Funding invention works for artists and charities

A FORMER radio DJ and rock singer has designed an easy-to-use tech tool to help musicians, chefs and fitness instructors earn a living.

BUSQR, pronounced busker, harnesses QR technology to help musicians and artists earn an income for live streaming events.

Jon Savage, director of InBroadcasting and former lead singer of rock band Cassette, created the technology.

Fans can send artists a message with their donation. This has helped hundreds of artists earn money during lockdown and helped charities raise substantial amounts.

Local singer and pianist Louise Carver said BUSQR had opened a new way of earning an income and charity-generating revenue stream for performers.

“It allows fans to contribute towards your show with no set fee,” said Carver, who performs every Sunday at 8.30pm live from her Facebook page: @louisecarvermusic.

“The BUSRQ code has been fundamental to the success of these sessions,” she said.

Local artist Arno Carstens said BUSQR had been their primary revenue stream since the start of lockdown.

“It’s easy to use and very effective. To the music lovers who have stuck with us through the streams freezing up, hiccups with wifi, bad sound and other technical difficulties, I say thank you,” said Carstens, who has been performing weekly shows on his Facebook page @arnocarstensmusic.

“I’m working on a project where fans are able to have a song written and recorded by me, for a loved one as a gift. I’m also painting in preparation for an exhibition post-lockdown.”

Savage said: “The live-streaming space has become the most powerful stage in the world and BUSQR helps artists monetise these performances in a cool new way. It has been incredible to watch a new bond form between artist and fan,” said the former 5FM presenter, who had the idea in mind for sometime.

“I was trying to come up with a new income stream for artists in the digital space but more importantly a new way for fans to be able to interact with their favourite artists.

“When Covid-19 hit, earning during lockdown became a necessity so it seemed like the right time to give it a whirl. Well, it worked. Within one week we had more than 100 users and we have not stopped growing,” he said.

Artists need a BUSQR code to be part of this project and can register on its website. If fans see the BUSQR code, they should go to camera mode, scan the code and choose their payment option.