Becoming a musician ⏲️ 6 Minute English

Summary

In this episode of BBC Learning English’s '6 Minute English', hosts Pippa and Neil explore the life of musicians, interviewing aspiring artists from around the UK. They discuss how music careers can start, from open mic nights to busking, and the challenges and joys of being a musician. Listeners are introduced to Bailey, who grew up in a rich music scene, and Josh, a busker who shares how street performances have opened doors for his music career. The episode also delves into UK chart history, revealing that Elvis Presley holds the record for the most number-one songs. Vocabulary related to music and performance is highlighted throughout.

Takeaways

• 😀 Musicians often start their journey at open mic nights, where anyone can perform music and gain experience.
• 😀 Songwriters' circles are gatherings where people come together to share and write their own music.
• 😀 The phrase 'take someone under your wing' means to guide and protect them, often in a mentoring way.
• 😀 Busking is a common way for musicians to earn money by performing in public spaces, such as streets or parks.
• 😀 A 'main earner' refers to the primary source of income for a person, especially for musicians like Josh, who relies on busking.
• 😀 Gigs are informal terms used for musical concerts or performances, often used in the music industry.
• 😀 The phrase 'to owe a lot to' someone means to attribute your success or happiness to that person or thing.
• 😀 The UK has a weekly chart of best-selling songs, where the top song is called the 'number one.'
• 😀 Elvis Presley holds the record for the most UK number one songs, with 21, surpassing The Beatles' 18.
• 😀 A musician’s life can be stressful, especially when dealing with fame, but many still dream of becoming successful in the industry.

Q & A

What is the primary theme of the episode discussed in the transcript?

The primary theme of the episode is the journey to becoming a successful musician, as well as the challenges and experiences musicians face, including busking, open mic nights, and music gigs.

What type of events does Bailey mention attending as a young musician?

Bailey mentions attending open mic nights and songwriters' circles, where musicians gather to perform and share their music, often influencing her musical style.

What does the phrase 'take someone under your wing' mean, as used in the transcript?

'Take someone under your wing' means to protect or guide someone, as Bailey described being guided by older musicians in the songwriters' circles.

What is busking, and how did it impact Josh's career?

Busking is performing music in public places to earn money. For Josh, busking was his main source of income and played a significant role in securing opportunities, gigs, and connections that helped advance his music career.

What was the name of the song performed by Josh in the program?

The name of the song Josh performed in the program is 'That Side of the Wall.'

Which musical artist has had the most number one songs in the UK, according to the quiz in the transcript?

According to the quiz, Elvis Presley has had the most UK number one songs, with 21, surpassing The Beatles' 18 number one hits.

What are open mic nights, as described in the transcript?

Open mic nights are events where anyone can perform, whether singing or playing music, allowing musicians to showcase their talent in front of an audience.

How does Josh describe his relationship with busking?

Josh describes busking as his 'main earner,' meaning it is his primary source of income, and he credits it with providing him many opportunities and connections in his music career.

What does the term 'gigs' refer to in the context of this script?

'Gigs' refers to musical concerts or performances. It's an informal term often used to describe live music events.

What influence did the older musicians at the songwriters' circles have on Bailey?

The older musicians at the songwriters' circles influenced Bailey by exposing her to 1970s music, such as songs by James Taylor and Carole King, which significantly shaped her musical style.