Busking is the Answer: A Musicians Guide to Street Performance

Busking is the Answer: A Musician’s Guide to Street Performance isn’t just a guide to playing songs on the pavement—it’s about courage, connection, and how to carve out a life in music on your own terms. Whether you’ve only just picked up a guitar or you’re already out there gigging with your saxophone, this book shows you how to take your music to the streets, build self-confidence, and unlock opportunities you never imagined.From how to set up for your first busk to handling setbacks, building a following, and even turning donations into a sustainable income, this guide blends practical tips with real stories from out there in the wild. You’ll learn how busking is so much more than just a way to make money—it's a launchpad for creativity, community, and maybe even a whole career that feels authentic to you.Written by August Radio Project (Ben Goold)—a musician and busker who documents his journey on YouTube—this book is part handbook, part pep talk, and part invitation. Ben shares lessons learned from countless hours on the street, insights from his own highs and lows, and encouragement for anyone daring enough to step into the flow of live performance.If you’ve ever dreamed of playing music for real people, this book will help you start where you are, use what you have, and let the music take you further than you ever thought possible. Read more