my life.

[@sabrinasmusic]

I've gotten so desensitized to abuse of power by the police that I didn't even notice the irony in that sentence until you pointed it out 😧

[@peskypigeonx]

@@sabrinasmusic oh god that happened to me too

[@jeremaiyo-antoineburke6904]

Emma Park Hazel is amaaaazing 😍😍😍

[@SoundFieldPBS]

You should check her out on instagram! emmaparkhazel :)

[@jeremaiyo-antoineburke6904]

@@SoundFieldPBS Oh I'm already there ! Lol... Thank you so much for what you are doing for music! I love you guys! 😍😭 Oh and Koku Gonza is awesome

[@duncanschulte3011]

This Is amazing journalism. these people and their stories are so Important and Inspire me. Thank you!

[@DeRien8]

That *superbly jazzy* improv over Für Elise really got me going. If I was walking through the subway on my old commute and heard that I would probably burst into silent tears.

[@nodfactor8808]

Loved this so much!!

[@j3tztbassman123]

This brings to mind the vid Adam Neely and Mary Spender did on Busking. I'm truly tempted to try it in my own locality, after this Covid-19 business goes away.

[@7mu777]

I just really love the videos you made,and the music is amazing.

[@mishashipman479]

This was so fun and encouraging to watch! Love this series!❤❤❤

[@umbertomaresca6192]

that's soooo kind of you...amazing footage...thanks guys ..keep it up

[@mmelanoma]

Such an important video! Great job

[@KeepitWausome]

Loved this episode! The whole series is wonderful but this has been one of my favorites by far!

[@TheMg49]

Enjoyed this video. Thanks, and for the links. Great music scene in NYC.

[@LelouchVelvet]

Wow, all the music I've heard in this video was awesome! Amazing musicians!

[@srothbardt]

All of your videos are very well filmed and edited! Brava!

[@hazellu4497]

truly inspiring. Going to college in NY soon and really looking forward to meeting encountering these musicians

[@rodney1234ize]

I really enjoyed this vid. thank you Nahre!

[@spacewalden8358]

Love for all the brave musicians !

[@bronney]

Thanks for doing this. Enjoyed it. The B-roll's excellent too!

[@susanmazzanti5643]

Thank you for another interesting video. Again, I have learned about am area of music that I know very little about. I have enjoyed street music in New Orleans but little else. I'm so glad I found you.

[@mikebenwilliams]

I absolutely adore Nahre Sol. Such a kind demeanor and her videos are so informative. A true breath of fresh air in this age. Thank you for this!

[@jaizentorres4926]

Omg Nahre you're so brave!!! Thanks again for bringing another wonderful piece about music and how it connects us. Ive always been in love with buskers and street performers. Their talent and passion is always inspiring. As is yours Nahre. :D Keep up the awesome work!!

[@alfbarroso]

Nahre, you’re the best! Anxious to seek that underneath musical world soon, I hope! Keep spreading knowledge. Greetings from Brazil!

[@caioaf2]

Probably my favorite episode thus far A shout out to all street artists, you bright my day every time I see one of you!

[@brianmcdonald42]

Excellent story. I haven't had opportunity to spend a lot of time in NYC, even less on the subway. The buskers I saw weren't nearly as talented as these people. Koko Gonza in particular has a truly fascinating sound. Nice work as always, Sound Field.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for watching Brian, we appreciate you and your thoughtful responses

[@davidbernalpianista]

Beautiful documentary!

[@cheyofeeba]

This has got to be my fave episode yet

[@chrischia4138]

Great video. The sound was great given the surroundings

[@gorogorotodoro]

Thanks for having Nahre on here! Would love to see her more

[@jonnolan5809]

Great as always! I noticed Nahre talking about stage anxiety. That may be a great thing to explore.

[@keinguye]

Just learned a new word, busking. Talented musicians with sincere hearts.

[@daniellangsford7547]

A lot of these buskers are not only talented, but seem like really sweet people. Also loved jazzy Fur Elise. Great video and great channel!

[@cjthibeau4843]

I feel bad I can never catch these the same day they come out as much as I used to, but I still always dedicate time to sit and fully engage in every episode yall put out! Been so so excited to see this episode drop!! So beautifully shot as well. And another episode affirming why I love this channel. Delving into the culture and even politics of this wholly unique music scene and miscrocosm, at least in the sense of NYC. Not many people know about MUNY and im glad to see PBS cover it in such an elegant way and in such an awesome episode! TBH you could make an entire channel dedicated to NYC musical scenes, culture, genres, politics, etc. And the soul food/busking comparison is SO SPOT ON! And Nahre you killed it at busking! As someone who teaches performances, getting over stage fright is a big thing but you did it! Even if for a short time its still awesome so congrats! Overall, such a great educational episode I am sure to share and show with my students. And as always, cannot wait for the next video!!

