HANNA

Yay! I was back at Waterloo Network Rail station today! My set was meant to be from 6-8pm. When I arrived at the station I was an hour early, I was hoping as it was bitter cold in the station maybe the other buskers before me hadn't turned up, so I could do a bit of extra busking. However, the other buskers were signing in when I arrived. They were very late starting their set and only played for an hour in the end. By the time they had packed up and I set up, I started playing from 6:15pm. I really enjoyed watching part of their set too before I started, it was flamenco style guitar playing and very upbeat, which was very cool to hear! It was getting me hyped up ready to play for my set too!

I had a bit of a challenge to start my set, my guitar kept going out of tune. Since I've put on new strings (the high E and B) that keep snapping, plus using a new capo (as my favourite capo has gone missing, which I've had for years and I'm gutted about) it took a few songs in to get the guitar sounding right. Also getting the volume the right level too for the guitar and voice, as I've been used to the last few busking sessions being in tunnels, so I had to adjust accordingly the volume for a more open space.

When playing the first few songs and in particular when I was in the middle of singing ‘Jolene,’ an old man with a beard approached me and stood right close by my microphone and appeared to be waiting for me to finish the song. I thought he was going to say he liked the song and to my surprise and other people sat around me, he shouted at me and said “I'm playing the piano downstairs by the Black Sheep Coffee and I can't hear a thing because of you, turn it down!” in an aggressive tone. I didn't say anything and carried on playing. He continued to harass me for a while before giving up. A member of the public came up to me and said: "I'm sorry you have to put up with that," and I just said: “I'm used to it, it's part of busking unfortunately.” The man could've approached me and asked politely if I could turn it down a bit, there wasn't any need to shout at me really, but anyway that was one character to prepare me for the set!

As my performance progressed I was playing and playing and feeling like I was wearing an invisibility coat, as not many people were tipping tonight. It was very strange for Waterloo Network Rail Station, as it always is buzzing normally. 

Then after relentlessly playing and ignoring that people weren't that fussed, two men sat either side of me and were really into my music, asking me questions about when I started writing songs etc it was nice to be appreciated. They took my details to follow me too. Also another man came up to me when I was playing ‘Yellow,’ and said can you play one of your own songs as the next song! This was a pleasant surprise too! I said: “Of course I can! I'd rather be playing just my songs!” I then played ‘In this City,’ ‘Sardinian Smile’ and 'Roots'.' He came back and said: "Wow, I didn't realise you were that good, you are the real deal, I love your songs!' He tipped me and continued to watch for a bit longer.

I ended up playing to 8:30pm in the end to make up the time that was lost from starting my set later. When I played the last song ‘In this City,’ a lady came up to me with her bicycle and was recommending places for me to get gigs, which really was very helpful! Also she tipped me, after we managed to get my card reader to connect back to the station wifi, which was terrible tonight for the connection and the card reader was about to die!

I forgot to mention another pug came up to tip me with his owner too! He seemed to be a fan as well!

More busking tomorrow, I wonder what will happen next… 

I arrived at Euston underground station a bit earlier today. My set was supposed to be 6-8pm, but I ended up playing from 5-8pm.

Euston was as usual very very busy, lots of people passing in front and also to my sides, as the pitch was in the middle between the two platforms.

It was a slow start money wise, but eventually the pounds starting arriving in my box and tips were made on my card machine! Lots of smiley people this evening passing me by, which was lovely to see.

I also had two very happy, drunk men who decided to sing along with me to ‘Yellow,’ and they gave me an unexpected hug and a £10 note. It didn't bother me, as it was in jest and I think they were enjoying the music, as they were also dancing a lot and trying to get people to tip me! 

What made my evening was seeing another pug dog though! The owner came up to tip me and the pug came up too, and looked very happy to see me, with his tongue out. The man noticed my pug sticker on my guitar and acknowledged it too with a wink.

After the busking set I worked up such an appetite that I quickly bought a ham and cheese baguette in Euston Network Rail station. It finished off the session nicely haha!

