The Echoes of Change (Part 1 of 3)

Higher I Go

THE ECHOES OF CHANGE (Part 1 of 3)

With 2025 ending soon, A SalvWreck Christmas VIII and its 18 Days of Christmas coming to a close along with the plans for the label going forward, I can’t help but to experience a wide range of emotions. If you know me, then you know I best express myself through my writing. So come. Journey with me for a spell. At least for this first part. I have too much to speak on to put it all in one post. Let’s make it a trinity…why not?!

The first emotion or feeling permeating throughout my spirit is pure awe. This is the results of all that has happened to not only the label, but also with myself. My wife and I have cut ties with our old apartment which we called home for at least 10 years. It was so much more than a place to lay my head. It was there that I started my journey of education at Camden County College (CCC). Walking back and forth across the street to class brings back fond and dreaded memories. Look. Sometimes a brother didn’t want to get up! I did my travel to Glassboro, NJ to attend Rowan University where my elevation in regard to the label began.

I been engineering since the 90s, but it wasn’t until I went back to school and learned how my life and how it had unfolded began to make sense. I was created to make music. I’ve done it since I was 13 and didn’t really take it as serious until I got to Rowan University. Not to take anything away from CCC. I learned a great deal there and also began building the network in which I navigate now. It was at Rowan, however, that the rubber was either going to meet the road or I should stop wasting my time. Hint. I am traveling. Still. Rowan taught me the basics of the business I spent so much of my youth trying to develop on my own.

The knowledge I gained from those early years alone did better prepare me to absorb the jewels I would gain later, however. The way my mind works and the level of organization instilled within me provided a foundation that no classroom can teach. Experience was my professor and failure my lover. Unlike others, in the past I never did and even now rarely use major label releases as a reference for my mixes and masters. I know my joints aren’t as loud, as clear and are not as dynamically rich, but honestly, I never did and won’t care…too much. Since I started recording music, I only listen to the music I create. I’m not aiming to sound like a “pro” or have music that competes with the awesomeness that is Dr. Dre. I intentionally fight the influence so that the music I deliver is more original. Sure, I’ve listen to other’s music once in a blue, but most times it’s just me, my self-created music that I stream via Bluetooth from my phone. I don’t even use the phone to communicate really! It’s more of my music hard drive on the go!

I could go on and on about my past, but that’s not the point of this trinity post. I’m in awe of the journey from when I first picked up a pen to now. I guess this swelled to the surface as I am restructuring the label and reorganizing the files from day 1 into my new folder hierarchy system I developed while attending Berklee College of Music. Who would have thought a fat kid from a small town in New Jersey with a missing front tooth would spearhead and maintain a music movement and culture that the world is appearing to now only just starting to realize as the way.

While most was attracted to gain the fame and money, I was in my dungeon with a few likeminded others putting life experiences to sound. I find it funny when I now hear artists talk about ownership, paperwork and going it alone. I been trying to tell artists that from day 1, but because I didn’t have a flock of chickens checking for me and shiny slave chains around my neck, I was dismissed and overlooked.  This is the result of being told and believing what you’re success is supposed to look like.

As I look to this next and possibly the last stage of my journey, the Facing Life side, I couldn’t be more proud and happy of all that I have accomplished up to this point. I’m thinking it’s from the lack of applause and attention that give me this super laser focus I now possess. Solidarity has done wonderful things for my vision, my music and whatever is to manifest from my efforts over the last nearly 40 years. Hitting 50 in May and doing this since 13 has revealed several key things I wish that you would take with you after reading this blog entry.

Don’t quit…that’s for suckers

Don’t look for applause or validation…that’s for losers

Don’t be influenced to change into them…that’s for the weak

Be realistic about your place in the world…that’s your truth

Be the creator of your own dream’s manifestation…that’s your God given free will

Be willing to travel alone…that’s your test to prove you are worthy of your gifts

Thank God for the courage to express yourself…many mute themselves for materialistic gains

In the next part, I will go into the excitement I am experiencing. If this is your first time reading my blog from start to finish…thank you and I pray you return. For those who been rocking with me…you know the vibe…so say it with me.

Stay tuned…stay alert…and always remember…You. Are. Da. MuvMint.

I love you for that Castawayz!

Blessings