My outback busk-about continues and comes to you from central Australia. If you haven’t read the last 2 posts below, then please check them out now. This way you won’t feel like you’ve picked up a book and started reading chapter 3 first!
Once you’ve caught up with my ‘walkabout busk’ adventure so far, you might realise that what I’m attempting to do here is challenge the myth of the 9-5, work hard for 5 or 6 days of the week and then play hard during the short time left over. Through busking, I’ve mastered the art of playing 7 days a week… morning, noon and night and what most don’t realise is than anyone can do the same…. armed with an open mind and the relevant know-how of course.
After reading these stories, you’ll see that performing out in the middle of the isolated Australian outback (a lifelong dream) hasn’t left my pockets bulging with wads of cash, but what has made my dream a reality is busking in the cities and towns inbetween! I get the best of both worlds. Busking has filled my pockets more than enough to continue my latest adventure. Busking has yet again radically improved my lifestyle and I’m grateful that busking has helped free me from the shackles of full time employment.
As I drive along the Lasseter Highway, heading west out to Uluru (Aboriginal name for Ayer’s Rock) in central Australia, stereo blasting, sun blazing, warm breeze billowing in thru the windows (along with the red dust), the kids are happy in the back waiting eagerly for their first glimpse of the almighty rock they’ve seen and heard so much about….
I have plenty of time to contemplate how many people would love to be doing exactly this. My thoughts of sumptuous lifestyles for everyone quickly fade as I reluctantly remind myself that most people think that living the life of your dreams is impossible due to their beliefs that a 9-5 job is what makes you an all round responsible, conscientious, sensible, respectable human being. Hmmmm???
Yes I also struggled with those beliefs when I left my full time, well paid job at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, to take on the life of a wandering busker. I eventually did take the plunge after building up enough courage and my life dramatically changed for the better. I realized that there are far too many outdated opinions that do nothing other than keep people stuck in a shitty lifestyle.
Something that is regularly overlooked when people notice a busker, is the behind-the-scenes lifestyle that he or she may have. Often buskers receive what I call sympathy money (donations for the poor) – as the passerby automatically assume that the ‘poor thing’ must definitely be down and out – why else would they be performing on the streets for a few cents here and there. Little do they know that in many cases, their assumptions are a far cry from reality. Thankfully opinions are slowly changing and I hope that information on websites such as Buskerworld and in blogs like this are helping to speed up this process!
So here I am in the heart of my homeland… Uluru otherwise known as Ayer’s Rock. I’ve been to this incredible place before, yet it’s pure majestic awesomeness never fails to completely blow my socks off! This rock rocks! I understand why there has been quite a few songs written about Uluru and the surrounding area and each time I hear them I feel a pang to return. And when I do visit again, I always get a blast of songwriting inspiration from the power of the land and the passion that arises in me. The pic below has Kata Juta (The Olga’s) in the background which is near Uluru in the same national park.
My connection with Australia has inspired so many of my own songs, which I talked about in my last blog post and will be covering in more detail in my music www.johnniemac.com website blog.
One particular song about Ayers Rock that I didn’t like very much at all, was a tune that I often mimicked tongue-in-cheek. It was more like a joke to me, that is, until I came out here this time. All of a sudden, I got it! I understood where the songwriter was coming from and this time, I surprised myself and my family when I began to sing this song with passion.
That (once disliked) song has since become a favourite in our van and my wife and kids know it word for word, singing it with just as much passion after they themselves hiked the 11 kilometre walking trail around Uluru…
and played on and around its sky-scraping slopes.
Isn’t it interesting that we all can’t stop singing the song I once made fun of? You may understand why after looking at these photos.
This is what I get off on! The power of music. This is why I love to travel and perform all over the world and this is why I have dreamed (for quite some time) to perform in the outback.
The power of the song and its ability to connect songwriter, artist and listeners to a person, place or event is magic! I guess this also explains why some people love a particular song and others think the same song is complete shite.
Keep in mind, if you’re like me…ie a rebellious busker who wants to sing your own songs or tunes that haven’t been hammered a gazillion times on the radio, then it’s important to choose songs that have a good story, or ones that stir up familiarity for the listener. This will definitely help to connect you with an audience. I’ll be talking more about this in an upcoming blog, but right now it’s time to entertain the locals, as it’s beer o’çlock in the Northern Territory’s dusty desert heat.
Cheers until chapter 4 where I’ll take to the streets in a town called Alice
Johnnie Mac
Similar Posts:
- The Power and The Passion
- The Great Aussie Outback Busk!
- Lifestyles Of The Rich and Famous
- In Honour Of My Best Friend And One Of Lifes Greatest Gifts – Music
- Busking Tips From The Heart
Johnnie Mac is a world class, professional, leading street performer, turned celebrated musician. He is the only Aussie Professional Busker who provides a fast, reliable and sure-fire Busking System that can transform any busker into a well paid and highly acclaimed entertainer enjoying a remarkably exciting lifestyle. To discover 101 Essential Tips to Have More Fun and Earn More Money Busking visit http://www.BuskerWorld.com/theBuskersBible
