A Busker's Guide to Making More Money £££ 

So rad!! Honestly, this is so cool to hear! Regardless of donations, busking does wonders for confidence! 😃🙌 Definitely give it another go, I'm sure it won't be long before someone tips you a coin or two!

hi bud keep going keep doing it. just a little hint always check with local authorities that you can do that area. I'm from the uk. not sure how down under works but there's normally a guide line . like not to loud be respectful at all times most important enjoy and smile. one last hint = know one has the authority to move you along. 1 they don't pay you and 2. there no laws been broken. just say thank you and they'll get board lol.

Update for about 6 weeks later: I switched to my local supermarket/kmart carpark and have had nothing but good times and support from people. Averaging somewhere between $30-$50 per session which is awesome

@@nathansweeney96 So good to hear! This is exactly how it works, it keeps building the longer you stick at it! 😃🙌

That’s so awesome!! Thank you so much. Stoked that you and your Mum watch 😃🙌🏻 definitely get out there and give busking a go - it’s so rewarding!! Thank you for this comment, I appreciate it! ✌🏻

@@AugustRadioProject your welcome

How did you convince your mum to let you do it

@@leannegilbert1044 honestly I have no idea 😅

Listen here I started busking at 15 and Its important to play heaps of songs around 100 songs, covers are fine just make sure you never repeat the same song, when you start out just do acoustic guitar and singing if that's your primary instrument.. etc.. Later on get an amp and mic etc.. Pick a spot that is near a very busy shop because more people = more money. Always say thank you when you get any donations. Always do 1-2 hours in one spot and then move on do another spot for 2 hours and if you busk not every day, then the public wont get sick of you. And make sure you make the kids laugh cause they are just as important as the adults donating

So cool! Hope you had a good one! 😃🙌🏻

Could you help ke start? Im new in town.

🤣🤣🤣🤣

🤣 I love it! Maybe I’ll eventually write ‘the busking bible’ 🙌🏻🙈

@@AugustRadioProject Sooo, it's a year later...did you write it?

@@Wade_NZ it’s genuinely in process!! My goal is to have it done by the end of the year 😃🙌🏻 stoked you remembered this!

@@AugustRadioProject my 16yo wanted a piano accordian, so I got him one. He is a natural with it. I've been trying hard to convince him to give busking a go.

Hey! That’s awesome that you want to perform - I highly recommend busking 🙌🏻 there’s some good spots across London and in the surrounding suburbs too!! - as for PA systems, if you’re looking for cheaper/entry level gear then I recommend looking at gear4music’s brand ‘Sub Zero’, if you can afford a little more then I’ve herd very good things about the Boss S1 😎good luck with the busking!! 😃

So true! It can be really hard to call it a day when it's not going well... I always have to remind myself to save it for a better day! 🙌 10 hours of doing anything is mega - serious busking there!😃 thanks for sharing!!

It’s happened twice that I’ve been aware of. Both times it was just a few coins. I just let it go and carried on playing in both occasions. 🙌🏻 I guess we can always keep playing and making more, if someone feels the need to steal the money they must feel desperate in some way! I’ve witnessed way more shop lifters dive out of shops with hands full of goods, security chasing close behind! 🙈

Can u help me start?🥺 im a vocalist new in town(vancouver)

So true - great advice!! Amp angling can change the game! 🙌🏻😃

I can 100% see how this would be a problem! I guess smiling in between songs and then maybe a good obvious nod or bow could be a good gesture to show thanks? 😀 🙌

Thank you for the comment 😃🙌🏻 I think there’s something to be said for the cost of living thing. I definitely had a few dryer weeks back in November when all that news first started 🙈 perhaps try some other nearby areas? Get out on a mini busking adventure! See if it’s different elsewhere! 😎 busking can be so hit and miss, the best you can do is show up and play anyway! Good luck! 😊

ON MY FIRST BUSK I NEVER EXPECTED D MONEY I EARNED...BUT WHEN D MALL ADMIN KNEW D PERMIT GETS VERY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN... I VENTURED D BLVD AREA ITS NOT AS MUCH BUT ITS PICKING UP... IM BUSKING N DUMAGUETE PHILPPINES....

