London Covent Garden – On 11th September we went to Covent Garden and we got the chance to interview one of the so-called buskers. Who are these buskers? The aim was to find out something about their life and their activity. After a walk around the bustling borough, we came across a professional singer, surrounded by a crowd of tourists who stood in amazement at the beauty of his voice. During his break, he was very happy to satisfy our curiosity by agreeing to be interviewed. His answers may surprise readers.
You are a busker. So, what does that mean and what is exactly your job?
I am a professional singer. I have sung in theatres all over the UK and some abroad, especially classical music, but I have also done concerts and recordings. This is a special thing because if you sing on the streets, you will gain a honest connection with people, so that if they like the way you sing they will show their appreciation by clapping, giving you money, etc., while if they do not like it, they will walk away.
Why did you become a busker?
A friend of mine was doing it. He was very brave and I thought I should try it myself. It is very courageous: people can get scared.
How can you become a busker?
There are two auditions. The first audition everybody can go to and it lasts three minutes. At the second audition you have to do the busking and they decide whether you can do it or not. If yes, they give you the license.
What are the main difficulties of this job?
Loud music, people around making noise, your voice that gets tired, when you do not remember the music or you do not choose the right music for the audience.
Why is Covent Garden the main place where you work?
I think because it is traditional to have busking here and also because people think that it is a nice place to be singing.
Do you think that your music attracts people?
Yes, I think that they hear me and they come closer.
What we found out was that buskers are musicians and artists, who fascinate people along the tunnels down the Tube or in hidden corners of the City. To sum up, this interview helped us to understand more about busking, which is rapidly turning from a cultural phenomenon into an out-and-out job.