Very true. Not only because you cant know how it will go, but also to establish the habit. Because its like with everything: once you didnt do something, you dont do it for another time and another, and with every time it gets easier not to do it and harder to do it. On top of it you get out of shape and have find back in once you get back. So unless its -10°C: always go. Even if it actually sucked, you mainly did it for the habit and this will carry you.

Thankyou x you know exactly what you are talking about. It’s like I feel bad for playing because it’s not a stage where people come to see me but on the street it’s like I’m forcing people to hear music

yp...y'hafta be there t'get what's there...and #5 is always ace politic

Good on ya Brother. Respect.

I’m 70 and have been busking on and off most of my adult life. If you don’t care about the money, here’s a suggestion: play for charity….you’ll raise a lot more money and bring a lot of joy into the world. After the war against Ukraine started, I started busking to raise money to help people affected by the war. I recruited other people to play with me, got a local sign maker to print a sign for free, and use a QR code so people can give directly to the charity i give through, as an alternative to giving cash. I’ve gotten a TV news slot made about the busking, articles written, props from the charity itself, and since the war started, and with all that help, raised over $10,000 for the victims of that senseless war. Oh, and no PA…Can’t stand amplified busking!

Heads up. Many civic authorities now require applicants for licenses to already have an internet presence (e.g. KZfaq or Soundcloud channel) and/or recordings you can provide as examples of your style/skill. Be prepared to be harshly judged by ignorant and biased, non-musical busy-bodies on a review panel. Be prepared to pay hundreds of dollars for the "privilege" of performing on sub-optimal pitches for unappreciative Philistine losers who might toss you a few coins if you're lucky. Be prepared to be bullied and intimidated by guitar players with excessive amplification who think they're music's gift to the world.

You are welcome

How'd it go??

@@Ty-mu7gl It went pretty well. Made like 60 bucks.

Hey there! Just started myself two years ago and I’m 50. My biggest tips for nerves is start with a few songs you are super confident with, and that you and passersby will enjoy. After a few of those, I have the confidence to try others I’m less confident with. Hope that helps!!

Thanks very much. Funnily enough I shared this video to the buskers Facebook group and there were so many bitter and jaded people. I should have added that to number 6!

​@@viewfromtheyard7164 Hahaha, I'd be interested to see that Facebook page? I suppose it can be easy to have certain expectations with regards to how much money you might make or whether your get an audience or not. I'm still fairly new to busking in the sense that I've decided to put a lot into it for a while to see where it goes. After 8 or so sessions in the last few weeks, I found it to be wildly unpredictable, bit of a slog moving gear around all day and entirely weather dependent which just adds to the unpredictability. However. HOWEVER. I've learned SO many things already and I'm getting the hang navigating the audience etc. and certainly seeing some improvements. This is a long term thing for sure. Overall though, loving it! But also, it's not my only source of music based income so I can really just lay back and enjoy it without overly worrying about money, I think that part is important when new to busking. How long have you been busking for?

@@AaronCarrington I’m thinking of leaving the group as it is so negative. Well done with the busking. I have a very good friend called Justin Towell who busks in bath also. I too use busking as a side hobby for a bit of extra income. I’ve been doing it for just over a year and whilst it’s hard work it is always rewarding. The guy in the Facebook group sound like a bunch of whiners. One even asked me why I even do it if I have so much expensive equipment!

@@viewfromtheyard7164 @View from the Yard Hmmmm maybe covid has something to do with peoples frustration? Either way, you do have to stick at it a bit and yea there's some downsides (hashtag life 😅) and depending on your style, there can be a bit of a financial outlay equipment wise but as you say, it can be very rewarding too! Justin Towell, haven't met him yet but I'll keep an eye out.

If by negative you mean they ignore you - just keep busking. If you mean frequent negative comments that's a problem. Perhaps you should change your location or reevaluate your show. Normally, I just smile and keep singing unless the negative people get personal in which case I pack up and leave.

I feel you, I'm hoping to start busking for the first time in the next few weeks. If you have a family member or friend you trust to be honest, I found it helped to send or show them a song, and ask them outright "Do you think I'm ready to play in public?". And regardless of the answer, as long as you keep trying to improve yourself, it'll be something you can look forward to doing soon! Good luck

id reccomend just going for it, try your best, simplifiy songs if that makes it easier

"Don't wait until you're 'ready.' Ready is now." --Jamey Aebersold

Eric: Did you actually watch this video? He covered that actually said, "as a singer you're not going to stop singing etc" and then went on to list what you can do! Jeez man, keep up.