HEERA ALAYA

ARTERIES

“I just had to embarrass myself. After the first song,
I found that busking became easier each time I stepped outside to perform.”

WILLIAM
Busker, USA

July 1st, 2022

Heera Alaya: William, 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 wasn’t particularly fond of music when I was younger. I tried learning to play the piano, but eventually it got too hard, so I stopped playing.

What do you enjoy most about making music?

I see the impact music has on people. Sometimes, people return home after a long day at work, stressed out, but when they hear me play, they are in a better mood. I love uplifting people.

What challenges do you face with busking?

I can’t play every day because I don’t have the saxophone. If I have a stomach ache, I’ll still perform, but I’ll refrain if I have a headache. And, of course, rainy days force me to be at home.

Do you play your saxophone in various locations, or do you stick to one 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. Playing every day is good practice.

Is there a mutual understanding among buskers regarding fixed spots?   

Kinda. While some buskers are friendly towards me, others feel I’m encroaching on their territory. But it’s the other way around—we are helping each other.

Do you take on other gigs as well?

Although busking is my full-time job, I also play in a band, and we occasionally perform at weddings, parties, and other gigs.

[During my conversation with William, a female thief seized the opportunity to steal money from his open bucket, casually thanking him as she walked away.]

[Shocked] Does this type of theft happen often?

It does happen at times. However, when there are more people around, most won’t dare to take off with your money.

What instruments do you carry with you?

Just the tenor saxophone.

And what’s that square-shaped instrument?  

That’s for playing backing tracks and instrumentals in various tunes.

Your equipment must be quite heavy.  

Initially, the saxophone, speaker and bag load 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 let go of any concerns about what your friends and family might think when they see you playing the saxophone for money. I just had to embarrass myself. After the first song, I found that busking became easier each time I stepped outside to perform.

Soon, playing became second nature, inspiring me to learn new songs every week to keep my audience engaged. The more I performed, the more I received appreciation and encouragement from passersby: “Great job; keep up the good work!”

William, your audience is growing. Thank you for your time. I hope to see you around soon.

Appreciate it.

Documentary Filmmaker, USA