I started busking!

That's sick. I'm kinda terrified of busking. I def need to dabble more. I guess like anything else time and place.

Last time I was in NZ i set up on the street after a show and did pretty well. Had a few drinks at the show earlier so was a little less scared lol.

I went to Ocean Beach to see friends and music this fall. Was super friggin broke. Like no money no CC. Busked a bit but apparently they just got rid of a bunch of homeless and drifters and hate seeing one on the street even playing music so that was a bust.

I'm still def at a point where I try to get far away from people and play as much as I can. Playing open mics or small shows at Breweries and stuff is fine now but I have a lot of anxiety. Playing on the street def is tough

That was my exact problem too. I've been playing on stages for most of my life, but being out in the real world is totally different. So...I actually used the Gemini AI to kind of counsel me through my anxieties and break it down step-by-step. Dude. It was better than any therapist I've ever had hahaha!!! Long story short, I started out in parks. Super low-pressure but with an occasional audience. Once the ball was rolling, it feels just like playing shows on a stage now!

However, I HAVE noticed that you need to busk around people who are in a receptive state. So...Parks, or places where people are doing leisurely things is MUCH more accepting of a musician. But if it's on like a busy sidewalk downtown - People are just trying to get from A to B, and aren't in a mental place to stop and appreciate.

that's sick. i'd like to try it some day with my saxophone.

NewschooledThat was my exact problem too. I've been playing on stages for most of my life, but being out in the real world is totally different. So...I actually used the Gemini AI to kind of counsel me through my anxieties and break it down step-by-step. Dude. It was better than any therapist I've ever had hahaha!!! Long story short, I started out in parks. Super low-pressure but with an occasional audience. Once the ball was rolling, it feels just like playing shows on a stage now!

However, I HAVE noticed that you need to busk around people who are in a receptive state. So...Parks, or places where people are doing leisurely things is MUCH more accepting of a musician. But if it's on like a busy sidewalk downtown - People are just trying to get from A to B, and aren't in a mental place to stop and appreciate.

This reads like an AI generated ad for AI.

TOAST.This reads like an AI generated ad for AI.

(takes notes) You're right, I'll change from now on...

*chortle*

**This post was edited on Jun 12th 2025 at 1:53:47pm

lol just realized that busking is like a hybrid of bus and skiing minus one s. bonus points if you take the ski bus to play music!

I never think people are gonna want to give money so I never put out anything but have had people be like how can I give you money. One dude went and bought my dad a beer once when we were playing music on the street. Keep thinking I should put out a stein that says Alpine Music Fuel $ and put the qr code thing on there

OregonDeadlol just realized that busking is like a hybrid of bus and skiing minus one s. bonus points if you take the ski bus to play music!

I never think people are gonna want to give money so I never put out anything but have had people be like how can I give you money. One dude went and bought my dad a beer once when we were playing music on the street. Keep thinking I should put out a stein that says Alpine Music Fuel $ and put the qr code thing on there

Totally man!!! Even just throw a hat down on the ground in front of you. Can't hurt!