Mayor Boris starts the search for London’s best young buskers

Mayor Boris starts the search for London’s best young buskers  

London's most talented buskers are being sought by Mayor Boris Johnson in a major competition to crown the capital's best musical talent.

Musicians or singers aged 16-25 are invited to compete for the coveted prize of a year's licence to busk on London Underground.  The winner will also receive studio time, live gigs at various venues and musical instruments

The competition is part of the Rhythm of London campaign organised by the Mayor as part of his drive to increase musical opportunities and education for all young Londoners.

Mayor Boris Johnson says: “As the View so purposely said on their album ‘Hats off to the Buskers’ - it is high time we recognised how marvellous our buskers truly are. I’m searching for the finest act to join the myriad of talented musicians on the Underground.

“This is a brilliant opportunity for young people to get their music heard and to practise performing live. Last year's winner Jamie West strummed orphetic tunes masterfully on his guitar and has proved a popular fixture both on the Tube and the live music circuit. I really look forward to hearing 2010's young Underground star. “

23 year old Jamie West said: “I was overjoyed to win last year and it has really helped springboard my career and get my music out to a whole heap of people. I’m releasing my winning song ‘Give Me Everything You Got’ on iTunes shortly. I’m a huge fan of real live music and thoroughly enjoy playing to live crowds. The highlight for me was playing the O2 in front of hundreds of people – an unforgettable moment.”

To enter the competition entrants have to upload a video clip of themselves performing on the ‘Rhythm of London‘ You Tube page: www.youtube.com/group/SOTUauditions2010 and complete an online registration form at: www.london.gov.uk  by 6 April 2010. Judges will then select 100 people to be filmed performing at busking slots across London on 24 April and ask the public to vote for their favourite busker. The top ten will then perform live later this year at a ‘busk off’ for the final prize.

Busking became licensed on the Underground in 2003. Before this busking was illegal and completely unregulated. Nowadays there are currently around 240 licensed buskers on the London Underground busking scheme, who play on rotation at 33 busking pitches in different stations

Information on how to apply for the busking competition is on the website www.london.gov.uk/rhythmoflondon.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1.      In 2010, Rhythm of London will be a week-long celebration of music-making, beginning on Saturday 17 April and culminating in a showcase event in Trafalgar Square on Saturday 24 April.

2.      To view last years busking finalists visit: www.youtube.com/user/Rhythmoflondon

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