Busking for a living: LIVING ON A SHOESTRING (A Short Documentary)

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  • Опубликовано: 10 фев 2025
  • LIVING ON A SHOESTRING is a short documentary focusing on Busking and Street Entertainment with musician, Jools Baker, who chose to give up everything, sell his flat, and live out of his van; busking and entertaining on the streets to follow his passion and share it with the public.
    During my time with Jools - following him around as he plays his sax - my perception of what busking is and why people do it has changed dramatically. Busking and street entertainment is a way of life and a choice for many musicians, like Jools, who have a passion for music.
    CREDITS
    Director | Filmmaker | Editor: Tamara Gabriel
    Featuring: Jools Baker
    Music by: Ascendance / Jools Baker
    © 2016 Doodlebox Media Ltd, and Tamara Gabriel

Комментарии • 143

  • @edwarddakora3697
    @edwarddakora3697 11 месяцев назад +1

    Thank you for this video 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
    Very inspiring and very encouraging to get your favourite instrument and play 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
    Great ideas, great insights on Busking, now it's just a matter of getting out there and performing 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
    Thank you once again 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 10 месяцев назад +1

      Yep you got to love it
      Too live it I wish you well

  • @jeremyhulin2160
    @jeremyhulin2160 3 дня назад +1

    Great optimism 😊👏

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 2 дня назад

      Thanks check out the song karmageddon join the karmageddon movement for world peace keep the faith

  • @ketziav1999
    @ketziav1999 3 года назад +34

    I love him. He’s living on a shoestring but he’s more joyous than many people that have it all financially but are feeling empty and lonely. He’s even inspired me to do a bit of busking, I already have my voice, I just need to learn how to play the guitar 😆 Cheers from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 3 года назад +3

      Well I hope you enjoy your life!!!
      All the best jools Keep the faith! !
      Check out pendragon 2 am

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 3 года назад +4

      Thanks for the lovely comments "YOU GOT TO BELIVE IN YOURSELF PLAY AS MUCH AS YOU CAN MOST OF ALL"!!! KEEP THE "FAITH"

    • @BrianOboylemusic
      @BrianOboylemusic 2 года назад +1

      Do it!!! I am as well, played my whole life but haven’t done live in 15 years or more.. we just gotta try

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 2 года назад +1

      @@BrianOboylemusic that’s grate your getting out there playing again givein the joy hope it goes well for you keep the faith!

  • @alexanderlvt
    @alexanderlvt 3 года назад +12

    I think any musician should go out on the street every now and then and experience this way of playing

  • @ajkirkcaldie
    @ajkirkcaldie 6 лет назад +111

    It's a shame that as society moves more and more cashless, its going to be much harder for buskers and we're going to lose the privilege of hearing random live music on the streets.

    • @mikemachadomusic8555
      @mikemachadomusic8555 6 лет назад +14

      not true.... buskers take e transfers too!

    • @miamimagicians
      @miamimagicians 5 лет назад +3

      It’s a little harder to take card because you gotta stop persformin

    • @thefallofhanzo
      @thefallofhanzo 5 лет назад +4

      Cashapp, Venmo, PayPal, Facebook messenger, Zelle...

    • @PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE
      @PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE 4 года назад +2

      Bitcoin is great for busking musicians. Better than cash, bc donations are online via a simple scan code with the iPhone.

    • @theeguy9022
      @theeguy9022 4 года назад +1

      I wouldn't even play for money I'd play because I enjoy playing and I want to maybe inspire others to enjoy this gift like I do theres no many things in life that can make me focus and forget my stresses and much as guitar and singing

  • @damiankeavney9880
    @damiankeavney9880 3 года назад +11

    Love this. I've been busking for years and now I'm retired and depend on it to make ends meet. I'm lucky to live in a town that "tolerates" buskers. No permits, regulations or hassles with the police. I do mostly fingerstyle instrumental guitar stuff and play whatever I want. It's nice to know when you're broke, that you can always hit the street for a few hours and earn enough to make it through the week!

