Busker What’s Your Story? Eliza May

Eliza May

“I love the line ‘I am one step heavy and two steps high’ in the song ‘Without You’, by Oh Wonder.  I see it as such a positive line.  To me it means that even when things go wrong, there’s more good in the world than bad.”

Eliza May

Eliza May is a young singer/songwriter from Birmingham UK and a Popular Music graduate from Falmouth University.

Eliza’s passion for performing saw her begin her busking adventure around 5 years ago in Birmingham. Eliza then moved to Cornwall to study music where she says busking was an enjoyable way to help fund her studies and hone her craft.

“Around my studies, I managed to find time to visit other musician friends who lived in Liverpool and took the opportunity to busk there as well.  It was a great experience, busking all around the UK; it allowed me to meet lots of new people and get my music out to different parts of the country,” she says.

There is a chilled indie pop vibe to Eliza’s original music which she says takes inspiration from artists such as Corinne Bailey Rae, Tori Kelly, Skinny Living and Frank Turner. She has released four singles on Spotify and an EP titled Inner Damage on Soundcloud.

Eliza continues to busk and is also gigging regularly around Birmingham and other areas of the UK as a solo artist with her full band.

We’ve invited Eliza to Busker What’s Your Story? to find out a little more about her experiences as a busker.

You grew up in Birmingham, what can you tell us about your childhood there?

I spent a lot of my time focused on music. From the age of 3, I started singing along to Avril Lavigne and picked up the guitar at the age of 6.  

Growing up, I realised that I loved everything about music and spent my childhood immersed in it.  I’ve always had a passion for singing and learning instruments,  any instrument I could get my hands on and learn to play.

How much time would you spend busking?

When I was in Birmingham, I’d often busk at least two or three times a week and when I was studying in Cornwall, I’d busk once or twice a week.

Can you share some memorable moments?

I think the best moments when busking are when other people can get involved with the experience.  

In 2017, I used to busk with an amazing musician called Amelia Wallace.  One of my favourite most memorable moments was when we were singing together in front of a large circle of people and a woman stepped forward, into the middle, and started dancing which made the crowd cheer and clap.  It was one of the most wholesome moments I’ve experienced busking.  

Another great memory is of a Spanish man who came over and asked to play a song. I said yes and he sang the original version of Despacito flawlessly.  It was such a great performance of the song; everyone was so impressed that they started clapping and cheering.

If you could choose a lyric from any song that’s special to you, what would that lyric be, and why is it special?

I love the line “I am one step heavy and two steps high” in the song Without You by Oh Wonder.  I see it as such a positive line.  To me it means that even when things go wrong, there’s more good in the world than bad.

What’s something really interesting about you?

Well, along with being an artist, I also do a lot of community music work around the West Midlands.  

This involves working with people of all ages and abilities, including people with mental health and physical disabilities, to help get them involved with music.  

I have a strong passion for helping people get into music, no matter what experience they have. I love working in these settings because I see how much of a positive impact each project has on the people involved.

We love your collaboration with Nath Brooks called ‘Reach’ what can you tell us about that?

Nath Brooks is an upcoming singer songwriter that I met on a songwriting project at The Song Lab in Birmingham a couple of years ago.  We wrote the song “Reach” whilst on the songwriting project and near the end of 2019 managed to find the time to record it.  

We made a live video of it for his YouTube series “Brumtown and Around” which aims to showcase collaborations of people in and around Birmingham, UK.

What’s next for Eliza May?

At the moment, I’m working on my second upcoming EP.  Last year I finished writing all the songs for it; now I’m in the process of jamming out the songs with my band and then we’ll be in the recording studio laying down each track.  

I also plan on playing more full band gigs.  Last year I managed to play two massive shows with my band but this year I want to play a few more.  I can’t wait for the spring/summertime as well, so I can get back to busking on the streets.  One of my goals this year is to be busking more in London, so hopefully that’s where I’ll be next.

