A Thank You and an Update on My Car

Hey Everyone.

Thank you for contributing to my efforts to get back out on the road. We're still quite a long ways from the goal, but we got the money close enough to the dial to get my car repaired, so I scheduled an appointment with Harry, my mechanic friend that lives in Glendale.

Another musician friend of mine Matt, hipped me to him when I first moved to Eagle Rock around 6 or 7 years ago. Harry tries his best to help us musicians out and not charge out the nose for the work he does.

This repair would cost me easily $1,500 to $2,000 in shopping around to ask, if not more from a certified Honda Dealership.

The engine maintenance I need is not easy work.

He will have my car for two to three days to repair it. I just got off the phone with him, and he laid that knowledge at my feet as well. I was unaware. He said, “this job isn’t like replacing your breaks. I have to take a lot of things apart.” He does. He means the frickin’ engine. He needs to take my engine apart. That’s sensitive work. That’s like my car getting heart surgery.

It's preventative maintenance, but Timing Belts and Serpentine Belts are not things you want to go out while driving a car. It will literally ruin the engine, if either goes out. This maintenance will give me another 70,000 to 100,000 miles of driving a car in good health, hopefully. Holy cow do I need that. Let me further explain.

This is important to me. Why?

Because trying to build enthusiasm and a fan base around music is next to impossible these days. It’s repetitive work, and often thankless.

Music is not something that people champion as they get older. It’s looked at as something one can take or leave. When we are younger, we experience music like a religious experience.

This realization doesn’t make my job any easier.

The way I look at it is that the key hole to a person’s heart is narrow. It takes a conglomeration of events at times, for people to truly pay attention to my hard work. Especially the lyrics of all things.

For example: your wife or husband suddenly leaves you. Sleeps with someone else. You are hurting in a way you have never hurt before.

You listen to one of my songs, and you begin to cry, because you realize that you are not alone in how you feel in that moment.

That is how narrow that keyhole is. It took all these horrible events to bring a person to their knees, to finally listen to the words of a song, that might have popped up on accident in a playlist or maybe was purchased with good intention but never listened to until that moment.

This is humble work I do. It requires me to visit far away places over and over and over again. To constantly post on social media that no one who follow my accounts ever sees anymore these days because of an ever changing algorithm. To gain new subscribers on a mailing list, only to watch them leave as digital numbers that lower with every email out to them. Luckily, they are replaced by new people that I find through my continuous efforts and acts of creation.

So, I thank you for seeing that, because you are helping me to continue the hard work that I cherish and revere and look at in a spiritual light, even if those around me do not.

I do. And I truly believe that with all my heart and soul. I am on my path in life, and it is not easy—but I am here to tell you that I am in it for the long haul.

I think you know that though.

All my gratitude and sincerity and deep love for seeing me, and not an image of me.

If you are interested in contributing, you may do so here: https://gofund.me/a67fcb1e

Mike

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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Bandcamp Friday May 2nd 2025 (that's now, for now)

Today is Bandcamp Friday and I have a new album called DESERT DOGS, that is available exclusively for sale on Bandcamp. I spent two years releasing this album one single at a time.

It comes to streaming platforms as a full length album, next week on Friday May 9th, however, you can purchase the album today on Bandcamp and all proceeds go to me for today only.

Thanks for listening to the stories I tell. I hear them from all sorts of folks, and I write songs about those stories, as well as my own on occassion. At heart, I am a storyteller and a creator. I absolutely adore producing music like this and performing it for folks.

I’ll put a link below if you’re interested in bending an ear. People tell me the first track is really great. It’s called Silver Lining.

Bandcamp Friday Link:

https://mikevitalemusic.bandcamp.com/album/desert-dogs

Bob Loblaw's Law Blog

https://www.mikevitalemusic.com

A Recipe for Kooky's:

https://linktr.ee/mikevitale

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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Running Away From Home

Just imagine this in giant yellow letters, scrolling over a backdrop of stars… in a galaxy far far away…

I would never lie to you. Well, maybe sometimes—but not this time. This is absolutely true.

I ran away from home in second grade because I wanted to be a werewolf after watching the movie Teen Wolf with Michael J. Fox three thousand times.

I wanted to be a runaway werewolf, sort of.

I went to book bus at my elementary school, to do research. I’m a researcher—when I wanna be a werewolf.

