Re: [Harp-L] re:busking = Three questions to the experienced busker

["Bart van Strien" <knuppel@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hey Martin, did you catch Mik's mail, I almost missed it:

From: "mik jagger" <harpomatic@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 9:08 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] re:busking


> Martin, I think it is a good idea to appear clean but not overdressed, 
> however if you are comfortable with a suit and tie, that will work - 
> you'll stand out in a positive way, a a serious guy, rather than a bum 
> begging for money. Rugged look can generate sympathy element if you are 
> very good, but not "pee in your pants and don't wash for weeks" kind of 
> rugged;) I know, you'd not take it that far, it's just my observation of 
> what people do, what works and what does not. Take the money out once it 
> builds up - it prevents all kinds of unwanted scenarios, but still nudges 
> people to put something in. You should have coins and bills laying in 
> there, as a suggestion that no tip is too small or too large, and that 
> others support you - the prospective "supporter" should not feel like 
> he/she is the only fool to think your talents are worth his $0.02

> Also, if it is mainly about money(nothing wrong with that, as the rest of 
> funky experiences will come in abundance anyway), you should ideally 
> choose the busiest place with the highest flow of foot traffic. Do not be 
> shy about it, do not worry about acoustics. You'll get more cash if enough 
> people just see you. Sure, it helps to be heard well, have a great 
> repertoire, be really good musically, but these things are not main 
> determinants of how much you'll make. Here in NYC, if you play on the 
> subway station or in Times Square, people will not be listening to even 
> one full song - they'll be pushed by the rest to keep on moving, so you'll 
> make sufficient money by playing same song over and over, if that's all 
> you've got. One guy here in times Sq - the "naked cowboy" has been 
> strumming same sloppy E maj chord on a red white and blue chinese guitar 
> for over a decade, reportedly making $250K per year. His thing is that he 
> only wears a cowboy hat, boots and a pair of white underwear. It helps 
> that he looks like Fabio - women love him and stuff bills in his boots all 
> day long for a chance to take a pic with him. I'd say that 1 song + 1 
> instrumental is all you need to be fully in the game. I song to hook them 
> in, 1 instrumental to keep them moving along...