Winter was officially here today in Paddington Network Rail Station, even though it's autumn! I was busking by the Costa Coffee shop, which is always exposed to the elements! It was bitter cold and I'm so glad I wrapped up in my thick coat, scarf and my beanie hat!

I set up by the second pillar closest to inside the building, but after a little while a member of the public was filming me and said it looked bad, as I had the bins behind me. I decided to move a bit further inside against the wall away from the smelly bins!

However, tonight was an odd vibe. I find Paddington always is an odd one to play, since the pitch is not located inside like it was years ago. I do miss playing where it used to be right in the heart of the station, but now I'm near the taxi ranks. People just seem to pass by without paying much attention, or you get lots of people pass to none at all. It was a hard set to play this evening, but I kept persevering, even after one of the station staff asked me to turn my amp down.

On the other hand, it was lovely to have one of my fans come down to see my whole set. Thank you for coming to see me and standing all that time alongside me in the cold! 

I also had a lovely moment when some children and their mum was dancing to one of my songs too! 

I'm looking forward to my next busking session tomorrow!

I busked at Canary Wharf this afternoon. I arrived to start at 1pm but there was another busker already on the pitch. She was a very lovely lady playing the saxophone. I went to have some lunch from M&S opposite Black Sheep Coffee and waited for my set.

When I went over to start setting up I had a lovely chat with the saxophonist and exchanged details. She even came to film me when I started my set at 2pm. 

Lots of people were again smiling, taking photos/videos etc and then about half way through I had a lovely surprise. A couple that I played music for their wedding a few years ago came to see me with their 2 year old son! He was so cute and enjoyed my music too! It was lovely to catch up with them after all this time. I always love to catch up with fans, it always makes my day!

I had a great session and luckily no interruptions this time from the two homeless men that bothered me previously. I spoke to the station office and explained what happened before and they said those men shouldn't be back again.

All in all today was a success!

Brrrrr! It was a chilly one this evening at Leicester Square Underground! It started off not too cold but half way through the set I was freezing, as the cold air was travelling from outside and down the escalators by the pitch. 

I was playing from 6-8pm and it was very very busy! It was going well until half way through I had to call the emergency button next to me. A group of girls were hitting and throwing their shopping at a man and saying fowl language at him. Basically a fight broke out right at the bottom of the escalator and was causing a pile up of people and people to injure themselves. The station staff heard my call and came down to sort it out. One of the station staff was rude to me though and told me to turn my music down in an aggressive tone.

After this issue was resolved I was able to continue my set. Many people were taking photos/filming me and smiling at me this evening too!

I felt like I was playing to a mini Wembley stadium this evening at Piccadilly Circus Underground from 6-8pm. This pitch was very fun to play! I had people from both sides of me going up and down the escalators. It just gave me a stadium vibe when performing this evening, as crowds of people were watching in front of me on the escalators. At one point a few people were putting the lights on their phones and swinging their arms at me. It was a very cool moment!

People were cheering, clapping, tipping and everyone seemed to be in good spirits! It was lovely to have people also dancing and singing back the lyrics to some of the songs like ‘Jolene!’ and ‘Yellow!’

I also had many people photographing and filming me.

I definitely want to busk here again when I can book it! 

Tonight was a busy evening in Oxford Circus Underground station from 6-8pm. A lot of people were going past but there were a mixed bag of reactions. I felt like a jar of marmite, some people loved my set, whilst others put their fingers in their ears when passing me.

It was a struggle to get tips this evening, even though there was a steady flow of people. I tried every thing I could, adjusting the volume of my amp, angling the amp in different positions to create less reverb, tried slower songs, more upbeat songs, my own songs, covers etc but it was hard to get people engaged this evening.

After my set I went to McDonald's for a well deserved cup of tea!

Tonight was another exciting busking session! After all these years busking I have never been able to book this slot at Tottenham Court Road (the central line one!) I finally was able to play it today as it was available from 6-8pm.

It was fun but also a bit challenging though. It felt at one point like I was singing in a bathroom! Where the pitch is located it is right near the end of the tunnel and my sound from the amp reverberates a lot of the tunnel tiles and it becomes very hard to control the volume. After much trial and error it took most of the set to find the right volume balance. 

