Fifty Days Underground

April 12, 2014

Who inspired today's broken heart song?

A woman who got an STD from someone she was dating on and off for four years. She had known him since she was 12 years old, and loved the idea of what they could be together. He would flirt with her in front of his girlfriend. She knew he wasn't loyal, but chose to believe that he would be good to her because they had been friends for so long. He was the conquest she wanted to have. She had built him up in her head and expected it to be great. She never lived in the reality of him, but rather the fantasy of what he was in her head.

After he gave her an STD, she told him that he ruined her. He made her life so much harder, and he even complicated the lives of her future children who are now at risk. She knew the relationship was over but stayed with him out of fear. She thought if she let him go, no one else would ever want her. She stayed because she felt like there was no where else to go. She was rude to him. She hated him. After an argument one day, they ended it.

Who Will Want Her Now? is a song inspired by this woman's fear of never finding someone else to love and spend her life with. This was probably the most challenging song I have had to write thus far. I can't fathom the pain and heartbreak this woman has gone through, but I truly admire her strength and faith to keep going. Her positive outlook on life is truly inspiring, and I'm so grateful that she was brave enough to share her story so that other people can connect to it.

Where did you play?

Columbus Circle—59th St.

How much did you earn?

$11.07

Did anything unusual happen? 

Today was a whirlwind. But first, I need to reveal some exciting news! The NY Post is running a story on Fifty Days Underground next week! A features writer saw me performing at Rockefeller Center a couple weeks ago, and reached out. I am beyond thrilled! It's going to be such great exposure for the project, and hopefully will be a way to receive more stories and connect to more people.

As soon as I got to the platform to perform this morning, there was a photographer from the NY Post waiting for me. I set up quickly, and he started shooting me from every angle. At first, I was really nervous but then I forgot he was there. We chatted in between songs, and I got to hear some of his own stories. He has had an amazing life so far of traveling around the world taking photos. He stuck around for a while, which stemmed a lot of curiosity with the commuters. One woman came up and took my picture at least twenty times from all corners. She then walked up to the NY Post photographer and asked him what was what going on.

As soon as he left, the reporter showed up. He started asking me questions, and then just observed. One man interrupted us by approaching me to take my picture. He asked me what my name was, and then took another photo. I gave him a card and explained the project to him, encouraging him to submit his story. He seemed very curious, and kept looking back as he was walking away. The reporter didn't stick around for too long. Quite a few people took videos and photos today. I saw an old man sitting further away on a bench with his arm held high with his camera video taping me. Good thing I decided to dress somewhat nicer than usual! Much to my surprise, once the NY Post interview was over, more excitement ensued.

Did you meet anyone interesting?

A man with two conga drums stopped to chat. His name was Victor, and he has been subway performing for 13 years. He performs on the actual trains. We chatted, he showed me his very impressive drumming skills and then he left. About half an hour later, he was back. I jokingly said, "Oh, you're back to play something with me?" And he sat down and starting drumming to Long Way From Home. It sounded absolutely incredible. The next thing I know, a reggae singer was standing on the other side of me with his amplifier plugged into my keyboard. He started singing amazing reggae parts to the chorus, and I started harmonizing with him. It was the most amazing combo ever. My biggest regret? Not having this on video tape to show you guys. It was so in the moment that I didn't even think of it. But the crowd loved it, and so did my heart!

We all chatted for a bit afterwards, including the mariachi band guys who came around the corner to see what was going on. I felt like the popular kids had just invited me to sit at their lunch table. I felt like I was finally a part of their community! We talked about collaborating again in the future, exchanged business cards and went our separate busking ways. I admire all of their passion and dedication. These are their full-time jobs and they've all been doing it for a really long time. And they all seem really happy as well.

What's the best advice you received from a stranger?

There was a red-headed girl who came up and donated. I gave her a card, talked to her about the project and then continued playing. Shortly after, my batteries died. As I got down to replace them, she suggested I get rechargeable batteries because they are more cost-effective, and also because people would appreciate that I am being environmentally friendly.

How are you feeling?

I'm still on an adrenaline rush! Today was one of the most exciting days yet! I can't believe the NY Post is doing a story on Fifty Days Underground. I feel beyond blessed for this amazing opportunity. Playing with the other subway musicians was a spectacular experience as well. It was completely unexpected, but I'm so grateful it happened. I'm somewhat nervous about the article, and truly hope the message I am trying to convey with this project comes across accurately. This has been an amazing week, and this project continues to branch out further than I ever anticipated. I feel like a blessed little monkey. 36 down, 14 to go!

© 2014 Kelly Bazely