Busker What’s Your Story? Matt Ortiz

“The lyrics ‘And at once I knew, I was not magnificent’ from Bon Iver’s Holocene really resonate with me. 
I think throughout life we constantly encounter situations that humble us, and help us to remember how connected we all are as living beings. I think humanity is no more important than the rest of the natural world, yet we do tend to think ourselves above it in many ways. You can also apply this kind of thinking to relationships with friends, family and strangers. No person is better than any other, and I think a lot of people forget that.”

Matt Ortiz

Hailing from Albury, Australia on the border of New South Wales and Victoria, 24-year-old singer songwriter Matt Ortiz wrote his first song titled ‘Hangman’s Noose‘ when he was only 17. After two sad events of youth suicide in his home town, Matt expressed his emotions at the time through writing songs. His poignant lyrics call for empathy for the family and friends of young victims of these tragic events. “It can happen anywhere, to anyone and from all walks of life and socio economic circumstances,” Matt said. “I just want people to be more aware, to reach out to someone if they think they are falling. We can make a difference if we care deeply enough.”

Hangman’s Noose was chosen to be a part of an exhibition titled ‘Sonic Splendour’ that was commissioned by the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) to coincide with its opening in 2016. Three local musicians were selected to have their original material recorded by the CAD Factory in Narrandera and to have a music video made by talented local film maker Andrew Pearce.

The song launched the young artist’s music endeavours and he also took to busking on the streets of Albury to gain experience in performing and to get his original songs out in a public space.

From there Matt went on to perform at gigs around the area and for private events before moving to Melbourne to study Information Technology. During Uni he participated in a study abroad program at Warwick University and had the opportunity to travel around the UK and Europe before returning to Australia. He busked a little and says he met some great characters during his travels.

On one such occasion, Matt met a man in a hostel in Canterbury, a former professional jazz musician who had worked all over the world including big stages in New York and London’s West End. “He’d been a really successful set musician in his 20s and early 30s but some things from his childhood had come up that really troubled him and he’d had a complete mental breakdown and struggled with his mental health for quite a few years as a result. When I met him, it was just at the end of that rebuilding phase and it struck me that a guy could be so physically fit and able bodied, but if your mind is not as fit as your body, you’re just as much disabled by that. He was an interesting guy, we went for a beer and he told me about his life which inspired me to write a song, it’s called Black Dog.”

Tell us a little about your background, what drew you to music and song writing?

I started playing guitar when I was 12, and later started singing in my bedroom for fun. I think what really drew me to music was how I could use it to express myself in ways I wouldn’t usually. I was a pretty shy kid, and playing guitar / singing was a great outlet for me when I was young, and I owe a lot of my confidence to it, even now. Albury also had a lot of great support for young musicians, particularly through their Retro Youth Cafe, where I started gigging.

I was a pretty imaginative kid who loved to read, write and play games, so song writing seemed like a pretty natural progression for me. I’ve always focused pretty heavily on lyrics and storytelling. Music really allows me to add emotion and depth to the stories I’m telling, and bring them to life in ways I otherwise couldn’t have.

Where was your very first experience of busking?

The first time I went busking was out the front of a Commonwealth Bank in Albury around Christmas time. I remember being pretty intimidated, as it can be such a raw experience, and you never know how people might react. Most people were really supportive though, and in good spirits, so I didn’t have too much trouble.

What’s a memorable experience you’ve had when busking?

I’d say the strangest experience I’ve had as a busker was an encounter with an older guy who was looking to sell some of his guitars, or at the very least show me them. I think he gave me his details and I wasn’t really looking at the time, so let it go.

About a year later, the same guy approached me in the street, he had a really good memory as he remembered my name and noticed I had a new phone, which I thought was interesting. So he asked me again if I wanted to come have a look at these guitars. I figured I couldn’t really turn him down a second time, so I gave him a call after work and went around to his place to check them out.

The guy had quite a few beautiful acoustic guitars, although at the time I think I’d just bought myself a Maton so wasn’t really in need. His house was absolutely packed to the roof with stuff though, I guess you could say he was a bit of a hoarder. 

He had thousands of dollars worth of things, a lot of which he’d never used. I recall him being a bit disappointed that he’d never done a lot of the things he thought he would, saying ‘Matt I’ve got $5000 worth of fishing gear here and I’ve never been fishing’.

