The quote speaks about the value of street performances as a means of learning and refining skills in both singing and songwriting. Glen Hansard suggests that through busking, or playing music on the streets, he picked up everything he needed to know about these art forms.
On a deeper level, this statement emphasizes the importance of practical experience over formal education or theoretical knowledge when it comes to creative pursuits like music. By engaging directly with an audience in real-time, artists can learn how their performance and compositions are received and adjust accordingly. This hands-on approach provides immediate feedback that is invaluable for improvement. Additionally, busking allows musicians to build resilience and adaptability by constantly facing new challenges and environments, which are crucial traits for a successful career.
Glen Hansard is an Irish musician, actor, and songwriter known for his work in both the independent music scene and mainstream cinema. He gained widespread recognition through his role as a busker in the film "Once," where he also provided the soundtrack with songs that reflect themes of street performance and the search for musical inspiration. His unique style blends folk, rock, and indie genres, and has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following around the world.