“Got a job, didn’t keep that job, and now I’m here.” Simple stuff from Erik Meier, one of New York’s liveliest busker guitarists. I often think “God, not another guitarist” when I come across a new one. It’s almost always unfair: generally speaking, the bad guitarists don’t make it as a street performer for very long, leaving only the strong and unique singers/players to survive. Erik doesn’t glorify it, though: “I wouldn’t want to do this for the rest of my life. This is no way to live.” Filmed for Playing for Pocket Change by Mark Cersosimo and Michael A. Capasso.

Playing For Pocket Change: Episode 8
Erik Meier – erikmeier.bandcamp.com

Created by Mark Cersosimo and Michael A. Capasso

Playing For Pocket Change is a series featuring musicians playing on the streets and in the subways of New York City. Often overlooked and ignored, we find out exactly who these people are and what makes them want perform in what is arguably the world’s strangest venue.

Episode 1: Erich Woodrum and Francois Nnang
Episode 2: Johnny Sheppard
Episode 3: Angel Marin
Episode 4: Natalia “Saw Lady” Paruz
Episode 5: Heth and Jed
Episode 6: Tom Swafford
Episode 7: Don Witter JR.
Episode 8: Erik Meier
Episode 9: The Singing Dragon
Episode 10: Shakerleg
Mark’s Vimeo Channel: vimeo.com/channels/pocketchange