Facebook ~ https://www.facebook.com/ElizaMayOfficial/

Instagram ~ https://instagram.com/elizamayofficial

Twitter ~ https://twitter.com/elizamaymusic

Spotify ~ https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Pbpr3htIU9fvBsn2bPYno?si=lckxc2lmSLaHvRluoOgHEQ

Soundcloud ~ https://soundcloud.com/eliza_may

YouTube ~ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZurXjn7wa_ixwduWnqqOA

Busker What’s Your Story? Jeremy Kerr

Jeremy Kerr

“Music was my first love, and it will be my last
Music of the future, and music of the past
To live without my music, would be impossible to do
For in this world of troubles, my music pulls me through.”

John Miles

Jeremy covers Sandstorm by Darude and Bad Guy by Billie Eilish

It was March 2017, a typical Saturday evening in Albury, NSW. Young merry-makers were wandering between the pubs in Dean Street. Albury musician, Jeremy Kerr, was set up on his usual busking corner opposite the post office.

A group of passers-by asked Jeremy to play a rendition of Darude’s Sandstorm on his Melodica, an instrument that had captured their curiosity.

An obliging fellow, Jeremy agreed. The result now lives in the Albury Music Legends Hall of Fame (well, it would, if there were one).

The video of Jeremy nailing every note of the popular rave anthem, with a small flashmob of revellers, went viral, attracting an astonishing three million views in just 24 hours after it was picked up by popular Facebook page The LADBible. The humble melodica, and the humble Jeremy, were suddenly centre stage.

The Melodica is a free-reed instrument similar to a pump organ and harmonica. It has a musical keyboard on top and is played by blowing air through a mouthpiece fitted to its side. Pressing a key opens a hole, allowing air to flow through a reed. They are popular in music education, particularly in Asia.

Wikipedia states that the instrument was popularised in the 1970s by reggae musician Augustus Pablo. We believe this needs updating to state that it was popularised one Saturday evening in Albury in 2017, by musician Jeremy Kerr!

We invited Jeremy to the blog to talk about his busking experiences, other than on that fateful occasion.

Why the Melodica?

Mostly because there’s so many guitarists out busking. I just wanted to kind of stand out from the crowd. Melodicas are not very well known so I thought instead of playing guitar, why not do something different?

Is it difficult to play?

Only as difficult as learning the piano. I had about 1 year of keyboard lessons when I was in Year 11 and it’s pretty much just the same principle as piano.

What are your most requested tunes?

Obviously Sandstorm is the standout. People just associate with me with that one now. Also the Super Mario theme is a popular one, for some reason I get asked for that quite a lot, not sure why, must be a lot of gamers out and they probably associate that one with memories from their childhood.

What other instruments do you play?

My first instrument was the classical guitar. Then I moved on to the trumpet, then I tried the tin whistle. When I was young my parents took me to the Port Fairy Folk Festival and bought me a tin whistle there. I made all sorts of random sounds on it. It wasn’t until I was about 16 that I tried to hone my skills on it and eventually, with enough practice, I learned to do all manner of things with it. I can also play the harmonica, I sing a bit, I’ve dabbled in trombone, saxphone, ukulele. Overall I can play about 6 to 7 instruments fairly competently and on top of that another 15 or so, average (very average).

Where do you do most of your singing?

I perform A Cappella with a barbershop quartet called Good Gravy. Our biggest performance was at Albury’s Carols by Candelight in 2019. We were pretty stoked with that performance. We’ve also busked regularly at the Farmer’s Market on Gateway Island as well as a few other gigs.

You busk late at night. Does that cause you any issues?

Not that I’ve experienced directly. Sometimes I’ll see a few fights but I’ve never been involved in them. One time someone started a brawl directly in front of me, in that situation there’s not much I can do except keep playing, or if it gets too close, just move out of the way. I did have to do that once, the police came and the guy was arrested.

Probably the worst I’ve had is a guy driving past winding down his window to yell: “Get a job you Hippie!”

Apart from the viral moment, what are some standout busking memories?

One night I was playing the song We Like To Party. Someone stood up on this little wall next to me and did a backflip, landing it perfectly, right on the chorus. So that was a highlight.

