Three have launched a fresh live music initiative, titled Three City Stages. The aim is to take artists from grass roots level up to the biggest stages, connecting Ireland’s best buskers to new opportunities – and hopefully fans.

One of the singers on the line-up for tomorrow’s launch event in Limerick is 19-year-old Brazilian-born, Cork-based Mel Maryns.

“It sounds really cheesy to say this, but busking has always felt magical," Mel says."I was like, ‘Maybe this is what I'm meant to be doing’."

The singer-songwriter is reflecting on her early days performing in Cork, at the age of 15, after her family moved half-way across the world, from her native Brazil to Ireland.

In 2020, Maryns took another leap into the unknown, playing Dublin’s Grafton Street, which is famous for annually hosting Bono and Glen Hansard’s The Busk in support of Dublin Simon Community and their frontline work to fight homelessness.

Mel Maryns.

There are numerous ups and downs in the world of busking, not least as a result of the unpredictable Irish weather.

“Some days you get a big crowd," the singer observes, "and then the next day, you get no one and you think to yourself, ‘Oh my gosh, am I just terrible?’” But really, on certain days people are just busy and drawing them in is part of the excitement. The song that will always do the trick is John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’.

Mel Maryns laughs. It is, after all, one of those songs that many people love to hate! But plenty adore it.

WHAT'S TRENDING

One of the most interesting developments in recent years is the extent to which buskers have begun to build an international fan-base via YouTube and streaming services like Spotify. Mel Maryns released her first six song-strong EP Once Upon A Time in 2021 and the follow-up, the Final Kiss EP, in August 2022.

‘Final Kiss’, a bittersweet anthem about moving on, was inspired by a devastating heartbreak.

“My love life doesn't look good in any shape or form,” the singer smiles, and yet she chooses to focus on the bright side. “It’s okay to feel depressed sometimes, but I wanted to let people know that there’s still a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Musically, she draws inspiration from different genres, with rock, pop and country influences all jostling for pride of place. That derives from the open-mindedness busking encourages.

“I always try to find out what’s trending and what people are listening to,” Maryns explains. “When you busk on the street, you have every generation and they all listen to a different type of music, so you have to sing all the genres and cover all the years. I see what people like to hear and then I try to learn it.”

Mel Maryns.

GOOD ENOUGH

What can fans expect from her at City Stages in Limerick tomorrow? Mel Maryns explains that the artists will all play for 30 minutes. She plans to perform three originals and two covers. People can look forward to hearing ‘Final Kiss’ – but for the other songs, you’ll have to stop by to find out.

“When I got the email that Three wanted me to be part of this, I literally screamed,” Maryns smiles. “It feels so wonderful to be part of something so special. As a busker, it’s an incredible opportunity to show people my music.”

She is really looking forward to busking in the musical city of Limerick for the first time.

“You will get a lot of 'no's in music," she says. "People might not believe in you. It’s really hard to prove to people in the industry that you are good enough.

"Well, I think I am a good artist," she smiles, "because otherwise I wouldn't be doing this.”

Maryns has big aspirations for her future – which she logs neatly on her vision board.

“Hopefully I’ll have a label. And, five years from now, I'll be doing concert tours and selling out arenas. Maybe I'll have a Grammy," she smiles. "You never know.”

At the age of 19, she has it all in front of her...

• Three All For Music City Stages will tour Ireland over the coming months, supporting the next generation of Irish musicians.

Applications to perform are now open at 3.ie/CityStages.