I found this Scholastic Magazine that said if I drank the water from a wolves footprint… it would turn me into a werewolf.

I tried a dog’s muddy footprint first and waited for the full moon.

It didn’t work.

So, I had no recourse but to find a pack of wolves—and I didn’t want to go alone, so I took my best friend, Brandon Kite along with me.

I packed a backpack full of a blanket, some bananas, lunch meat, a loaf of bread, and some mustard.

This is the tale of our journey. All events are true—to the best of my recollection (whatever that means).

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/jgsjAcCITLc

Bob Loblaw’s Law Blog:

Https://www.mikevitalemusic.com

A Recipe for Cookies:

https://gofund.me/f6189a80

Rush, Forever and Ever, Amen.

God, I love Van Halen.

All kidding aside, Rush Rocks. I’m so bummed I never got to see y’all live. My brother did and he said you were flawless and incredible and inspired. I believe him.

Thank you for all the good vibes.

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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May Single Release Schedule | Rare Bird is LIVE on Streaming Platforms

This year and the end of last year has been a trip. However, as I’ve been getting older, I am learning to focus on the positive as much as humanly possible. I’m thankful to have you here if you fancy. 

Here is the release schedule for singles in MAY as well as my last song for the month of April, which came out today; it’s called RARE BIRD (video above), and I’m working on the full arrangement right now with my friend Geoff Pearlman producing this song. It’s beautiful. I watched and listened to him work on the song on my birthday, Monday.

In the meanwhile, this acoustic arrangement is available now on all the streaming services at the link below:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/mikevitale/rare-bird

For the month of MAY, I’m once again aiming to release one new song every week:

MAY 2nd - If I Only Had a Brain 

MAY 9th - Silver Lining and the complete album DESERT DOGS

MAY 16th - The Curious Case of Phineas Gage and His Brain

MAY 23rd - Jambalaya (On The Bayou)

MAY 30th - Karma Police

Please consider becoming a paid patron as every one of these uploads costs me money, on a yearly basis. I have to pay to keep them on streaming services. Covers cost me $12.99 per song every year, because they are not my song that I wrote. An original song, is $1 per year if I do the lowest tier, which I do:

https://www.patreon.com/mikevitalemusic

Alternatively, I have recently set up a GoFundMe account to help repair my car for a short tour that I am doing in Texas in May. Everything and anything helps. Believe that. All contributions get me to where I need to be as an artist and creator:

https://gofund.me/f6189a80

As of this morning, $850 has been raised to help me fix my car, re-up on merchandise, as I can’t sell music as easily anymore (vinyl is expensive y’all, it’s fragile, it’s sensitive to heat, and it takes a long time to make), dental work, and other assorted odds and ends that I put aside because I’m poor and no one wants to pay money for music. This is how you help an artist you love. Do it directly.

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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New GoFundMe Campaign Launched

I am working on raising money for a few efforts, most notably getting to the Kerrville Folk Festival in May. My car needs quite a bit of maintenance revolving around a timing belt, a tensioner, idler pulleys, water pump, serpentine belt, a set of brake pads, and a few other bells and whistles. The cost of parts has gone up on these things as well as the cost of labor. If you feel up to helping out a bit, I would be so honored. I’m also trying to refresh my merchandise as I have sold out of most everything I have, and get caught up on a power bill that is pretty out of control:

https://gofund.me/16929c3a

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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Kerrville Folk Festival | Kerrville New Folk Song Competition

You could probably blind fold me with dental floss in this picture, however, the smile is very much me as well.

I’m thrilled to be heading back out to Kerrville, Texas to play the Kerrville Folk Festival, New Folk Competition and more importantly, to re-connect with friends I made last year, and to hopefully make some new friends this year. To me, that’s what life is all about: making friends, authenticity, and to be fearless.

Let’s face it: I’m lousy at competing, especially when it comes to music.

Thank you for letting me tell a few stories again. It’s all I want with my life: to tell stories, and to listen to them from others, and to have the words “welcome home” said to me, again and again.

Home isn’t a place: it’s people. My two cents.

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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If I Only Had a Brain

First off, this is only slightly my own arrangement of this classic masterpiece of music. Harry Connick Jr. arranged this song as a young man, on piano. 