He really made me reflect and think that we should do the things we set out to do, rather than sit on them. He told me I reminded him of himself when he was younger. I ended up writing a song about it, as it stuck with me. It’s called ‘Seen you before‘. It’s on my EP titledSouth .

If you could choose a lyric from any song that sums up life for you, what would that lyric be?

It’s pretty hard to say, but I think the lyrics ‘And at once I knew, I was not magnificent‘ from Bon Iver’s Holocene really resonate with me. 

I think throughout life we constantly encounter situations that humble us, and help us to remember how connected we all are as living beings. I think humanity is no more important than the rest of the natural world, yet we do tend to think ourselves above it in many ways. You can also apply this kind of thinking to relationships with friends, family and strangers. No person is better than any other, and I think a lot of people forget that.

What’s some great advice you’ve received in your life so far?

I went to see the Brighton Orchestra in the UK, and at the end of the show they had these dual pianists who played together on the same piano. They were really charismatic and entertaining to watch, and right at the end of the act they finished with: ‘Be half as good as they think you are’. I thought this was a cool piece of advice, especially when it comes to being a performer.

A big part of performance is how you come across to your audience. If you make a mistake and show it in your mannerisms, or if you aren’t in a great mood and aren’t enthusiastic I think people really pick up on it. If you give off the right energy, it doesn’t necessarily matter how well you played technically, so long as the audience is engaged and involved in what you’re trying to share with them.

Coronavirus has been a game changer for buskers (and the arts in general). What do you think we can learn from these days of empty streets and lockdowns?

I think Covid has slowed life down for a lot of people, which can be a good thing. We live in such a fast-paced world with social media, work pressure and constant connection. Slowing things down seems to have had a positive effect on a lot of people’s lives, and has helped to highlight the things that really matter to them. Although I know the isolation of lockdown can be tough, and it’s been pretty devastating for buskers and the arts, but I guess it highlights how we might take things for granted in times of normality.

What’s next for Matt Ortiz?

I’d like to record some more singles in 2021, all going well. I’ve written a few new songs in recent times and there’s a couple I’d like to release like Black Dog and also another new one titled Have You Ever Been In Love?

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MattOrtizMusic

Busker What’s Your Story? Pablo Vares de Azevedo

Pablo Vares de Azevedo

There was a man that passed by me a lot with his little girl, probably on their way to and from her school. She was around 6 years old and (for a couple of years) would love to hear me play and danced to my music every time they passed by. At the time, I got hired for a theatre play and was away from town and the streets most of the time for nearly a year.

Then I came back and started busking regularly again and one day they encountered me once more. The father obviously remembered me and stopped walking so she could hear my playing and dance to my music again, but she didn’t. He looked at me sadly as they went on their way. Guess I’ll never know if she was just sad that day, or if she felt she was too grown up now to dance in the middle of the sidewalk.”

Pablo Vares de Azevedo

Pablo Vares de Azevedo is a 30 year old flamenco guitarist born and raised in Uruguay who has been living and working in Brazil for the past 8 years.

Pablo’s wonderful finger picking talent on the alluring flameco guitar drew us to invite him to the blog to tell us a little about his experiences as a musician and busker.

Tell us about growing up in Uruguay?

Uruguay is a quiet country and I grew up in a quiet neighbourhood. I was able to go to school by riding my bike or walking and used to play a lot outside my house, in parks and in the streets. People were very educated and respectful. Music was always present at home. Both my parents and my three brothers play at least one instrument and my oldest brother was a professional musician way before me. One thing I remember a lot is the sound of my mum playing piano at home during my childhood.

Where do you busk and if you could pick a favourite location for busking where would that be?

I have busked in many cities in three different countries. Where I busk regularly is here, in Rio de Janeiro. I loved to play on the corner of Visconde de Pirajá and Vinícius de Moraes street. There was a closed store, so less chances of someone complaining about the music and also I never saw others busking there. So it kind of became my place to play. I played there a lot, people in the neighbourhood knew me, nodded and smiled a lot when passing by, acknowledging my work. Eventually someone bought the closed store to open a market and I never got to play there anymore. 

Nowadays, if I had to pick a favourite location, it would be Arpoador because of the breathtaking view of the beach and the sun setting behind the Dois Irmãos mountains. Many people go there, including tourists, so it’s also good money-wise.