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 3 года назад +1

      You're so right I'm still going out too
      "YOU gotta keep the faith " enjoy your playing that's where it's at all the best jools

  • @KarolCarlo
    @KarolCarlo 3 года назад +7

    I do busking since 2013/14 and this video made me smile a lot! Streets are so unique and memories from all situations are priceless! We did similar documentary last year about difficult times during pandemic and we gonna upload it soon! :) all the best to Jools and whole team responsible for this document! :)

  • @bs.music.kyi9
    @bs.music.kyi9 4 года назад +11

    Similar to Geoffrey Nelson, I just started busking in Monmouth county (the jersey shore). It’s difficult being a jazz drummer and bassist (with everyone expecting cutsie ukulele covers), but it’s really fun and makes okay money. I am 14, and I am doing this because my parents didn’t want me getting a summer job with the pandemic. Honestly, I will probably learn more life lessons from busking than I ever could from sweeping boardwalks and mowing lawns (and still making about 75% of the money). Thanks for the inspiration.

  • @DjNikGnashers
    @DjNikGnashers Год назад +2

    Man I love your attitude to life Jools, and I share your life-long dream.

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance Год назад +2

      Thank you for your kind comments I wish you well
      And hope you achieve happiness in what you do
      Keep the faith!

  • @englishbilly1481
    @englishbilly1481 3 года назад +8

    Always give a busker a quid !

  • @LITTLEDANCERSADHU993
    @LITTLEDANCERSADHU993 2 года назад +3

    I do the same, i love spreading joy and high vibrations like this amazing chap xxxxx

  • @cheintz44
    @cheintz44 Год назад +1

    What a wonderful life! We only get one shot at this - and he's taking his shot. Living his art. May we all be so fortunate to know what we want and then really go do it.

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance Год назад +2

      Thank you! Yes we only get one life!
      Only for the brave! And taking risk do we learn and find what we don’t need in live
      You’ve got to love life to live it

  • @jimcreard
    @jimcreard Год назад +1

    Bin grad auf ner Europa Strassenmusik Tour und kann nur sagen, großer Respekt für einen Autodidakten der alles auf eine Karte setzt und NUR vom Busking lebt! Ich könnte ohne paar Gigs nebenbei nicht über die Runden kommen. Aber lückenlos ALLE Full-time Musiker die ich in meinem Leben so kennengelernt habe, kriegen diesen ganz bestimmten Attitude, den man nirgendwo lernt außer in genau diesem Leben und der ist GOLD wert - keeeeep on ROCKING!!!! Ach ja und ganz fantastische Doku Leute!

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance Год назад +2

      Yep you got to be brave! People are helpful in Europe
      I did it for 3 years!
      Had the time of my life!
      Grate to here you doing it
      Stay safe! Keep the faith
      And thanks for your comment

  • @mattwilliam4803
    @mattwilliam4803 4 года назад +2

    🎶Busker's make the world go round🎵 -- you are a truly lovely soul -- thank you !!!

  • @petebony3093
    @petebony3093 7 месяцев назад +1

    What a great video to watch and listen to. All I can say to you Sir is "Respect, Total Respect!

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 7 месяцев назад

      Thank you for those kind words !
      Complements ! Are worth more than the money to musicians!
      Love you’re life
      All the best
      Jools baker

  • @macpakinga1271
    @macpakinga1271 Год назад +1

    Awesome man im living on a shose string . Your a legion mate 🎷🎺. Busking is my passion 24/7. Love the skank feel 🎸🎼🎵🎹🥁🎻📯😎❤️. Age 63.

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance Год назад +1

      Thanks man, keep the faith and live long and give the joy to others
      I’m 63 too!😉

  • @jordanielmills
    @jordanielmills 3 года назад +3

    I was a busker for years with my dad and sister and I miss it all the time. The money was absolutely miserable but the time we spent doing it was well worth it. Tough gig but damn we were good!

    • @lightening791
      @lightening791 2 года назад

      I love buskers. Im sure everyone who watched your performance enjoyed it

  • @johngallaghermusic9777
    @johngallaghermusic9777 Год назад +1

    Thanks for this lovely video. I love Jool's attitude and outlook for busking and living a humble and sometimes difficult lifestyle. But it also has it it ups aswell and people can be very kind and generous. Just starting back busking myself after many years because i cant get bookings in pubs anymore. Looking forward to it. All power to you Jools and all the other great musicians out there.

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance Год назад +1

      Thanks for the chat!
      The street is promoting your self!
      It’s tough at the moment for people but the joy of what we do is still relevant!
      For me 20% down’
      Street entertaining measures the wealth and the health of the street!
      You got to keep the faith!
      Love your life!
      That’s the main thing!

