Heth and Jed: Classic Rockers

Nov. 11, 2013 - NEW YORK CITY - Heth and Jed, another group that is part of the MTA's MUNY program, paid tribute to The Doors and other classic rock legends in their audience gathering performance at Penn Station. (Photo by: Sierra Ortega)

Unnamed Violinist

Nov. 11, 2013 - NEW YORK CITY - This unnamed violinist at the Times Square 123 Red Line platform, was combining classical violin technique with modern looping and dubbing practices to give the illusion he was playing with an entire orchestra. (Photo by: Sierra Ortega)

Eric Paulin Quartet: Smooth Jazz

Nov. 11, 2013 - NEW YORK CITY - A staple of the New York underground since the 80s, the Eric Paulin Quartet (ironically missing a member) played a lively set for the travelers at the Time Square Station. They are one of the 350 performers that are a part of the MTA's Music Under New York program, which gives deserving performers first access to "hot" performance spots around the city. (Photo by: Sierra Ortega)

Unnamed Guitarist

Nov. 11, 2013 - NEW YORK CITY - This man playing acoustic-electric guitar at the Times Square shuttle stop in Grand Central failed to gather much of a crowd. Those that passed by him, myself in included, had to run to catch the departing train and couldn't stop to listen. In a high-traffic area like this one you may get a lot of people to hear you but not many who stop, listen, and give tips. (Photo by: Sierra Ortega)

Sung Lee: Beatboxer

Nov. 11, 2013 - NEW YORK CITY - Sung Lee, the 2011 American Beatbox Vice-Champion, is seen here with audience volunteer, Daniel, recording loops for his next performance. Lee had amassed a huge crowd in the main area of the Grand Central station. Not only was his music technically on-point, his marketing skills were top-notch. He handed out business cards and made sure people would remember to "Like" his Facebook page. (Photo by: Sierra Ortega)

Unnamed Bluegrass Musican

Nov. 11, 2013 - NEW YORK CITY - An unnamed multi-instrumentalist performs for passengers riding the NQR Yellow Line from the 6th Ave./14th St. stop.  He kept his banjo on his back while he played the spoons and his harmonica. He, like many musicians, like to keep things simple: using his case as a chair and collecting change in an old cardboard box. (Photo by: Sierra Ortega)

Welcome to the Underground

Every day millions of people use the New York City subway system. And everyday they share the stations, platforms, and cars with a myriad of aspiring (and established) musicians. The MTA estimates that these artists play over 8,000 performances every year. These folks make their living providing the soundtrack to your train ride. Sometimes they are met with contempt, annoyance, and awkward eye-contact-avoid-y shuffles. But at other times they draw huge crowds; all clapping and cheering because of the amazing performance they have just witnessed. This photo project is an attempt to document the varied people and musical styles you'll find "Underground" in New York City.

All photos where taken with the rear-facing 0.7 megapixel camera on the 4th generation iPod.