A lot of people also were filming me and I had a man from Japan who wanted a photo with me too. I always love taking photos with fans, it makes my day always!

Again people enjoyed my song ‘In this city,' ‘The Songwriter’ and my newish song called ‘Sardinian Smile.’ 

It was quite hard to get tips here, but I will try again and give it another go now I know roughly what level to set my volume on my amp, at this pitch! 

Yay! I finally busking in Green Park underground after what seems like forever! I love this pitch, it's always busy and especially when it gets colder keeps you warm!

I started my set at 6pm and finished at 8pm. At the beginning the station was very crowded due to some problem witb the Piccadilly line. Members of station staff were having to keep the crowd under control and only letting so many people down to the jubilee platform at a time. This meant I had a static crowd for about half an hour of my set which was great! I also had a lot of presents given to me this evening. I had a big bunch of purple flowers, a fancy box of Godiva belgium chocolates and some marzipan mini desserts and an orange! Lots of people were appreciating my music and it was a very enjoyable evening. Can't wait to busk here again!

I busked a mid day set today at Baker Street underground from 1-3pm. It was so crowded, I felt quite claustrophobic at one point, as my back was right up to the wall. I still carried on playing though! 

After playing for about half an hour three soldiers turned up selling poppies for Remembrance Day opposite me. They were stood there for about an hour. I think some members of the public might've thought I was with them as I also was wearing my camo trousers! 

The soldiers kept smiling at me and clapped after each song. The public also was smiling a lot at me and clapping too which was nice. Two songs that stood out that people seemed to enjoy was my songs called: ‘The Songwriter’ and ‘In this City.’ I will have to play these songs more! 

Today there were many happy babies smiling and dancing in their buggies at Kings Cross station. I was located outside next to Boots for my Network Rail pitch from 3pm.

It was a regular busking day until about mid way through my set two men came up to me. They were hovering around and watching me whilst I was playing ‘Knockin on Heaven’s Door.' One of the men came up to me and said: "Do you know who the other guy is?" I honestly didn't know and they showed me on his phone and he was a rapper with a big following and also has duetted with Dappy. It was a cool moment and the rapper did a little jam with me, which was fun! They really appreciated my music, told me to keep going and liked my music. Lots of teenagers also knew who he was and was asking for photos with him etc.

You never know what can happen when busking, no day is the same! 

I had an earlier busking session today at Waterloo Network Rail station, a 12-2pm slot. However, it took ages to sign in and it made my set later. I started playing at nearly 10 past 12 in the end. The woman at the sign in desk was having problems I think finding me on the computer and said have I taken the station briefing which I have. Another member of station staff asked if I had performed here before. I said I have busked here for years. I had to retake my photo for the I.D, which I wear busking. Let's say it wasn't the best photo, as I looked annoyed haha! I hope next time I can retake it! 😂 But gosh did it feel like hours waiting with the heavy guitar/equipment on my back for them to sign me in! 

Anyway, the session went well. My card machine held out with the internet connection. I did check after every song though, as I don't trust the internet staying connected in stations. 

It was another busking day of cute babies and children watching and asking their parents to put money in my tip box, which was very sweet. Lots of people were clapping and I had an audience at some point during the set, which made my day! It's moments like this that mean the most to me as a songwriter!

But no busking day is complete without an obscure comment or moment to thicken my skin! There was a person sat opposite me the whole set, who tipped me but did say sing more confidently. This was said literally when I just started the set, so I was just getting into the song etc. It did make me feel a little uncomfortable, as I was being watched like a hawk by them and they looked annoyed. They continued to mouth to me to sing up, which I was anyway!

I guess the lesson learnt from today is to always be yourself and what will be will be. Don't worry about what others think or say! Do you always! 

