Glen Hansard's Journey from Busker to Acclaimed Artist
The journey to recognition for Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard and his band, the Frames, began in the mid-1980s when he decided to leave school and pursue music full-time.
“I have been making music since I was 13,” reflected Hansard on a recent Zoom call from his attic in Dublin. He recounted how he first met the members of the Frames while busking on the streets. Back then, the music industry was challenging to enter, so they focused on building a personal connection with their audience.
Hansard and the Frames are set to perform at an Irish music festival called Misneach at the Domain on March 16, a festival organized by another former Dublin busker, Dermot Kennedy. Kennedy urged Hansard to bring the Frames to Sydney for this special event.
Now, after 40 years filled with struggles and successes, Hansard has started to feel more at ease with both his career and life. He reflects, “We never did depend on the good review, the press guy, or the promoter. Generally speaking, the reason people booked us was that we could draw a crowd. We weren’t the next big thing; we were part of a tradition of musicians who engage audiences directly.”
Finding the balance between a rock star's lifestyle and everyday life can be difficult, but Hansard is actively working on it. He acknowledges the inevitability of life’s end and states, “I had this feeling of passing through the center of my life, and I have lived a good life. But now I have a two-year-old son, and my job on Earth has just begun.”
Over the years, Hansard has built a career that reflects a mix of influences, from iconic singer-songwriters like Bob Dylan and Neil Young to his own Celtic music heritage represented by artists like Van Morrison.
His big break came in 1990 when he appeared in the film The Commitments, which focused on a passionate bar band and became a worldwide phenomenon.
Following this, Hansard continued to develop his craft, recording and touring solo and with the Frames. A pivotal moment in his career occurred when John Carney, the Frames' bassist, wanted to make a film set in the busking world. Hansard ended up not only writing songs for the film but also playing a leading role when the original star left.
This film, Once, became an art-house darling, leading Hansard to win an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2007 alongside fellow musician Marketa Irglova.
Since then, Hansard has not let up. He continues to produce solo records and albums with the Frames and has even collaborated with Irglova under the name The Swell Season. His work has been complemented by royalties from Once and its successful Broadway adaptation.
Hansard's reputation has grown significantly as a respected singer-songwriter, often seen performing alongside icons like Bono and Bob Dylan. He has become known for his powerful lyrics and engaging stage presence, encapsulated in the title of his latest solo album: All That Was East Is West of Me Now.
While fans of Once may not hear Falling Slowly during the upcoming performance in Sydney, they can expect a diverse showcase of Hansard's extensive career. He emphasizes, “We’re at that point where we either give up or keep striving for more.”
Looking Forward to Misneach
Many are excited about the upcoming performance at Misneach, happening on March 16 at The Domain. This event promises a mix of emotional and joyful music, highlighting Hansard's dedication to his craft and his connection to the audience.
music, artist, journey