Passenger just as happy on streets

Passenger (Mike Rosenberg) loves playing to NZ audiences, which he describes as super passionate about music.

Busking keeps hit maker in touch with fans, writes Paula Yeoman.

Two years ago, Mike Rosenberg (aka Passenger) appeared content flying under the radar, busking in the streets between shows as he toured the world opening for his good friend Ed Sheeran.

That all changed around the time he visited New Zealand in early 2013. The solo shows he tacked on to the end of Sheeran's tour sold out within days and his song, Let Her Go, raced up the charts to eventually top them in 17 countries.

Now, as the British singer prepares for shows in Auckland and Wellington, he says he has never forgotten the Kiwi support that helped catapult him into the big time.

"I hadn't played there [NZ] before I played with Ed. But I got to do these two huge shows and in two nights I developed this great fan base.

"I feel like I've cheated the system a bit," he laughs.

"But it's amazing to go back and play for New Zealanders -- they're really passionate about music and a great crowd."

Rosenberg admits the change from low-key busker to global hit-maker has taken some getting used to but adds he will be forever grateful to the song that changed everything.

"For years I was busking and I was always on the cusp of things. We didn't get any recognition from the media and I'd got used to that.

"I didn't expect that to change, then Let Her Go happened. After being very much on the outskirts of things for years, I don't think I'll ever take it for granted."

He has worked hard at giving back to his fans, touring tirelessly in the past few years.

"I do tour a lot and that's been the key to this working. We're always going back to the same cities and building the fan base, slowly but surely."

Despite his busy schedule and the fact his distinctive warble is now one of the most recognisable around, Rosenberg still famously busks whenever he can.

"We're selling out gigs and doing all this fun stuff. But busking is this wonderfully honest way of getting your music to anybody who wants to listen and you don't have to buy a ticket or be a certain age. It's something I'll always love and I'll always try and do regardless of whether there's 10 people or 10,000 people."

Passenger is playing at The Civic in Auckland on January 30 and Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington on January 31.