Back From The Dead

So this is what it feels like to be back on a computer.

Busking. This is what it all comes down to. Not that I've had much experience in the working field, the "real world", but busking might just be my at-the-moment favourite job; one of the finest, no doubt about it.

First of all, you get to play and sing - one of the very things I like doing most - and you get MONEY for it; how crazy is that?! It's the best way to earn money, I promise you that. I'm seriously considering becoming a professional minstrel.
Secondly, if you're as lucky as me, you get to do all of the above with the coolest guitarist and flautist in town.
Thirdly, you're out in the streets, breathing the fresh air - although, to be completely honest with you, from a less idealistic perspective, you're actually sitting about butt high of the people walking by, so you do need to have prayed intensively that the passerbys aren't on a bean or onion diet beforehand.
Fourthly, you get to befriend people you would never come to meet otherwise. They either stand right beside you and breathe down your neck in a freakish way, or they ask you to play "Lord We Lift Your Head Up High" - as opposed to "Lord I Lift Your Name On High" - and sing along in an operatic way. Or...they interupt your playing to ask you whether any policemen are in the surroudings, because they're walking around with a stolen trolley - it's good, you feel like you're part of a mass conspiracy as you direct them through the back streets of Canterbury, where policemen fear to tread. Or then again, yes, my friends, there are more character highlights to be heard of, you have the two teethed ol' fella who mumbles at you in a semi drunken dance and throws 30p your way, it probably being all he owns to his name, but you figure you'll be gone by the time he sobers up, so it's safe to keep his cash. Or, you have the artsy musicians who stop to listen - you do feel quite privileged at that point - and then ask you whether you play in various venues, notably the well known one for blocked up toilets and for producing "anti-folk" heroes. You also have the father and his little son who come with their picnic chairs, unfold them before you and have a little listen and cheer you on - we made sure we played them our best tunes - they have been our best audience yet. And then you have the kind listener who waits til you have a break and offers to buy you a drink in starbucks - who in their right mind would say no to a Caramel Frappucino...? Of course, there are also the friendly faces, either strangerly friendly, or friendly friendly who come spur you on and seal the moment with a smile.

There's just a whole plethora of people to be met out there!

Of course, no job is void of shortcomings or drawbacks. The most damaging thing that occurs is to have I'm-too-cool-for-you 10 year old pikeys throwing pennies at you with a disdainful snicker - it just makes you feel "worth a penny", as Claire rightfully put it. Ear muffs are always helpful to drown out the abasing comments - they're just jealous anyway.
Equally harmful, there is the case of pins and needles eating away at your feet and legs (well, it doesn't happen to me, but some weird flautists suffer from that, occasionally).
Also, it is important to note that you can't be wearing your Sunday best while busking. Pigeon poop and cigarette butts do a fine job of re-stylising your trousers for you.
Your fingers eventually go numb and your voice leaves on holiday, but those are only minor details, not worth much elaboration.

So this is what it feels like to be a rock star.

My ears are currently seduced by: Jason Morant - Abandon