Another night I had my head down playing and when I looked up, Barry Morgan was standing right in front of me. I thought ‘OMG, it’s Barry Morgan!’

Barry Morgan is the character in Barry Morgan’s World of Organs, a stage show/comedy based on a fictional electronic organ salesman from Adelaide, portrayed by Australian musican and comedian Stephen Teakle.

So Barry Morgan was standing right there watching me fiddle on my organ (so to speak) and I was a bit starstruck for a moment, but thank goodness he complimented my playing.

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

Mum once gave me this advice – “you don’t have to be perfect, just be the best you can be.” That really stuck with me.

Also, one quote I read that really struck a chord with me was “if you want to conquer fear, don’t sit home and think about it, go out and get busy.”

I see you have an eftpos square – how do you find the reponse to that?

As for popularity, it’s paid itself off. I bought it on Halloween in 2017 and tips had paid for it within a couple of months. So some people definately will use it. If people don’t happen to have cash on them, it’s just a convenient option. I don’t pressure people, I just make sure they know it’s there.

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

Definately the first song that comes to mind is one by John Miles called ‘Music.’

“Music was my first love, and it will be my last. Music of the future, and music of the past. To live without my music, would be impossible to do, for in this world of troubles, my music pulls me through.”

What’s next for Jeremy Kerr?

This year, the very next thing I have planned is Australia Day. I’ll be conducting the Wodonga Brass Band for the first time ever. Our conductor is having surgery and she’s asked me to lead the band for the anthem and a few songs before the ceremony.

Also Good Gravy are looking to do a few bigger concerts during 2020 and I’ll also be performing as part of the orchestra for Monty Python’s Spamalot which is being presented by Livid Productions.

https://www.facebook.com/JezzaTheMusical/

https://www.facebook.com/goodgravyquartet/

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? 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? Sherri Parry

Sherri Parry

“I’ve always had a very squishy soft spot for ‘What A Wonderful World’ by Louis Armstrong. That song plucks at my heart strings whenever I hear it or play it. It makes me think of my Grandfather in particular, and my family. It never fails to remind me that the world is wonderful – you just have to choose to see it! ”

(Sherri Parry)

Image Credit: Craig Zillmann

Bendigo local Sherri Parry is well known for the changing hues of her brightly coloured hair, but it is her music that sets her apart.

At 21, Parry is already making a name for herself as an exciting talent in Victoria’s folk scene. She has collaborated with many musicians on her journey so far, since beginning her career at the age of 12, singing at open mic nights and small gigs in Central Victoria.

“I think I was 13 or so when my parents let me go to The Bridge where I performed with a duo there,” Parry told reporter Chris Pedlar at The Bendigo Advertiser. “That helped me become accustomed to performing for crowds and it wasn’t that intimidating. It was a great stepping stone and a brilliant way to develop how I play.”

Parry’s ongoing participation in the annual Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival has put her songwriting abilities in front of many industry professionals and afforded her mentors such as Grim Fawkner and Tom Lee Richards.

“In writing songs I have never really tried to emulate anyone, because I was always writing for myself.
But there are a lot of bands who I have listened to like Radiohead, Tori Kelly, Led Zepplin and Beyonce. The list is endless and I have learnt to gain influence from every kind of genre,” she says.

We invited Sherri along to Busker What’s Your Story? to find out a little more about Bendigo’s golden girl.

What drew you to music as a youngster and eventually to busking?

“I first learnt to play violin in grade 2, only in an attempt to emulate my big sister who was also studying the instrument. But I quickly became bored with the classical and strict lessons, and chose to pick up a guitar instead. Everything spiralled from there. Since I turned 16, I’ve learnt how to play, sing and perform for myself. Creating and performing were the things that kept me grounded and happy, and they still do. The freedom that came with the desire to learn and improve on my own, coupled with unwavering support from my family, is what pushed me into really wanting to make a career out of music.”

If you could choose a favourite lyric, what would it be, and why is it special?

