Sarah Blasko has just released her new record, as recent coverage on The Vine will have made you aware. Earlier this year, however, she recorded some solo versions of album material for Sydney-based video site Shoot the Player.

As with all of these taking-it-back-to-the-street video sites (Take Away Shows in Paris, for example), there’s spontaneity, charm and ingenuity to the performances. The artist (player?) is shifted to some new environment where passersby cast quick judgement on their songs, somewhat free from the many mediations of the record industry. As in, video cameras aside, this person could be any old busker, competing for attention on the footpath.

Blasko battles the buzz of a tattoo parlour, playing piano as people scan the walls to find the eagle they want inked on their backs or the Oriental character just right for their ankle. Then invites members of the Chinese Community theatre group to join her onstage (their response is to shuffle quietly away). Then, seeking a slightly more familiar space, heads to a cafe. A jumble of hometown places, then, to introduce people to her new album.

More videos of Blasko's performances can be found at the Shoot the Player site.