What are some of your most memorable moments as a busker? 

There was this time I was taking a break and a homeless woman grabbed my guitar and started shouting some incomprehensible lyrics to the senseless rhythm of her strumming on the open strings. I didn’t fear for my instrument as she seemed to be holding it firmly, in spite of her weak appearance. She attracted all sorts of frightened looks from the people passing by, but she wasn’t doing any harm.

I was really in  need of a break at the moment and I understood her catharsis so I just let her go on. After some time I asked politely for my guitar back, saying I needed to get back to work, and started playing again. She just stood there with a weird look and I didn’t have a clue whether she was liking the music or not. Suddenly she ran into the nearest store, where she got herself hurled out by security a moment later. After nearly falling to the ground, she stared at me, threw something into my guitar case and ran off.

Startled, I finished my song and looked at the case. It was a candy. She had “robbed” it from the store (one of those free candies given to customers) just to be able to give me something in exchange for my music. Or for letting her play my guitar, I’ll never know.

Another time, there was a man that passed by me a lot with his little girl, probably on their way to and from her school. She was around 6 years old and (for a couple of years) would love to hear me play and danced to my music every time they passed by. At the time, I got hired for a theatre play and was away from town and the streets most of the time for nearly a year. Then I came back and started busking regularly again and one day they encountered me once more. The father obviously remembered me and stopped walking so she could hear my playing and dance to my music again, but she didn’t. He looked at me sadly and they went on their way. Guess I’ll never know if she was just sad that day, or if she felt she was too grown up now to dance in the middle of the sidewalk.

How do you sum up the allure of Flamenco guitar?

I believe it’s allure resides in its intensity and strength and in the unique right hand techniques that perfectly express them. Its rhythms and melodies, enchantingly awkward and yet exotic, hold a secret mystery to it.

If you could choose a song that sums up life for you what would that song be? 

Difficult to sum it all up in just one song! Maybe Camaron De La Isla’s Viviré: “Viviré, mientras que el alma me suene. Aquí estoy para morir cuando me llegue.” – “I’ll live while my soul still sings. Here I am, to die when my time comes.”

It’s much more poetic in Spanish… sounds somewhat depressing in English, but it’s not that. It means to live intensely through music and meet our fate with pride.

What’s some great advice you’ve received in your lifetime?

To believe in your dreams, to work hard, but let the universe take care of the rest and to know that this too shall pass. 

What music do you listen to yourself?

All sorts! Besides flamenco, I’m also a metal-head but love folk music and fingerstyle guitar. Classical music is also a must for me.

How have you occupied yourself during these very tough Coronavirus months?

With work and music, fortunately! Recorded a paid online show, and composed the music for a suspense/terror short film and two theatre plays. I also featured in another artist’s song and videoclip (Udi Fagundes) and played on his internet live show. Giving online lessons, composing, playing for social media lives, and a series of home-made videos as live sessions for my YouTube channel.

What do you think we’ve learned from this pandemic?

I think we’ve learned the value of human physical presence, as well as the value, possibilities and limitations of the internet and technology. As artists we have to be constantly creative and the pandemic has been a tough challenge. But also an opportunity to grow and to learn from it.

What’s next for Pablo Vares?

An online show on YouTube… Waiting for the short film to finish editing and post-production.

Hopefully my first album, which is one of my greatest dreams I have yet to accomplish.

Thank you!

Find out more about this talented artist here:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pablo.v.deazevedo
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/pablovares/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChjX1cl9t-yTaqc3ju2hsJA

Busker What’s Your Story? Ant Utama

Ant Utama

 “I was humbled by the kindness and generosity of people who would buy me coffee on a cold day, juice on a hot day and provide Daisy (my dog who I often busk with) an endless supply of treats. I’ve even had homeless people donate to me every now and then and it’s crazy to think people with so little could be so giving.

Before playing on the streets I was a very cynical person, but these experiences have shaped a new perspective for me and for that I’m so thankful. It’s made me a better artist and I believe, a better person.”

Ant Utama

Born to Indonesian parents and raised in Auckland, Ant Utama is a first generation Kiwi. Ant says his parents were determined to give he and his younger sister opportunities they never had growing up, “our days were full of extra-curricular activities, learning piano and violin being a couple of them,” he said. Pushed a little too hard to practice often, he lost interest in those instruments, until an opportunity arose to audition for a High School musical production of Marius, Ant scored the lead role and says this was the turning point when his passion for music and performing returned.