I tried something new today, I busked at Maida Vale underground station, which I have never done before. The station is small and when I got off the tube I was concerned whether it would be worth busking there. The pitch wasn't in a spot I would've thought was the best position to put a busking spot to be honest. I was right up by a wall squashed in front of the top of the escalators and also had a big pillar covering me from my left side, so people couldn't really see me from my left side! It was also trial and error getting the right sound as the sound was reverberating off of the pillar and the volume wasn't consistent due to being in a confined tunnel space.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by this station. I was playing from 2pm - 4:30pm. It probably wasn't the best time for the foot fall. It started off slow tipping wise and my card machine was not working very well in the tunnel too. It refunded one tip I had, even though I was connected to the internet! I think the lady that did tap did it too quick on the machine, as I've noticed some people are quickly flicking their cards thinking it's tipped and it hasn't, so I think this also could be a factor of why it refunded. The woman also was going down the escalator and ran back up it to tip me, nearly falling over!

As the session went on tips were coming in and I had a photographer take a photo of me busking and gave me a £10 note. Also I had a an audience of ladies wearing pink watch me too for a little while and then they had to move, as they were obstructing the escalators.

It was very busy though about half way through the set, so I think I will try here again. It had a nice vibe to the place even though I thought to start with it wouldn't be a very good pitch. Never judge a book by it's cover!

I arrived at Kings Cross underground station a bit early today around 4:30pm. This gave me time to sign in, set up and change the string that had broken from the previous busking session yesterday at Baker St (which I forgot to change when I got home! At least I had plenty of time to do this! 😂) 

I started busking from 5pm and finished around 7pm. Whilst I was setting up one of the station staff came up to me in passing and said “Oh you're the girl that was here the other day! You have a wonderful voice! What are you playing for us today? I'm looking forward to listening!” He was a nice man, wished me luck and went on his way.

Also just before I was about begin a group of teenage girls came over and started asking what songs/style of music I'm going to play. I could tell they were going to probably be loud and wanting attention. I just carried on finishing setting up and started.

As soon as I started they cheered, laughed and started dancing in a twerking manner right in front of me. I kept composed and carried on regardless. It doesn't really faze me anymore, as I've seen many characters when busking over the years now! And most of what people do in front of me has already been done before, so it's nothing new or surprising.

After a while, they went on their way, as they realised I wasn't bothered by their antics. I had a little while after a very cute baby in a pushchair watching from the side. He had the cutest smile and kept clapping too. It really made me smile and his mum. They came over and put money in my tip box and I said thank you. The mum said bye and the baby wanted to stay and started crying.

Interestingly I found out today I also have a number one doggy fan! I literally was beaming from ear to ear when another cute pug doggy passed me today! He was a little puppy pug. He literally looked at me when passing in front of me, as his owner was holding him in her arms, and I swear he was singing back to me in dog bark language! The owner noticed my pug sticker too on my guitar, pointed and smiled at me to acknowledge it. It was another cute moment!

Overall, the session was well received by the public, the station was very busy but lots of people were clapping, cheering, putting their thumbs up to me etc. It was a really fun day! Thank you Kings Cross!

I was back at Baker St underground station this evening. I played from 4:45-7pm. I was earlier than expected, as I was supposed to busk from 6-8pm. I was going to stay until 8pm, but my string decided to snap around 6:45pm, so I finished the set with some of my songs that I have backing tracks for and singing along without the guitar.

I think there had been some incident or train delays, as where the pitch was it was so overcrowded with people passing. I felt quite claustrophobic performing and had my back right up to the wall. I was super squashed with my microphone stand and guitar, but kept on playing regardless.

The station staff were stood opposite me too, looking straight at me. One of them came up to me and said can you turn the amp down, as some people are getting panicky because of the announcements, so I turned it down.

Also there was a woman who at the start of my set started screeching randomly and shouting: “you need to be married,” right opposite me. She was scaring and making people jump with her screeching. The station staff called the police, as soon as they arrived she disappeared. No idea what happened to her amongst the crowds of people passing.

Apart from this I did have tips, but the wifi/3G was not working for me to connect to my card machine. One man came over and got funny too, saying: “do you have a card machine?” And I said I do but the signal isn't working in here for me to connect to it. Next thing he said: “you've said that to me before, other buskers use it here and you can't get yours working, it's bad.” And he got quite rude. I said I've tried to get it working etc. I said he can have one of my business cards, and he said: "No I don't want that. I only want to see you here!”

