A trick I had played on me as a busker. A guy came up to me during a song and said he liked what I was playing and wanted to leave me a £5 tip but only had £10 on him, could he take the £5 note I had in my tips bag and leave the £10 note. I said yes , so he took the £5 note and put the £10 note in the tips bag. When I checked later it was a fake £10 note. Ironically a guy the following week gave me a £50, I thought it must be fake then later he came back said could he sing with me and he would give me another £50. I thought it must be fake as no one gives me two £50 note tips.I even quizzed him on it, to which he got annoyed. Anyway later I went in the bank with the two £50 notes to see if they were real or fake and it turned out they were real. Felt a bit bad then accusing second guy of giving me fake notes.
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
That's incredible!! Two £50 notes...!! £50 notes are mythical, it's hard to say whether they actually exist so I don't blame you for thinking they'd be fake! 🙈 It just goes to show you though... incredible people in the world! 😃 thank you for sharing the stories my friend 🙌
@markindigo
5 ай бұрын
I really forgot about everything. Fx power cable, guitar strap, mic stand. Or batteries failing on me. That's the way it can be, improvised around it and it always worked out well!
@AugustRadioProject
5 ай бұрын
😃 🙌
@tuvansoykan
Жыл бұрын
Mate, you put a huge smile on my face when you said "I never play an Ed Sheeran song". I'm 100% with you on this. It gives me cringe goosebumps when I hear a busker performing an Ed Sheeran song, more specifically: Perfect. I have no idea why people like it so much.
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
Haha! Ed is a talented dude and certainly knows how to write a "hit" but I just prefer music with a bit more nuance... especially within the musicianship itself! 😃 the real point I'm trying to make here is that we should play songs that we actually like. There's no need to go down the route of trying to be 'mainstream' or only playing 'radio hits', especially if that's not you... If we play songs we like ourselves we can play them with authenticity and that gives off a true energy, which I think is super important particularly for street music! 🙌 I also think it's a great way to stand out - as you say, there's plenty of people playing Ed Sheeran songs, particularly that Perfect 🤣
@kateplumtree5186
4 ай бұрын
Great video...all soooo true! Love the section about equipment problems...I also forgot my geetar strap and there was nowhere to sit ...so i had to play the entire set with my foot up on my amp and guitar on my bended knee like a hillbilly... 🤣 Just this weekend the mic clip fell off the stand cos the bolt had fallen out somewhere en route...😱 Quick dash into the Works for parcel tape did the trick! The worst one was when a tuning peg snapped off in the middle of Sutton and I only had snippy pliers to turn the remaining 'stump'...made a right mess ...🥴😂 Happy busking!!!
@AugustRadioProject
4 ай бұрын
Dang!! All make for great stories though eh 🤣🙈 I can relate to the guitar strap, I’ve once before done the same. The Hill Billy analogy is great 🤣 Here’s to less equipment fails but also to more great busking stories 🙌🏻😃
@kateplumtree5186
3 ай бұрын
@@AugustRadioProject hehehe...yeah, it's the fails that make the best stories for sure 🤣😂 ...there's always another learning curve for we hillbilly buskers!! 😳😳🦵 🤣👍
@CarrickMcAllister
6 ай бұрын
Here in Canada, well Kingston, Ontario people are very accepting of buskers. Just found your videos and giving me some very helpful input. I've been a musician most of my life and only just recently started busking. I absolutely love doing it. Great practice for the real gigs. Make more sometime busking then I do with a gig at a bar. Amplification really is a game changer.
@AugustRadioProject
6 ай бұрын
This is rad! So cool to know that busking is possible out in Canada - it's high on my lost of places I'd like to visit one day 🇨🇦 so perhaps a busking trip is due... and I'm stoked you've found busking too, it's so rewarding on so many levels! Keep at it! 😃🙌
@brianjones4026
Жыл бұрын
If you are a wanna be Busker and really wanting to get out there and do it ! Well you are definately in the right place ! Love your Channel Brother !!
