Are there any musicians who have been involved in any kind of street performing? I'm just about to start trying it myself, to earn a little money. I've already been to the local council and found out about the byelaws, now all I need to do is get out there and play. Can anyone tell me about their experiences, and maybe even give me some helpful advice? It'd be really cool to hear about it.
I used to play on the street in Austin all the time. Made around 20$ an hour. A couple times i have been asked to play in a coffee shop or bar by someone that heard me playing on the street and that is always rad. I had a group of girls dance to my songs for about 20 minutes. got mad tips. Had a couple of cats come up and spit some rhymes to my rhythms. Lots of great experiences. advice? not really. You just play, try to engage people as they walk by. Don't sit in a corner and look down and think people are going to stop and listen. If people aren't stopping and listening then stand up and walk around. Play to people as they walk by and try to get some eye-contact. Remember you're a performer. an entertainer. do wacky shit. anything to get some attention. be very respectful of other street performers. Some have been playing the same spots for years and get very upset if you're taking their spot. If you are within a block or two of another performer, it's always nice to ask them if it's cool for you to play your guitar down the street. I love street performing. It's a challenge to get people to stop what they're doing and spend a few minutes listening to you. It's not like a show where people have come to hear music. But it's also a much sweeter feeling when someone stops and really digs it. They only reason someone stops to listen to free live music is if they like it. don't forget to really project your voice so it doesn't get lost in the noise pollution.
