WMRT is a vehicle of self-expression. Subscribe or share to support this work.
This post includes an original song written and recorded by Miter over the past several weeks, visual art, a short essay and some links and stuff.
Absently
Writing out dreams at pace, keep it close, save your face. Calling forth falling grace, read the rooms— read what they say. Mind the gap between your teeth, mine the salt and leaves. Looking for that which you seek, find it absently. Feeling stout, lacing lace, kindly count, find the pace. Share the petal, and the stem share your dream— not with them. Drink the sap from the trees mine the salted breeze. Looking for that which you seek, find it absently.
Art Corner
If I had to say what this song is about (which I don’t), I would say that it is about lack of direction in creativity as a potent strategy, or, clarity as an illusion.
Are you sure?
I’m not sure who feels certain about anything these days. Especially given that probability probably doesn’t exist. Society runs nearly exclusively on concepts that don’t exist. Social contracts, economies, religions, organizations and many institutions that form the foundations of our society are all based on the power of belief, rather than certainty.
If probability probably doesn’t exist; certainty, certainly, does not.
This is difficult concept for those with steep financial and social advantages. They are quite certain they control their success. Laughable.
However, if probability probably does not exist, then the possibilities are endless. We have the power to create this world—if enough people can agree on what to create. Collaborative creation for good seems far-fetched based on what I see on the news, but this hopeful thought remains true regardless of circumstances.
The possibilities of creation are endless if you are working outside of systems that are prescribed or dogmatic. Creativity for business planning in a capitalist system can be useful, but such creativity is heavily weighed by rules and parameters. In these systems, success is only slightly dependent on ingenuity.
If not confined to systems, then all ideas are on the table.
This is the possibility of art.
When creating art, if the goal is financial success, the point is already missed. The more blind you are to influence, success factors, and strategy, the greater the possibility of making something original. There is no need to follow trends—every trend is circular. There is no need to hire someone to tell you what to write, how you should paint, or what music to make and for whom.
Outside of creation, a strategy to proliferate and sell your work will likely help.
Let your instincts guide you and let your influences reside deep in your core rather than on the surface. Perseverance and leaning away from trends are the only advantages.
Or, as the song says—looking for that which you seek, find it absently.
I hope you enjoyed the song and a million thanks for listening. Thanks to
for allowing me to use this beautiful painting as the accompanying image for this post/song.As always, I appreciate any feedback or questions in the comments.
Things to Come and Things Past
Perseverance in creative work is not easy and not a logical priority for most people, including me. Therefore I should acknowledge the fruits of perseverance. Now might be a good time for a recap and reintroduction to this publication.
I’ve recently updated my about page which is a place to get a brief sense of who I am and what I am doing (if you are interested).
Speaking of uncertainty and “probability”, I am uncertain about the direction of this work. This month’s song and essay likely speaks to some of my personal uncertainty in what I am doing here and why. It also speaks to the idea that it is fine not to know what you are doing—the act of creating is the most important thing.
My primary objective is to release one song that I have written, performed and recorded on a monthly basis—sharing the process and releasing music in “real-time”.
This message and song marks the beginning of year-three of Washed Memoir in Real Time. This is the 25th song that I’ve released in this manner. Two of these twenty-five were covers (which I think is totally acceptable, especially because I released an EP of 6 cover songs that month). I also created three episodes of television and another original EP with two bonus tracks only found on Substack. I released a collaborative soundtrack as a cassette and formed an art collective/record label.
In retrospect, it is all a bit rudderless and unsustainable. I really enjoy this platform as a medium to create and may have overextended on a few projects given my enthusiasm. Additionally, my real world is demanding. Still, the maintenance of this practice is a worthwhile endeavor regardless of scare time and monetary success.
I highly value the connections I’ve made on Substack.
I am proud of much of the work. I’ve grown and improved as an artist and a song writer, and I’ve learned quite a bit. This year, I won’t be too difficult on myself regarding my release schedule. I plan to make the 12 song quota again.
Within my about page, besides the productivity goals, I also mention a larger artistic exploration: paradox and diametrically opposed ideas being equally true. That should remain a theme, but I am also curious about the relationship between paradox and quantum mechanics—is there such thing as paradox if everything exists simultaneously? Lately, things feel more mushed together than connected sides of a continuum.
Below are a series of links to recommended older posts and collaborations in case you’d like to check out a bit more. Nearly all content is free, however, paid subscriptions are most welcome! I’ll continue to put a few bonus tracks behind a paywall from time to time.
Overall, I greatly appreciate you reading and listening.
Don’t stop Beliebin’!
RS
Samples and Shares
My most popular song on Substack so far, numbers wise. Is it the best one?
This appearance on 8 Questions with was really useful for me to think through what I am doing here and why.
This appearance on Tune Tag with was a fun way to share influences and cover songs.
I love making TV with lots of cool people- hopefully more one day!
Learn more about the soundtrack and buy the cassette at .
(Very strange that Metalabel links don’t embed on Substack???)
https://metalabel.substack.com/cp/145726315
This collaborative release with is still one of my favorites!
Learn about LABELABEL:
Creative industry rant and an EP released as a digital cassette, exclusive to Substack:
Share this post