I adapted this from his arrangement. I did so, because I cried uncontrollably the first I heard it.

This is “If I Only Had a Brain.”

Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/mikevitalemusic

Consider becoming a paid member.

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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Synchronicity I by The Police

One of the happiest days of my life was getting to see/hear The Police live when they did a reunion tour. My girlfriend at the time, Katie: she knew me. She bought good gifts. This was a gift to me—a birthday gift.

Katie had a lot of other baggage that made it difficult to be in a relationship with her, but when it came to seeing me as a person: she definitely saw me.

I think about Katie sometimes—and not in a I-want-her-back-kind-of way. Moreover, she lives on inside of me. I find myself saying things that she used to say to the cats we had together. She lives on in me in that sense—making a mark on me that will last a lifetime.

Thanks Katie (if you ever read this),

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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New Songs for the Month of April and The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

I find that taking the time to talk about things that are going to be done, or have already been done, is something I would one day love to delegate to someone else. It could be my cat—but more likely a bi-pedal human with an awesome brain, sense of humor, and kindness, and an aptitude and pension for music business.

If that’s you and you like my art, please reach out.

I’m doing the juggle.

Speaking of juggles, I wanted to drop you a quick line—so I am, to let you know about all the new singles I am releasing in April.

One of the new singles, has brought me good fortune—but I can’t announce it until later in the week. This is the release schedule fort April though.

April 5th - Mess It Up

April 11th - Graceland

April 18th - And It Stoned Me

April 25th - Rare Bird

My goal is to be releasing one song a week, so I have been since February.

On a side tangent that also is not a side tangent: I’m concerned about the economics of musicians. Having been a professional musician for a number of years, I have continuously watched musicians be mistreated in a myriad of ways: whether it be as a gigging musician or even within the realm of selling the art (as an album or singles).

I posted yesterday about reading “The Wealth of Nations” by Adam Smith. I am trying to solve the problem of musicians being taken advantage of.

If it wasn't a record label in 1996, it is Spotify and Apple Music now.

Musicians should not have to invest $10,000 in an album, only to essentially provide it as an expected service to be consumed for free. Sure, someone pays Spotify $11 a month, but we as the creator of the art being consumed, do not see that distribution of wealth. That doesn’t feel right to me. It feels queer, in the traditional sense of the word. We even do it with words: take them and repurpose them without thought of how that effects others around us.

So, I consult the book that fashioned the use of what Smith referred to as “Commercial Society” but what we now call “Capitalism.”

Self interest was of huge concern to Adam Smith. He devoted chapters to it in the “Wealth of Nations” as pointed out by Prasannah Parthasarathi in the introduction of the edition I purchased yesterday. Wisely so. Look at how musicians have been getting fucked for years.

My solution came from a friend I made in Photo Club named Matt Sloggy. He is an Economist based out of Riverside, California. He spoke to me about Reciprocating Economics. What does that look like? Allow me to show you.

A company like Spotify or Apple Music or Deezer, could have a department devoted to publishing Songwriter and Full Band Material to Television, Netflix, HBO, Movies, Commercials. We flood their service with art: they could be reciprocating by doing the work of getting high paying placements for us. It’s a lot of work making music: thank you for being selfish and not paying attention to how musicians are literally dying from suicide overworking themselves. If new companies in America are going to be subsidized with Tax Payer Money, pay it forward to those who are from those taxpayers, who are directly providing the service you are offering. What you have done Spotify, is shoved your service between the musician and the audience with a shoe horn: a shoe that has no damn sole.

People make the argument that humans are innately selfish. Even if that is true, Smith mitigates this notion in the following manner:

“It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interests. We address ourselves, not to their humanity, but to their self-love, and never to talk to them of our own necessities but of their advantages.”

We have value, brothers and sisters. It is time we take our value back rather than give it away. Adam Smith was a wise and intelligent person. We should listen to wise and intelligent people who take the time to write a treatise of Economic Theory. Because holy shit, have we not lost sight of the beginnings of “Commercial Society” in favor of what we now call in modern nomenclature, repurposed: “Capitalism.”

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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New Music Being Released Every Week

Hey! I just wanted to drop everyone a quick set of thoughts in regards to my plans for 2025. I have been attempting to release a new song to streaming services every week; this endeavor of mine began in February of this year. I don’t exactly know how long this will last. What I can say is that I adore creating music.

