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Musical performances of all kinds can be seen in many pedestrian zones and are a joy for both young and old. These acts come from a wide variety of instruments, too. Performances of violins, guitars, and accordions, or even singers and bands can be found on the streets of this world. But can street music be more than just a simple performance? Can it be used as a basis for initial success in the music industry? That's exactly what we're going to answer for you in this article.
What form does street music take in Germany?
As already mentioned, street music is very popular all over the world and also in many parts of Germany. It makes the shopping experience livelier for passers-by, spreads joy, and fills the streets with sound. Correspondingly, bands, musical groups and solo artists try their hand at the streets and market themselves on site. Unbiased praise and criticism are combined with completely voluntary donations (often into a hat or guitar case), which also make street music attractive for young and new musicians. The following instruments in particular are very popular with street musicians and are often used:
- Accordion The accordion is one of the most popular instruments for street music. It is ideal for making a wide variety of sounds, playing interesting music and expressing joy. The accordion very often creates a good mood and represents a staple in the history of street music.
- Guitar The guitar is also a classic on the streets. Whether played solo or as an accompaniment, you can see them on street corners all over the place. Newcomers and bands also like to play street music in the form of guitar music to get feedback and reach new potential fans.
- Strings String instruments are also among the classics of street music. String artists typically play classical music, folk, or sometimes even instrumental interpretations of modern songs. String instruments on the street often impress with class and style. They pull musical connoisseurs under their spell and offer something different from classic singer-songwriters, who also often rely on street music. The reputation and ability to hold attention are comparatively high when individual strings or entire string music groups perform together.
Additional income through donations and CD sales
Many musicians use the street to gain experience, especially in the early days of their careers, and in hopes of attracting supporters. Bands and solo artists who are experienced on the stage also like to use street music, for example, if they have no stage performance for a long time, or if they want to try out new material on a random audience. Hardly any other place offers access to more musical styles and a well-mixed audience than the lively areas of the street.
Many musicians can look forward to donations and honest praise while playing street music, and they are encouraged by precisely those incentives. The voluntary donations are one of the most important ways to support these artists in their work. CD sales are also often the focus when groups perform together on the street. But it is not always easy to appear on the street right from the start:
Rules and regulations make musical development on the street difficult
As in every industry, there are some requirements to be observed in the field of street music before you take your instruments on the street. However, since there is currently no uniform legal basis for street music—each city decides for itself. We have therefore clearly summarized the most important rules for the largest cities in Germany for you:
- Berlin In principle, you are allowed to make music in the state capital without a special permit. However, it is important that you do not stay in one place for more than 30 minutes. A distance of at least 20 meters from the next residential area must also be maintained. Anyone who violates this can be fined up to 1,000 euros by the local public order office.
- Hamburg If you want to do street music in Hamburg, you should also move to a new place after 30 minutes at the latest. It is also worth noting that woodwind instruments are not permitted for street music in Hamburg. In areas such as the major shopping streets, playing is only possible with approval. Music is prohibited on Reesendamm and the Alsterarkaden.
- Cologne Street music is an integral part of Cologne's city history. Nevertheless, there has been a ban on amplifiers since 2018. The 30 minute rule must also be observed in Cologne. In addition, music may only be played for the first 30 minutes of a full hour. Anyone who violates these rules can expect a fine of around 35 euros.
- Munich Street musicians in Munich don't have it easy. In order to acquire the mandatory permit, they must first pass a special casting. Even after that, however, a maximum of ten permits will be issued per day. Five for the first half of the day, five more for the second. Many instruments have no chance due to strict rules.
Can musicians be spotted right on the street?
A look at the numerous rules shows that street music is treated differently in every city. Anyone planning to use it to build up an extra income or possibly be discovered should include this in their decision. However, discoveries from other countries show that great talents can be right under your nose on the streets. One of these musicians is Mike Rosenberg, who literally made it from the street to the big stages.
With his world-famous song “Let Her Go” he made a name for himself on the street and later in the music business. Street music made him better known and significantly boosted his CD sales. The musician from Great Britain, now known as “Passenger,” still performs on the streets to get direct feedback and to always remember the origin of his success. Right here you can listen to the hit song “Let Her Go” for yourself to get a feel for the impressive music of Passenger.
Ed Sheeran experienced a similar trajectory. When he was only 14 he moved to London to devote himself fully to his music. He wandered through the streets with his guitar, recorded his own songs and played his way up to the small clubs in town. His musical contributions were shared with increasing frequency, especially on social media, which gave him his breakthrough. Songs like “I See Fire” are hits to this day.
Festivals, events and major concerts as a point of contact
Nevertheless, it has to be said that very few musicians successfully make the jump from the street to the charts. For many street artists, the street is just a good introduction to further improving and collecting direct feedback. Much more effective are appearances as a support or opening act at big concerts or one’s own small events that go beyond the small scope of a street gig. Festivals are also an excellent first big stage experience, and you can often apply to them as a newcomer band. At this point we would like to recommend you our experience report on the Together Kiel Festival, which you can read here.
Marketing as an important key to more success
If you want to market yourself and your music even better, you should definitely give street music a try. It shows you at first glance which target group you are addressing and which feelings your music can trigger. In order to be able to make a living from your passion in the long term, however, you’re going to need marketing that reaches much further. This can be achieved nowadays, for example, through social media, with which you can build a significant reach. One advantage of social media is that you can sidestep the rules and regulations that accompany street performance. Another advantage is the massive social media community backing you. In addition, most social media can be used completely free of charge, which means that the marketing effort is significantly lower. We'll tell you more about that topic in our posts on music marketing on TikTok or on Instagram.
Is street music worthwhile for beginners?
It is very difficult to say in advance whether street music is worthwhile from a financial point of view. Financial success on the street depends above all on your location and the generosity of your on-site audience. With the addition of CD sales you not only generate an income, but also draw attention to other songs and yourself. This increases your chance of building a fan base and appearing successfully later on.
To test new songs, to see how you are received by your target group and to increase your self-confidence during a live performance, street music is always worthwhile. For many musicians, they’re not doing it for the money, but for contact with listeners, like-minded people, and music lovers.
Street music—how creativity and inventiveness can help you
Before you even start street music, you should keep a close eye on the rules and requirements in your city. This protects you from legal disputes and ensures that you can fully focus on your songs during the street music. If you would like to make new contacts from the music world yourself or if you would like to exchange ideas with other musicians about street music, you are at the right place here at mukken.