With singing and songwriting his side hustle, Ant studied a Marketing degree and worked in that field for eight years. “It’s only been the last couple years that I thought I’d throw caution to the wind and actually go full time with my music,” he said. “I was turning 30 and it definitely is one of those milestones where you reflect and think, if I don’t do this now, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”

 Ant says in his comfort zone, with the security of a steady income, he used to see music as an unattainable dream, but 18 months ago, against the wishes of his parents, he packed up what courage he could fit in his backpack and headed to Germany to follow his heart. 

“I found myself living by busking the streets of Cologne and from interactions with friendly passers-by I realised I wasn’t the only one going through a transformative journey, So many people are hustling” Ant explains in his website bio.

The singer/songwriter says that, armed with new experiences and encounters, he found his purpose as an artist, which he believes is to inspire and encourage people to pursue their dreams and aspirations, he hopes that through his music he can encourage others to be brave and live our their passions.

Busker What’s Your Story? caught up with Ant recently, during a busking hiatus given the current COVID-19 pandemic, and learned a little more about this talented and soulful artist.

You say you’re an avid traveller – for the moment you’ve settled in Cologne, Germany – why Colgone?

My first travel experience was about 6 years ago. I had just come out of a long-term relationship and a friend suggested that I join her on a Europe trip. So I did that, but after Europe I travelled to the US and then South East Asia where I fell for a girl in a hostel in Hanoi, Vietnam.

We travelled together for a while and of course eventually had to part ways – she went back home to Germany, and I returned to New Zealand.

After 6 painful months of long distance and Skype calls, my girlfriend, Alida, moved to NZ where we lived together for a couple of years. She was missing her family and wanted to go back to Germany, so I said Sure, let’s go! But before we arrived in Germany, we went on another backpacking trip to South America, Mexico and California. In January 2019 we moved to Cologne, because it’s the closest big city to her parents, they live about an hour’s drive away. I’m very happy here, the people are so friendly and welcoming and I think it’s a good spot to be on my musical journey.

“Street Music has never been the dream.. it was always meant to be the first step in the right direction. Little did I know how much wisdom and perspective I would gain from the experience” – those are your words. Tell me about that?

Street Music and busking was always a way to earn some money, and a good way to practice and get better. I think for a lot of buskers, it is just meant to be a start.

At first I would always be a bit nervous. I would think: ‘Will people like it? Will they pay me any attention? Will they tell me to shut up?’ Then my experiences would always surprise me. In a world that can sometimes feel like it is falling apart, my time playing on the street lets me see the best side of humanity.

I was humbled by the kindness and generosity of people who would buy me coffee on a cold day, juice on a hot day and provide Daisy (my dog, who I often busk with) an endless supply of treats. I’ve even had homeless people donate to me every now and then and it’s crazy to think people with so little could be so giving.

Before playing on the streets I was a very cynical person, but these experiences have shaped a new perspective for me and for that I’m so thankful. It’s made me a better artist and I believe, a better person.

Tell me a little more about ‘Lazy Miss Daisy’ – everyone loves a puppy story!

My little Lazy Miss Daisy! Alida and I did a backpacking trip around South America, Mexico and California. Well in Mexico, in a small little mountain town called ‘San Jose del Pacifico,’ we got lost while hiking. All of a sudden, this random street dog comes along and sits by us. We followed this dog for about 30 minutes, she would run up ahead and then wait for us every few metres and eventually she led us back to the town. For the next 5 days she hung out with us, she’d be waiting outside our room every morning and would sit under the table when we went to restaurants. We fell in love! So we adopted her! We got her a checkup and vaccinations and she joined us on our journey. We flew to California for a one month-long road trip, where the 3 of us slept in the car every night and we brought her all the way here to Cologne where she now lives with us. In the previous question I mentioned taking risks – this is exactly the sort of thing I’m talking about! 

How long have you been busking, or how often do you busk?

Back home in NZ, I would busk at Farmers Markets. Whilst technically it’s busking, it’s not the same as hitting the streets.

I’ve been busking for a bout 18 months now in Germany. At the beginning I would play 5-6 days a week for 5 hours a day. It depends on the season. Lately I’ve been playing less because I’ve been busy with gigs, but now in this Corona crisis we find ourselves in, I really miss it.