I would write out all of the songs that I will be releasing, but since there are so many, I would just be stoked if you pulled open your preferred streaming app from time to time and found something you like.

May this find you all in high spirits. Many blessings and positive vibes to you all!

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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Graceland and a Dream of Mine, Analyzed

I had a dream a few years back where I was at The House of Blues. It looked a bit like the one I used to perform at in Anaheim, California. Near Disneyland. But certainly not identical.

Paul Simon was in that dream. I was sitting at a table with him and two other musically inclined gentlemen. You might call us skeezy musicians: I lean towards storyteller, with a pension towards taking liberties.

I needed to use the restroom. I got up from the table and headed towards a set of binary doors, one to the left, and one to the right.

I took the door to the right, and was immediately greeted by a person trying to squeeze by me with a backpack brimming with who knows what. I don’t even know—and I’m the one slow cooking this chili con carne of a dream.

Ironically, he was exiting, just as I was entering. It was an awkward exchange between a doorway.

What I found on the other side of that doorway was a bustling kitchen of people—chefs and other assorted folks working in tandem.

I appreciated seeing this for a moment, but also didn’t find the bathroom.

I head back to the table I was sitting at with Paul Simon. He wasn’t alone either. There was a drummer I knew from living in Long Beach, as well as the bass player from the band Weezer, that left the group after the success of their first album. Matt Sharp.

I make some sort of snide crack about the restroom being cursed and that I couldn’t find it to begin with.

Paul replied, we all feel that way from time to time.

Everyone chuckles.

The drummer and bass player and Paul all have a short chat of sorts, before the bass player and drummer politely bid fair-well and leave.

I once again feel the urgency of the restroom—and as I rise, Paul showers me with kind compliment and I reply the pleasure being mine.

And as I stand, I notice that Paul is sitting on my coat.

As much as I would love to think that image in my dream was Paul Simon—all of those people are me.

We find Grace on the inside, in a house of blues. Not always what we anticipate either—especially when trying to get there urgently.

It’s not as hard as you think to analyze a dream. It’s all symbolic. Metaphors. The cast of my craft and poets alike.

I found grace hearing what my friend Rory sent me today. It was his second guitar part for this arrangement.

Wow, music is magic and casting spells—and dreams? They are wild. Primal. Older than your language. When symbols ruled for communication in a young monad’s dream.

This is Graceland by Paul Simon.

It’ll be available on all the streaming services April 11th.

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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Home Life

This song took on a special meaning for me recently. It was my favorite song on an album called “Heavier Things,” by John Mayer. The song is called Home Life.

The chorus of the song, he speaks of wanting to live in the Center of a Circle: that is a Monad.

He also speaks of wanting to live on the side of a square: that is referring to the Golden Ratio and φ. You will see this if you look at the Symbol of a golden ratio which has been used for years by both artists and mathematicians. It is the mathematical ratio for an infinite spiral, arrived at my the Fibonacci Sequence and The Ratio, Phi. It is an infinite set of numbers, like Pi, which deals with circles, and leads back to the Monad.

Both are symbols: The Monad and The Golden Ratio. John may have done this on purpose. He may have done it unconsciously as well. I would like to ask him myself in person one day.

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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Playing Vine in Long Beach on Sunday April 6th

This is my friend Taylor.

In thinking about it, I’ve cried a whole bunch in front of her over the years. Probably enough so to make any reasonable person uncomfortable.

Life can be hard sometimes.

But it’s the friends in life that pick us up and dust us off, and send us back into the world to try again. That’s persistence. It brings us to success, eventually. Always. I believe that.

I’m stoked to be sharing a spot with her to play some music at @vine_lb in Long Beach on Sunday April 6th. It’s a free show, and I’d be happy to have you there as well, dear reader. Deeply.

4pm - Me

5pm -  Taylor Crawford

6pm - Rod Harrison

May we all be so lucky to have friends like you.

And I can’t emphasize this enough, Taylor: it was really hard for me to miss your wedding day (I’m so sorry), because nothing makes me happier than seeing my friends happy.

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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Want and the Stories of Mike and Julie | My Neighbors

On an economic level, I share more in common with an individual who is homeless than I do with that of a person who is upper middle class or upper class.

