The most unsuspecting place of all to host lively entertainment and stage hidden talent is not in a location of heavy foot traffic, but rather, it is directly below it – the London Underground. The world famous tube station that stretches for 250 miles is breaking conventions of where talent can be found.
According to the BBC, musicians of all varieties were lining up to audition two days ago (4/3/2024). London’s rich tapestry of cultural diversity is certainly being reflected in the 280 people that auditioned this week in the Busking competition. This reported audition on the 4th March took place at Southwark station and was judged by three expert music industry judges. The other judges (unofficial of course) include the passing public who are intrigued and pulled to the vibrating musical tunes that echo through the underground. Auditioners are judged on their technique, overall performance and unique style. According to the TfL, the ‘shortlisted musicians will perform to a panel of musical experts and TfL operational staff in a busy station environment and judged on technical ability and audience response.’
The busking auditions have been a 20 year tradition and it is particularly exciting this year because it is happening for the first time since 2018, due to the Covid19 pandemic. To name a few auditioners, there is 19 year old Macy O from Shropshire, and Andrew Bruell the garage / R&B saxophone player, and Fabio, also known as the “Pianist Without Borders”. According to the BBC, Fabio is one of the 200 buskers registered for the Busking Scheme. He’s been busking for 20 years and wants to continue to do so forever. He busks 7 days a week and compares playing the piano in the underground to “meditation for 5 hours a day”. His love for busking began through a story that can only be defined as divine intervention. He took the bus in the wrong direction at 1am in Leicester Square, and his attention was gravitated towards buskers playing the drums and he instantly fell in love with it. He has been living like this for 20 years believing that “the more you give, the more you receive.” He compares the competition to “X-factor,” as they play for 4-5 judges, then they send an email saying if they will take you and give provide you with a license. There is a community underground. Fabio mentioned a lady who gives him an “amazing sandwich” daily, and has done so for years. Despite this community, each contestant wants the same thing – the prize. The BBC reports that you “can smell the competition in the air.” The prize is not a record deal, or cash, but it is a license to busk on the London Underground. The successful singers will join 200 buskers on the Tube, London Overground and Elizabeth Line.
What we can compare to Britain’s Got Talent, is ‘TfL’s Got Talent.’ TfL stands for Transport for London, and they are working with ‘Found in Music’. The auditions are coordinated by ‘Found in Music’, a program supported by the Mayor of London (Sadiq Khan) and they run the Busk in London. According to the Music Programme Director Kate Jones: “Found in Music is delighted to be working with TfL on the audition process for the iconic London Underground Busking Scheme.”
Overall, it is clear that “London’s Calling” (The Clash) from the Underground, where there is over 100,000 hours of music on an annual basis. It is an exciting and unique time in London’s Underground. Emma Strain, the TfL’s Customer Director, said: “As we enter our busking programme’s twentieth year, I can’t wait to hear the songs of a whole new generation of buskers. It is a vibrant part of London culture and we’re proud to celebrate 20 years since we introduced the busking scheme on our network by opening auditions again…”
