MUSIC IN URBAN SPACES

In discussing the management and consumption of music, Warnaby and Oakes (2011) raises the potential paradox between the different continuums of live music in urban spaces.

 

Specifically, there are 3 continuums:

 

1. MANAGED / SPONTANEOUS

 

As with many live performances, Whyte (1988) posits that spontaneity and unexpectedness are sources of attraction for audiences. This is in relation to indoor music which is typically fixed and durable.

 

However, Minton (2009) revealed that buskers are constantly managed under the law such that "the unexpected rarely happens". Through location, timing and content management, buskers have to audition and plan their performances in advance and risk losing spontaneity. 

 

2. SPECTACULAR / MUNDANE

 

Given the wide variety of busking forms, buskers exist on a continuum in terms of talent and/or musical abilities. Certain buskers are seen to rely on sympathy to attract audiences, where busking serves as a "beggar" facade. In contrast, "professional" buskers with self-taught skills or extensive musical background exist on the other spectrum with varying needs. They are interested to be paid, gain an audience and market themselves as legitimate musicians.

 

This results in different experiences for consumers who might either be delighted or embarrassed by vagrant / professional buskers. It also creates clashing perceptions of buskers and invariably perpetuate the myth of buskers as beggars.

 

3. EXCLUSIVE / INCLUSIVE

 

Outdoor music is said to "champion the values of shared rather than proprietary ownership of music" (Belk, 2010) since music is not limited to a particular space. By allowing people to drift in and out from a space, audiences from different background are able to participate and enjoy music together. 

 

However, this inclusive space invites problems such as territorial issues among buskers and disruption of space by audiences. 
 

Thus, both government and buskers have to work in tandem to balance these opposing continuums when coming up with solutions and management for the busking community.