Thread: Musicians: Have you ever Busked? (Perform in Public)

I was just reading Quincy Jones's autobiography, and he mentioned as a Kid he would sometimes go on Trains or Buses and play his saxophone

He'd usually make $200-300 a day.

Now, obviously we are living in a different era, do you think this can still be done today?

One "Blackhat" technique I came up with, is filling your bucket with money, before you even begin performing.

This way, passerbys think other people are already tipping, so they are more likely to follow the crowd, and tip you also.

Thoughts?

That is actually an old trick. People usually use guitar cases or whatever instrument case. It's not blackhat it just works.

Been talking about doing this all this coming summer with a mate actually, really wanna do it...

that's my main source of income for when I become homeless :P

Play some erotic, enchanting music to lure people in then BAM shank 'em.
You could become the Epic Guitar Shanker in no time = youtube profit

But to be serious, a girl with big boobs and blue eyes to sit by you, can't hurt.

I had Idea for this. I have alot of musicians at my univ. I had the idea to either get them or craigslist up some musicians. Then, "teach" them how to busk correctly, and get optimum tips. Singers, viollin players etc. etc. Itd be a good way to spend two days and get about a few hundred for you and your artists. If they are good, you can get easily for 4 or 5 hours of work about $200-300 each.

Busking isn't as easy as it seems. It's much easier. Just get a permit (free), find a nice spot and start playing. People will throw you money even if you suck really badly. Most of them don't even listen to you. Make sure that the place you have chosen isn't full of busy people. Really busy people don't have the time to throw you money. And concerning putting money in your hat/case, when there's too much money, make sure you take some out. People will think you are making too much money and will actually envy you and most likely they won't throw you any money. Also, be careful of thugs, they will actually take your money...

Anyways, an income you should be striving for is around $10-$20 an hour and that's easy. Might not seem like much but sure as hell beats working hourly. Heck, I even got 6-7 project proposals from producers and a few managers tried to recruit me. And considering I live in a shitty country, where hourly based jobs pay around $2-$3 an hour, busking rocks.

First time I played guitar was in my college (I was not paid for that obviously)

I play saxophone and have made money "busking" as you call it, but it definitely isn't one of my focuses... however, I do have a video up on FB, but it doesn't seem to get all that much traffic. Think maybe I'd be better doing songs and selling them for $1 online if you catch my drift. But internet marketing is definitely the way to go. Haven't worked a steady job in almost 7 years, and have traveled the U.S. in an RV -- I can relate to the movie -- too funny! {for me the movie RV is 'real-to-life' [a lot of it]}

I would not recommend 'busking' for a living... esp. being out in the cold where I am!

Yeah i used to go busking with mates while i was studying at uni for some each cash.
My Tips.

1. Dress up in some crazy outfits, random stuff even fansy dress you can even discuise yourself this can remove fears

2. make sure youve got some old tins you can bash around for abit of theatre and sound this always pulls in cash.

3. find a place with good acoustics improves your sound.

4. much sure you have a drummer.