I forgot to mention… I also had a random box of cigarettes put in my tip box too. I don't smoke so no idea what to do with those! It was definitely another day of unpredictability for sure!

I was back again today at Canary Wharf underground station. I played from 6pm onwards.

The set started off to a good start with lots of people passing and the usual clapping, cheering, tipping etc was happening. 

However, in the second half of my set two homeless men turned up. I have noticed them before in a previous busking session here, but didn't really think much of it previously, as you always get funny characters now and again.

Well tonight I felt quite unsafe. They both were together and one man went on one side and the other man and his dog went the other side. Basically standing right in the flow of people coming up/down the escalators either side of where I was busking. They were trying to get money before I got it, and could see I was doing well and decided to try and get money there.

Anyway one of the men started shouting abuse at me, pointing and telling me to shut up. I ignored him and carried on singing. Then the other man with the dog came over. The dog didn't look very friendly either. He straight away said: “I'm trying to work.” That annoyed me and I said well I'm working too. He then said: “Can I give you 10 euros.” I thought he wanted to pay me to leave the busking pitch, but it turned out he wanted to give me 10 euros and I give him £10 of my coins to him. I said no, as I didn't like his attitude to me or the other man. 

Next thing he was trying to intimidate me and using his dog too. There were two security men that could see what was going on, on one of the sides opposite me. They didn't come over to help until I had to say on my microphone can security come and help please. Even then I had to say it more than once and hand signal them to come over.

The security man said I'm not for this part of the station, I should ask someone else to do with the station. Basically he wasn't very helpful. The station staff were nowhere to be seen either and further up the station chatting. I couldn't exactly leave my stuff to go and get their help.

The homeless man then turned nasty, as I got the security man over and started singing badly in front of me and said well I'll have to stay here now and make my money, (as he wanted the 10 euros in £10 so he could get a room for the night. He said surely I can switch it and then take the euros to the post office tomorrow. When he said he needed to work. I said well I do too and need to pay my rent. He said your rent isn't due now blah blah).

Eventually he left after shouting out “your voice is s*** anyway!” I really did feel unsafe and no one really was bothered to help. If I busk here again I'm talking to the station staff, as I am concerned these homeless men will turn up again.

Today I was at a very busy Canary Wharf underground station from 6-8pm. It was packed! Everyone was in a good mood though because it was a Saturday night. 

I had a crowd form at one point, which was exciting and lots of cheers/clapping from the escalators in front of me. 

I always envision the escalators in front of me, as Wembley stadium with all the crowds of people and seats. It kind of looks like that from where the pitch is located and where I'm facing people. One man went past saying you need a spot light on you here too! 

I was back at Kings Cross underground today after a long time. I haven't been to this pitch in a while. My set was from 2-4pm. It was great being back here and it was so busy from both platforms either side of the pitch. 

I had people filming and the tipping was going well until I noticed my guitar was covered in blood! It looked like I caught my finger on my strumming hand on the strings and it was bleeding a lot! 

One of my new songs requires finger picking, and I tend to use my guitar pick, so I think it's my finger adjusting to plucking the strings with my fingers. The pain of such a small cut was awful trying to play, but I powered through it. Nothing would stop the bleeding though, no matter what I tried. I think people were wondering what had happened when they saw the state of my finger and the guitar. Regardless though people still tipped and I did ok.

As soon as I finished the set I signed out and the station staff were so kind sorting me out with plasters, antiseptic wipes etc.

I really did play today until my fingers bled! The Summer of 69 song definitely came into my head when I realised my finger was bleeding haha!

After sorting the finger situation out, I went on to busk at Charing Cross underground from 7-9pm. 

It took a bit longer than usual signing in due to the station lady wanting me to prove I actually had booked the slot on my phone, even though I gave her my licence. Eventually she believed me and I went to the pitch to set up.

 Next thing another busker came over saying “Oh it's an acoustic pitch, blah blah.” I said I didn't know that and put the amp really low volume anyway to be on the safe side. I will next time sing unplugged though! 

No one was complaining about the volume and I had some good tips. I even had a group of men in their 30's wanting  a photo with me and one of them said “Will you marry me? You are so cute and awesome! You will be my future wife!” Let's says it was amusing for me and other people passing. 

