Season 2 Episode 20:

Fifty Thousand People in My Head

I’ve now made two live albums for concerts that neveractually happened. Somehow, fifty thousand people still showed up in my head.

People ask about my creative process and the why behind thethings I make. In this episode, I talk about Live From My Head and my new imaginary concert album, the family stories that become songs, the nonsense I make just because it makes me laugh, and the distance between the music I canimagine and what I can play on a guitar.

Mira has a few observations about my imaginary touringcareer. I talk about the production tools that help me build the music—and why making finished songs has made me want to practice more. It’s a conversation about loving your people, trying things before you’re good at them, and lettingyourself have some fun along the way.

In this episode:

• Two live albums and no actual concerts
• How stories about Kellie, the kids, and the dogsbecome songs
• Making room for ridiculous ideas
• The gap between imagining a song and playing it
• What production tools contribute and where thestory begin
• Why finished music made me want to learn guitarmore

Shaka Electric — Jacob’s electrical company serving Coeur d’Alene and surrounding North Idaho.

https://shakaelectricco.com/

Renewed Strength Pilates — Kellie’s Pilates studio in Post Falls,Idaho.

https://renewedstrengthpilates.com/

Helping Hands by Sam — Sammie’s personalized errand help, including grocery shopping and returns. Message @helpinghandsbysam about needs andavailability.

https://www.instagram.com/helpinghandsbysam/

Shaka Electric and Renewed Strength Pilates support theshow. Helping Hands by Sam receives a family business shout-out. These are businesses run by Mike’s son Jacob, wife Kellie, and daughter Sammie, respectively.

Mike Baker and creative projects

Still Here, Still Trying

Related essay — The Song in My Head Is Better Than theOne in My Hands