AUSTIN, Texas — There has been a lot of talk surrounding the recent changes to Austin's homeless ordinances.
However, with the changes to the homeless ordinances, other people are affected, like musicians.
Rick Carney, the Austin Music Commission chair, said the legality of busking in Austin wasn't clear before.
"There were some ordinances that said busking was allowable but other people challenged that. So this just gives us a much clearer picture of what’s allowable and what’s not allowable," said Carney.
Busking is playing music or performing some form of art on the street, sidewalk or in a public place for donations.
Carney noted musicians still have to follow a noise ordinance and keep out of the right-of-way, but said the changes to the homeless ordinances stopped the confusion about busking's legality in Austin.
"Kind of the law of unintended consequences – the new ordinance on homelessness has allowed busking to take place without any question on its legality,” he said.
KVUE reached out to the City of Austin about the change.
A spokesperson said in a statement: "The amendments made by council to 9-4-13 removed the prohibition on the hours someone may 'solicit' funds downtown. Previously that restriction was 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. With the amendments, that restriction went away but performers are still required to abide by the noise ordinance portion in 9-2-3."
Carney said busking gives musicians more opportunity.
"I know that young musicians coming to Austin, with the affordability issue, it’s hard to make a go here," said Carney. "So every little bit that they can do, any performance opportunities, any extra income, is just going to help them be able to stay in Austin."
Andrew Price and Nathan Swope met in Downtown Austin on Tuesday and decided to start playing some music for the people.
"This is the first city I ever busked in. It’s a thrill. I love it," said Swope. "It gives a musician an opportunity to play in front of people."
Price said, while some extra cash is nice, he doesn't busk for the money.
"For me, it’s just the love of music. It’s for its own sake. You do music for music’s sake. It sort of is its own reward," said Price. "Yeah, money is great. I’m never going to say no to a $20 bill, but that’s not why."
Both Price and Swope said they were happy to hear there are not any questions surrounding busking's legality in the city anymore.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: