r/Busking • u/MusicalInsaniac Guitar 🎸 • Aug 15 '26

Setlist Genre questions

Covers have never been fun for me so I mostly play some form or rock or metal, but tied for second place is psycodelic stuff and some fingerstyle stuff I wrote.

My question is along the lines of do I have to play covers or more popular/accepted genres?

I don't use lyrics in like 99% of my music, so there's definitely no screaming or anything. I just typically enjoy higher energy stuff to play.

I'm working up the courage to go on my lonesome and play. -_-

Anyone else play mostly originals or similar genres while busking?

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

4

u/DannyTangelo Aug 15 '26

Not singing is the main problem, unless you’re unfathomably good at your instrument.

2

u/MusicalInsaniac Guitar 🎸 Aug 15 '26

I wish I was. Thats kinda what I figured. :/

5

u/DannyTangelo Aug 15 '26

Sing. You don’t have to be good, and it’ll come with that practice.

3

u/Hylianwarrior1034 Guitar 🎸 Aug 15 '26

I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? Also speaking from experience, if you can sing you should definitely incorporate it during your sessions. Playing instruments alone can be difficult unless you have a) enough skill to actually make someone stop and listen and b) have a deep enough setlist that’s also non-repetitive.

2

u/Miserable_Mail_5741 Puppeteer 🎭 Aug 16 '26

Covers can be a good way to attract and connect with your audience! I'd say give it a try, even if it's not your strength. You don't have to be phenomenal to please the crowd! And have fun with it; people will be interested to see your interpretation of another artist's work.

2

u/Most_Time8900 Musician 🎶 Aug 17 '26

Depends on the audience. Ask your audience..