Here’s something to stir the pot. Jimmy Rosenberg playing with backing tracks. Obviously, he was going through a strange time in life and I wish him well. It’s interesting to hear what virtuosity with backing tracks gives.
juandererNewALD Original, Manouche Latcho Drom Djangology Koa, Caro y Topete AR 740 O
Posts: 209
Just wondering, does anyone do this? Yes, some do.
I have a hankering to be outside playing guitar but GJ is hard without a band. Things can be hard until they aren't and then they can be hard again depending on various circumstances- like anything else in life.
I am morally opposed to performing with backing tracks but I also think I should be out playing a lot more. Sounds like you have a self-imposed dilemma. Luckily, you are an adult and it's safe to assume that no third parties will be harmed (outside of maybe a hissy fit or a bit of cringe) by the decision you end up making.
New Orleans French Quarter is a great place for busking. That said, I really hate most amplified busking. Very few who do it have a sense of good taste and restraint to keep it at a minimum volume.
Acoustic groups, especially those that include wind and brass instruments, do really great performances here in the streets, and some earn serious money doing it. I have performed on the streets here with a five piece acoustic group – two guitars, accordion, violin, stand-up base – and have gotten a very good response most days.
I have been tempted to bring a small battery operated amp or PA speaker – of which there are many now – and run either my own or a decent backing track in one channel and my very lightly amplified guitar in the other, or simply playing acoustically along with the amplified backing track at about the same volume. That’s about as far as I’m willing to go.
I think this kind of minimum equipment set up could work for you, Paul. That way, you don’t feel like you’re pushing sound into an area where people don’t want to be disturbed, but anyone who comes nearby or is close enough to listen, you then get a chance to practice your performance chops.
You don’t have to split the fee with the backing track!
DeuxDoigts_TonnerreLawrenceville GA USANewStringphonic #503 Basic, Altamira M30D, Eastman AR810CE, Samick HJ650, GR Eddie Durham 100th
edited August 6Posts: 64
I will sometimes go to a park near my work to sit and practice in a little covered pavilion. I play my Altamira or a loud archtop acoustically, sometimes along with YT backing tracks off my phone through a consumer-grade bluetooth speaker.
I am not really busking as I don't ever have my case or any signs out, but people have given me money while I am there anyway.
Comments
Here’s something to stir the pot. Jimmy Rosenberg playing with backing tracks. Obviously, he was going through a strange time in life and I wish him well. It’s interesting to hear what virtuosity with backing tracks gives.
https://youtu.be/TV5b1nvMyDk?si=RQgYJ47aNOCqw_0Z
You're two pages too late my friend. It is an odd scene though, Jimmy Rosenberg couldn't find a pickup band for a gig?
I had a feeling this might be posted already but I hadn’t visited the thread in a while. My mistake!
You just need to play like Tim and no need for backing tracks
Just wondering, does anyone do this? Yes, some do.
I have a hankering to be outside playing guitar but GJ is hard without a band. Things can be hard until they aren't and then they can be hard again depending on various circumstances- like anything else in life.
I am morally opposed to performing with backing tracks but I also think I should be out playing a lot more. Sounds like you have a self-imposed dilemma. Luckily, you are an adult and it's safe to assume that no third parties will be harmed (outside of maybe a hissy fit or a bit of cringe) by the decision you end up making.
This backing track sounds pretty good.
New Orleans French Quarter is a great place for busking. That said, I really hate most amplified busking. Very few who do it have a sense of good taste and restraint to keep it at a minimum volume.
Acoustic groups, especially those that include wind and brass instruments, do really great performances here in the streets, and some earn serious money doing it. I have performed on the streets here with a five piece acoustic group – two guitars, accordion, violin, stand-up base – and have gotten a very good response most days.
I have been tempted to bring a small battery operated amp or PA speaker – of which there are many now – and run either my own or a decent backing track in one channel and my very lightly amplified guitar in the other, or simply playing acoustically along with the amplified backing track at about the same volume. That’s about as far as I’m willing to go.
I think this kind of minimum equipment set up could work for you, Paul. That way, you don’t feel like you’re pushing sound into an area where people don’t want to be disturbed, but anyone who comes nearby or is close enough to listen, you then get a chance to practice your performance chops.
You don’t have to split the fee with the backing track!
I will sometimes go to a park near my work to sit and practice in a little covered pavilion. I play my Altamira or a loud archtop acoustically, sometimes along with YT backing tracks off my phone through a consumer-grade bluetooth speaker.
I am not really busking as I don't ever have my case or any signs out, but people have given me money while I am there anyway.
I haven't considered that!