I am a professional musician trying to make a living on the music I write. I am lower class.

The first song I ever wrote was about a young girl in Visalia who tried to commit suicide off of the side of a highway overpass, into oncoming traffic on the 198 freeway. She survived. I only showed this song to one friend: Elizabeth Rosenberg. I was around 20 years old at the time.

This song above, is so many years far removed from that first song. I am going to be 46 years old in April.

This song is not just about homelessness; it is about recognizing the value of each other. It is about recognizing that which makes us similar, instead of focusing on that which makes us different.

I talk to people. Sometimes it's on my own time. Sometimes it's on theirs. I had four or five people call me on the phone the other day and I talked to everyone, and showed my love by listening and being engaged, being present, and enjoying their company for as long as I could, before needing to get back to work.

This includes friends I have made who are homeless.

Rather than share the lyrics of this song, I will share their stories as best as I know.

MIKE

I met Mike when I first moved to Eagle Rock in Los Angeles. Mike has been homeless for approximately 40 years. He grew up in Chicago. Sometimes, I would bring a cup of coffee from my house to him, and we would sit and talk about his life. He left Chicago in his late teens out of fear. He said he witnessed something that he shouldn't have, and left Chicago because there was a person trying to eliminate him as a witness.

I listened. His story—it's hard to know whether there is reality to it or not. What I could do though, is ask him if he had family in Chicago who would take his call. He said yes. I asked if he knew their number. He said yes. So, I offered him my phone, and encouraged him to reach out. I also said, that whoever wanted him dead, has long forgotten about him and that his family would most certainly be happy to hear his voice. He refused.

One day as I was passing by, he said hi to me, and said, "hey you're a musician right?" I said yes. He told me that he always wanted to learn guitar. I told him, that I would be happy to gift him a guitar and teach him how to play. All that he needed to do was to show up at 11am in front of the mini mart by my house, and I would bring materials to teach him. He didn't show up and that's okay.

One day I passed by him in front of that same mini mart, and he was excited to be the recipient of 12 brand new pairs of socks. He asked if I needed any socks, and offered me a few pair of socks. I told him that I have plenty of socks, and that I would feel better about it, if he kept them and used them for himself.

I haven't seen Mike in a few years, but I love him.

JULIE

I don't know Julie nearly as well. She has her good days, and she has her bad days. She is schizophrenic. She has not told me that, but I am fairly certain this is the case.

She often speaks to people I can not see, but not always consistently. Sometimes she is more lucid than on other occasions.

She screams in terror at 4am in the morning at invisible entities that I do not see. However, she is terrified of them. Genuinely terrified. I will hear her banging on road signs, screaming for these entities to leave her alone. Begging them at times. Ordering them on other occasions, with words of authority and conviction and profanity.

I have gone out to check on her in the early hours of the morning, to make sure she is okay, when I can hear her pleas and banging to be left alone. It is on those occasions that she has shared with me that one of the entities is covered in blood and repeatedly tries to molest her.

She does not remember my name, and I don't mind. She often does not make eye contact with me. Sometimes she does.

She has upset my neighbors on a few occasions using our shared garden house for the yard to clean her clothes. I found her doing this once, and merely asked that she would approach me beforehand, before using the hose.

----------

I do what I do, because it makes me happy. It is humble work. I have traveled all over the United States sharing my stories and the stories of others, with people, such as yourselves. I have met many of you and connected with many of you, from this pursuit.

I am incapable of fixing the issue of homeless by myself. I need help. I need your help. We elevate each other. That is what we do. That is what we can do. Like anything, it starts at a thought—but manifests to reality by action.

I manifest my life. You do too. It is not our responsibility to judge what is impossible or possible. It is our purpose to pursue what makes us happy and to attempt to elevate each other.

I have spent my lifetime devoting myself to story and song. I know I am good at it. I have watched myself win over entire rooms full of people that did not show up to see me play, and I have done this in rooms all over the country.

This is just a song. It does not change anything, immediately. I hesitate to sell this one. I would prefer for people just to listen, as I have listened to the stories of Mike and Julie, and countless other friends.

It can easily be ignored as well. The choice is yours. It always has been.

