Creativity

Creativity 

Hopeful, yet frustrating. Uplifting, yet discouraging.

As an artist, it's paramount to your identity.

I currently suffer from the dreaded writer's block. Not musically, but lyrically/poetically/verbally. My mind is probably more clouded right now than it has ever been. And that pours into every aspect of my life; as someone who has historically liked to feel creative in all aspects of life. At some point, I must have decided that it would be in my adaptive interest to process the world more mechanically; that "growing up" would only be possible by adding more and more layers of rigid and constricting armor.

"I'm too busy not to be fake"

Even now, at this moment, I struggle with words. My creativity being intercepted by a mentality that sacrifices flexibility for "efficiency" - while deep down, I question the results. 

"Pardon my alliteration

But this aggravation
That I want to bring me to liberation
Maybe it deserves some reconsideration
Due to the isolation
The commiseration
The frustration
The desperation
I apologize for the non-cooperation
That has been causing so much exasperation"

But I'll keep faith in this positivistic mentality, for it's all I have.

Update 12/14/13

An update with The Trying. www.thetrying.net is officially up. It's not very fancy, but it's serving it's purpose as a The Trying hub. Head on over to find anything and everything regarding The Trying.

If you haven't liked The Trying on Facebook, come over to https://www.facebook.com/thetrying.
Aaaaand, if you're not following The Trying on Twitter, come over to https://twitter.com/thetrying0.

ReverbNation - http://reverbnation.com/thetrying
I've added 2009's The Pink Lady Screamed That, "Dresden Is Still Alive!" and the Ignorance demo. Come over and check them out.
Also, we've been sitting pretty at #1 on ReverbNation's electronic charts for Manchester, however, recently we've dropped to #2. Let's get back up to #1! Thanks in advance for the support!

YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/thetrying
I've added a playlist for Archaic Dialect; Static Romantic, and for Love Songs.

Bandcamp - http://thetrying.bandcamp.com/
The Bandcamp page now has the the debut The Trying release, the Born In Winter demo. The Bandcamp page now officially has the entire catalogue!

Soundclick - http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=473634
The Ignorance demo and The Pink Lady Screamed That, "Dresden Is Still Alive!" are now up on Soundclick.

Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/thetrying
Come on over to the Soundcloud to listen to the top The Trying tracks.

Don't forget to install the The Trying app for Android! Just scan the image below, or if you're on your phone, visit http://www.reverbnation.com/thetrying/android.

Understanding Motivation

An excellent 10 minute video discussing the sources of motivation, and how it applies to corporate practices (both good and bad). If you take away employees' financial stress and provide them with some autonomy, the chances of your company flourishing increase. Keep your focus on the long-term and think of it as an investment.

Thank You

This isn't music or politics related, but addresses a micro-issue that I feel is important.




I was brought up to let others know that I am thankful and grateful for their actions, whenever they do something for me, no matter how small. Because of that, I personally find it important for others to return the favor, and I feel offended when I don't receive the gratitude I feel I deserve. I am aware that some people don't verbally show their gratitude all the time. However, instead of taking it personally, I could make it clear that I require their gratitude. This video talks about how we have to take responsibility for our emotional needs and if we require something from our partners, friends, family, etc - then we need to make them aware of that. It seems obvious, but it's not something I've really thought of before, and I feel is valuable. Thus, I wanted to share it.

Just An Update

An update with what I've been doing lately.

ReverbNation - http://www.reverbnation.com/thetrying

I've added Capitalism Is Sexy (2012), Blue Collar Blues demo (2011), Archaic Dialect; Static Romantic (2011), and Love Songs (2009) to the ReverbNation page. Also, I am thrilled to say that The Trying has reached #1 on ReverbNation's Electronica chart for Manchester, NH! Thanks to everyone!


YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/thetrying

I've added 4 playlists to YouTube. I've added the playlist for the three released tracks for Self-Titled (http://tinyurl.com/q8kfu8p), Suicide Pact demo (http://tinyurl.com/nlgn8tc), Capitalism Is Sexy (http://tinyurl.com/knu6vz4), and Blue Collar Blues demo (http://tinyurl.com/msadjw8).



MySpace - https://myspace.com/thetrying

Blue Collar Blues demo, Archaic Dialect; Static Romantic, and Love Songs are all up on MySpace now!


Bandcamp - http://thetrying.bandcamp.com/

I've added Realize, Accommodate (2008), The Most Delicate Muscle (2008), Anything demo (2007), and Scraps EP (2007).


Soundclick - http://soundclick.com/thetrying

Blue Collar Blues demo, AD;SR, and Love Songs are all up on the Soundclick page.


I have purchased a website for The Trying! I have began working on that, and it should be live within the next couple of weeks.

I still do not have a release date for the new record, but it's finished, and it's coming.

