Busker What’s Your Story? Rob Falsini

Rob Falsini

“Standout moments for me are when a strong connection with the audience is built. When that happens, busking is pure magic!”

Rob Falsini

At Busker What’s Your Story? we’re thrilled that acclaimed London busker Rob Falsini accepted our invitation to the blog to tell us a little more of his story. As well as those videos we’ve featured here, you’ll find loads more on YouTube of this amazing and versatile Covent Garden standout.

Tell us a little about your music career?

I moved to London from Rome in 2003 with the aim of becoming a professional musician. After just a few months, I was approached by Cirque du Soleil composer Benoit Jutras to be the lead singer in a massive show in Las Vegas called Le Reve by Franco Dragone, a gig I performed until 2008.

During that period I did more than 1000 shows and had the chance to sing for Sting, Celine Dion, Anastacia and many others.

I came back to London in 2008 to pursue a solo career, and (thanks to a viral video taken by a tourist in 2014) I was able to build a up a strong presence online and earned the opportunity to play gigs in Uk, Ireland, Canada, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, Morocco, Norway and Barhain.

I currently play gigs and busk regularly in Covent Garden in London. You’ll find me on social media as Robcoventgarden. 

What do you love about busking and what do you dislike about it?

Standout moments are when a strong connection with the audience is built, when that happens, busking is pure magic!

I like the idea that I have to start from zero, every single day.

The downside is certainly playing in bad weather conditions and occasionally dealing with annoying people.

If you could choose a lyric that sums up life for you, what would it be?

I honestly don’t know how to answer this one. I don’t think busking can be summed up by a lyric… Even though it seems to be the same activity, it does change every single time. 

Do you think busking can survive an increasingly cashless society?

It is gonna be tough! Unless a truly efficient card reader is made available, that is super fast and easy. But also, the mentality of the audience must change, they have to understand that if they don’t have cash, they can still donate. It is possible, but it’s not gonna be easy.

If you could change something on the streets, what would it be?

I would go back when the society wasn’t becoming cashless…

What’s next for Rob Falsini?

Who knows? LOL – that’s the beauty of this profession, anything can happen! I found most of my gigs through busking and the Chasing Cars video that went viral was only shot by a tourist, so you never know what to expect.

Have you ever busked in Australia?

No, unfortunately, never – (Well we’re waiting Rob!)

Rob is also an accomplished singer/songwriter. Here he is performing a soulful original called Christmas Lullaby that he wrote for his children.

https://www.facebook.com/Robcoventgarden-344397872309300/

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/rob-falsini/id839167918

Busker What’s Your Story? Stefano Rosa

Image Credit: Alessandro Legrenzy

Stefano Rosa

“Everything that happens is totally sincere and true, whether it’s from me or from the people. Playing on the street creates a unique atmosphere, especially when little kids start dancing or jumping all over the place. They’re so funny and I’m really thankful to them for making this experience so rich in terms of emotions.”

Stefano Rosa

Thirty-two year old Stefano Rosa is an Italian musician who grew up in a small village in the north of Italy called Coccaglio in the province of Brescia. With a music teacher and choir director for a mother and a brother who played piano and composed music, it was no surprise when (at the age of 7) he followed in their path, learning classical, electric and acoustic guitar.

Stefano enjoyed success as a guitarist in the band Sunset Baby Dolls for 7 years, opening for a number of Italian and International artists. Since 2015 he has also performed as a soloist and street artist.

Busker What’s Your Story? reached out to Stefano to find out more about his busking experiences.

You grew up in Coccaglio – what are some childhood memories there?

I have beautiful and vivid memories of my childhood. Playing soccer with my friends all day long and everyday, listening to music for hours in my parents’ car while traveling, playing with my beloved dog in the garden and doing my homework in the kitchen with my brother playing the piano in the background.

What drew you to music?

My family is made up by three quarters of musicians, so it definitely did not happen by accident!
My Mother was always listening to Classical or songwriter’s music. At the age of 7 she started teaching me the basics of guitar and it all began from there.

