Interview #2 - Helmut

This week, I got the opportunity to chat to the heart behind the orange shirts; Helmut Uhlmann, creator of Busk For A Cure (BFAC).


Why did you start Busk For A Cure?
I started BFAC because I wanted to find a way to use my music to honour my mum, who was going through cancer treatment at the time. I wanted to do something to express my care and love for her, while also developing my artistry, my music, and my connection to the community. It was a funny mixture of selfishness and selflessness.

How did you get it all started?
I went to watch Godzilla with some uni friends; I’d created a little document, and I shared it with them after the movie — and just started it from there. Put a little team together, and just did it! Found a few friends who were artists, emailed the council, sent out press releases, talked to friends who could potentially sponsor, got in touch with Cancer Council NSW and Crohn’s & Colitis Australia — and together, we made it happen.

What was the first BFAC like?
We had five artists, and we almost got kicked out of Hyde Park by the local rangers. It was so freezing cold that I could barely play guitar, and while it was incredibly stressful for me to put that together, I was still really grateful that we had done it. We had a modest turnout of mostly amazing friends and family, and made about $500. I also shaved my head, which was partly for the charity effort and partly because I was travelling to Germany with my mum a couple of weeks later and she loathed my luscious long locks.

What do you think makes BFAC different to other charity music events/fundraisers?
Most charity efforts either are transparent with their finances, but boring or even annoying e.g. telemarketers; or are lots of fun, but have very questionable financials, where a large portion of donations cover overheads and administration, and don’t actually go to the causes that they purport to be supporting. BFAC is about making genuine charity fun. We’re putting together real, high-quality, local talent, but also giving 100% of donations straight to our charity partners. We’re only able to do this thanks to our awesome network of sponsors, volunteers, and artists. We’re the definition of grassroots.

Tell us a bit about your history and experience with cancer.
I lost my mum to cancer in August 2015. She had battled two different types of cancer over ten years. I’m not sure what else to say — but it was just a heart-breaking experience watching my mum get sicker, and not being able to do anything about it. I’m very grateful for the support of our public health system, and of organisations like the Cancer Council, who help ensure that cancer patients don’t have to worry about other things like money on top of the cancer that they’re already dealing with.

Last year, you started up BFAC again after your mum had died. What drove you to keep it going?
Right after I lost her, I didn’t have the motivation to do anything else. I felt very depressed and disenfranchised with life, and BFAC was about the only thing I felt motivated to do at that point in time. It was a way of showing my respect, and my love.

What was the response like last year?
Incredible. We had all kinds of community members express support and appreciation for what we were doing; we jumped from 5 artists to fifty; we raised six times as much money (about $3000); got a bunch of new sponsors on board; and we created a really special day. I remember for months later, people were saying, “Oh, you were the guys in the orange shirts!” when I was chatting to them about BFAC, people that I’d just met.

What are you hoping for this year?
I’m hoping to be able to create an equivalent buzz to last year, but without it consuming my personal life in the same way that it did last year. I want to see Busk for a Cure grow bigger than me. I think that sums it up, really. And to show love to those who are going through the issues that we are supporting through our fundraising.

BFAC has obviously changed and grown over the years. What has your journey been like over that time? How has it effected you?
My life is completely different to how it was when I started it. In 2014 I had my mum — now I don’t. In 2014, I was in a relationship that I didn’t think would end — that’s now ended; definitely grateful for that now. In 2014 I was just starting my studio, Bunk Bed Beats — just recently, I’ve decided to stop taking on new business to focus on my own music. In 2014, I was studying at uni — now I have two degrees. In 2014, I would get angry at stupid things, and make others responsible for my happiness — now, I meditate regularly, and take responsibility for my own happiness. While many of my circumstances have taken a turn for the worse, others are finally glimpsing their potential, and I’m a happier person now than I was back then.

Looking forward — where do you see this going in the future? What do you want to see this become?
To quote Pitbull — worldwide! With a talented and committed community, I honestly believe that Busk For A Cure is a global concept. We’ve already had people last year, in Brisbane and Melbourne, ask about putting on their own BFAC events. This is history.

What is the message that Busk For A Cure tries to bring to people?
That sharing and helping others go hand in hand with having an awesome time.

Anything you want to add?
Being grassroots at it’s core, Busk For A Cure is a people’s movement. It couldn’t exist without people like you. So if you’re reading this, and getting inspired, get in touch, and get involved in how we’re contributing to our world.

I couldn't put it better than that! If you want to donate to help the charities that we're supporting, then click here. Otherwise, click here for more information about the Busk For A Cure event - less than two weeks away!