We're happy to bring you the seventh column from Mike Hale. Mike just packed up all his belongings and headed out on the road with no plans to return. In today's episode, , Mike has a very special treat for all of you.
I've given up almost everything I have in the pursuit of this hope, this dream of being a full time musician. It seems like my life has become one giant checklist of things I have to get rid of: Truck, check! my own bed, check! home, check! JOB,,, Check! check! my wife got rid of me so that really doesn't count. my dog died, so,,, well that just sucks…. But i'm free, so to speak, i got a few guitars and a cell phone, but free none the less. Everything I had acquired in struggling for a normal life… GONE!
I'm a carpenter, was a carpenter. I think I've mentioned that before. I'm sure Ive mentioned that before. I have worked very hard for every dime I have ever made, and have a thorough understanding of what it means to be broke. We all know this economy sucks. and every penny counts. now more than ever. So its become hard to expect people to buy my record when it comes out later this month. I mean, HELL, its pretty smart to save every dollar you can get your hands on right now.
So this is the best idea we can come up with to share my new record with anyone who wants to have it. and do so without having to ask for someones hard earned money.
I mean that's the point after all, right? to "share" music?
Virgil Dickerson is the owner of my record label, Suburban Home, and, i'm proud to say one of my dearest friends. The free record thing… that was his idea. I don't think up cool shit like that. My brain is alwasy focused on playing guitar. and why i'm always stuck in the middle of some God Awefull panic attack. Yeah,,, So? I'm trying to start a new life here and it's pretty terrifying. Everyone I'm close to knows me and stress don't mix well. Just ask the other members of Gunmoll or In The Red. I think thats also a part in why we're doing this. Let's take away the stress. The stress of record sales, the stress of recouping costs, buying, selling, shipping, ordering. etc…Let's make it easy! If someone wants the record… let's let 'em have it. So that's what we're going to do. So if you want my new record, you'll be able to download it free, Its just that simple. No bullshit, totally free with no hassles.
Don't get me wrong, I do have the honest hope that this will make it easier for people to just enjoy it. I hope that it makes it easier for people to come see me play live. I do hope that someone who wouldn't have spent their money on it gets to hear it and likes it. maybe even shares it with a friend or two. I guess i could at least ask for that much… so if you are someone who downloads this or at least understands why we're doing it,,, make a couple of copies and give one to anyone you know how might enjoy it.
If you want to donate for it you may feel free to do so. And, of course hard copies on CD and lots of vinyl among other shit will be available at shows and at suburban home records. But like i said if you just want the download for free.. it will be available for you. at no cost.
It does seem quite fitting though…. Here I am a grown man of 34 giving up everything i have to share my songs with everyone…… might as well give them away too.
Yeah, yeah, I know, I know, everyone has an opinion on this. Lot's of people think I'm an idiot for this one.
Just to quote a few:
"You're shooting yourself in the foot bro. you got to try and make that money or you'll never survive out there on the road."
"OK Mike, now your just trying too hard to give it all away, and you're going to look like a fool….. if you don't already!"
And still my favorite: "You"ll be swinging that hammer again before you know it."
WELL FUCK THAT!!! personally I like the idea of Letting everyone in the world have a chance to have this for free. So does Virgil.
So that's exactly what we're going to do!
"Lives Like Mine" a new record By Mike Hale available from Suburban Home Records for free!