Unlike in New York, in Paris you have to audition to perform in the subway. In fact, the city has an office to oversee arts in its Métro. Antoine Naso, current artistic director of the Paris Métro, holds yearly auditions for subway permits. These permits allow musicians and other artists to perform just about anywhere they want in the Métro. Many aspiring artists view a Métro performance license as a unique career opportunity. The license allows performers to play in front of thousands of people. This kind of exposure won’t just earn you tips from passersby — it can also help you launch a career.

A Discerning Ear

Parisians have certain nostalgia for the accordionists and other classes of performers who have been playing in the Métro since it opened. However, they don’t want to listen to just anyone. Those auditioning for a performance license say Parisians have different artistic standards than New Yorkers or Californians. Their city has long been a center of arts and culture, and ultimately most Parisians just aren’t willing to listen to sub-par performances. According to Mr. Naso, only artists with real talent are granted permits to play in the Métro.

Legal and Illegal Performances

City officials do try to regulate Métro performances as much as possible. However, it isn’t always possible for them to stop illegal performances. Many Métro performers continue to play without a license. For example, one man, a Michael Jackson impersonator, dances on the train without a permit. He’s been escorted from the train by police several times, but he isn’t likely to stop any time soon. The man makes around $2000 a month from dancing in the Métro. He feels he deserves the cash he makes because dancing on a moving train is hard work, and his back often hurts after the performances. Taking into account the Parisian standards, at least some straphangers must enjoy his dancing. Many Métro performers say if you aren’t good, you won’t make any money as a Métro performer.

Stiff Competition

Those who want to legally perform in the subway must undergo a rigorous audition process. Since Mr. Naso started his position in 1997, over 20,000 have auditioned to perform in the Métro. He says approximately 2,000 a year people apply for a Métro performance license, but he can only give out 300. That means you really have to stand out if you want to be a Métro musician.

Choosing which musicians will receive the permits is even more difficult than shopping for the used steer loaders. Last year one of the groups granted a permit was the Danny Buckton Trio. The trio writes its own lyrics, and Thibault Couillard, a poet/musician, is one of its members. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the group stood out with its poetic lyrics and original content.

Success Stories

Auditions for a Métro permit are competitive for good reason. Several artists have risen to the top after giving performances in the Métro. Hip-hop artist Lââm, rock musician Ben Harper and funk singer Keziah Jones have all launched careers from the Paris Métro. It’s becoming more and more common for studios to look for new talent underground.