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
Thank you my dude!! 😃🙌
@brianjones4026
Жыл бұрын
@@AugustRadioProject No Mate, Iam thanking you actually ! As before I found your channel my timidity and fear really was my big issue to having success and stopping me from getting out there ! But watching your tireless dedication and energy while pumping out your songs to the public in all of these towns really inspired me to feel the same and just drop the fear and enjoy it like you do ! I play as i told you on a small touristic island so i really dont have a choice of towns or trains to take ! I have since made a pitch here, i play for an hour and a half sround the sunset hours and my tkae has significantly improved ! When you consider that i have at most 30 people that pass me in this time, my take is really encouraging and now I feel that I do indeed have something to offer musically and that my increased rewards are indeed proof of that particular pudding !
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
@@brianjones4026 That's so rad to hear my dude!! It's exactly the desired effect of these videos, I appreciate hearing it so much!! 🙌Keep at it dude!! 😃
@brianjones4026
Жыл бұрын
@@AugustRadioProject if i dont play I cannot eat ! simple as Brother !
@viby_ivy
Жыл бұрын
I used to know very little Ed songs, then I bought myself a looper for gigs, open mics, and eventually busks. That’s now changed 😂😂, cheers from Hot Hot Florida mate!
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
That's rad!! Loop pedal is a mega skill - so awesome! Stoked to hear it 😃🙌 not so hot here in the UK today 🤣 but hopefully I'll be able to take a busking adventure to FL at some point!
@viby_ivy
Жыл бұрын
@@AugustRadioProject November-March is the best season !
@BaraCara1
5 ай бұрын
Gr8 blog advice is Gr8 sound concise advice thx xx
@AugustRadioProject
5 ай бұрын
Thank you 😃🙌🏻
@marcelo_koman
Жыл бұрын
I had a guy follow me and tell to pay him for playing in his spot. He got mad cos it was raining that day and after I finished, it started raining and he didn't make any money. Unfortunately that was the day after my biggest win. I have made the record on that day. After this insident I only played occasionally in a different city, but I lost the inspiration for doing busking full time, theres just not enough busy towns in my area, but hey it was a great adventure.
@marcelo_koman
Жыл бұрын
But what I'm greatful for, is that even tho I make less money an hour now, cos I'm working in a pizza place. I know I can go and be a super hero on the street if I need to, and create wonderful music! It's like for a while I felt like Spider-Man and now I'm just Peter Parker
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
@@marcelo_koman That's such a good way of putting it!! You have the super power of busking no matter what, nobody can take that away from you! 😃the street music super heroes 🙌 That's awesome and a great way to look at it!!
@cletussea-ray944
Жыл бұрын
Stay true to yourself as a musician and don’t panic. Bingo! Great video.
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
Don't Panic is a mantra I have to live by for most things in life!! 🤣 Thank you dude! 😃🙌
@ijakeme
Ай бұрын
I play songs I've played since I was 15 and still don't know all the lyrics by heart, not that I can't memorize'em I just choose not to waste memory space and plus it's more fun looking at the lyrics
@AugustRadioProject
Ай бұрын
It's hard to get them in there sometimes! 😀🙌
@buskman3286
Жыл бұрын
I wish I had the energy for all that travel! I busk 4-5 days/week in the same town. So in my case, a very important tip that you covered is to have a fairly extensive repertoire so I am not repeating myself during the day. Fortunately, I live in a town that is a huge tourist destination so 90+% of the 'audience' changes daily, and even hourly as the tour buses arrive/depart. However, as noted in the video, it is important to have a variety of songs/different playing order daily so as not annoy shop staff. One tip you made that I'd also like to really emphasize...MEMORIZE the song. Looking at words/chords actually creates a greater chance of messing up because you can lose your place and the whole thing can go quickly south. It also looks bad to be constantly staring at a screen/book while performing instead of at the audience. As I was taught by a musician years ago, "Don't use a cheat sheet, LEARN THE DANG SONG!" FWIW, I add songs to my repertoire almost weekly. I get bored doing the same songs all the time so I'm constantly adding or replacing songs on my set lists. Re that - I have a number of set lists but often switch order or songs or setlists depending on the audience. If I perform a 50's RnR song and folks start dancing I adjust and perform a series of up tempo rock n' roll tunes. I'm amazed that much of the time it is young people - as in teens - that are dancing/singing along with songs from their grandparent's youth! As you mentioned in the video, I agree that busking is great! It is my preferred form of performance. I used to perform at bars/restaurants/band gigs/played at and hosted open mics, etc. Now I primarily busk though I (reluctantly) do an occasional private party. I use a Beat Buddy drum box and a vocal harmonizer. Unlike band members, they always show up on time and they never argue about song choice! Really enjoy your videos!! Keep it up!
