Why Play in the Street?
Playing in the street can bring you a lot! It’s excellent preparation for the stage. It allows you to test your presence, your original compositions, your style, and many other aspects. If you manage to capture the attention of passersby, you’ll likely be able to perform on larger stages.
It’s also a great way to rehearse and improve. People who stop won’t really judge you, as they’re taking advantage of the opportunity you’re giving them to listen. If they don’t like your music, they’ll walk away and continue on their way. On the other hand, if they enjoy your style, they’ll leave you some coins and bills, chat with you, etc. This is where your first artist-audience relationships begin.
In fact, many artists started with small street performances! And today, they produce dozens of albums and concerts! In any case, it will allow you to learn new things!
Where and When to Play?
Know the Regulations in Your Country, or Even Your City
In France
Playing in the street is a real challenge, and it’s true that in France, it’s not always easy to know what’s allowed and what isn’t.
In France, performing in a public space, such as a square or a street, requires obtaining authorization. According to the Ministry of Culture and Communication, you need the approval of the public authority in charge. To be clearer, you must request permission from the town hall. Each municipality has its own rules; some have their own department issuing permits for public space occupation, while others outright prohibit playing in public spaces…
In practice, it’s not uncommon to see musicians set up and play freely. Sometimes, municipal officers may ask musicians to leave, and in some cases, the penalty can be harsher: fines, confiscation of instruments and equipment, arrests, etc. It’s best to check with the municipality and other street artists.
The Special Case of the Paris Metro
Playing in the Paris metro requires passing an audition with the Espace MĂ©tro Accords organization, which grants permits each year. It issues around 400 coveted permits annually to musicians of different styles. Some well-known artists, like Anis, even started in the Paris metro.
In Canada
You also need to obtain permits issued by local authorities. For example, it is specified on the City of Montreal website:
The permit for musicians, public entertainers, and balloon sculptors allows its holder to carry out their activities in the public domain of the borough. Permits for musicians, public entertainers, and balloon sculptors are not limited in number, but they are subject to conditions.
As in France, you need to check with the municipality to obtain the necessary authorization and understand the rules to follow regarding street music.
Playing in the Montreal Metro
In Montreal, playing in the metro does not require specific authorization. The “first come, first served” rule applies. You simply choose one of the designated spots and set up to play. These spots are recognizable thanks to wall plaques featuring a lyre. Note that only musicians are allowed to perform!
Choosing Your Spot
Choosing a spot isn’t that simple! You need to find a busy yet open location where people can gather in front of you. Be careful not to obstruct the free movement of pedestrians and vehicles!
The best option is to choose a well-known and, if possible, touristy spot—tourists are often more generous than locals, as they’re in a relaxed mindset. City center streets are usually good spots, as are tourist sites. Small squares with lots of cafés and snack bars are also great locations. People stop there to grab a bite or a drink and often have a few coins for musicians. Ideally, find a spot large enough for people to see and hear you from a distance. This gives them time to dig through their pockets or wallets for coins. By the time they pass by, they can easily drop them in your money box.
View this post on Instagram
Avoid fast-paced transit areas; places where people are just passing through. They don’t have time to listen and won’t stop. Their goal is to get from one place to another, not to be in a listening mindset.
Playing at the Right Time
The right time will largely depend on your location. Some spots attract more spectators than others at certain times. Squares surrounded by cafés and snack bars are more fruitful during meal times! Tourist spots, on the other hand, are busy in late morning or afternoon. Keep this in mind, as there’s nothing more frustrating than setting up and seeing no one around to listen.
Managing Your Audience and Public Space
Safety
In a way, even if you’ve obtained legal permission to play in the street, you’re responsible for your “event.” If a problem arises, your liability could be at stake. It’s better to be aware and avoid any issues.
Being Friendly with Local Merchants
If you don’t get along with the merchants near your spot, you might run into problems… It’s better to greet them when you arrive and explain what you’re doing. They’ll likely be more pleasant and might even offer you a drink! A good trick is to exchange coins with them—they’re always looking for change to give their customers.
Knowing How to Say Thank You
Often, when a spectator gives you money, they expect a thank you. A smile or a simple nod will suffice to satisfy them.
Being Available
It’s not uncommon to be asked for specific songs. If you don’t know them or aren’t comfortable improvising, simply say you don’t know the song but suggest another similar one! Or something that might please them… Generally, passersby are understanding, and offering an alternative usually satisfies them.
Getting Along with Other Street Artists
The best spots are often in high demand… You need to arrive first to take advantage of them. If you arrive later, be willing to change spots. Don’t hesitate to ask when the other artists plan to leave and try to make them understand that sharing time slots is possible. They could, for example, text you when they’re leaving, and then you can take over the spot.
4. What to Play?
You’ll need a small repertoire of about ten songs. You’re not giving a concert, so there’s no need to know a one-hour set! People who stop listen to one or two songs and then move on. You can afford to replay the same songs at regular intervals.
Covers vs. Original Compositions
Playing in the street is the perfect time to test your original compositions and identify which ones draw attention!
Unfortunately, experience often shows that you need to play well-known songs to attract a certain audience. When people recognize a song they like, they gather and listen more attentively. It can be smart to start with a cover and then segue into an original composition once a crowd has formed! Your audience won’t listen for an hour—they’re not there specifically for you but are taking the opportunity to enjoy your performance. Don’t be afraid of losing them by playing your originals, as they’d leave anyway!
How Long Should a Song Last?
This is a tricky question! It depends on the audience you have that day. If a crowd has gathered, they’ll likely wait until the end of your song to congratulate you, applaud, give you coins, or even chat with you. You need to find the right moment to end the song.
On the other hand, if the audience is mostly passing by and not gathering, you can play the same song for several minutes without issue! The only people who’ll notice are those who stay in the area all day.
What Equipment Do I Need?
It all depends on what you’re playing and how many musicians are with you.
Acoustic vs. Amplified
If you’re in a group, playing acoustically can be more than enough. You should be able to cover ambient noise.
Solo, it can be trickier if the public space is noisy! Often, solo musicians bring a battery-powered amplifier to play for several hours. Without it, they might struggle to be heard. And if people can’t hear your music clearly, they won’t listen.
Be careful not to turn the volume too high—you risk disturbing nearby businesses. As mentioned earlier, if you don’t get along with them, it’ll be hard to play in good conditions!
Solo Musicians: With or Without Backing Tracks
Your ability to capture attention and fill the space will determine this choice. If you’re not comfortable, it’s better to use a backing track to help you stand out.
However, if playing a true artist’s role doesn’t intimidate you, you should be able to hold attention without backing tracks. It can be interesting to wear a distinctive outfit to catch the eye or even match your musical style to your clothing. Why not play country music in jeans, a cowboy hat, and boots?
For solo performers, a looper can also surprise your audience. A looper lets you record yourself multiple times to create a full piece with several tracks.
Standing vs. Sitting
You’re generally more visible standing. But if playing standing is difficult, playing seated isn’t really an issue. The important thing is that you feel comfortable and your performance is the best it can be.
A Few Tips to Be Fully Prepared
Know How to Promote Yourself
Playing in the street can open new opportunities: a few concert dates or gigs at private events. So, place a sign near you with your full name, website, Facebook page, email address, etc. Always have business cards or flyers on hand to give to anyone who asks. Don’t miss out on opportunities that come your way! And if you have a CD, display it prominently!
For pianists, it’s tricky to bring a grand piano outside 🙂 You’re left with keyboards paired with an amp or pianos provided in some train stations, airports, and public spaces.
Have a Money Box
It may seem obvious, but you absolutely need a box for passersby to drop coins into. It sounds silly not to have one, as it’s a standard practice… And why miss out on that money? It’ll help you make your time worthwhile. Stay attentive to what’s happening near the box—someone stealing your earnings isn’t out of the question.
Accept Being Filmed and Photographed
Being filmed and photographed is part of the street musician’s game. Don’t get upset if the audience doesn’t ask for permission. They’re not doing it with bad intentions but simply because they enjoy your performance! On the contrary, take advantage of it by inviting them to share your performance on their social media—it could bring you new opportunities!
Sources: City of Montreal website, STM website, RATP website, Ministry of Culture and Communication website.
Images: Unsplash – wenni-zhou, william-recinos, matthew-lejune, josh-appel