  • @PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE
    @PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE 4 года назад +2

    "A very joyous life" -- Yes, that is what it is ultimately all about. Thank you for sharing your musicianship and wisdom.

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 4 года назад +1

      Thank you for your comments joolsax@gmail.com

  • @ronnieblanchet4072
    @ronnieblanchet4072 Год назад +1

    Soli Deo Gloria! God bless this man

  • @parasitesteve7752
    @parasitesteve7752 7 лет назад +19

    Why the heck are there no comments here? This was great. Very interesting and well edited. Keep it up, Tamara!

  • @helenlizzystewart4908
    @helenlizzystewart4908 2 года назад +2

    I get this guy, it is all about the music, I busk in New Zealand and yes it is hard but it gives people something else to stare at rather than their phones. Some people look down at you but people have to remember that I am looking at hundreds of odd looking people and have to contain myself sometimes. The ones who appreciate music will always put in the hat. Sometimes I have to drag myself out to do it but once I have finished the first song I am away..........Music is a passion

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 2 года назад +1

      Grate to hear from street buskers enjoying and share if there experiences give the joy keep the faith and give people a real playing expenses

  • @Raulo707
    @Raulo707 3 года назад +2

    Without music , there would never be peace

  • @sbingham1979
    @sbingham1979 5 лет назад +2

    I really loved watching this video. You have a great attitude, and there is something pure and courageous and generous about what you are doing.

  • @melodylemon1671
    @melodylemon1671 3 года назад +2

    very inspiring and well-produced documentary, thank you
    I'll try and busk in Paris these next 2 weeks, hoping for the best

  • @yourtub8705
    @yourtub8705 4 года назад +2

    I misread title and thought this guy was busking using a shoestring I thought that was pretty amazing

  • @lisawanderess
    @lisawanderess 3 года назад +2

    Very cool! I'm a sax player too and live in my caravan and I think it's great what you do! Made me smile!

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 3 года назад +2

      Lisa I'm glad you enjoyed the dock
      Glad to hear from another sax player! !! KEEP THE FAITH LISA!!!

    • @lisawanderess
      @lisawanderess 2 года назад +1

      @@theascendance hey guess what? I’m busking with my saxophone now and people have been super responsive and generous. I busk for 3 hours at a time twice a week and am making extra $$$ for my shoestring life too!

  • @daisp9335
    @daisp9335 2 года назад +1

    What a great character

  • @dougnickerson
    @dougnickerson Год назад +1

    Very cool

  • @rosewalsh5444
    @rosewalsh5444 3 года назад +2

    Fantastic, I love your vibes, loving your unique style ... music is life and yes pure happiness ❤️💯😎✌️

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 3 года назад +2

      Thanks jools sax wish you well keep the faith xx

  • @iandavis3599
    @iandavis3599 5 лет назад +2

    that lightning strap was my 1st strap. havent seen it in years

  • @marcrummusic
    @marcrummusic 4 года назад +1

    I totally get this guy. It's all about the music!!

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 3 года назад +2

      There no other way when your driven that way...

  • @daejavue69
    @daejavue69 4 года назад +1

    Jools is living on a shoe string from his music , he dosn't need riches just an audience & their gift of money in appreciation for his talent .

  • @BrightonBeachBuskingBBB
    @BrightonBeachBuskingBBB Год назад +1

    So good. Very well produced. Loved it!

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance Год назад

      Thanks for your interest I look at your channel too!
      It’s fab! Keep doing it!

  • @theascendance
    @theascendance 3 года назад +1

    It's out wensday, !!!!
    Its fantastic! !!

  • @stephenp2450
    @stephenp2450 5 лет назад +4

    very diy punk. very freeing. awesome.

  • @taliwaya89
    @taliwaya89 6 лет назад +4

    Love it!! I busk in Korea.

  • @theascendance
    @theascendance 3 года назад +1

    We're getting closer to the new release of the doc Tamara gabriel xx

  • @lawrencerasmus
    @lawrencerasmus 5 лет назад +4

    I opt for restaurants or a small bar because people listen and don't just walk by plus you can get quite a few $20 tips , cover song choice is the important thing.

    • @takeonemusic5537
      @takeonemusic5537 5 лет назад +3

      to be honest ,a successful busker the talented one who can make a good performance anywhere and not so much about the place!