So.. This week I decided I would get out my Roland Street Cube Ex and put on a concert for my neighbours who were sitting on their balconies. It wasn’t about money, it was just about playing for an audience again for the first time in a long time. People responded so well, people on their walks would stop and I could really see the neighbourhood being brought together – that’s the power of music!

I did another 2 more concerts and I have many more planned. If the weather is good, I’m going to be out playing under people’s balconies!

What’s a memorable experience you’ve had busking?

 I was once playing outside a Euroshop (like a Dollar store) with my dog, Daisy. A homeless guy walked into the store. A few minutes later he came out with two chocolate bars, dog treats, and a candle. He gave me the chocolate, he gave Daisy the dog treats and he took the candle with him to the other side of the street. He lit the candle and he listened to me play for the next hour. I was so touched by his kindness and generosity and it’s moments like these that have given me new perspectives in life.

You write your own material – picking a couple of favourite originals what can you tell me about the story behind your songs?

The first song I’ll mention was my first single called ‘Brave‘ (featured above). I wrote it after a phone conversation with my Dad. My Facebook feed was covered with busking photos and he was concerned (after all, I had this Marketing career in NZ, working in the office 9-5). I tried to explain to him that I knew what I was doing and that I had a plan, but I couldn’t get him to understand.

We hung up the phone upset at each other and I had a little cry. With that emotion brewing I wrote Brave. I would sing this out on the street and I noticed people would connect to it. Photographers, wedding planners, restaurant owners, people who were creative or simply following their passions were feeling the same feelings and going through the same challenges as I was.

From then on I decided my mission and purpose as an artist would be to inspire people not to settle in life and to pursue their dreams.

The second song is ‘Your New Home’. This is a tribute song for the terror attack that happened back home in New Zealand on 15 March 2019.

An extremist with radical views attacked two mosques, resulting in 51 people losing their lives. The victims were all Muslim, many immigrants and refugees. These people moved from their home countries to New Zealand to live a safe life with opportunities for themselves and their families. Sadly this right was stolen from them by one evil person. I wrote this song to show that he was alone in his views and that New Zealand is an accepting place. I also wanted immigrants all over the world to feel welcome in their new homes. This song is meant to remind people that we need to accept and embrace each other – that is the only way forward.

 If you could choose a lyric from any song that means something really special for you – what would that lyric be?

My lyric would probably be from my song, Brave which I mentioned above:

“What I’ve learnt, doubt is a demon and he wants to call your bluff. But I don’t give in. I stand my ground when it comes to push and shove”.

I believe we live a more fulfilled life when we take risks – physically and emotionally, these are what make us feel alive. But it’s often doubt that prevents us from taking these risks. Doubt from others and self-doubt in our own heads. I’ve learnt that (in order to allow ourselves to live more purposeful and rewarding lives) we need to shift our mindset and believe in ourselves more.

What’s a great piece of advice you’ve been given in your lifetime and who gave you that advice?

It’s not from from a book I read: “If you have a backup plan, you haven’t yet made a decision“. I understand, rationally that it’s always good to have a backup plan, but when we have those insurances, I think it makes us less hungry. If it’s our ONLY option.. we’re going to make it work, because we have to.

You performed a great audition for ‘The Voice Germany’ but didn’t make it through the blinds – what did you learn from that experience? Would you recommend the reality TV shows to young musicians – or is it better to find your own way through?

Haha thanks! I don’t think it was my best performance, I was a bit shaky with the nerves.

What most people don’t know, is that none of the contestants on this show get to choose their song, yet the most common criticism from the judges are that it was the wrong song choice!

I also had to interview in German which I was even more nervous about than my performance! It was an interesting experience and I am glad I gave it a shot. I think it can be a great way of getting exposure, but if you do progress further in the competition you may have to compromise your artistry. I think it’s better suited to singers (rather than songwriters).

These shows just want cover songs, which is a shame to me because hearing an artist’s own song can really give you an in depth glimpse into who they are as a person. So if you love singing but don’t write, I’d say give it a shot, there’s some good exposure to be made! But if you’re more of an authentic artist who creates their own music, I would suggest going your own way.

What’s next for Ant Utama? Where can people expect to see you perform once this Coronavirus situation is under control?