What do you love or loathe about busking? What are some memorable moments?

I love the fact that I’m 100% free. I’m free to play wherever, whenever, however I want to (as long as I observe the cities’ regulations). Everything that happens is totally sincere and true, whether it’s from me or from the people. Playing on the street creates a unique atmosphere, especially when little kids start dancing or jumping all over the place. They’re so funny and I’m really thankful to them for making this experience so rich in terms of emotions.

I honestly don’t hate anything about busking. Maybe I could venture to say I don’t love carrying all the equipment around, especially during hot summers.

The most beautiful thing that happened to me while busking was a lovely old woman who put a 1€ coin on a wonderful embroidered silk handkerchief. How much meaning she put into that gesture! I also remember a sweet lady who came up to hug me while I was playing an Elton John song on the Nice promenade.

If you could choose a lyric from any song that is very special to you – what would that lyric be?

Chi aspetta sempre l’inverno per desiderare una nuova estate.
taken from “Lettera” by Francesco Guccini. It means: “Those who always wait for winter to wish for a new summer.”

Have you ever busked in Australia? 

No. Never. But I follow a bunch of Australian buskers on Instagram and I have to say that Australian buskers’ quality is extremely high! I also love to watch those beautiful landscapes such as beaches, piers on the ocean where they perform. I love it!

Do you think busking can survive an increasingly cashless society?

Buskers were born thousands of years ago. They started working in the oldest societies and they kept adapting to changes so I think this will happen tomorrow as well. Buskers in London already take contactless card payments. I think this system will soon spread to many other countries as well.

If you could change something you see on the streets – what would it be?

I wouldn’t change some thing on the street. I would change some people’s mindset. Often, little kids stop and stare at me singing, but their parents drag them away as if they have something essential to do on an ordinary Spring Sunday. These parents are teaching their kids not to enjoy music, or art in general, cause it is a waste of time. Mummy prefers to watch the Louis Vuitton bags in the shop windows. I really detest this behaviour. Damn! Your kid is loving listening to music, he’s enjoying staring at me, and it’s free. You don’t even have to give me a coin. Let him enjoy it!

What’s next for Stefano Rosa?

What’s next for me? Well, I’m trying to change something in my lifestyle, in my job and my leisure time. I would like to spend more time street performing and traveling.

I’ve bought a campervan which will let me live the life of a busker in a more complete and free way. I’d like to tour around Italy and Europe.

This year I will begin touring Po River from the source to the mouth. I’m ready for anything that’s waiting for me in the future.

https://www.facebook.com/stefanorosaofficial/

https://www.instagram.com/stefanorosa/

Busker What’s Your Story? In The Groove Community Drumming

In The Groove

“My biggest musical inspirations are my teachers in West Africa. I have been very fortunate to be able to travel to Ghana on two occasions to study intensively and learn from Master drummers. There’s something very special about West African music. It’s music with a social purpose; it’s music that connects people to the moment and to each other.”

Bri Slattery – Founder of In The Groove Community Drumming

While wandering the local festivals on the lookout for buskers, Busker What’s Your Story ? came upon this cool community drumming jam at the Albury Wodonga Sustainable Living Festival in November. We asked Bri Slattery, founder of In The Groove, what community drumming is all about.

What’s ‘In The Groove’ all about?

In The Groove was inspired by both my own experience of the transformative power of rhythm, and my observations as a school teacher of how rhythm engaged and empowered my students. We share rhythm-based experiences that address four core social outcomes: education, engagement, community and well-being.

What do you all love most about what you do?

The thing I love most about what I do, is the way in which rhythm has acted as a vehicle for me to make genuine connections with a diverse range of people from all walks of life.  

What’s something memorable that’s happened when you’ve been performing?

I believe the most memorable moments don’t occur when you’re performing – rather, they occur when you are sharing the music with others – when you are actively engaged in the music together. That’s when the music truly comes alive.

There’s this amazing synchronicity – a shared, electric energy that can occur when you’re connected to others through rhythm. 