It was a funny evening of different characters going past in the tunnel. It was a fun session for sure!

I can't believe it's been a month already since I've started writing this blog. Time flies I guess when you are busking a lot and having fun!

Today I was busking in Liverpool St Network Rail from 4-6pm, but I swear today I was performing in Antarctica, it was so cold! My fingers felt like they had icicles on them! Note to self: bring a coat, the summer is over in London!!!

Also it was moderately busy, but people were not really in the mood for music this evening, maybe because it was so cold, as the pitch was located right by the outside entrance. I did have the occasional whiff though of the doughnut stall, which helped take my mind off of the cold, they always are so tempting haha!

It was also really lovely to have some of my lovely fans come down to see me, which made it all worth the while! I had a little audience sat right in front of me. Thank you always for your support! :)

After this session I then had a much needed tea break to warm up my vocal cords and charge the batteries/card reader ready for round 2 of busking.. Then I went on to busk at Canary Wharf underground session from 8-10pm. It was a late one but still very busy. Lots of people were tipping, clapping etc. It was nice to see everyone enjoying the music! 

A lovely lady at the end of my set came over and said I'll buy you whatever you'd like from Greggs, which is right opposite the pitch. She ended up buying me a large tea and a 4 pack of chocolate caramel shortbreads…. they were so tasty! Again thank you so much! It really made my night!

Today I arrived at a very extra busy Charing Cross Network Rail station. Swarms of people filled the concourse this evening!

I arrived at 5:50pm ready to sign in and quickly set up at the pitch. 

However, it did take longer than expected to arrive, as I couldn’t get off at my stop, due to the train carriage doors not opening! 

I also had a woman giving me lots of abuse and swear words when I was carrying my amp and trolley, (which is heavy down the stairs to the station). I put the amp down at the bottom of the stairs, as I struggled with the weight and she wasn’t looking where she was going behind me, and went into my back/guitar. I said she should watch where she’s going and yeah let’s say she was very nasty to me! Another day in the life of busking. Getting from A to B is all part of it, not just the performance!

When I finally signed in at Charing Cross, I waited for the previous busker to pack away. She was singing a lovely set consisting of operatic songs. We had a chat and I said I really liked her voice. It is always lovely to meet other buskers and ask how they are getting on with their busking journey.

After she packed away and left, I quickly set up. I started my set in the end at 6:20pm and finished at 8:20pm.

For the first half of the set money was slow to enter my box. I think this was because right in front of me was a charity asking the public for money. This hindered people seeing what I was doing. 

When they finished and packed away, I started having an audience. Money started coming in for the second half of my set, and a few taps were made on my IZettle. 

On a side note: through out my set, the Cornish pasties were so tempting. My tummy rumbled whilst I played tonight for sure! 😂

At the end of the set, I asked the Caffè Nero right opposite me if the sound was better for them, as I moved the amp away from them (as everyone is instructed to do by the busking scheme). The woman was off with me and said: “it’s still loud but it’s going to be, as you are there,” which came across rather rude and always there’s some issue with the volume of the amp at this station. Let’s say my amp was less than a quarter of the volume on the knobs! The staff didn’t tell me to turn it down, so I just took it with a pinch of salt.

Overall, lots of smiley faces were in the crowd this evening,  and only one woman had her fingers in her ears! 😂

I tried a different spot this evening. My set was from 6-8pm at Angel station. I think I've busked here years ago, but it's not a spot I've really gone to much. So I thought tonight I would give it a go!

It was very busy and no one was busking before or after me. I started before my busking time of 6pm setting up. I tried connecting my IZettle to my 3G on my phone, but my phone internet didn't work in the tunnel. I connected to the station wifi, which worked for one transaction, and refunded other people. The internet was not reliable at all for card payments! I did have tips in coins and cash though thankfully.