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
This is so awesome! So much wisdom in one comment so thank you for taking the time! 🙌🏻 You must have quite the memorised repertoire 😃🤘🏻 good to know as (mentioned in the video) this is one my areas to work on as a busker. Need to add a few more tunes in 🙈✌🏻 I like how you read your crowd and adjust accordingly, another great performance lesson that’s valuable to learn! Again, I really appreciate you sharing this and hope others read!! 😃🙌🏻
@starbuckita
Жыл бұрын
Great Video! and entertainingly enjoyable too! cheers mate :)
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!! 😃🙌
@callumwilson7585
9 ай бұрын
Great content mate. I've been busking and watching your videos have been good as a crash course. I've found a few of your tips spot on. Keep it up man
@AugustRadioProject
9 ай бұрын
That’s awesome to hear!! I love that the videos have helped - it’s exactly why I make them 😃🙌🏻
@boogiesnookie7111
Жыл бұрын
One of your best. Thanks!
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! I appreciate it 😃🙌🏻
@patchevansbrokencountry2583
Жыл бұрын
I learned, recently, that if you're busking a street with beggars or pushy big issue sellers you will get NOTHING so as well as avoiding fellow buskers i avoid thoe two types as well.
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
It's good advice - some places even write it into the guidelines to not set up within 50m of the big issue sellers. It's always more optimal to be the only focus on the street 😃I have met some really friendly BI sellers that really enjoy the street music 🙌
@A.K47GTG
Жыл бұрын
Love the videos. Can u make a video like “Seeing how much money I can make busking in a week”
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!! 😃 I already did one where I tried to make £1000 in one week, but fully plan on having another go at it... 😉 so yes of course!
@Darce-music
Жыл бұрын
I played half my set without realising that I hadn't turned the volume up on my guitar 💀
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
Haha! Those technical difficulties- who needs them!! 🙈
@AndrewWadzinski
3 ай бұрын
I don't try to play in public, but I don't have a choice at the moment. I've had nothing but issues trying to even practice. I get I don't play everyone's favorite music, I play a lot of metal, but how fast I play and the songs I play need a lot of repetition to nail consistently. No I don't play them over and over, but I don't have the benefit of playing in privacy. I live in an apartment complex and I can't play here so I rent a storage, but I've had nothing but issues after having none for several years. It's disconcerting. There are multiple musical instrument shops in town, a huge musical program at all the schools and concerts all summer long, but as soon as someone who isn't established wants to play or do their own thing, it's frowned upon. There are stipulations in storage facility leases that states you can't have "band practice" in the unit. You're also drawing attention to yourself if you're keeping your equipment out there too. I've had my stuff stolen by people who have either stopped by to listen or have driven by. People just need to respect people who choose to play music. I've personally spent 20+ years playing my instrument. Some of these people can't spend more than 5 minutes on their phones before becoming bored.
@ijakeme
Ай бұрын
🤔 So tell me more about these generic chords. I wanna busk but I don't play any instruments so maybe this generic chord can help me learn to play guitar decently in a short amount of time.
@AugustRadioProject
Ай бұрын
If it's a guitar then I'd say learn to play C, G, Am and F. If you learn those 4 chords you'll be able to play almost any pop/rock song, basic renditions but you'll be able to busk them with a little practice. Then a step further is to get a capo and use these chords anywhere on the fret board... 1000+ songs at your fingertips! 😀 🙌
@Darce-music
Жыл бұрын
Loved the tips tysm 👍🏼👍🏼
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
No problem!! Thank you for the comment 😃🙌
@gustavocarnazzoli427
Жыл бұрын
🙌🙌🙌🙌thanks sensei !!!
