Why 'busking is a humbling gig' for a Filipina musician

Sydney busker Kaydin Umali

Get the SBS Audio app

Other ways to listen

Kaydin Umali came to Australia as a student, but her transition wasn't without its challenges. During her first few weeks in the country, she felt lonely, so she turned to busking.

KEY POINTS

For Sydney busker, Kaydin Umali busking is a humbling experience that teaches valuable lessons, and she encourages aspiring buskers to share their talent with the world.
Busking remains popular with music artists. It gives artists a chance to practice playing in public and help build an audience.
Busking in Australia requires a permit and a liability insurance.

"In my first two weeks, I felt homesick. I passed by a guitar store in the city but didn't have the money to buy one. My dad said to buy the guitar, so I did. Playing music helped to fight the loneliness I felt," shares Sydney busker Kaydin Umali in an interview with SBS Filipino's Tugtugan at Kwentuhan.

Raised in a family where live music concerts were a regular affair, Kaydin's passion for music was nurtured from a young age when her father gifted her a guitar during her grade school years. She taught herself to play using just the song hits—a skill she holds dear to her heart.

Kaydin shares that busking is more than just a street performance—it's a platform to showcase one's art or talent with the potential for rewards.

"I busk for 2 hours, and the average tip I get is around $100. On a busy weekend, it can be around $200 for 3 hours, performing 30 songs."

While busking is a fun gig she does on the weekends, one needs to secure a permit to be able to busk she shares.

"Busking requires a permit. You can apply online or at the council. I paid around $15 to $20 for 6 months. In some areas, you must send videos for screening, and you need to have public liability insurance that costs around $80."

Sydney busker Kaydin Umali jams with fellow Filipino.

Kaydin, who is an engineer by profession, also shares that she encountered challenges in launching her busking gig.

"The challenge was saving up for my music gear. I started here as a student and had to pay my school fees plus the rent was expensive. It took a while before I was able to complete my gear."

Another challenge is carrying all her music gear by herself.

"A recurring challenge is bringing all my music gear. Unlike in the Philippines, I have friends who help me. Here, I must bring everything alone, including the amplifier, mic stand, tripod, guitar stand, cables, and loop pedal."

For Kaydin, busking is a humbling experience that teaches valuable lessons, and she encourages aspiring buskers to share their talent with the world.

"Busking is a humbling gig to do. It teaches you values, which I believe help you become a better musician. Our talent is truly God-given, meant to be shared. So, if you think you have that talent and fire, let it out, share it with the world, try busking. Busking is a good place for you to share your art."

The most fulfilling aspect of busking for her is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on someone's life.

“Apart from the tips, I really want to play music to be able to touch one soul or make someone’s day. It’s fulfilling when someone approaches me and says, ‘You made my day’ or ‘Thank you for your music’.”

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST