Another day at the office....

A sunny day down Northumberland street. Solo busking while supervising Effie and Rory as they did their level best to look awake and enthusiastic as they attempted to flog a big box of homemade sandwiches. It was the result of a recently dreamed up money making scheme.

They were still awake at 4am this morning, putting the finishing touches to some rather tasty feta, humous and roasted vegetable combos. They slept a couple of hours before getting out on my turf to look really tired. It was a shame, all the love and excitement that had gone into making the sandwiches to be confronted by the suspicious, scowling reality of hassled Geordies. People just like McDonalds. What to do.

Once it became apparent that it is easier and more fun making money by faux-breakdancing next to a busker, they decided to sod it and give their sandwiches to strangers outside the aforementioned fast food giant. It was a particularly heartbreaking moment when a homeless man had the bare-arsed audacity to turn one down.

Today’s busking was enjoyable. Encouraged by my nearest and dearest’s heartbreaking sighs of crushing defeat, I made the most of the sun.

One girl told me I should be on the radio.

Soon after, one lass shouted "yor shyte!"

Ahh, the critics.

While playing a particularly hectic, improvised rant of James' 'Sit Down', two lads actually did come and sit next to me and stay for about fifteen minutes. Then I had five fifteen year old girls sitting with me and giving off some kind of wrong vibe.

I think to the casual observer it looked a bit sinister.

At one point I asked if they shouldn't be at school or at home with the kids. They made faces of 'offence taken' and left soon after. I hope our abrupt parting didn't soil the strong bond we'd made as a group.

Ahem.

Unfortunately my throat seems to be somewhat on breaking point. I’m screaming and shouting for hours and it is becoming alarmingly croaky. However, my day ended with a pair of friendly buskers allowing me to play a song with their full amplification. It was a dream.

Singing with a microphone: I’m louder and I’m having to try much less. And apparently you make much more money. Something to seriously consider I feel.

Home recordings continue into the nights. A rather painstaking practice. I had forgotten how difficult it is to play something actually in time and to make a song sound vaguely interesting. Still, I’m starting somewhere near the beginning of this learning process so it is to be expected.

Right, I must go have a little rest before I allow myself to have a swift half.