BUSKING IN NEW YORK CITY
It's not easy to lug around 100 lbs of equipment to bring to New York City as an Acoustic Performer for MUNY(Music Under New York). Some say its rewarding but I can definitely tell you it has it's ups and downs. Between going back and forth to perform in the Big Apple. I am somewhat still humbled to have a chance to be able to showcase my talent to thousands of people in the subways of New York City. So far, between graduating from the now closed IAR(The Institute of Audio Research) and taking classes in Music Business in Berklee College of Music. I wonder should I still continue on this journey. I am still trying to get an internship job in New York City or even close to where I live at in Mount Holly NJ. But sometimes I ask myself if it is still worth it for a 41 year old to be competing with 20+ year old for an intern spot. Does age ever become a factor I ask myself. Between doing freelance work as a Music Business Entrepreneur, from trying to Master CD Tracks, have a hand on vocal coaching, jumping on the social media bandwagon, taking a risk at cryptocurrencies. I seem to be in a tunnel waiting... still waiting for that light at the end. Though I have had some close calls. I did missed an opportunity one time to get on the Harry Connik Jrs new daytime show. I received an email and it goes like this.
"My name is J*** and I’m a producer on Harry: Harry Connick Jr.s new daytime TV show. We are considering doing a musical performance featuring a group or individual that performs as part of the MTA Music Under New York program. I’m still working on a list of possible performers but is this something you’d be interested in if we decided to move forward? Are you currently performing in the program? If so, where? Thanks, J***
I don't know why for the life of me could not put 2 and 2 together. As if a "Brain Fart cloud" decided to hover on me and stay it's post for days. I was like who's Harry Connick Jr??? Why did I not google his name as to how I do other peoples name when I do my research. I was still in school then, but I could not get rid of that name in my head. It wasnt until 6 days later I ask my wife. "Have you ever heard of a Harry Connick Jr. "To which she replied. "Isn't he a country music singer?" And....the brain fart cloud left after that sentence. I tried to reply but 6 days is it too late. I sent the email that I was interested. The reply back of course was not to my liking.
"Thanks Oliver. We’ve already made a choice for this but if we do it again in the future, I’ll keep you in mind. J***"
And just like that. the opportunity was gone. But it is what it is and so is life. I just know that it is not the right time now. So I continue on bringing my gear to New York City for weekly gigs that ranges in tips from $9 to $300 gigs. But for how long can I do this, I don't know. I still keep going somehow. Between driving to Hamilton train station in NJ. I sometimes have to wear a mask myself not as a courtesy to protect others from people thinking I have a cough or I am sick. But really to protect my voice from some people on the train who don't cover their mouth when they cough. It's not until I get to the subway site where I am going to be performing that everything good and bad happens. But majority is good. You see all walks of life in New York. My 3 best interactions are people telling me " You sound so good that I missed my train so I can listen more." To being moved to tears by a disabled person struggling to walk across the room just to tip me. Or going through my Tip Bag and receiving a note "Thank you for singing tonight. You made me fell less alone." There are so many reasons that tells me not to give up and yet i'm now at a point to where i might not be able to afford to do this. I am hoping that things will turn up. There's got to be a reason why I have the gift to sing. I guess I have yet to find out. In the meantime, Thank you for taking the time to read. Be well everyone.
Oliver
