My name is Mike, I go by the artist and producer moniker of TrainWreck. For those who are familiar with my journey, you know it's been a complete reinvention of sorts. The most important part of that journey took place when I made the decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God as I understand Him, and to put the bottle down and seek recovery. I'm proud to say it's been nearly 3 years since a sip of alcohol has entered my body (well, 2 years, 9 months, and 8 days or 1012 days in a row... but who's counting haha). While it has been exponentially better, life hasn't been without its challenges. See, I moved here during Covid from Seattle (not from there... long story) with my 2 small dogs that I inherited from a wretched and toxic relationship (also long story) with every intention of doing myself in with the bottle and bequeathing my two beautiful little furballs to my mom. I was a miserable and very ill person. When I decided to actually do something about that and actually live, I dedicated myself to not only getting myself well but helping others that have had the same types of struggles. Alcohol had robbed me of everything, even my creativity. Shortly after sobering up, I got the creative bug again and decided to do something no one would've ever expected from a career metal head like me... I decided to become an underground/independent Rapper/Producer. Thanks to sobriety, I have accomplished that and this small apartment that I share with my two babies (Monk and Bella respectively) has effectively been the hub of my creative output. This is where I transformed, this is where I learned how to produce electronic music and understand sound design and EQ. Essentially, this isn't just my apartment... it is the first iteration of TrainWreckBeats Studios before the come up and this music does what I know it's destined to do!

I say all that because that is all being epically threatened and the catalyst of this situation stems from a discriminatory termination that has led to me being 2 months behind on my already steep $1500 rent. Mind you, I was fired as I was waiting to interview for a second job because 1 job doesn't cut it these days... so I was already not doing fantastic at the time of said termination. Fast forward and here we are. I immediately applied for unemployment (which I'm yet to receive a dime from and by tally they owe me about 1 month's worth of rent in terms of amount) and I now have until October 31st to get this squared away or face eviction. This wouldn't just hamper my ability to make music (because I have a desktop Mac... I can't just take it anywhere, etc.) but more importantly, it would put my innocent little companions in a harrowing situation as we approach the colder months and they are 12 and 13, so not pups anymore.

Lastly, I'll say this: if you could find it in your heart to just throw a buck or two towards saving this safe space (to sorta quote those old PSAs... "for literally less than a cup of coffee" cuz ya know Starbucks and Dutch Bros ain't cheap lol), it would not only mean the world, but it wouldn't be wasted. I literally just passed the exams to begin selling life insurance... just waiting for the license to come back. It's strictly commission but I know I will be able to thrive at it and as long as I can maneuver past this nightmare (hopefully with your help), I know I can secure a stable bag that'll help carve the pathway for my ultimate dream of being an artist/producer/independent label owner.