"I never knew I could record my own music and so cheaply." - Carmike
After band split ups, disagreements and all the drama that comes with collaborating with other people. I finally learned how to play a guitar to record my first EP. Drums, Guitar, Bass and Vocals all me.
I wish I could say my First EP is what I wanted to do. It's what I could do at the time. There is tons I want to say through Art. A lot of false lovers. A lot of false friends. A lot of false family. A lot of falsity that can drive me crazy. But, I have found my outlet to show myself that I am still The Man. Always have been. Like it or not.
In Austin Kleon's book, Show Your Work, there are two concepts I really liked. 1) Let my interests talk to each other and Obscurity is the Gift. I remember when the indie band was an actual DIY, band. So doing it yourself, learning and acquiring new skills along the way to create something new to me is essential to Artistic Growth. Which is more important to me, than money right now.
In Robert Greene's Mastery. A similar concept of going back to when you were a child and seeing what I naturally gravitated to. Telling people what to do is one, but chess is another one. Any game that has mind power, I really like. So, I downloaded the Chess.com app once again. Having fun on that. Thinking of buying a chess set so, I can practice live.
I'm not a solo artist. I'm more of a interim one man band. I haven't met anyone that is really up for jamming like they did back in High School. People my age got commitments and other priorities. They are silently competing and doing all that covert drama that high school is renowned for. 
But without sounding bitter, there is sweetness to this game. And this comes with the real relation to the music, that I have been really concentrating on. The 2nd Law by Muse, has been a major influence on myself to acquire a digital piano.
I have been a Muse fan since 2004. And it was about 10 years later I saw some dude with the 2nd Law t-shirt. It wasn't until 7 years later I would give the album a real listen. And how important this album is today. I don't want to give away most of the nuances of the album. I just recommend a concentrated listen.
But, for the first time I can focus on my making of things and more frequently and more consistently.
So, when I go tell people to do shit, I can say that I've done it. Therefore it is a good idea for them to consider. Empty commands are just that. Empty if I haven't done it.
I have always remained true to the fact that doing Art to appease people who ultimately 'cancel' me is not a good idea. So, remaining secure in my own skin through Art, if that's possible, is the standard I want to hold for myself.
In my 20s, I forgot to go travelling. But I do not travel for travelling's sake. I'm not one of those people who need to get away. I like the mundaneness. Plus, I haven't met anyone who has 'wowed' me with their travelling stories. The truth always comes out. There's always something missing. No matter how great their excursions are.
Traveling, today seems like it's for the IG more than anything. It's ambiguous. Because on one hand, what's the point traveling if you can't show your friends cool spots around the world. That's the essence of IG. But on the other hand, da Narcissism...
Starting cool bands is for young people. Making cool shorts is for young people. Wearing the right clothes is for young people. Making noise is for young people. Gaining skill and technique is for young people. And then, yes, I think traveling is a good idea to go once, you've acquired an untouchable skill.
But the quickest way to get woke is traveling. The quickest way to go broke is traveling.
What a long story, what a long time coming. I wish I could go into the pure details of why it took so long. It has been eventful. Blame is a dual sword. I find there are many people that tried to pry my goals just to pay attention to what they are doing with no real commitment to me.
Black Poindexter says, Life happens when you're busy living it. So the thing is, I have so much more music in this head of mine, but who knew learning a guitar would be so rigorous. The real artists out there make it look like a cinch.
Anyone, not everyone can play guitar. I started fairly late, like most things in life. I didn't learn how to skate until I was about 8. Ended up playing pretty good hockey with players who have been skating before they can walk.
For the first time, I can focus on who I am.
With that said, Psyburbia EP is just a 3 track demo, that I made over the pandemic. It has 2 instrumental tracks, and a full track with vocals. This is a major achievement of mine. I always thought recording was for the big dogs. But for less than a couple grand, I am right on par with my favorite bands.
There will be a lot more to come, but my soundcloud is filled with the misses and experiments of making this EP. The lessons of learning an instrument while recording and putting it out into the world...
I can now say that I know that feeling. But as it has been released, it is of the past. I will end this blog here. As I'm working on a more challenging project, with more instruments, including the piano and DAW controller.
Now I am in my element for the time being and health permitting. So, I wish you well wherever you are reading this and good luck to your ideas in making them reality.
Carmike. 
PS- I just bought a New Watch. Pretty happy with it.
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