Everybody was very much in a rush to get home. I must say it was a very mixed bag of reactions this evening. I had lots of people smiling, giving me peace signs, thumbs up, clapping etc. However, I did have people taking the mickey out of me, making horrible faces at me and putting their fingers in their ears. I adjusted my volume on the amp, as the sound reverbrates a lot in this spot, I'm thinking maybe that might be why. But I guess you can't please everyone, even when you turn the volume right down! Busking definitely has given me a thicker skin and made me more determined to keep playing!

I also had a lot of people saying well done for my new song called: ‘Building Towers,’ which was nice! Going forward I will introduce newer songs into my set where possible too!

I have never felt more like a yo-yo than today! A lot of my day was spent setting up, packing away and relocating pitches. Haha!

I began the busking of the day at Bond St. My slot was booked from 3-5pm. I was told my pitch was towards the Jubilee Line and was directed by station staff to where it was. I set up in the spot that had a Jubilee Line sign, so I assumed it was the right pitch. I played an hour in that particular spot, and was doing quite well. However, another busker turned up and it was actually his spot, as it turned out. 

I then decided to attempt the Elizabeth Line pitch at Bond St. The same thing happened twice. I was doing well, played an hour and another busker turned up saying it was his spot.

I then repacked everything and left again. 

After a quick bite to eat, I left the station and saw how busy it was outside around Oxford Circus area. I then went hunting for a good busking spot outside. I was about to set up and then some security guards moved me on. They told me there's a legit spot I can busk at and told me where to go. It wasn't the best spot as I had hoped, and I don't think I will do it again. It was out of the way and hardly anyone tipped. It was a good experience though. I will try next time going more towards the centre of Oxford Circus! Always follow your gut!

Another busy day busking!

I started my day at Canary Wharf underground station. My set was from 12-2pm. Lots of people were smiling and saying well done today! I even had two Spanish ladies approach me asking to sing happy birthday to their son, which they wanted to record on video and send to him! It took a while to understand what they were asking me to sing, as we were using Google translate, which was a laugh using with them. I also had a a line of babies in prams watching me too, which was very cute!

Later on, I then went to Oxford Circus. However, there was a busker there before me. I don't think he was licensed with the busking scheme and he was making out it was his pitch (even though I had signed in and booked that slot). He got quite funny and didn't want to move. He then saw I had my amp and microphone stand and said I can't busk there, as it was an acoustic pitch (which turned out it was). He then called a woman up and made me speak to her claiming it was the busking rep. It wasn't. I managed to move him on, after his confrontational talk with me and started my set on time, luckily. 

In the end I sung without my amp and microphone, which let's say was quite hairy to do to start, but lots of people tipped me very well for doing it! I managed to angle myself in a certain position to project my voice to be heard, using the reverb of the station to carry my voice. It was hard at times to be heard when announcements from the station were being played though. I really did enjoy busking here, lots of people were very smiley and enjoying my set, which made my evening!

I can also say I officially broke two guitar strings today too! One at each pitch. I think it's becoming a tradition of mine!

I've been as busy as a bee today! I have been cramming lots of busking in! 

I started at 12-2pm in the London Underground at Leicester Square. It started not very busy, but towards lunch time people were very much in full flow at the station. It was a lovely start to the day, as I had an audience filming, people asking to take photos with me, cheering, clapping etc. It really made me happy! 

A lady at the beginning of the session even recognised the song I was playing. No-one in all the years I've played this song has ever recognised or known what song it was. She said: “Oh my god! You are playing the song Satellite Moments from A Street Cat Named Bob!” That was a special moment and we had a lovely chat about Bob and the film/books.

Afterwards I then decided to try busking outside in Leicester Square. Let's say I can tick it off of my bucket list now! 

I had Darth Vader clapping after each song, which let's say is something you don't see every day! Also a homeless man tapped my back behind me whilst I was singing. Turns out he was trying to tap my card machine. I had given up on using it, as the signal was terrible, so I put it behind me away. But he still was trying to tap it even though he could see it was packed away. I also had the competition of trying to sing every time the clock opposite me would play a bell song. It did take me by surprise to start with, as it was quite loud to sing over! 

As my set progressed the clouds were becoming so grey, but luckily the rain held off. People did pass me by a lot outside, but I think I was too far away from the main area where people were passing. Note to self: next time move closer!