 Once everything is officially under control, I’ll be back playing everywhere I can.. the streets, open mic nights, song slams and concerts in venues.

I’m also looking forward to getting back into the studio to record. I was planning on an EP release in May this year, which has been impacted, but that will come out as soon as we have a better idea of when and how the restrictions will be lifted.

You can hear more of Ant Utama’s vocal and instrumental talents on his socials here:

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/anthonyutama
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pg/antutama
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ant_utama/

Busker What’s Your Story? Andrés S. Macnamara

Andrés S. Macnamara

“I remember one of the first things that really shocked me. There was a man listening to me. He looked like he was homeless, maybe an addict, and he was staring at me, which made me feel really uncomfortable. He looked very angry. As I finished playing ‘Sound of Silence,’ he was getting closer and closer, so I got very tense and started to keep an eye on my money. He extended his arm and opened his hand. I saw a 5-euro note fall over my coins and I heard: that is the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard, thank you. I thanked him, still in a bit of a shock, and suddenly felt as guilty as hell. Don’t judge a book by its cover is a saying I thought I understood before this happened.”

Andrés S. Macnamara

Our interview with the incredible Andrés S. Macnamara came during these new unprecedented times of the Coronavirus which is having a devastating effect on the live music and entertainment industry. In all the doom and gloom however, while (some) Americans are lining up to purchase guns, musicians and civilians in lockdown in countries such as Spain and Italy are singing and playing music from their balconies, spreading messages of support and hope.

That’s where we found Andrés this week.

Born in Zaragoza, the Capital of the Aragón region in the northeast of Spain, 31 year old Andrés has a Degree in Veterinary Medicine as well as a Music Degree. “I decided to go for music, as I think I’m better at it and also enjoy it more. Then I moved to Tenerife and after that to Dublin where I began busking,” he said.

“Last October, I came back to Spain to try busking over here, although lately I’m busking from my balcony due to the Coronavirus situation.”

What drew you to music?

I was born to a Spanish father and an Irish mother. Both my parents are very musical. My father plays guitar and sings, but basically he’ll make any instrument (or object) sound great. He’s a huge musical influence for me. My sister is the most talented guitar player I know. I’ve basically been listening to great music since I remember.

Do you write your own material?

Songwriting has always been a fight against myself. I love it and I hate it. For the moment I don’t have any songs released (as a solo artist) but I will be releasing my first album this year. I’m extremely excited about it but it’s also very scary as I have a lot of hope (maybe too much!) that some people will enjoy what I do.

I try to write down musical ideas that I like and that I find interesting. Then, I try to write lyrics that suit the music and that reflect either personal experiences, or invented stories. I don’t like lyrics that complain or that get too whinny. I prefer stories and music and lyrics that create a mental image for the listener.

What can you share with us about your busking experiences?

Busking was one of the best things I ever did. It changed my life. I had been playing with bands for over ten years, but was never confident enough to be the frontman. I decided to start busking in Dublin and that really boosted my confidence. I saw that people actually enjoyed my performance and I was complimented for my way of singing.

It can be very scary to go out to the street and break the silence with your voice, but in the end you realise that people in general are great and usually have nice words for you.

There are many memorable moments. I remember one of the first things that really shocked me: there was a man listening to me. He looked like he was homeless, maybe an addict, and he was staring at me, which made me feel really uncomfortable. He looked very angry. As I finished playing “Sound of silence,” he was getting closer and closer so I got very tense and started to keep an eye on my money. He extended his arm and opened his hand. I saw a 5-euro note fall over my coins and I heard: that is the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard, thank you. I thanked him, still in a bit of shock, and suddenly felt as guilty as hell. Don’t judge a book by its cover is a saying I thought I understood before this happened.

Mostly I have good memories when I think of busking but, of course, people rob you, sometimes spit at you, shout at you or fall over your equipment but hey! You’re in the street, what do you expect?

What’s a great piece of advice you’ve been given, and who gave it to you?

My dad always says: ‘la vida es jugar,’ which means life is playing, not playing an instrument or music necessarily, but just playing, making things enjoyable. Now he’s retired. He used to be an English teacher in high school and he always said: The most important thing is that you have fun, and then the students will have fun and therefore learn. I think this is the most important thing to keep in mind, no matter what you do.

What advice would you give a young person starting out busking?

