Open your ears, folks. Glasgow's streets resemble a gigantic jukebox, a treasure trove of musicians of all ages and styles. Walking through Sauchiehall Street, down Buchanan Street and onto Argyle Street, it feels like stage diving from one concert to another. From traditional Celtic tunes to classic rock - you name it, Glasgow's buskers play it.
Half way down Buchanan Street, rocky guitar sounds are mingling with a soft voice. It's Sarah, playing on Glasgow's central stage for the first time ever. The 16-year-old from East Kilbride is doing her Highers in Music and decided to use this busy Saturday to get some busking practice. She says: 'Glasgow is really good for gigs, it's got a good atmosphere.'
A bit further up, David Hadley and his mandolin are entertaining the audience with traditional Celtic tunes. He used to be part of Clanadonia, the famous tribal drums and pipe band from Glasgow. They still play together every now and then, but most of the time, you'll find him busking in the city. He says he enjoys to get out and meet people, but that he also needs the music to get by: 'I'm self-employed. If I didn't play, I'd be homeless and starve.' He comes to the city centre four to five times a week, sometimes by 7:30am to get a decent spot. When the city is bustling with people and the weather is good, he plays for three to four hours. Today, the rain queers his pitch but David doesn't mind. He's got a gig with Clanadonia in the evening.
Aaron Smith is a regular, too. In fact, he busks every day. All set with his guitar and amplifier, the 19-year-old fills the streets with his new folk sound. He's played in London and Dublin before, but Glasgow is home. 'It's always good for busking, but there are a lot of us,' he says. To get his favourite spot near Debenhams at Argyle Street, he sometimes has to be there at 6:30am. The commitment pays off: he sells his own CD, plays pub gigs and has even been on tour with 'X Factor' finalist Nicholas McDonald.
Further on, the sound of Guns N' Roses suddenly cuts through the air as Borja starts his show. With his wild black hair, his topper, and the leather jacket, the Spaniard looks like a young Slash. 'My favourites are Guns N' Roses covers, but I also like ACDC and other classic rock.' he says. For his own band Wicked Stone, however, he puts pen to paper. When asked why he busks, he says: 'I only started playing when I came to Glasgow two years ago, I never busked in Spain before. But it's fun and it pays the bills, especially on nights out.'
Guns N' Roses riffs sound again, as some hip hop tunes can be heard in the far distance. The jukebox is turning... play it again, Glasgow.
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