Support Buskers... Join 110+ Artists on International Busking Day
We need to shift our mindset about busking. It's not what you think it is anymore. It's about getting more music pr and awareness. Join 110+ Artists on International Busking Day, 16th July 2022 at Wembley Park
Kal Lavelle joins other musicians such as Seth Lakeman, The Shires, The Dunwells and Gaspar Nali at International Busking Day on Saturday 16 July at Wembley Park.
In the past, buskers were often homeless people trying to earn money for a living. Nowadays, busking is more about showing off your artistry and getting more exposure for it and we should reward these artists by supporting them through social media, going to some of their local and small gigs and spreading the word. With social media, it's not that hard to get to know of these up and coming musicians.
Ed Sheeran and Nile Rodgers were busking years back before they became major stars. They both started out playing guitar in the streets of London, until someone noticed them and signed them up for a record deal with an indie label.
Kal Lavelle is an Irish born singer-songwriter, based between London & Dublin. The Sunday Mirror listed her as a 'One to Watch' and her friend Ed Sheeran brought her on tour in both the UK & Ireland.
So do you want to become famous like these legends? Well, start practicing your instrument now! It's become a platform to help unsigned, up and coming artists, singer-songwriters, rappers and beatboxers build their fan base... The world is your oyster these days and we, as regular people, should shift our mindset about buskers. Just recently, singing busker Maxwell Thorpe, sailed through the BGT 2022 finals with his powerful rendition of Nelle Tue Mani (Now We Are Free) from Russell Crowe's iconic film, Gladiator. You see, there are some superstars "in the making" just waiting to be noticed.
"Well her face is a map of the world Is a map of the world You can see she's a beautiful girl She's a beautiful girl And everything around her is a silver pool of light The people who surround her feel the benefit of it It makes you calm She holds you captivated in her palm
Suddenly I see (suddenly I see) This is what I wanna be"
Recognise these lyrics? Know who the artist is? It's the soundtrack to one of Meryl Streep's films in the last 16 years. Got the answer yet? This artist was busking long before she became a household name. Got it now? Okay, let me tell you... It's KT Tunstall. You may be a fan of hers or not but she, and many others, go to show that busking isn't a waste of time when done strategically.
KT Tunstall is a Busk in London Ambassador and was the IBD 2019 headliner. She says: "Busking will always be the foundation that my career in performing is built upon. International Busking Day at Wembley Park is a fantastic celebration of it in an amazing location and just hands down a brilliant day out! Do support buskers - however you can - when you see them out and about."
Kal Lavelle Festival appearances have included Glastonbury, Latitude, Strummerville, RedFest, Small World, Hear Her, Bethlehem Live Festival and Amsterdam Coffee Festival.
9 stages, 100+ artists... A family-friendly day out, taking place on what we hope will be a very sunny day, International Busking Day is all about the hottest home-grown talent and world-class street performers - a free festival you do not want to miss.
Plan your day with festival food, musicians, enjoy the Wembley Park location and heritage.
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “I’m delighted to see the return of International Busking Day to Wembley Park. London is renowned for its thriving busking scene, and this global celebration provides an incredible platform for new and established artists. Nothing is more thrilling than experiencing a live performance, close-up on London’s streets. With ten stages, and over 100 talented artists from the UK and around the world, International Busking Day will be a highlight of London’s summer of culture.”