Remember, there is now a The Trying Android app! Eventually, the entire discography will be on there, along with news and everything else. Just scan the following barcode or click here.

The Banana Fallacy

This isn't music related at all, however, I was fumbling around on rationalwiki.org and came across an article regarding something the Banana Fallacy. I wanted to post about it because a.) it's informative and b.) it's amusing.

There is an argument from an infamous evangelical minister named Ray Comfort. Mr. Comfort argues that the banana is an example of intelligent design, because of the following reasons:

"The banana is shaped to fit into the human hand.
It comes with a protective, non-slip surface to hold.
It is curved towards the face for ease of consumption and does not squirt in one's face during the act.
There is a "pull tab" at the top for easy access, but is easier accessed by pinching the bottom and opening from that end.
It has a simple colour code to show ripeness: Green; too early. Yellow; just right. Black; too late."
~ http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Banana_fallacy

You can watch him talk about it here.

The reason that this argument is fallacious is not because it doesn't point to intelligent design, but because he associates the intelligent design with God.

I did not know this, but apparently that bananas, as we know them, have been selectively bread for close to 10,000 years!

(http://www.bubblews.com/)

This is what bananas look, naturally. For thousands of year, we've been selectively breeding bananas in order to make them conveniently edible for us! Those seeds you see in the picture are not edible. 

Mr. Comfort has been confronted with this information, and has back-pedaled greatly, saying the whole thing was a joke. You can be the judge. You can read the article I read here. And go ahead and explore the site more while you're there. There's a lot of good stuff!

Staying Motivated. Staying Inspired.

This is not a long post from me, as I want you to fill it in.

I feel like so much of my day to day life involves an internal struggle to stay motivated and inspired to do the things that I want to do, to be the person that I want to be. Often times, oddly enough, it actually involves turning off my emotions; as to not let things like doubt and fear creep in to my mind, as they have so much throughout a lot of my life. But then things start to feel a little mechanical and draining, as then life becomes kind of like a job - just doing what I need to do.

I'm not posting this for pity or to make anyone uncomfortable - but I'm wanting to reach out to ask everyone - what keeps you motivated? What keeps you inspired? Any and all suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

There's An (Android) App For That

Greetings everyone! Just posting an update with The Trying. I've been updating and adding to various social networking sites, and am currently in the midst of ramping up promotion. While I do not have a website, or release date for the new album yet, I do have something cool to introduce, which is a The Trying app!

That barcode will take you there, or you may click here. From there, you will eventually have access to the entire The Trying library; pictures, blog posts, reviews, and eventually, show dates!

Also, another big update is that a NEW The Trying song has been released, entitled "Sex Cells". Click here to listen to it on Soundcloud!

Below are updates I've made around the web in the past couple of weeks.

ReverbNation

Along with the app, you can also listen to the Suicide Pact demo and three songs from the upcoming Self-Titled album. Two of the tracks are remastered versions of "Ghostly Manipulator, Stillborn Marionette" and "The Ultimate Hybristophile" from the demo. The third is a brand new track entitled "Sex Cells"! Come listen!

YouTube

My YouTube page is kind of a mess right now, but I added a banner and organized some stuff. I will be gradually adding the full library on there. I also made a new video that is geared toward explaining the reason, purpose, and meaning behind the creation of the new record. You can watch it here:

Remember MySpace?

You can now listen to Capitalism Is Sexy (2012) and the Suicide Pact demo (2013) in their entirety here. You can also listen to the three tracks from Self-Titled. Come connect with me over here and I'll be sure to connect back!

Soundcloud

Head over to the new The Trying Soundcloud, which will always feature a 2 hour mix of what I feel are the best The Trying tracks! 

Twitter

I have started a Twitter account for The Trying. I will be active with it very soon. Come follow me and I'll be sure to follow back.

Bandcamp

The Bandcamp page currently hosts the most The Trying music and I have added the three new songs from Self-Titled on there as well. If you have a fan account on Bandcamp, I'd much appreciate your following.

Viinyl

Come listen to Sex Cells and Ghostly Manipulator, Stillborn Marionette on Viinyl. A great way for you to easily share the tracks with your friends!

Tumblr

I try to keep this updated, but don't do as well of a job as I wish. However, I will continue to try and get better. This will host updates from both The Trying and LossLess.

Soundclick

If you're on Soundclick, come over here and check it out. I have the entire Capitalism Is Sexy and Suicide Pact demo on here, and the new three songs from the Self-Titled record.

Facebook

A great way to keep up with The Trying in real time.

I thank anyone who takes the time to check out the new music and I am very good about following/connecting back with anyone who does the same for me!