[@vb6427]

your channel is a hidden gem from youtube, i really dig it.

[@jnutwood42]

Brave of the buskers and brave of you Nahre for doing this video. Thank you!

[@MANNYISTHERE]

This was inspirational

[@BinyaminTsadikBenMalka]

A few of your videos now have been investigating the subculture of music. Keep bringing us these interesting obscure subjects please!

[@pablito162]

Nahre, this was a great piece! New York is full of so many types of musicians playing in the subways and Outside... There are so many different acts that you could actually do a few different segments. As an example, sometimes at 34th st. Penn Station there used to be the equivalent of a Jazz Band jamming... Please keep up the good work!!!!!!!!

[@StephanieDouglassMusic]

I feel so inspired to be braver about my music. Kind of makes me wish I lived somewhere with more public spaces.

[@truecuckoo]

Nice!

[@newjawn9004]

That was one of the most interesting videos about musicians that I've ever seen. As do many, I've often dreamed of busking, particularly with the Bach in the Subways annual event, but I'm just not good enough (yet) to feel comfortable doing it (I play flute). My subway 'idol' is Slim Freedom (search KZbin and you'll find her). Seeing this video and listening carefully to their answers and information given, it makes me want to practicepracticepractice so much harder. Many thanks to Nahre Sol for doing her usual outstanding presentation, and thanks to the musicians for showing us such great talent and spirit.

[@mae__]

Amazing vid!

[@jhairoflores3971]

Hey guys I found your Channel today because of a recommendation from The Art Assigment episode I have just watched, I got engage with your documentary and content, Hi from Honduras 🇭🇳

[@filipkorosec102]

What an amazing video!

[@lubutobwalya5810]

What a beautiful sound🤧🤧🤧♥️

[@coasterb1]

Thank you for sharing this world of music with us!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

You're welcome coasterb1!

[@peteradamakakis4682]

I've been playing music for over 40 years and have never busked. Just wanted to acknowledge the phenomenal talent all of these buskers show in this vid. I am inspired and genuinely gobsmacked by the virtuosity displayed. Truly inspirational and soul-lifting. Thank you so much.

[@rainbowlove7235]

I love New York. Not to live, but trip for endless music, and incredible talent. Just came back from Manhattan saw "X-Ray Love" was awesome! Like nothing I've heard before, great clean grunge! Never seen them before or heard of them. Was in a tiny bar, Desmonds tavern. Such a great show. And 2 out of 5 musicians on the subway we heard where amazing musicians. Thank you to all the musicians out there for the gift.

[@bluzshadez]

I remember watching some of Dotan Negrin's videos on his channel, PIANO AROUND THE WORLD.

[@pedromrls6]

Beautiful

[@banjomango145]

Truly beautiful!

[@kevingerald8286]

Such a great insight into a world I knew nothing about - now I know a little about it!

[@DojoOfCool]

I used to live and Boston and the one think I miss the most is all the street music. The other places I've lived there has been some buskers and where I live now there is none. I think street music really help bring life to the streets and people that normally would just walk by each other stop and share a musical experience together.

[@kitchris5902]

There are so many insanely talented musicians playing in NYC it’s insane. I’ve always wondered how well they do, I’m glad they all seem to be doing well for themselves. I definitely wouldn’t have the stomach to perform in that setting.

[@MarcG7424]

These are some of the most talented and bravest people I've ever seen and heard

[@torljungberger2486]

Love this!

[@adonisboyd1997]

Thanks for the all the tips honestly, I'm an Indie/Emo artist from Ohio whose gonna be moving to the border of New Jersey/NYC in August and definitely excited to share my gift with new people and busk there. I've played shows and stuff around but there's just something about busking that I love and it inspires me to keep going.

[@redburban1394]

WOW this is a really good and documented video.

[@insaneconqueror5421]

These people are all so talented. It's good they are not singing to walls in their apartments.

[@stivali4042]

had a lot of great encounters with Dee while going to college in the city. so cool to see him here

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Such a great soul!

[@7413321]

AMAZING video, also i love you nahre

[@AdemVessell]

i miss my city. Much Love!

[@seanquillen6047]

This was beautiful. I feel like this could be a long form series of its own.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

I agree it could easily be a traveling series! Nahre said she's going to try busking again on her own channel :)