#RIP RICY BAUER - Love you, bro! (January 12th, 1974? - August 1st, 2015)

I remember the days we spent at youth group when I still lived in West Seattle. I moved to Des Moines a short while later and went to school at Christian Faith School for half of my 9th grade,and half of my 10th grade year... then I left and went to Mount Rainier High School for the rest of my 10th grade year and on to my senior year... I think that's how I went, but yeah. That's 20 years ago now.Anyway, when I was in Des Moines, I'd spend a lot of time at youth group as well as school. I looked forward to seeing Ricy. Right away I noticed an mutual affinity for music. I remember one time he came to my parent's house with a friend named Kent. Me, Ricy and Kent went to my room to make some music. Kent wanted to sample Zanadu. The song, I'm Alive, I believe. Ricy and I both thought it was stupid. Every time we'd pass each other in the halls, we'd sing out "I'm alive!!!" I remember choir tour practices. I never got to go on one with him, but I remember him practicing. He was a dancer for Eric V. and the Preachin' Posse... I think. At least I knew he was always a great singer. It wasn't until the last few years that we actually could record anything though. The player below is some of the songs we did.


Ricy Bauer was a great friend of mine. Close like a brother. I remember going through my divorce and him always being there to pray with me and talk with me. He knew me as a guy who didn't like C.C.C. (Corny Christian Crap) and always knew to bring it to me real. Then there was the era of Pastor Scott Gurule'. What a weird time. For those of you that know, you already know. For those that don't, I don't know if this is the place to explain it all... BUTT, we had a relationship that was open and we were always able to talk about literally anything that was going on in either of our lives. We shared many similarities as well as a few differences, but we always knew we were brothers.

There were several things that we talked about in his life as well. There were times that I shared and times that he shared. I was fortunate enough to meet his family before his mother passed. I was able to get to know Krysty, his wife, and their daughter Wynter for the first part of their relationships. My wife and I were asked to be in their wedding. I remember going to karaoke with them the night of the wedding. I was so tired, but I'm glad I got to experience Ricy blow all the other singers out of the water! I will always remember the time that Krysty and Wynter and Ricy all came to have Thanksgiving with me and my wife! What a fun day! So much good food and great fellowship. When I heard they were moving, I was sad. I knew that he always followed what the Lord was telling him to do. They'd be fine. 

He had been a part of a church down there and had a place to stay and work. Then I learned that he and Krysty were going to have a baby boy! I know that Ricy had always wanted children so I knew he was really excited! About two weeks ago, I got to talk to him on video chat (hangouts) when I was at an open mic with Matt Ober. He was working and we could barely hear each other. It was nice to see that he was doing well and that we were just as good of friends as we ever were. I love my brother, Ricy, and I will miss him until the day we see each other again in the company of our heavenly father. I'm just glad I got to spend the time I did with him and his family.

This is an incomplete instrumental with Ricy singing the chorus. I am working on completing the song soon.

SOUNDMIND STUDIO

Soundmind Artists | Nickels Hawkeye (official website)

Nickels Hawkeye @ Soundmind Studio in Seattle, Washington 2015

Hey-low airybody! Wanted to reach out and let you know about a recent development in my career. I have been given an opportunity to work with a recording studio formerly called Chemical X Studio here in Seattle! The work that I am doing is more of an administrative role. I am trying to get the studio to be able to sustain itself financially. The owner and I have been talking about some changes to make and a couple directions to look towards as options for the future of his business. We are in the very first stages of development, but I am very excited about this opportunity because it really does have great potential! The studio is a wonderful place and is capable of almost anything! I have been able to mix and master one project so far, and working with this equipment has been like being in a candy store! For those of you that know me personally, working in a studio has been a lifelong dream of mine.

Anyway, the above audio from soundcloud is an example of something that was recorded at the studio before I got there. Also, below is an exclusive rough mix of a song that I just worked on over the last couple days... It's not done and will most likely go away soon, but I like to give exclusives to those who follow me and what I'm doing. Let me know what you think in the comments section below.