@@jesseyrad1647 Wow busking in the Philippines! Thats far out 🤙I hope its going well and that the permit isn't making things too difficult!

@@AugustRadioProject I agree. I need to venture out to other areas and start doing different cities(really liked your rotation idea btw) I'll give it a go and let you know how I get on! Thanks again 🙂

another quality video, thank you so much, this will help so much! 😎

It’s a cracking idea and one that’s for sure on my “to-do” list 😃🙌🏻

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-goScTAaQ2OY.htmlsi=-EL9LPQUJ1DuswzV

Some great advice right here! Especially with Wonderwall 🤣🤣🤣

That’s awesome to hear! 😃 happy new year to you too! Stoked you’re along for the ride!! 🙌🏻

If I’m honest, I haven’t done any late night busking. I’ve done some 6-9pm vibes but nothing later 😃 not yet anyway… there’s definitely a video in there so maybe I’ll do a little experiment 😎

I agree! 😃🙌🏻 having good gear definitely makes a difference, especially a good amp/speaker!

Dang! You’re the real deal! 🙌🏻 I hope the tips work for you 😃✌🏻

@@AugustRadioProject THANK U... HOPE TO LEARN D TECH BEHIND VIDEO RECORDING MY BUSKING ROUNDS & POST IT HERE... IM 69 YEARS OLD & TECHNOLOGY S BEYOND MY GRASP...

Sometimes it's best to just try and see what happens! 🙌 😀

It depends where you busk. Westminster, Camden and Hillingdon boroughs require a license. Everywhere else is pretty much open! 😃🙌🏻

I love it!! The longer the better I think 🙌😃

It's true, you do get A LOT of practice whilst out there on the streets too! 🙌😃

Thank you! 😃 tbh I think any dreadnought shaped guitar will be pretty loud - just make sure to put on thicker gauged strings and use a heavier pick - that should allow for maximum volume 😃 but where possible, I highly recommend using an amp!

@@AugustRadioProject Thank you

That’s so cool!! Enjoy! 🌎😃🙌🏻

That’s epic!! You’ll have to let me know how it goes! I haven’t done a whole lot of busking in Europe yet… hopefully someone else can help you out! 😃 from my own research for a trip I’m planning I see that most German cities seem good although a lot of them forbid amplification…. Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Czech and also Italy seem to have good scenes 🙌🏻

It's a good question. It's about 10% donations from the card reader on average. If you can get one I'd say they're worth it! Sometimes I have a lot of taps, especially in places where folks are used to buskers with card readers! 😃but on the whole its still very much cash🙌

@@AugustRadioProject Nice, thanks for replying! Interesting, I would have guessed it is much more. But very insightful!

It's definitely something I used to be more concerned about but after 3 years of doing it week in week out across many places, I've noticed how little notice people give the camera! I still try to keep a watchful eye on it because I would be gutted if it did get taken but I guess it isn't a super expensive camera relative to some so I'm not sure how worth it a theft would be! 🙌

@@AugustRadioProject I’ve only got a phone atm, but I’ve started up a channel just doing different guitar stuff as a hobby, I’m losing my vision due to a rare condition, so I thought it would be a good way to entertain myself and others, even if I could make a buck off it eventually would be a bonus but that’s not the reasoning for doing it so was thinking of when I get some equipment start busking down near the nightclubs and that and just chat with the locals, thought it would be fun content

You can definitely just do vocals. Many folks do it with backing tracks and do just fine 😃🙌🏻

Thank you so much for the response back! I don't have the equipment for tracks in the back but I may be able to pull off mostly vocals with light keyboard work. Thanks again for the response this gives me hope

No problem - I hope its useful! 😃🙌

So stoked to hear it! 😃🙌🏻

@@AugustRadioProject Thanks! I'm playing soon, and I'll do my best!

