The London Busker’s Journey: A Man, His Musical and a Pilgrimage to the Cavern: the Wayne Avrili Story

In the vibrant and diverse city of London, where the streets echo with the melodies of talented musicians, one busker stands out for his unique story and captivating performances. Meet Wayne Avrili, a seasoned busker and independent artist who has been captivating passersby with his music for the past decade. Wayne's journey as a busker takes him to iconic locations like the Tate Modern and the  tunnel under Southwark Bridge, creating an immersive musical experience for his audience everywhere he goes. 

In our recent interview, Wayne gave us his four top tips for anyone looking to busk in London. 

1. Where to Busk:

“Camden and the West End you need a license,” Avrili explained in our chat, “but there’s a lot of places you can. Just go out and try it!”

Specifically, Wayne mentioned he has successfully busked in Southbank, Angel, Greenwich and Kingston among other places. His best advice for finding a spot is to “let the music guide you,” and go where you feel your music best suits. 

2) Have a thick Skin:

though Wayne expressed most crowds where he busks are receptive and kind, you will likely come across a few drunken hecklers (especially in Leister square). He recommends emotionally preparing for this, and to just ignore any such negative interactions. 

3) Invest in a High Quality Amp: 

Wayne’s top piece of advice was to invest in a quality sounding amplifier to project yourself and do it well. “You need to project your music with quality, because you’re in the open air” he explained. Not only is it goof to keep a quality sound, but it’s even more important on the street compared to a normal gig, “it’s harder to grab attention compared to inside in a pub. A high quality amp will help you do that.” Wayne's favorite is the BOSS CUBE Street, and strongly reccomended it as the absolute BEST!

4) Find the sweet spot between what people want to hear and what you want to play:

Wayne’s vocal repertoire is as diverse as the city he calls his stage. From timeless classics by The Beatles and Elvis Presley to contemporary hits by Oasis and Sam Smith, Wayne's setlist spans across genres, showcasing his versatility and ability to connect with a broad audience. Notably, Wayne is not just a cover artist; he also writes his own songs, including his captivating full length musical "Shifting Sands."

"Shifting Sands" is a poignant musical that delves into Wayne's personal history, narrating the true story of his mother, Patricia. A Liverpool native, Patricia's life took unexpected turns when she emigrated to Australia in the late 1950s with her husband. While abroad, she found love with an Italian man, resulting in Wayne and his sister. The musical unfolds the emotional complexities of family ties, love, and reunion, making it a compelling narrative that Wayne hopes to share with a broader audience in the future.

Wayne breathes life into the performance of his masterpiece even before the story begins, his sense of humour shining through as he introduces the songs to the crowd…”the Italian man said to us, ‘I am your father!’ It was like Star Wars, but in the south end!” He exclaims at the start of the number eliciting laughter and smiles from the crowd. It never takes long for the entire crowd to sing along with the joyful performer. 

Wayne’s aspirations for his musical end on the big screen, “Thats my aim…to be like mama Mia!” 

Promoting the material while busking, Wayne has seen his musical turn heads, even having a few offers for the musical to take a local stage. He explains he is “just fishing in the crowd,” for someone to come along who will do it justice. 

Despite his busy schedule as a full-time busker, Wayne makes a regular pilgrimage to Liverpool for the Monday Club Open Mic at the Cavern Pub. For the past year, Wayne has graced the stage about twice a month, relishing the fantastic atmosphere, friendly faces, and the excellent hosting at this iconic Liverpool venue. The Monday Club Open Mic has become a pivotal part of Wayne's journey, offering him a platform to share his original compositions and connect with fellow musicians.

Reflecting on his extensive musical background, Wayne recounts his early days in the industry, from being part of a punk rock band called The Stripes Zebras to solo gigs and collaborations with various bands. However, for the past decade, Wayne has found solace and success in busking. Before the pandemic, he performed at renowned locations like Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly. Since then, he has set up his stage at the Tate Modern, providing both a sheltered tunnel option and an open-air performance space.

Wayne cherishes the self-employed, boss-free lifestyle that busking offers. Rain or shine, he finds joy in playing; the tunnel under Southwark Bridge becomes his refuge during rainy days, while the iconic backdrop of St. Paul's Cathedral sets the stage on clear days. The flexibility of busking has allowed Wayne to make a living doing what he loves, creating a harmonious balance between passion and profession.

For aspiring buskers looking to navigate the bustling London music scene, Wayne Avrili’s journey stands as a testament to the possibilities within the city's diverse musical landscape. Whether seeking inspiration from his eclectic setlist, dreaming of creating a compelling musical narrative, or simply finding the perfect street corner to perform, Wayne's story encapsulates the essence of a London busker's life – filled with passion, resilience, and the ever-present melody of the city.

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