I would say just do it. 

Nothing of what you think will happen, will actually happen. Many things you’d never even think could happen, will happen, and that’s a good thing. It really helped me feel alive. Also, don’t think about the money, some days it will be good, others terrible, and although it does partly depend on what you do and your attitude, most of it is random. Just do your thing and try to get better every day.

If you could choose a lyric that sums up life for you, what would it be?

Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans. It’s from a John Lennon song called ‘Beautiful Boy, Darling Boy.’

It had to be a Lennon song. I’m a Beatle-head. Although they aren’t especially strong for their lyrics, I think this one (although it’s a Lennon song) really means a lot to me. It’s a beautiful and colourful way of saying carpe diem.

Buskers often sing material that is ‘timeless’ (The Beatles is a great example). Do you think music from quality artists of today (Ed Sheeran for example) will be sung in 30 years time or will today’s music just come and go?

I love this question! It’s a conversation I frequently have with my friends. What songs will be Hey Jude for us when we are 50 or 60? Sometimes I feel like there’s nothing like it. I mean, Ed Sheeran is really good, but I can’t see people playing Thinking out loud in 30 years, or playing Beyoncé songs. But that’s just my opinion and my taste.

On a brighter side, I do believe last year a new artist emerged that will definitely achieve the timeless tag and that’s Billie Eilish, now that’s good damn music!

What’s next for Andrés S. Macnamara?

Next is a European busking tour this summer (of course that’s if the Pandemic situation improves) and an album release, and later? Just playing!

At Busker What’s Your Story? we’ll be sure to connect with Andrés again when he releases his original EP later this year.

You can find out more about this talented artist here:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/andres.s.macnamara/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/andres.s.macnamara/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8kAg8ChA1JWhfs1gUtb3dA

Busker What’s Your Story? Lotte Walda

Lotte Walda

Some days you feel a bit pathetic. People look at you like ‘oh there’s that silly girl again, trying to get some coins,’ but the thing is, I never play for the money. Sometimes I even give my money away to homeless people, or I just buy some food with it and share it.

One time, I also had a really weird experience with a man who wanted to jump off a bridge and he was crying. He was a homeless guy, in trouble, he just felt no meaning in his life any more. I was singing happy songs at that moment, and I felt really good, like I could help him! So I think I sort of stopped him from jumping. It was quite intense, he was a bit confused afterwards and I helped him find his way to the train station. I gave him some money and left him on his way. Yeah, I guess those kind of people always come to me, because I’m just nice to everybody and they feel seen.”

Lotte Walda

Lotte Walda is the golden haired girl with a golden heart.

Born in Heerlen, Limburg in the south of the Netherlands, this alternative pop/folk artist is an established singer/songwriter who says she wants to show her love for people and nature through her music. Well known as a busker, Walda says she will continue to share her songs as a street performer, no matter how far her music career takes her.

Walda says she knew from as young as 3 years old that she wanted to sing. When she learned to write, she began to create poems which she says is a passion that has continued throughout her life.

 “When I turned 15, I participated in a contest where I needed to write an original song. That’s when I started writing songs, and I totally adore it,” she said. “It’s so beautiful to have the ability to write something to inspire other people. Actually, after that contest, everything started flowing and I just knew that music was my path. But I think I always knew that.”

Walda has busked all over the world, including Portugal, Greece, America and China. “I travel a lot, just everywhere I go, I do some busking.”

We invited Lotte to the blog so we could share her awesome music and you could read a little of her story.

How long have you been busking?

I started busking in the city where I grew up, Heerlen. I was 15 years old and scared! It was super scary to just stand there on the street and start singing. But I’m so glad I made the decision to do it. It was a new world for me! After busking for the first time, I started doing it every week. The older I became, the more I busked in other places as well. I often go to Maastricht to sing on the Old Bridge, I also wrote a song about that, which will be out on the 24th of April.

Tell us why you love it so much

I just totally love busking because of the fact that everything that happens is spontaneous.

You have more one-to-one contact with people. Plus everybody gets to choose if they want to listen and stand still, or not. So I think when people listen, they really want to. It’s a beautiful thing.

I’ve experienced many ”blissful” moments when I’m busking. I love it when a little kid, who is at first scared to come to me, is later dancing to my music, those little things are so wonderful. It really makes me feel alive! No matter how far I go with my music, I will keep on doing this. It’s just such a different feeling to standing on a stage (which is also really nice) because with busking, you are not asked to play there. So it’s totally fresh for the people every time.