Can u help me start?🥺 im a vocalist new in town(vancouver)

Nice work dude! Keep at it! 🙌 😀

@@AugustRadioProject total 37

That’s so rad!! Thank you so much for this comment 🙌🏻 how is busking in Argentina? I’d love to visit one day 😃✌🏻

No problem!! 😃🙌🏻

Thank you so much! You make my day by letting me know 😄🙌

I hear it’s the same in most of Germany? The only cool thing is that because nobody can use it, the locals seem used to it! 😃🙌🏻

@@AugustRadioProject Oh wow, thanks for answering! I didn't expect you even reading it! 😄 Germany is pretty strange when busking is concerned. (It's Straßenmusik here). You pretty much find nothing concerning busking on the internet. You pretty much have to call every city themselves you concider playing in what the rules are. I must admit, your videos were a great inspiration in the last days! I'm just learning songs for an hours worth of acoustic music! I will play at my brother's birthday, a family gathering and a little bit on my sister's wedding (not as full time entertainment, but maybe 2 sets of 30 minutes) Of course I don't ge paid, but maybe it opens doors for these things in the future! I'm 44, goint on 45 and hate my job. Maybe this will finally push me over the edge for a new start. I'm actively planning on looking into busking in city's around me, Frankfurt, Cologne and others. On the other hand I'm married with 2 children, really introverted, have crippling imposter syndrome and other "things". But I do love making musik, and have some experience in performing with a band as singer and guitarist. I have plans in that direction and it's pretty frightening but exciting as well. Thanks again for answering! 😊

No problem! 😃🙌🏻

Thank you dude 😃🙌🏻 I’d love to - like you I’m not entirely sure how it would work but when the opportunity comes up I’ll do it! 🤘🏻

Thank you 😃🙌🏻 I hope it comes into use!

Thank you!! 😃🙌

That’s epic!! Enjoy it! 😃🙌🏻

That’s epic! So rad you’re gonna give busking a go and sounds like you’ve got plenty of experience performing - I had an epic time in Kingston so I’m sure you’ll enjoy! I don’t envy having to lug a double bass around 🙈😃🙌🏻

That’s so awesome!! Thank you 🇹🇭😃🙌🏻

Looks like I need to go on a road trip 👀 🇺🇸😃🙌🏻

I’m not a keyboardist so can’t give you assured advice but I’d suggest a easy to carry/transportable keyboard, the stand and then an amp with suitable inputs. As for everything else, I’d say the same usual advice 🙌🏻 go and play your heart out and enjoy!!

It’s a great move I think! A fellow busker and friend of mine was saying he does the same thing. He even tells the crowd that has formed that he is done and takes bow, then starts again after 10 or so minutes. 😃 let me know how it goes as it’s not something I’ve tried yet but definitely up for giving it a go!

That’s so awesome 😃🙌🏻 thank you for the comment!!

Thank you Dave in Ireland - I appreciate it!! 🙌😃

Thank you!! 🧡🇮🇳😃🙌🏻

Thank you!! 😃🙌🏻

I appreciate it 😃🙌🏻 it’s definitely crossed my mind and perhaps something I will do in the future… I’d wanna make sure it offered true value! Good thoughts for the future ✌🏻

@@AugustRadioProject I totally hear ya! Even if you weren't focusing on posting weekly content, it's just another way for people across the pond like myself to throw some cash in the proverbial tip jar. Thanks again man!

That’s rad and a really cool sounding adventure!! My honest answer is: I’m not really sure how busking works with visas etc. From my experience it would be very unlikely you’d get in trouble with the police and I highly doubt anybody would even ask for a visa… it’s a tricky one as you’re technically only receiving ‘donations’… 🤔 It could be worthwhile asking somebody official (check out the gov website) but equally if you decide to just go for it I don’t think you’ll have any trouble 😃🙌🏻

Busking is considered self-employed work so unless you have a work visa, you could get into trouble. I'm not from the UK originally but am now a citizen, I've had to show proof that I have the right to work here more than once. I've also been asked to show proof of Public Liability insurance, which I have automatically through my instrument insurance. It's not likely that you'd get into trouble but there is a chance.

​ @BuskerLia Thank you very much for your reply, I'm going to take it in account. See you.

