OPEN WINDOWS | Arteries
July 1st, 2022
“I just had to embarrass myself.
After the first song, busking feels easier
each time I go outside to perform.”
WILLIAM
Busker, USA
Heera Alaya: William, for how long have you been a musician?
William: I have been playing the saxophone for four years.
Are you self-taught?
Yes.
Did you play any musical instruments as a child?
I didn’t like music as a kid. I tried learning to play the piano, but eventually, it got too hard, so I stopped playing music.
What do you enjoy about playing music?
I see how music impacts people. Sometimes, people return after a long day at work, stressed out, but on hearing me play, they are in a better mood. I love uplifting people.
What are the challenges that go with busking?
I can’t play every day because I don’t have the saxophone every day. If I have a stomach ache, I will still play, but I won’t if it’s a headache. And, of course, rainy days force me to be at home.
Do you play your saxophone in different places or only in a fixed spot?
I have a fixed spot, especially on Sundays. Most of the time, I start at 8.00 am and typically go on till 9.30 pm. I want to make busking a career, a profession. Playing every day is good practice.
Is there an understanding between buskers [for fixed spots]?
Kinda. Some buskers are cool with me, but others feel I am taking from them. But it’s the other way around—we are helping each other.
Do you take on other gigs?
Though busking is my full-time job, I have a band, and we occasionally do weddings, parties, and other types of gigs.
[While William and I conversed, a female crook took advantage of the situation, stealing money from his open bucket, casually thanking him and walking off.]
[Shocked] Does this happen often—people stealing your money?
Sometimes. But when more people are around you, no one attempts to run away with your money.
What instruments do you carry on you?
Just the tenor saxophone.
And what is that [a square-shaped instrument]?
Backing tracks and instrumentals (with different tunes).
Your baggage must be heavy.
The saxophone, speaker and bag load initially felt heavy, but then I got used to the weight.
As a busker, you are in proximity to people. What does it take to put yourself out there?
You have to get it out of your head as to what your friends and family will think when they see you playing [the saxophone] for money. I just had to embarrass myself. After the first song, busking feels easier each time I go outside to perform.
Soon, playing became second nature, inspiring me to learn new songs every week (to stop people from getting bored). The more you play, the more people thank and encourage you: “Good job; keep up the good work.
William, your audience is building up. Thank you for your time. I hope to see you around soon.
Appreciate it.
