Go and busk.

Its fun.

I would say this - don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself by thinking about what might come out of it - just enjoy yourself.

Don't be shy when you busk.

Put your hat/bag out in the street and yourself out there with it.

To make real money you need a crowd.

To get a crowd you have to work.

You won't get one if you hide in a doorway.

And you have to talk between songs.

Chat to the street as if you are having a conversation with your best friend and keep a smile on your face.

When people stop, engage them.

Tell jokes and make observations.

Have an arsenal of jokes about money.

These will ensure that people are thinking about giving you money wihout you having to embarass them or yourself by asking for it.

Invite people to gather round.

Forming a crowd is essential.

If you have a small crowd, people will wonder whats going on and will be more likely to pay attention and that means they will be more likely to contribute.

When you set up, once you have your instrument tuned and you are ready to start, greet your crowd loudly.

Start strumming the first chord of your first song on your guitar or whatever you play and announce:

"GOOD AFTERNOON LADIES AND GENTLEMEN I HOPE YOU ARE HAVING A PLEASANT DAY etc MY NAME IS TRISTAN AND I AM FROM FRANCE (in france say paris or lyons or wherever) MY ENGLISH IS NOT VERY GOOD BUT HOPEFULLY YOU WILL STILL RECOGNOZE THIS SONG ...

Smile at an imaginary person standing nearby as if you are sharing a private joke that the crowd can be in on if they hang around and start singing.

Even if nobody pays you atttention, say thank you after each song.

If you act like a confident funny pro people will treat you like one.


Jokes about money ...

"If you liked that song you may feel free to contribute a small token of your appreciation - the standard amount is 1 euro ... if you are a tourist and unfamiliar with european money, this is a note with 20 in the corner."

or

"If you liked that song please feel free to contribute a small token of your appreciation - but please remember that it might blow away if you don't fold it."

or

"If you liked that song you may feel free to contribute a small token of your appreciation - children, if your pparents don't give you 1 euro or more it meanns that they don't love you .....

... don't worry - I'm only joking ...

... (aside to the imaginary crowdmember) it means they aren't your real parents!"

These jokes need to be made with a naughty smile but total confidence - this will come with practice.

etc etc etc etc


Once you have a crowd, you will be able to use you instincts to select people in the crowd to make eye contact with and engage with.

If you can flirt with them even better.

A compliment, delivered without sleaziness, but with that naughty smile will get you everywhere!

Street crowds have no sophistication. Don't bother with subtle jokes - go for obvious ones.

Organize your crowd to sing along with you.

of course some shows are different to others.

In amsterdam you will busk to cafes/terraces and you have a captive audience who do want to be entertained but don't want to be assaulted.

In Prague you busk on the bridge and play to crowds of 200 - 300 people who will sit on the floor and make themselves at home.

Again, experience is the key - as is being well and truly tuned in to your instinct.



If you happen to be approached by a pop star or a record producer, chance are that they just want to give themselves kudos by being seen hanging out with the busker. They may make suggestions that they have absolutely no genuine intention of following up on.

Remember that your pitch is your territory. You are the cool one and submit to noone else.


Above all ....... Have Fun!!!!!