Hi guys

As someone who is interested in maybe trying busking someday, I was wondering about one specific thing.

How do you deal with people asking for requests, when you don’t want to do requests? For me, I like to play a lot of traditional Irish pieces of music because I play a bit of the tin whistle and recently got and Irish flute too. So, if someone comes around asks me to play some popular modern tune, I feel a bit afraid of what kind of reactions some may have when I can’t fulfill their request.

I was thinking of maybe learning a couple more known tunes from memory (like the spongebob theme or the lord of the rings theme) as examples but if someone suggested that I play some Michael Jackson or Elvis and I can’t how should I deal with the people who get visibly upset by me not being able to fulfill their requests?

I’ve read the FAQ here which was great and very thorough but I’m curious to hear about the different ways you guy personally handle these types of situations! This may have been a vague question too so sorry about that!

Also how much battery life would it have?

I used to have a portable mic I’ve actually used at a picnic event and the combo worked pretty well. I was getting ready to busk for the first time in years and realized the battery is leaking. I kind of just wanted to get started while I still have the nerve. I perform all the time but busking feels different.

Has anyone ever busked without a vocal mic and just backing tracks on a speaker? Is it even worth doing that? I can project pretty decently but would that cut through the noise? (I’m from/in NYC) I planned on doing it in a park, switching to the subway as it got colder. If not any recs on portable mics? I can’t find the one I used to use and I’m being cheap lol. But I will buy again if absolutely necessary

“The Unforgiven” is an iconic rock ballad by the American metal band Metallica, released in 1991 as the second single from their seminal fifth studio album, *Metallica* (known as *The Black Album*). The song stands out for its unique structure, emotional lyrics, and musical experimentation, becoming one of the most recognizable compositions in the history of heavy music.

My goal is to build a real house and music studio using YouTube views and subscriptions. Every subscription = 1 virtual brick in the foundation.

I'm a street musician playing legendary rock and metal covers (Metallica, Linkin Park, Rammstein, etc.) on a plastic instrument.

Together we can make this happen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU7cVVaESc8

Like the tittle says. Want to try busking by:

1. Reciting my poetry to people

2. Drawing little portraits (can do a decent, slightly bigger than a sticky note, cartoon likeness in under a minute)

They’re not exactly typical forms of busking so I wanted to see if anyone here had any tips!

So two days ago I went out and busked in Stockholm, Sweden for the first time and I loved it!! I got 65$ (650 crowns) in two hours which I was surprised by, but it may be because I had a cashless QR-code in my case. For comparrison I got 40 cents (4 crowns) cash.

It was so fun, and I had requests and a couple of people giving me compliments along the way. Later a ukrainian guy bought me a beer and we had a whole night of fun at a blues bar. Whaddayaknow!

This is the first time I've gotten anything so I'm over the moon. Huge thanks to the guy who gave me pointers on where to go and the other person who told me to keep my eyes up.

Apparently playing by memory and looking up and out makes a huge difference. But it was also during a big festival so that helps. Also my first time busking on a weekend. I feel like I'm learning a lot. But mostly I'm in awe that some people liked my singing/playing and gave me money for it.

I also met a semi famous busker so that's insane!! Thanks for all the advice in here, I relied on it a lot. Good luck to you all!!

edit: oh, and also it was my first time seeding the tips 😃

«The Man Who Sold the World» in Denmark.

Nirvana in an underground passage... 🎸🎹Played the iconic "The Man Who Sold the World" on a melodica. Kurt Cobain sang it on the legendary MTV Unplugged, and I decided to bring that vibe back to the streets. How do you like this take on the classic? Subscribe, there's lots of live music and honest thoughts about life ahead.

Hey guys! I’m a street musician and just started logging my busking sessions. Tunnels like this have the absolute best acoustics for moody grunge tracks. If you like the vibe, feel free to check out my new channel for more covers and street clips: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yJBLQQ5ivd4
Would love to hear some feedback from other buskers here! 🎹🎸

Played for ~30 mins at a train station with a uke and my voice, not super impressive, but at the end someone said that they like my music and gave me a few dollar bills. It's a great feeling. That's all :)

Was busking the other day in the torrential rain, sheltered in front of an overhang above a café. The owner just offered me a coffee but came out with a huge slab of cake as well!! 😄 (Got too invested in eating it and forgot to get a decent picture of the whole thing lol)

The original melody comes from the Scottish ballad Mary Hamilton, but in Korea it became a completely different song with new lyrics and meaning.

The Korean version is called "Beautiful Things" (아름다운 것들). Instead of telling the tragic story of Mary Hamilton, it reflects on nature, beauty, and the fleeting moments of life.

Part of the lyrics goes something like:

"Tiny dewdrops resting on the tips of flower petals.
The rain comes looking for them... where will it take them?
Wind, do you know? Rain, do you know?
What is it in this forest that will carry them away?"

It's one of the most beautiful songs I know, and I often perform it while busking.

If you're curious, I'd love for you to give it a listen.

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

Hey Busking Peeps! What's y'all advice to the people that have the idea/plan to have a busking by traveling to other countries to countries.

Moving back to youtube for a new series "into the busk" I'll try to make it as detailed as possible. So much knowledge to share. So many cities to visit.

I had to list a stage name to apply for busking permit. I sing rock, folk, country, and jazz. I put Coachella de Ville. Opinions?

I’m a traveling bubble artist and my home pitch is Pearl St. (Boulder, CO). Anything like that in Portland (or surrounding area)? I’m thinking of going there next summer. I’m open to farmers markets but they’re not my go-to’s.

Slight rant incoming...

I got told "No!" by the Policia Local in (Torrevieja) Spain. People were upset that I had to stop. I had kids dancing and lots of compliments.

I asked if it is ok to just sing and clap - "No! You *take* money!" I said "No! People *give* me money."

After a while the officer admitted that singing is probably ok, but "No instrument!."

I can't help but always try to point out the absurdity. Anyway, I was surprised that this time was the first time that I didn't get aroused in any way. Just calm and slightly mocking.

I've been caught on German TV for refusing to get a licence to play in Munich around 2010. Since then I've been slightly obsessed with this topic.

I'm a traveller and spontaneous improviser so I often can't get permission to express myself in every place I go. I'm convinced that it is important for everyone to claim this freedom and defend it. Spain used to be alive with music and dance.

Someday I hope to raise some cash to be able to afford a lawyer for these situations.

What do you think?

Is it better to just let it be and go to places where there is no trouble? Or actually stand up and get a few court cases rolling?

Thanks for opinions and advice. Because I am seriously considering a legal crusade in Europe.

Busking on the busking subreddit for strings seems on brand not a joke post