“There are far too many songs, and far too many lyrics brilliantly scattered across this world to choose one line or one song. But I have always had a very squishy soft spot for What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong. That song plucks at my heart strings, whenever I hear it or play it. It makes me think of my grandfather in particular, and my family, and it never fails to remind me that the world is wonderful – you just have to choose to see it.”

Tell us about your new song?

“It’s called Greed and it’s the first song released from my new album coming 2020. It’s actually also the oldest song that will be gracing the album, having been written by 15yo me in 2013. Greed is about simply that – Greed. It was written during a time in my adolescence where I realised that particular people who persistently spoke to me and sought my attention, only did so for their own gain and benefit, often being a romantic one. I quickly learnt that I wasn’t fond of that at all, and Greed was the result.

Over the 6 years of performing it, it’s definitley become a staple in my set list and a song my audience could probably recite the lyrics to. It’s one I let loose on each show, I throw all my angers and frustrations at the world into it, and like to think others do too.

But they’ll have never heard it like this – with a full band backing, incredible production, and a hell of a lot of work, it’s their first tiny sliver of the delectable cake that is this new album.

Greed is the roots of this album, the oldest and probably most loved song I have, and that’s why it’s the first single to be released. It’s a familiar welcoming into what you already know, and what awaits you.”

The song has just been released today and is available here:

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2EZHLFK
ITunes: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1492267411?ls=1&app=itunes
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1492267411

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

Family. It’s the most important thing. They’ll always be there. Don’t forget that.
“My cousin told me this a few months before he passed, and it’s cemented in the walls of my brain ever since. He was right.”

What’s a memorable moment you’ve had busking?

“Years ago I was a part of a duo called Him and Her, in which I performed a side spot for the Bendigo Easter festival in the middle of a street. We had our cases set in front of us, a portable battery to run our amp, an incredible amount of people coming and going. Plus we were both relatively new to the busking/performing.

So when we had about 50 people stop to actively listen to us, we were amazed. But that’s not my favourite memory. As we packed up our gear that day, I had a woman with her baby in a pram come up to me who said that we’d put her crying 2 month old girl to sleep with our music. I remember feeling so touched, delighted, and excited.”

Where else can people see you perform?

“I play around Bendigo, my home town, regularly. Frequenting the Old Church on the Hill, The Golden Vine, and the Moonlight Market.

My home away from home is The Thornbury Local in Melbourne that I get to serenade every couple of months too. So if you look for some colourful boots and bright hair next time you’re around these spots, ya might just find me!”

https://www.facebook.com/sherriparrymusic/

https://sherriparry.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sherriparry/

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

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Busker What’s Your Story? The Ghost Buskers

The Ghost Buskers

“Rock and Roll music, if you like it, if you feel it, you can’t help but move to it. That’s what happens to me, I can’t help it. Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do ’em all together I guess.”

Elvis Presley

The Ghost Buskers sing their covers of Blue Suede Shoes & Tutti Frutti

We found these two guys from Argentina on their first night busking together in Surfers Paradise. Both have played gigs in Argentina but they are newcomers as a busking duo.

“What’s your name?” we asked.

“The Ghost Buskers.”

“Oh, we like it!” we said.

“So did we, when we filled out the permit papers today!” was their cheeky response.

The gold coast crowd were enjoying their covers of Elvis classics, complete with a little washboard percussion.

Good luck fellas – we hope the Ghost Buskers continue to haunt Cavill Mall with their happy tunes.

Busker What’s Your Story? Tablao Sur

Image Credit: “SAM_4413” by Bryn B. Jones CC BY-ND 2.0

Tablao Sur

“The magic of Spanish guitar, the virtuosity of electric bass, the dynamics of the dancer’s tap shoes – this variety of percussive sounds combine for a spellbinding experience we call Flamenco Global Fusion.”

Tablao Sur

Under caves in Barcelona’s beautiful Park Guell a passionate Gypsy flamenco dancer stomps his feet to a commanding beat of castanets, hand clapping and flamenco guitar.

We don’t know their story – but we feel their passion.

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