It is available to stream on all the streaming services, as of now:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/mikevitale/want-live-in-2025

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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And It Stoned Me

I first heard this song from two girls I had an early morning class with in high school. They were smoking a joint in their parked car, as I was passing by, minding my own business.

They invited me in, and this was the song they were listening to.

In other news, my cat is just chillin' right under my headstock—the whole song. Her name is Qi'ra. Feel free to say hi!

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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Simple

Simple

Words and Music by Me

I know that I am simple

Perhaps the butt of jokes

The swishing tails of bovine

Two by two in yoke

Pulling the plow is good

I’m happy to be of use

I wasn’t always docile

A call to help refused

If you look into my eyes

You may see they’re soft

You may see into my heart

As I’m drinking from the trough

My sharp edges dull

In head and horn alike

How may I be of service

To the people in this life?

I know that I am simple

It was here I found my mirth

The light of sun was clouded

By earthly things and worth

To sew the seeds in Spring

To harvest in the Fall

To laugh when things are funny

To answer when people call

If you look into my eyes

You may see they’re soft

You may see into my heart

As I’m drinking from the trough

My sharp edges dull

In head and horn alike

How may I be of service

To the people in this life?

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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A Coyote

If this song were a cocktail, it might take you somewhere—and it would also be crafted from some fine ingredients.

One Mark Twain—specifically "Roughing It". One tablespoon of Eddy Arnold The Cattle Call. A dash of nostalgia. Several shakes traveling  out and about's, to and fro, hither and thither.

A pandemic. I forgot about that too.

Other stuff.

Sip it though.

I would write out the lyrics, but that would negate all the time spent inserting the lyrics above. You're going to have to experience it in real time—not at the speed of read.

Not at all is also an option (that being my least favorite).

Any hoo.

xoxo

M

Available to stream everywhere:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/mikevitale/coyote

Coyote

words and music by Michael Patrick Vitale

Vocals, Background Vocals, Acoustic Guitars, Upright Bass, Wood Blocks - Mike Vitale

Drums - Evan Stone

Background Vocals - Anastasia Flionis

Produced by Mike Vitale

Engineered by Mike Vitale, Evan Stone and Anastasia Flionis

Mixed by Ryan Lipman

Mastered by Mark Alan Miller

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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The Incredible Shrinking Brain

Humans have a stellar track record of being both absent and horrid to one another. We take advantage of those with less. We treat others as inferiors. Hurt people, they hurt people.

We criticize the intelligence of those who disagree with our own notions of what it is to be human, alive, and unique. We incite. We cross boundaries.

Discrimination, which then leads to Reverse-Discrimination.

Slavery. Coal Mines. Company Stores. We use. We exploit natural resources, and people alike.

Bigoted. Arrogant. Prejudice.

Angry.

Creed.

Creed is unique from religious belief. It is the public and outspoken form of religious belief. Often times, also crossing boundaries. Inciting war.

For such a young species, we know so little in the broader scheme of existence—and we exercise our limited knowledge with certainty, regardless.

We need humility. What I know is dwarfed by that which I don't know.

What am I advocating for?

For each and every one of us to be present and in the moment as often as possible, and in order to achieve that, we all must know ourselves, and in order to know ourselves, we must work inward from our Ego, to our true Self. Carl Gustav Jung called it Individuation. Taoists call it, The Way. I call it a lifetime of work and effort to be the best version of myself. Authentic, confident, positive, receptive, patient, open-minded, and kind. That starts with you and me and everyone on an individual basis, and there is no mastery. There is just trying to be present.

"Anger and hatred are caustic to the vessel in which it's stored, far more than to anything on which it's poured."

If you don't know why you are so angry and why you hate—you can know. It is a matter of truly searching the inner world of you. I have done so myself, and I have spent tremendous amounts of time by myself, exercising these very notions, and writing these very songs.

That is why the first verse of this tune is a criticism of me. I will start with me. The rest of the song is about society, for which I am a part of too.

I am pointing out an issue I see in society and me. I am also providing a solution, as well as a song to shake your ass to.

I find happiness in making art and connecting with people and telling stories and traveling the country. Writing these songs. They are an inner journey. Those who create, know what I mean. It is profound. I want and wish for all people to experience what I have in my lifetimes as a creator.

I care about us. I care about you. I care about how we treat each other, and how we mistreat each other. Most importantly, I want to see change in my lifetime.