Sorry to hear about the arthritis, I can’t imagine how that must be. I know many buskers that go for just vocals and seems to do them fine 🙌🏻 vocals is as much of an instrument as anything else 😃 and a powerful one at that! I’d say 100% give it a go ✌🏻

@@AugustRadioProjectThank you for the encouragement.

I'm a vocalist and rely on backing tracks to busk. I started busking last January for a few times at one place in particular, then I started doing it more often and branching out to other locations so far this year. Depending on the area [I busk in the metro stations], I find acoustic karaoke tracks appealing to commuters. There are loads of tracks on RU-vid to use. -- I currently dont have an amp for a mic so I just sing along and have a great bluetooth speaker for the backing tracks. At peak times I'll use regular, full karaoke tracks because the noise can drown out the acoustic track more easily. Im in Canada, and where I live there are hour and a half time limitations. I've had $8 days and $75 days. :)

Thank you!! Wise advice to all! 😃🙌

Thanks Yaman 😃🙌🏻

That's so epic!! Stoked you found the video helpful! I'd love to get out to the states and do some busking there one day - I'll be sure to put New Orleans into the plan! 😃🙌

Can u help me start?🥺 im a vocalist new in town(vancouver)

@@panizable the best way to start is to just do it! I was lucky that a friend of mine came out and played with me. We played for almost an empty street lol but it made me realize it's not so scary. I'm in a different place now and haven't done it yet but I'd like to try. Familiarizing with the area is a plus and knowing where other buskers play or where a good spot is that won't bother local businesses. New Orleans was easy because there is music everywhere. Oversaturated but for a shy noob like me that's a plus haha

@@hilaryb92 im a pianist and vocalist... plus i don't have any equipments😭 i'd love to sing with someone but i can't find any

@@panizable you will! You might even meet someone while you're out there. Or find other buskers in you area and chat with them to see if they'd be open to collaborating! Best of luck

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No problem!! I hope they help 😃🙌🏻

😃🙌🏻

Certainly seems like you have a passion for it, especially if you're still doing it with little return! So this is definitely a good thing! 🙌 😀 Here's my suggestions, just advice so don't feel like you have to take it on board: 1. Stop worry about getting money so much. This can be hard to do, especially given your scenario, but whenever us buskers are thinking about money there's an energy that is given off that repels people. I like to call it "Open Mode Busking" - play as if you're expecting nothing in return. Stop worrying about what it is the people passing by may or may not have and think of simply spreading good energy through the music. It is after all, what this is really all about. Stay in the open mode and the money will just come naturally, your mind should be far away somewhere lost in the music. 2. Make sure you're smiling, being friendly and presenting yourself in a good manner. Stand up (if you can), make sure you're upright and not slouched over, make eye contact with people, say hello and have little chats. Be part of the community, or create the community vibe if you feel there isn't one. Music is the greatest connector to everyone and anyone, as the musician it is down to us to serve that connection. 3. Make your sign brighter and more colourful. Instead of it saying 'Thank You', perhaps have your artist name with a one sentence bio, "genre spanning musician from XYZ". You can always add "donations welcome" somewhere on it... 4. Instead of a hat, maybe use a larger donations 'vessel'. Perhaps a guitar case or another instrument case? The more area it covers, the more folks will see that you're 100% collecting donations. 5. Get some cards made and hand them out, tell folks you're looking for gigs. You're a musician who has the ability to play anywhere and you'll definitely find places elsewhere that will pay. 6. Instead of volunteering, ask to be paid? I don't know the situation well enough but the quote is "don't ask, don't get" and us musicians are worth a price. The worse that can happen is you'll be told no, in which case you're only in the same situation you are now... 7. Try playing in other places... see it as gaining experience if nothing else? I hope this helps a little! ✌️

Mega THANKS! I shall do some of these suggestions. As for pay, the community or senior center runs on volunteers, including musicians. I do get enough food to get me 2 meals to take home. I use the cowboy hat because this is the southwest cowboy country of Arizona. Cowboy dress is big here as is country western music, which I do some of, too. Some of your suggestions I had in mind but didn't know if those were good ideas or not. Thanks for helping me to go forward with that! Guess I have work to do! Thanks again!!❤