Well, today was a big day of busking in terms of income and acknowledgment, Being that said, there were some kiddos that made me laugh and get a bit angry at them because there were making fun of my way of singing the beginning of Redemption Song. I let it pass and it went away.
However, if I had to pick an interaction for the day I´d pick one with one lady that I guess proved me right when it comes to decide on which song to play during the set. I explain myself. I sometimes play a song called “Y los conserjes de noche” by Quique Gonzalez. He is a very accomplished and kind of known singer-songwriter from Madrid, Spain. He is actually one of my real favourites. His way of writing lyrics and honest way of singing them make him one of the greatests if you asked me.
A friend of mine, called Javi, with whom I used to busk a lot in Vienna and still do at times in Madrid introduced me to his music. It´s maybe the reason why I am learning how to play harmonica now. Of course, beginnings are hard but I´ll eventually become more proficient at the instrument, at least to make some lead lines in between verses.
Long story short, I sometimes feel I shouldn´t play certain songs because I expect them to not bring any acknowledgement or cash but reality proves me wrong. If we were to choose what “works” all the time we would miss the magic of the weird ones. Especially, when you connect with somebody through an specific song that maybe most of the people don´t know about but you and that person really know and love. Of course, this is in a busking context but I just try to portray you how it feels to do this and take some risks. Sometimes, it´s disappointing and even if one plays a very known and “working” busking song as Redemption Song it doesn´t always work. These experiences basically encourage me more to think outside the box, if there was one of course.
That´s pretty much it. I recommend anybody reading this listening to “Y los conserjes de noche” by Quique González. Especially the live versions :)
Love and peace