I saw a story in the Sydney Morning Herald a few days back about buskers having to audition for spots and it gave me chills… you know sometimes you get a feeling so strong that it only takes a sentence to bring it back years later.
Well this is 15 years later.
And the feeling is embarrassment.
Once upon a time, when I was living in Sydney, I told someone a story about how I’d just discovered that the council were not allowing music buskers to perform at Darling Harbour.
My outrage, fuelled by their disbelief about the injustice of it all pushed me to action - I contacted Triple J’s Hack program with my story and they lapped it up, as supporters of Australian music I think they saw a cause that needed airing.
The reporter contacted me and we organised to go on a “protest busk” - me, unlicensed, sitting next to the water, case out playing my tunes. I spoke a defiant game. “Great quotes” said the journalist (Rowan someone maybe, I can’t remember) and then for the main act.
I pulled out my guitar and started playing.
About half way through the first song, Mr Triple J and I came to the same conclusion. I was shit. And maybe that’s why music buskers weren’t given licences. Trying to ignore the obvious I pushed on.
After 3 songs and with 5 cents in my case I gave up, I used the “I have to go back to work” excuse (even though I’d taken the day off).
I’m still embarrassed now. I still cower thinking how (if) that story might have been recalled.
That’s one way to learn not to open your mouth unless you can back it up.
I’ve been thinking about doing some busking as promo for the new record, but rest assured. This time I’ve practiced!
Thanks for listening!
Clint