The Golden Busker 2019

The Golden Busker is an Irish grassroots talent competition that Golden Discs proudly organised this year to try and promote the amazing gifts and hardships of our nation's street performers. The very first final was held on the 14th of September 2019 live in the Market Cross Shopping Centre Kilkenny and went down with aplomb!

The South East competition saw 2 finalists from Wexford and 2 from Kilkenny battle it out to be crowned the Golden Busker 2019. A recording bundle sponsored by The Orchard Recording Studio, Disc and Print & Bearfoot Productions was up for grabs on the day. Along with €250 worth of shopping vouchers from Market Cross and also a music voucher from Essaness Music Shop. Community Radio Kilkenny broadcasted live on the day.

We saw Colm Egan, Hallie, Jamie Gibney and Aaron Berry battle it out , but there could only be one winner. Judges Kay B , Alize Comerford and Philip Cullen had their work cut out for them deciding!

Hallie was crowned The Golden Busker after playing an amazing cover version of Amy Winehouse Back to Black followed by 3 tracks she wrote herself that wowed the judges and the crowd. The emotion in her lyrics and voice brought the shopping centre crowd to tears.

Hallie from Wexford has been writing songs since she was a child and was gifted a guitar at the age of 14. She openly discusses how she struggles with anxiety and depression her whole life and music is her escape for channelling her emotions. "I want to help people with my music, I want people to know they are not alone".

Runner up on the day was Colm Egan from Kilkenny. Colm has busked in Germany where he lived for years originally from Castlecomer Kilkenny. He sang a cover version of Glen Hansard, followed by 3 original tracks he wrote himself.

The first year of this competition was a huge success and we hope to make it even bigger next year ! The talent we had from all over the South East was outstanding and we really can't wait to see what 2020 brings! Thank you to all involved, especially our amazing sponsors. Same time next year...