Some of my most memorable and rewarding drumming moments have been working with young people, teaching social/emotional skills through our Student Engagement Strategy. It’s amazing to witness how rhythm can teach and empower people through transforming their energy, boosting their motivation and confidence, and enabling them to connect with others.

Who are your musical inspirations?

My biggest musical inspirations are my teachers in West Africa. I have been very fortunate to be able to travel to Ghana on two occasions to study intensively and learn from Master drummers. There’s something very special about West African music.

It’s music with a social purpose; it’s music that connects people to the moment and to each other.

What’s a great piece of advice you’ve been given – and who gave it to you?

“Free your mind.”

This advice came repeatedly from one of my teachers in Ghana. Whenever I reached a block when trying to learn a new rhythm, my teacher would ask me to pause a moment and “free my mind”. I always played better afterwards.

These days, it’s so easy to become stifled by our own inner critic, or by worrying about what others think, or by overthinking the task at hand, or by being consumed with other thoughts whilst trying to execute that task.

Freeing your mind is about being completely in the moment. What I love about drumming, is that it only properly works when you are completely present and engaged in playing the rhythm. It’s also an activity that requires you to be in your body and physically awake as well as mentally alert. Drumming is just a beautiful way to bring yourself back to the moment and experience complete engagement.

Where else do you jam?

In The Groove performs and hosts community jams at a range of local festivals, community events and private functions/parties. Keep an ear out for us!

How do people get involved?

It’s easy to join our In The Groove community.

Keep an eye out for our free community jams around North East Victoria and spontaneously join in the rhythm fun!

If you would like to learn about West African rhythms and how to play the djembe in a fun, social environment, come along to one of our classes. Our community classes occur on a weekly basis in Albury/Wodonga, Beechworth, Wangaratta and Yarrawonga. We also run on-demand workshops – we love bringing the rhythm to new towns and communities.

All class details can be found on the website http://www.inthegroove.education/community and you can keep updated about our community jams on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/inthegroove.education

Busker What’s Your Story? Matt Cross

“I’ll be bringing in the new year once again by making music. Not with a band. Not at a wedding or pub. But on the main street of Albury, raising money for those in need. Every cent I make tonight will go directly to the RFS NSW. It may not be heaps in the scheme of things, but I believe that if everyone makes small efforts like this we can turn this mess around.”

Matt Cross

Matt Cross

When Busker What’s Your Story? went in search of a busker on New Years Eve in Albury, we got more than we bargained for.

Matt Cross, who grew up in Lavington and was home from Newcastle on New Years Eve, was not out celebrating with the lads, choosing instead to give up his time to support the NSW Rural Fire Service. This at a time when fire has ravaged regions surrounding Albury and taken the life of a local volunteer fire fighter.

It was heartening to see young revellers tossing notes and coins in his case where they could. Those who didn’t have any change shook his hand, appreciative of his support. Matt made an impressive $926.90 for the Rural Fire Service.

He doesn’t do a lot of busking these days, this was for a special event. Usually Matt is gigging with his band Glovers Lane of which he is a founding member and the keyboard player.

Matt was just doing his thing, a young muso wanting to give something back. At Busker What’s Your Story? it reaffirmed why we write this blog. Life is full of stories, tragic, funny, interesting and heartwarming. Music is often the glue that brings people together. Find out more about Matt Cross and his band Glovers Lane below.

You grew up in Lavington – What drew you to music as a child?

“Music has always had a hold of me. It’s a magic that’s hard to explain. So choosing to study music was an easy decision. Some memories growing up that stand out would be making music with my siblings. Both my sisters and brother learnt as well, and it was always a lot of fun trying to fit us all on the piano. These days making music with others is still just as fun. That’s a big part of the magic I think.”

What’s a standout memory from your busking days?

“I remember busking on a Christmas Eve a few years back. A lovely family from Melbourne passed through to have a listen. Not only did they donate money, but their two daughters both had a sing on the mic – and were really good! We played songs from The Beatles and Elton John. By the end of it, they had a great crowd gathered, and brought in a small fortune! Was a fantastic night.”

What’s a lyric that is special to you – and why?

“Tim Minchin’s tune “White Wine in the Sun” is up there in my top 5 songs – especially this time of year. The lyrics in the chorus talk about the importance of family over the holiday period. It gets to me every time!”

Do you write your own material?

“I have two original projects that I write for. “Glovers Lane,” a five piece band from Newcastle. And “My Friend Rupert,” an acoustic duo consisting of female and male vocals.”

You can listen to them both here:
https://song.link/au/i/1479360959
https://album.link/au/i/1441323314

Glovers Lane Original – I’ll Be Coming Home Soon

What’s a great advice you’ve been given in your lifetime?

“It’s a cliche one, but so many people have told me to do what you love. I’m fortunate enough to say that I am doing that, and I’ve never been happier.”

Do you think busking can survive in an increasingly cashless society?

“A cashless society makes it difficult, but the busking scene still seems to get by. I’ve seen progressive buskers with eftpos machines haha! It gives the punters no excuse.”

What’s something really interesting about you?

“I can juggle…
I also make a good lasagne (recipe passed down from mum of course)”

Where else can people see you gig/perform?

“For Albury locals, I’ll be back home on the 26th of January performing at the SS&A with local band “Mia Grace and the Aviators”.
“For Newcastle residents, my next show will be with Glovers Lane on the 11th of January, supporting Ash Grunwald at the Cambridge Hotel. Alternatively, follow my Instagram for all shows @mattcrossmakesmusic”

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/matt.cross.393
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/gloverslaneband/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mattcrossmakesmusic/

Busker What’s Your Story? Chaz Gunter

Chaz Gunter

“Don’t ever give up… even when people tell you no, stay focussed and it will happen.”

Sammy Davis Jr. gave me that advice when I was just a young kid. (Chaz Gunter)

Chaz Gunter is an American musician who grew up in Cupertino California. His dad was a musician who played on the Bill Cosby Show and Sammy Davis Jr. show. Starting at the early age of 3, Chaz developed diverse talents in the entertainment fields of acting, drama, dance, comedy, modeling, and music.

Chaz is now a well-known, seasoned freelance musician and entertainer in the San Francisco Bay Area and abroad. He has traveled throughout the world with various cruiselines, 5-star hotels, dance, classical, jazz, rock and nostalgia show band tours and well known artists.

He’s also had plenty of experience busking at markets and outdoor events, entertaining the crowds with his multi-instrumental and vocal talents.

We invited him to Busker What’s Your Story to find out a little more.

What drew you to music as a child?

“I was born in motor city  Detroit Michigan. My dad was an engineer for Lockheed and a professional musician, he got transferred to California when I was seven. So I grew up in Cupertino California. Dad played with  the Bill  Cosby &  Sammy Davis Junior shows.  So I grew up around the musical and entertainment world singing, dancing, acting  and modeling.”

What are some memorable moments you have encountered busking or performing?

“I wanted to busk in Morocco one day, I was there  at a resort playing a three month contract and I really wanted to busk. It was a  Farmer’s Market, it was about 90°outside and there was meat  hanging from the racks and there were flies everywhere. That gig was brutal!

The best gigs ever were in  Dubai & Asia where I played at upscale resorts & hotels.”

We’re well on our way to a cashless society, do you think busking can survive?

“Yes. Technology is your friend. Today’s age is so great with all the apps…”

If you could choose a lyric from any song that sums up life for you – what would that lyric be?

“And I need you, more than want you.” – It’s from Glen Campbell’s Wichita Lineman. To me, it means I love street performing, but it’s hard and taxing sometimes.

 What’s a great piece of advice you’ve been given, and who gave it to you? 

“Sammy Davis Junior gave it to me when I was a young  kid: Don’t ever give up. Even when people tell you no, stay focused and it will happen.”

Have you ever busked in Australia?

“No, but I really want to. Sometimes I wish I could just sell everything and go busking around the world!”

Chaz Gunter with former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown. Image Credit: Gene X Hwang

https://www.facebook.com/chaz.gunter