Tube busker close to deal

As one of the first official buskers allowed to perform on the Tube, Hadar Manor would sing and play the harmonica at West End stations as commuters hurried past.

The aspiring singer/songwriter only earned enough to pay the bills but was simply happy to be able to perform - no matter how unglamorous the venue.

Today, however, 23-year-old Miss Manor is contemplating a bright future. In what could become a classic rags-to-riches story, she is negotiating record deals with two of the world's biggest record companies.

Miss Manor was at Westminster Tube performing one of her songs - described as an edgy blend of Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette - when the first label approached. She said: "I was just singing, as usual. I noticed this guy hung around listening, and when I finished he asked a few questions and for a demo tape.

"Then, in the same week, I was at Tottenham Court Road and another A&R man from a company owned by Sony stopped and started talking to me. It was amazing, really."

Following meetings with both labels, she is now in the studio with her band. "It is kind of all in the process. It is all very hopeful. They are very much wanting to hear what we are recording, and I am just going to take it from there," she said.

Miss Manor, who lives in Kilburn but not long ago was a lieutenant in the Israeli Army, added: "It's a really good feeling. You feel like someone's actually paying attention."

Busking has brought her lots of positive feedback. "Last night at Piccadilly Circus I was playing a harmonica solo - What's Up by 4 Non Blondes - and a crowd stopped and were singing on top of it. That's so cool. One of them put his phone number in my hat afterwards.

"You do get guys doing that but I don't call them - except when it's a producer. I am doing a track with a producer who put his number in. You get people taking pictures of you all the time as well. It's a funny thing to think someone in Venezuela is showing your picture to people."

After three years in the army in her native Israel she left to pursue her childhood dream of being a musician. "You only live once," she said.

Busking on the Tube was illegal until London Underground launched the £600,000 Carling-sponsored project in May at 12 stations with 300-plus buskers. More than 80 per cent of passengers support the trial scheme.

Other Tube buskers are also enjoying success. Busker Carolina Herrara has been asked to do vocals on top-five dance group Touch & Go's next single, and BBC London DJ Charlie Gillet booked her to play on a dance track.

Operatic singer Angelina Kalahari, 37, was once joined on her pitch by singers from the English National Opera and has been asked to play at weddings and corporate events. "They often pay a deposit on the spot," said the opera student from Arnos Grove.

Didgeridoo player Stephen Heath, 28 - who learned to play on his mother's Hoover tubes - says an advertising executive has asked him to make a soundtrack for a commercial.

The LU busking scheme has been extended to the end of the year with pitches at five more stations.