  • @auntiemoshbcs5892
    @auntiemoshbcs5892 6 лет назад +3

    very inspirational video

  • @joaquinodriozola4963
    @joaquinodriozola4963 4 года назад +4

    man this is a great video why such low views? youtube algorithm arise at once!

    • @daejavue69
      @daejavue69 4 года назад +1

      He is my younger brother loved playing all his life since he got his 1st guitar when he was about 14 , bless him .

  • @PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE
    @PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE 4 года назад +1

    Tamara! Fantastic production!!

  • @JorgeVelezMusic
    @JorgeVelezMusic 6 лет назад +3

    Loved this! Thank you!

  • @bennyhill3505
    @bennyhill3505 3 года назад +1

    Studio recording sounded good....👊🏿.
    Fellow busker, I know the score. Trials, tribulations, and joy of Working on the street.

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 3 года назад +1

      It's all for the joy of music thanks jools x

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 3 года назад +1

      Thank you you know how it is!!
      All the best jools xx

  • @joejohnsonentertainer4991
    @joejohnsonentertainer4991 3 года назад +1

    You are truly enjoying your life…..

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 3 года назад +1

      Thank you John hope your getting the joy too all the best keep the "faith" jools

  • @leepatrick1756
    @leepatrick1756 3 года назад +1

    Really enjoyed this! Lee

  • @nicolaisponholtz5879
    @nicolaisponholtz5879 7 лет назад +4

    This is awesome!

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 3 года назад +1

      And yes! I'm out tomarrow and I love it!!

  • @springbooth3547
    @springbooth3547 3 года назад +1

    Excellent

  • @anthonylloyd4248
    @anthonylloyd4248 3 года назад +1

    What a cool dude

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 3 года назад +2

      Yes you are cool too!!!! Thanks all the best jools x

  • @theascendance
    @theascendance 3 года назад +1

    The next "doc" comeing to youtube near you soon!!!!

  • @TheSteelerider
    @TheSteelerider 2 года назад +2

    Only the British would regulate street performance, and require a “permit”. Dear God you people love your laws and rules.

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 2 года назад +3

      Well let’s say there are a lot of have ago! If they got there act together and dident play the pitch all day there would be no need for regulation you got to have respect for each other and the public
      Do your 2 hr show and go!

  • @jacobsiga1474
    @jacobsiga1474 Год назад +1

    Is that song (Living on a shoestring 2:44 - 2:58) available online?

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance Год назад

      Sorry the song hasn’t been released but thanks for watching the documentary

  • @theascendance
    @theascendance 4 года назад +2

    Thanks tmara for what you have done for me joolsax

    • @TamaraGabrielUK
      @TamaraGabrielUK 4 года назад +1

      Hey Jools! How are you?

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 4 года назад +1

      @@TamaraGabrielUK bin trying to contact you got a book will be a film you could direct it all the best jools x

    • @TamaraGabrielUK
      @TamaraGabrielUK 4 года назад +1

      @@theascendance Are you still using the same email address you were a few years ago? If so, I'll drop you an email.

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 4 года назад +1

      @@TamaraGabrielUK yes joolsax@gmail.com

  • @paulstratforddearsley2516
    @paulstratforddearsley2516 2 года назад +1

    Looks like busking in England is pretty good (in summer?). In NZ we've got issues with street crime that would make it pretty dodgy- no way I'd take decent gear out to busk- it would get raxxed.

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 2 года назад +2

      I’m sorry to hear that Paul but keep the faith and keep playing all the best jools

  • @theascendance
    @theascendance 3 года назад +1

    Tamara 's "NEW REALISE DOCUMENTRY " HERE SOONER THAN YOU THINK!!

  • @Barbassoblues
    @Barbassoblues 4 года назад +4

    Do you make more with sax or guitar and singing? I m a very bad singer . I admire you

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 4 года назад +1

      I make more with the sax and backing tracks all the best jools x

  • @souljimmy1
    @souljimmy1 Год назад +1

    I'm only learning to play the saxophone 🎷 and I live in a private flat ' and there's a main road outside "and I go and practise when people are coming home from work?! And they pomp there horn " and wave 👋 🤣 and I can't even play a full tune 🤭🤪I've had a lot of good write ups on local Facebook sites?? I love entertaining them 🤡 but unfortunately it's had to stop!🙈there's complaints gone it to my landlord ' i did try going to a nother spot ' but for some reason I lost my nerve 😱🥺maybe if I can get some more learning " so I'll have a couple of songs to play 🎼🎵🎶🎷I'll give it a nother go 🥰

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance Год назад +1

      Just keep blowing those long notes and you will get better every time you pick the sax up
      So don’t give up keep the faith!
      It’s a hard road but if you enjoy playing you will be glad you continued

  • @kennethellison9713
    @kennethellison9713 3 года назад +1

    "...all these people called Trane and what have you." Great quote about naiveté and aiming high.

  • @Eastsussexbiker
    @Eastsussexbiker Год назад +1

    Quick question would a Roland Cube Street be a suitable speaker/amp what do you use.

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance Год назад

      Hi thanks for watching this doc
      Yes Roland cube is fine to do the job!
      I was using a Harley Benton 30
      Watt mains rechargeable battery amp but they discontinued them it gave up the ghost now I’ve been using the cube with 6AA batteries
      I also use an I Pod for the backing tracks with the sax all goes on my small trolley
      I’ve done weddings parties funerals even jumping in on pub gigs with a band it seems ok if you google pendragon 2am on RUclips you can see more of my work
      Is a good job I wish you well it’s really all about the music!
      You got to live it to love it!
      Keep the faith joolsax

  • @briangrandis7752
    @briangrandis7752 Месяц назад +1

    I do bubbles for a living and make $100 an hour in tips, it’s insane

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance Месяц назад

      Good for you your entertaining people giving the joy!
      That’s why people tip you
      It’s not all about music on the street
      Happy new year
      Wishing you a good life!
      Live it! To love it!

    • @briangrandis7752
      @briangrandis7752 Месяц назад +1

      @ thank you!! It’s also about having something unique and giving people an experience.

    • @deetergee
      @deetergee 15 дней назад

      Where are you?

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance 14 дней назад

      @ I’m in Gloucestershire uk are you uk based?

  • @LUNALISEA
    @LUNALISEA 2 года назад +1

    ❤ 🧡 💟 💚

  • @nikkibehr4783
    @nikkibehr4783 6 лет назад +5

    I am a busker

  • @j.cheese34
    @j.cheese34 Год назад +1

    I’ve seen him round Cheltenham before

    • @theascendance
      @theascendance Год назад +1

      Yes I don’t get around much anymore
      But I still practice the sax
      Miss going out with it but it’s tough times out there on the street even I can’t afford to give the joy! Hard times indeed
      You gotta keep the faith!

  • @SubwayDJ
    @SubwayDJ 7 лет назад +3

    yasss

  • @animalfort3183
    @animalfort3183 4 года назад +3

    Anyone busking right now?

    • @isetta4083
      @isetta4083 4 года назад +1

      About to start next year, upright bass

    • @PeterEdwardCaceci
      @PeterEdwardCaceci 3 года назад +2

      I’m busking everyday in Philly. We’ve had an oceanic corridor of rain this summer, lol- but it’s great- people are generous. I play guitar chord melodies, all styles, from Joe Pass to Zeppelin and Bach. It’s really the only way to maintain superior “chops” and earn additional funds when not gigging. Be busking!

  • @theascendance
    @theascendance 3 года назад +1

    It "OUT TOMARROW 9.AM TOGETHER AGAIN A SHORT DOCUMENTRY 20 21 DON'T BE THERE OR BE A SQUARE. ...

  • @mapleleafer74
    @mapleleafer74 3 года назад +2

    OF COURSE YOU CHOOSE THE ALBUM, FUCK WHAT ANYONE THINKS OF YOUR TEETH.

  • @meinkleinerobstgarten
    @meinkleinerobstgarten 5 лет назад +3

    Living on a shoestring
    A fifty cent millionaire

  • @DavidBridwellMusic
    @DavidBridwellMusic 5 лет назад +2

    Very entertaining! Anyone should be allowed to play in the street, unless they suck then stay at home and practice first lol

  • @Neil-Aspinall
    @Neil-Aspinall 7 лет назад +9

    Crap teeth but cool sunnies!

  • @longtalljay
    @longtalljay 2 года назад +1

    Mister, he's a better man than y'all

  • @MrParkerman6
    @MrParkerman6 2 года назад +1

    Why does this guy sound like he "accidentally" swallowed Paul McCartney?