What is the change? People that are happy.

You don't find happiness or God or Self in material goods and wealth. Jesus actually preached that very notion as well, and I agree (and I'm not Christian). You find happiness within, by searching for it and listening to your inner voice. That in itself is a journey and I wish you well traveler.

Happiness is also fleeting and is never constant. It must be that way or else you would have nothing to compare it against.

When you find happiness, the light and true purpose inside of you: you are present often, and you radiate this for all to see.

I found a great deal of happiness on the road the past few years. It made the release of singles, difficult however. Tonight, I am trying again, because it makes me happy. Thank you for listening and reading. I am thankful.

released September 13th 2024

Vocals, Rhythm Electric Guitar, Synthesizers, Moog Mini, Fender Rhodes Piano, Mellotron:  Mike Vitale

Drums:  Tamir Barzilay

Bass:  Paul Jones

Electric Guitar:  Molly Miller

Produced by Mike Vitale

Engineered by Mike Vitale, Tamir Barzilay, Paul Jones, and Molly Miller

Mixed by Ryan Lipman

Mastered by Mark Alan Miller

You can listen to this on your favorite streaming service, by following this link:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/mikevitale/the-incredible-shrinking-brain

Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/mikevitalemusic

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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The Curious Case of Phineas Gage and His Brain

Phineas Gage was a demolition foreman for the Rutland and Burlington Railroad in the year 1847.

His job was to blow things up—specifically, that which was in the way of building a pair of railroad tracks. This could be all sorts of things. Mountainside, Felsenmeer, Stone, Boulders, and so forth.

But in those days, when you wanted to blow things up, you didn't have dynamite, because it hadn't been invented yet.

Nitroglycerine, which led to dynamite, was still about 25 years away.

So, when you needed to get rid of what was in front of you, one would drill enormously deep holes in the above mentioned, fill it with gunpowder, run a fuse, pack the remainder of the hole with sand to buffer the charge, light the fuse, and then run like hell.

This was Phineas' job... that is, until one day, he forgot to do one of these ingredients—and that's where this song comes in.

This is called The Curious Case of Phineas Gage and His Brain. Most medical students are familiar with this story. However, since I never studied medicine or psychology in college, I have Conan O'Brien and Bill Hader to thank for this story. Thank you both. I had a great time writing this.

The Curious Case of Phineas Gage and his Brain

words and music by Michael Patrick Vitale

Phineas Gage cleared the felsenmeer and stone to level the ground

He was a detonation foreman for the

Rutland and Burlington Railway, westbound

He drilled holes deep into mounds of boulders and stone and rocky terrain

Before he filled them up with gun powder, fuse, and sand to buffer the charge and keep it contained

And in all those years of such a dangerous profession

I wonder if it ever crossed his mind to exercise discretion

he’d just tamp down the goods with a rod, ingredients primed

But he forgot to buffer the charge with sand this time

Phineas

Oh Phineas

Oh what have you done?

That one meter iron rod

Shot out like a gun

And Lord knows you ducked your head

To get out of its way

But almost only counts

In horseshoes and hand grenades

Phineas

Oh Phineas

How are you still standing?

You’re a miracle of science

You defy understanding

Because Phineas my friend

You’ve got a great big hole in your head

Phineas looks around with a “what’s a matter” wrinkled brow

As his eyes dart around in his head

And his growing audience responds that the brain matter from your head

Is strewn about and I don’t know: you’re not dead

Workers and foreman shout for a physician

And while it seems unique for Phineas to be in such a position

It’s recommended that he take the rest of the day off on account

That his insides are outside and that alone seems like a lot to surmount

Phineas

Oh Phineas

Oh what have you done?

That one meter iron rod

Shot out like a gun

And Lord knows you ducked your head

To get out of its way

But almost only counts

In horseshoes and hand grenades

Oh Phineas

Oh Phineas

How are you still standing?

You’re a miracle of science

You defy understanding

Because Phineas my friend

You’ve got a great big hole in your head

WHO IS MIKE VITALE?

I am a storyteller, songwriter, singer, music producer, traveling musician, Jungian dream analyst, all-around curious fellow (Spiritual, Mathematical Historical, Scientific), Taoist, and much much more, based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m constantly releasing new music, in all sorts of different genres. You can listen to me below, on Spotify:

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