First up, good vibes and congrats on the 800, Alex. I have always enjoyed your blend of insight, encouragement, self-deprecation, wry humour, and of course you are a mighty fine player. One of my (many) inspirations here in the Community, folk who demonstrate that with discipline, determination, dedication I too can play to a level that the everyday non-playing music-loving person-on-the-street would enjoy and dare I say consider impressive. That playing to that level is not a divine or genetic gift betstowed on the chosen few (without opening that debate here).
I know exactly how ineffective and lacking in empathy it would be to say that you play at a level where you have nothing to worry about in terms of ability to perform, to play at a level that people would enjoy. We all have our inner doubts, fears, and anxieties and the challenge is to build up that courage to take that bold step and put yourself out there, wherever there may be, despite those doubts, fears, and anxieties.
That really began for me when I posted my first recording here, first audio, and then again even more so the first video. Credit yourself, you have taken that first step.
I don't think it is a bad thing to think of busking as being safe because if it doesn't go well then you can always pack up. If that serves as a safety net that makes it possible then I reckon that's just fine.
For me personally, I found the open mic OK to do because it felt like a safe and supportive place to take the step. I've shared at length elsewhere. But in a nutshell, my first step was a recce, to see the environment, to experience the evening, to meet the people. I spoke to some of the organisers to test what they expected of performers. And the vibe I got from them made me feel it would be OK, that they didn't expect people at the Open Mic to be consumate performers, who if the dice had rolled differently, had made different choices, could be pro or semi-pro musicians.
Busking for me would be a step up on that, for me it feels like I am stepping up and declaring myself to be a performer of some measure of quality. It is not like a paid gig in terms of audience expectation, but I'd feel a need to be at a level beyond where I am now to go busking.
That said, I think if you took a camping stool out there, plonked it down on the promenade, faced the ocean, and began to play for yourself, just like you do in your lounge then in short order passers-by would be stopping to listen. Depending on your promenade you might not see them stop if they were walking by behind your back, but I can only say if I was walking by I'd by stopping to listen. And maybe that is a first step, not facing the public with an open guitar case seeded with some notes and coin, putting yourself out there as a street performer ... just rather playing in a public place.
Wish you well, my friend, and big ups for sharing your aspirations, doubts, and personal struggles.
Topic: calling all buskers (Read 4055 times)