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
Haha I love it! Sensei! Thank you man 😃🙌
@Boudje_Handpan
6 күн бұрын
Hello, congratulation for your success and thanks for your videos. I have one question, may be missurdenrstand something: You change place every day on a 2 to 3 weeks rotation? It means if you play 5 times a week, you have 10 to 15 differents locations (cityes) where you are busking? Beest regards .
@AugustRadioProject
Сағат бұрын
Thank you! And yes, to answer your question - there's about 10 locations nearby that I frequently play in rotation 😀 some week's I don't head out 5 times as I have gigs but it's usually between 3-5 days per week! 🙌 Brighton is a great location for this as it has access to so many nearby places!
@Boudje_Handpan
52 минут бұрын
@@AugustRadioProject Thank you; it's really clear. I live in the countryside; it's a little bit different then ;)
@moethouk2502
Жыл бұрын
Been seeing your videos for a while and love the energy. Thank you for the effort you put in the videos. I wanna ask one question, do you have to pay royalty fee or anything like that to anyone when you sing other artists' songs (let's say Michael Jackson's) ?
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
That’s so rad! Thank you for the kind words 😃🙌🏻 somebody asked me the same question a few days ago… the answer is no, you don’t! Why? I’m not 100% sure 🧐 when you cover songs in a venue and they pay you for it, it’s on the venue to have a performance rights licence… as for in the street? Maybe it’s something to do with the fact that the money isn’t a payment, it’s a voluntary donation and it’s not a direct donation for playing the songs - more bringing an energy/vibrancy through music 🤷♂️ that’s my best guess anyway 😃🙌🏻
@moethouk2502
Жыл бұрын
@August Radio Project I totally agree with what you said. Thanks a lot for the answer, mate. Waiting for more energetic videos. 🙌
@Sidian
Жыл бұрын
Wait, so you're travelling every day? You don't play in Brighton more than once every 2-3 weeks?
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
I don't play in Brighton often, despite living here! I have a bunch of places I like to head to around the Sussex/South London area then I travel around to film these videos! 😃 this weekend I'm headed somewhere a little further too, I'll announce on the community posts later on 🙌
@Sidian
Жыл бұрын
@@AugustRadioProject Just so I understand your advice fully. If I live in Bristol, you'd recommend playing in Bristol once (or for one week?), then travelling to a new town each day (or week?) in a rotation, so if it was every 2-3 weeks not returning I guess it'd be over a dozen different places I'd be travelling to before coming back to Bristol, a different town/city each day? That sounds like a lot of travelling!
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
@@Sidian Haha that's pretty much exactly what I (and my other full-time busker friends who I know personally do). So for example, if you were based in Bristol, you may play in Bristol, Bath and Gloucester one week. The next you play Taunton, Wells and another area of Bristol (say Clifton). Then do this on a 2 week rotation, although I'd say to vary the days you go to each place each week. In this example: Bristol on Thursday this week means in two weeks time perhaps go on a Saturday. It's a way of keeping you fresh to the passersby and for me, seems to work the best... I'm sure there's other ways and other people have success sticking to the same spots but for over here in Brighton, it works really well! Plus I enjoy the travelling around - all part of the adventure!! 😃 I hope that helps!🙌
@lightningmusic1445
Жыл бұрын
what amp do you use to busk?
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
At the moment I have a SubZero Busking Amp - they're super cheap, do the job but don't hold the best quality. I'm on my way to buying the Roland Street EX but that's a commitment 💰😃
@lightningmusic1445
Жыл бұрын
@@AugustRadioProject does the amp you currently use have a way to make slight distortion for guitar and also an aux to play backing tracks through
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
@@lightningmusic1445 Yes it has some in-built FX that include distortion so that would work. It also has an aux or bluetooth as a way of playing backing tracks 😃
@lightningmusic1445
Жыл бұрын
@@AugustRadioProject ok cool. i want to try out busking, where would you reccomend. im based in Hertfordshire but i was thinking maybe cambridge. any suggestions
@AugustRadioProject
Жыл бұрын
@@lightningmusic1445 That's awesome! Cambs is rad for busking, lot's of spots and a really friendly atmosphere. I had a good time in St Albans but I've heard it's really best to go on a Market Day. Watford was interesting... it definitely has potential though! 🙌😃 I've put Harlow on my list as the centre looks good for a busk!
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