Week 9: Girl Power - Gwendolyn Lee

A female busker in Singapore is a rare find so we’re really excited to introduce you to her! If you have yet to spot her, it’s because she has just started 2 months ago. She’s currently a Year 2 Arts Business Management student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Returning to Ground Zero Gwendolyn may be new to the busking scene but she sure packs an impressive singing resume. Her first major performance was on Campus Superstar 2013, which she continued on with three years’ worth of vocal lessons. If you need more clues, check out her performance video below! So how did she end up busking? For that, we have to thank her dear friend, Jonathan! (bonus points if you remember him from the Annoying Brothers interview!) “It was really quick. I filled up the forum, went through the audition…I remember there were close to around 100 buskers on the day of my audition. I think I’m just really lucky,” she shared. For Gwendolyn, performing is almost like second nature. She was exposed to music at a very young age and have dabbled in multiple instruments such as the Pipa, Guzheng, guitar (this was self-taught) and Ukelele. “Whenever you go out to the streets without banners or signs - nobody knows you. It’s a gentle reminder to stay always stay humble and stay true to your passion for music. With busking, I get to take my time doing what I love.” Her Busking Experience Even for a seasoned performer such as herself, setting up her first busking gig was pretty nerve-wracking. “I was at Wisma but I only prepared three songs so I ended up singing those songs over and over again. It also took me 15 minutes to set up because I didn’t have the courage to plant myself in the middle of the walkway,” she laughed. As with most buskers, Gwendolyn has faced ups and downs but her experience so far has been largely positive. “My friends all think that what I’m doing is pretty cool and they’ll come down to support me. Although my parents had their worries, they’re now okay with it after seeing how important busking is to me”. Responses from the public seem to echo similar sentiments about busking. A lady once tore parts of her paper bag to write a nice note for Gwendolyn. “She said I had a really beautiful voice and that really made my evening”. Do you think it’s more difficult to be a female busker? *laughs* “I think it’s an advantage. Apart from male attention, I think it’s refreshing to see a female busker on the streets, especially in Singapore. It’ll make people stay to watch the performance so that’s good.”

​ Lessons and Future Hopes On facing rejection, “I guess as humans we get upset if the people around us don’t show appreciation. I told myself that it’s part of busking and not to take it too badly and to keep up the energy of the performance.” Any words for the public? “Busking itself takes a lot of courage. I have to be brave just to stand in the middle of the streets... so I guess I hope that people could show more support, it could really make our streets and the busking scene much livelier." What are your future plans? “Busking gave me a purpose and a huge motivation. With busking, I have a stage so there’s pressure to put on a performance and to keep pushing myself to improve. I would love to pursue music one day but I understand that it’s expensive and you will have to make a lot of sacrifices for it. I’m happy taking any opportunities that may come my way.” Thank you for the short chat, Gwendolyn. We admire you for your braveness, please never stop singing!