Following the recent implementation of restriction laws on busking in Ireland, the spirit of the music scene has taken a hit. And at the heart of development for some of the finest, most established talents the industry has to offer, something has to be done.
Tullamore D.E.W have teamed up with The Busking Project on a campaign known as ‘Busking Unbarred’, which supports the buskers who grace our streets with talent and culture. As part of this campaign, Tullamore D.E.W will hold an outdoor busking event this June at Dublin’s Youbloom festival.
As discussed in our previous article on the new busking laws (read here), the performers on our streets are the ones who provide the soundtrack to the city, the entertainment for the tourists, the gap in conversation, the blank space in the photos, in return for a growth in confidence, some recognition and their bus money home. Why should the life of our cities take a hit?
Since the laws were introduced, there has been a further restrictions on Dublin’s buskers in that Temple Bar performances will now be limited to 75db (the noise level of a toilet flushing), and Grafton Street acts will be restricted to 80db (conversation noise level).
We spoke to regular busker Ray Scully about what the new laws and restrictions mean for him and for others alike.
How important is busking to you personally in terms of developing your sound, performance ethic and face as an artist?
Busking is extremely important to me as an artist. I find I develop my sound and presence more when I’m busking rather than just playing at home. It is up to me to grab the attention of passers-by to stop and listen. It’s like a release of energy and it definitely brings out the best of me as an artist. Busking allows me freedom to express my art.
As one of the leading platforms for artists to establish themselves in the beginning, how big of an effect do you think these restrictions will pose on the future generation of music?
These restrictions will take a massive effect on the future generation of buskers. I’ve noticed over the last few years in Dublin that the buskers are getting younger and younger when starting out. There’s a mass amount of teenagers and young adults showcasing their talents on the streets through some sort of performance art. As time goes by with these restrictions in place, I can see this younger generation fading away – they will have nowhere else to perform and they won’t be exposed to and influenced by busking on the streets.
It’s not only buskers it will effect either, it’s the atmosphere of these places where tourists and even locals may enjoy the busking culture. How big of an impact do you think the restrictions will have on “spectators” and the public as such?
A good, vibrant busking scene in a city can help revitalise the city and set a fantastic mood with tourist and locals. I truly believe that the atmosphere on the streets where we are seeing these restrictions will be majorly impacted. Buskers and street performers automatically send out a great atmosphere and a general buzz in the air. It will affect the artist more obviously. Busking allows you somewhere to start, where you can try and find yourself and your sound. Spectators are now missing out on some amazing open air free art, whether it be music, singing, dancing or magic.
The ‘Busking Unbarred’ campaign – how can people work alongside that to protect busking and what’s the most effective way people can act against the restrictions do you think?
Busking Unbarred is a fantastic campaign set up by Tullamore D.E.W Irish whiskey and the guys at The Busking Project to help provide a platform for buskers to showcase their talents. They are providing 10 tracks by buskers to download for free with any Tullamore D.E.W bought in select bars across the UK. People can support the acts by downloading our tracks and pushing the campaign on social media with the #buskingunbarred as loads of people are not aware of the restrictions we are facing. http://www.tullamoredew.com/uk-en/busking
On a personal level for you, what’s your biggest worry with these restrictions and why should they be re-considered?
These restrictions worry me for the younger generation of buskers and artists. I love when you walk down a city street and you can see group of young teenagers out busking, learning the trade. A lot of the time these young teenagers grow up to play music for a living, just like myself. I started playing music out on city streets at the age of 13 and progressed myself over the years to become an artist with passion and love for what I do every day. It was busking which helped me realise this. I’m hoping this project will be the start of good things to come, highlighting the problems these street performance restrictions bring.
What kind of work are you yourself doing to preserve the busking culture?
Apart from taking part in this project with Tullamore D.E.W and The Busking Project, I try and get out and busk once a week in Dublin and Galway. I take part in charity busks for the homeless around Christmas time and on cold nights. I do my best to encourage old and new artists to keep doing what they are doing. We cannot be forced to stop the freedom of art when it genuinely causes no harm to a city. I believe it is a harm to lose the busking community in any city in the world.
Very wise and honest words from someone who feels these restrictions more than many. To check out more information on the work that Tullamore D.E.W are doing and the ‘Busking Unbarred’ campaign, head over to http://www.tullamoredew.com/uk-en/busking, and remember to keep the conversation flowing with #BuskingUnbarred.