Artist

Glen Hansard: From Busker to Success

Published January 26, 2025

Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard took an unusual path to fame, starting as a street busker in the mid-1980s. He left school at a young age but found his calling in music, performing on the streets as a way to connect directly with audiences. Glen reflected on his journey during a recent Zoom call from his Dublin attic, stating, "I have been making music since I was 13," and noted, "I actually met the Frames on the street busking. There was no way to break into the music industry back then. We developed a direct relationship with the audience.”

Performance at Misneach Festival

Now, decades later, Hansard and his band, the Frames, are set to perform at an Irish music festival called Misneach at the Domain on March 16. This festival, named after the Gaelic word for "courage," was organized by Dermot Kennedy, another former Dublin busker who has achieved success in the music industry. Kennedy urged Hansard to reunite with his bandmates for this special event.

A Journey Through Music

Looking back over his 40-year career, Hansard reflects on the struggles and successes he has faced. He expressed a sense of relaxation and understanding about the music industry and life in general. He remarked, "We never did depend on the good review, the press guy or the promoter. Generally speaking, the reason people booked us was because we could put a crowd in a room. We weren’t the next big thing. We were the people continuing a tradition of people filling a room and playing songs in it.”

Balancing the rock and roll lifestyle with personal life has been a challenge for Hansard. He mentioned a newfound perspective on life now that he has a two-year-old son, stating, "It doesn’t mean you don’t keep digging and you don’t keep working, but you realize that your job on Earth has just begun now. You have to build his future, to give him confidence and send him on his path.”

Musical Influences and Breakthroughs

Hansard's journey included years of hard work as a busker and with the Frames, both of which formed the foundation of his music career. His influences come from renowned singer-songwriters like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Leonard Cohen, as well as Irish greats like Van Morrison and Shane MacGowan. In 1990, Hansard gained attention for his role in the film The Commitments, which led to a worldwide hit.

The Impact of the Film Once

Hansard’s career took another turn when he was involved in the production of the film Once, where he starred alongside Marketa Irglova. The film won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2007 for their duet "Falling Slowly." This success opened new doors for Hansard, who continued creating music, both solo and with the Frames, even forming the Swell Season with Irglova.

Despite the fame, Hansard has continued to work hard and evolve as an artist. He acknowledges the significance of his experiences, stating that he embraces each opportunity to connect with audiences. His upcoming concert in Sydney will feature a range of songs from his extensive career, although fans of Once may not hear "Falling Slowly." He emphasized, "You go to where it’s exciting, and you go where there’s joy.”

music, busker, career