In a way, you have to open yourself completely, which is still quite scary sometimes. But then when you do, and play a few songs, you feel, ‘yeah this is the day’ and then you’re just totally flowing. Laughing.

When you come to that state of happiness, people feel the happiness, and beautiful things can happen!

Are there bad things you’ve experienced?

Yeah. Of course, bad things always happen sometimes.

You have days where you just feel a little bit pathetic, people look at you like: ‘ah there’s that silly girl again, trying to get some coins’. You just feel it sometimes. But the thing is, I never play for money. Sometimes I even give my money away to homeless people or I just buy some food and share it. So I don’t mind when I don’t get a lot of money, but it’s just that you feel the opinion of other people sometimes, and on those days sometimes I can’t find my flow. On those days, I’ll just decide to stop and play some music somewhere else.

One time, I also had a really weird experience with a man who wanted to jump off a bridge and he was crying. He was a homeless guy, in trouble, he just felt no meaning in his life any more. I was singing happy songs at that moment, and I felt really good, like I could help him! So I think I sort of stopped him from jumping. It was quite intense, after that moment he was a bit confused and I helped him find his way to the train station. I gave him some money and left him on his way. Yeah, I guess those kind of people always come to me because I’m just nice to everybody and they feel seen.

If you could change something you’ve seen on the streets, what would it be?

Damn, many things!

Of course you see many homeless people which is a shame. I wish everybody would just have a place to go to and enough food to eat.

Then there’s also the rich people with their shopping bags. Sometimes it’s quite heavy to see how much money they spend, while others don’t have anything. Plus the world is suffering and we should all do something about that, instead of buying more and more things.

So yeah, I wish people would be more aware of this planet, share more, recycle more, go to vintage stores more. Instead of buying new and new and new items all the time. Plus sooo many plastic bags! Please bring your own bags people.

Do you think busking can survive an increasingly cashless society?

Hmm, good question. Well actually, I don’t do it for the money, so I don’t care. We’ll see. If there would be no cash money any more, I would keep on playing and then I guess people would just feed me. Buy me food or something, that’s always nice. I’ve had that many times, especially in the winter. People bring me hot chocolate milk or something, it’s so sweet. It’s the feeling people give you, not the cash.

You write your own material – choosing a couple of your favourites, what can you tell me about them?

I like my song ‘Let it flow’. It brings me in a flow, which is a nice thing. It’s a happy, uplifting song about letting it all just come to you! It’s also about a little girl who’s not daring to do what she loves in this society because she’s afraid she might fail. So she’s unhappy. And I sing to her that everything will work out fine, if you just choose to follow your heart. 

Another song of mine is called ‘The old bridge’ which is particulary about playing on the street, on the bridge of Maastricht. I describe the feeling of busking in that song and I am really excited because it’s not out yet. I wrote this song in Nashville with Suzy Brown and I really love the simplicity of playing on this bridge, and this same simplicity is also in the lyrics. (We’ll be sure to share Lotte’s release on Busker What’s Your Story?)

I also wrote a song called ”Barefoot” which is about walking barefoot.  I love walking barefoot! In the summer, I do it all the time. I often play this song when I’m busking in the summer, it gives people a summery vibe and it’s just a really happy song.

What’s next for Lotte Walda? Will you busk for us in Australia one day?

Yeah sure! I will go many places with my music and I am deeply trusting my musical path.

Some days I feel worried, some days I feel it’s all not going fast enough. But when I look at the bigger picure, I can see what I’ve experienced already. I feel so grateful. I just know that my path will take me to many more beautiful places where I can share my voice with everyone who’s willing to listen.

Right now I’m working on my second album and I’ve made a plan with my agent/management, so hopefully these people can help me with my career.

No matter how big I become, I will never stop busking. Because I just love it. It gives me freedom and I love freedom. On the other hand, it also gives me a sort of certainty. Because I can always choose to travel where ever, open my guitar case and start singing. Oh what a beautiful thought!

You can find Lotte here on her socials:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/lottewaldasings
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LotteWalda/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lottewalda/
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/0IkirifajdauvWWt6wZkC6?si=kPhfx_fGTfS_2mNxyzQutw