Busker gigs on digital thoroughfare

MUSIC is Milla Williams’ outlet, as a composer, singer and instrumentalist, playing ukulele, guitar and piano.

“I use it to express my emotions. It’s a release. I turn positive or negative energy into something that other people can enjoy,” she said.

While isolating and studying from home, the 15-year-old has missed regularly busking.

“I love the excitement, and joy it brings to other people. It’s nice to see peoples’ reactions walking past. It’s very rewarding.

“It’s good to contribute to an atmosphere and make everyone’s lives, hopefully, a little better,” Milla said.

Although not able to perform in the more traditional ways she’s used to, Milla was recently able to reach another public audience, but virtually, through Ballarat Youth Services’ online Fully Sick Fest, coordinated by the Sonika committee to showcase and champion young local artists.

Invited to share a 30-minute set which was broadcast on Facebook, Milla sang, playing covers and originals on ukulele and piano for her episode, with her musician dad, Geoffrey, tagging along with his guitar for a couple of songs.

“It was a good break from school and the stress of everything. It was a great opportunity to have something different to do and give to the community,” she said.

“Dad doesn’t accompany me a lot and it’s nice to have someone else there, so I enjoyed that.”

Feedback about the performance has reached the Williams household from across the world, and the video has been viewed 1000 times.

“I’ve been getting a lot of comments. My dad had a couple of producers from England comment on it, so it’s really interesting how far it’s gone,” Milla said.

“I’m constantly performing to strangers when I busk, but it’s completely different when they’re in another country. It’s mindboggling, but cool.

“It’s amazing to still have opportunities to perform. I’m really thankful, and I’d definitely want to do it again, even after quarantine’s ended.”

See Milla perform at facebook.com/freezasonika/videos/240061304089652.