Bread For The World

I wanted to share a website and a couple of articles that I recently came across. Bread.org is a progressive, religious-based organization focusing on poverty and hunger. While I am not religious - I love seeing religion being used for progressive purposes, as a lot of the teachings that are preached seem to be inherently progressive, but become bastardized. This organization focuses on community organization and reaching out to elected representatives in government to try and initiate change. I urge everyone to head on over to their website and become educated.

From an article on their site: "Development Works: Myths and Realities":

"5 Percent: the share of the world's income shared by the poorest 40 percent of the population."

"Near half: people in developing countries who, at any given time, have a health problem caused by unsafe water or inadequate sanitation."

".06: Percentage of U.S. budget spent on development assistance."

"11.7 million: the number of people in Mexico living in extreme poverty, unable to meet their basic food needs."


Capitalism is the most effective economic model for generating wealth that has ever existed, and yet we live in a world  with atrocious amounts of poverty and hunger (this hostility is mine, not Bread For The World's). Support from a very influential Christian base can be a wonderful ally in this battle.

LossLess

I want to introduce everyone to LossLess. 

This is my newest musical project and is my attempt at becoming a professional at doing what I love; making music. At the time of this writing, I have 24 tracks up for sale. These are all instrumentals which are begging to be used for something great. 

If you are a rapper or a singer looking for music to use, please take a listen to what I have to offer. I have a unique blend of hip-hop, industrial, and 8-bit in my songs that is going to catch the attention of anyone who hears it. If you need background music for any kind of project, please, listen to some of my tracks as well.

My prices are incredibly affordable. I am not trying to hurt the market with these low prices, I am just trying to get my foot into the door. I feel confident that once people here LossLess tracks being used by other talented artists, that plenty of interest will be generated. All of the tracks are available for exclusive purchase, a standard lease, or a premium lease.

Exclusive rights are straight forward - you own the track. The standard lease means you get to use the track for up to 1 year, or 2,000 distributed copies; whichever comes first. The premium lease means you get to use the track for up to 2 years, or 3,000 distributed copies; whichever comes first. A lease is a great option if you are just making a demo that is only going to be distributed to smaller group of people, or for a one-time project.

You can listen to the entire catalog at https://soundcloud.com/losslessbeats. You can click on each song to see the BPM and the pricing info. If you are interested in purchasing/leasing any of the tracks, e-mail me at ckaetzel@gmail.com. From there, I will send you a contract/s for you to sign. Once I receive them; I will accept payment via PayPal, and once I see the transaction has been initiated, I will send you the MP3 and WAV versions of the track, without the voice tag.

I hope everyone will check this out - even if you're not looking to buy music to use, the tracks are great and I'm really proud of them.

A Re-Launch / Novum Incarnationis for The Trying

July 4th, 2006 - I released the Born In Winter demo at a summer party at friend's house (we were still in high school). I had worked so hard on it that year. I had started my first job the year prior, with the motivation to make money so I could purchase music equipment. A guitar, a bass, a computer, an 8-track, and one high school music theory class later - I was ready to make...something.

I was more focused, as a musician, than in any other time in my life - which did not mean a whole lot, but it was very exciting. I was really getting out of the only-listen-to-metal phase of my life and was becoming incredibly enamored with Nine Inch Nails, Mindless Self Indulgence, At the Drive-In, and The Mars Volta. I became focused on using those bands, along with my metal influences, as my framework.

What resulted was a 4-track release entitled "Born In Winter" that was received extremely positively. But most everyone who is reading this, knows this. And that's kind of a problem.

Fast forward through 6 years and 10 other releases (ranging from Scraps, 2007 to Capitalism Is Sexy, 2012). I had released a lot of stuff I was proud of, and a handful of stuff that I wasn't - and I found myself unhappy. Not just with The Trying; but with life. This post isn't going to be a vent - that's what the music is for. But the result of the frustration and unhappiness lead to accepting that my identity as an artist and a musician needed to become a larger part of my life. The Trying is the main vehicle in which I can do that.

In summer of 2012, I began writing new material, with a new purpose. With a renewed eagerness. With the mentality that this group of songs had to change my life in a substantial way.

"You're witnessing the beginning of the end of a life
You're witnessing a suicide pact tonight
I know I have to die
If I ever hope to be alive"

I was more focused, more open, and more detail-oriented on this new batch of songs than any other time since the creation of Born In Winter. However, pushing myself to my potential as a writer and producer was only the first step. In the larger context of my life, writing and recording good songs is important, foundational - but utterly useless by itself. My goal is to treat The Trying with the respect it deserves. The comfort that it has provided me; the solace; the outlet; the life-saving entity that has been and still is - the potential that it has; that's what needs to start being used.

I don't expect anyone to believe me - you have no reason to. But, I'm not scared enough to put this part of my life in a neglected "some day" / "what if" / "I would love to" state anymore.

I thank everyone who has been supportive of me in the past. I appreciate it, even if at this point I feel undeserving of it. If I can just hold your attention for a little while longer...