Timestamps of Life: Music, Memories, and Friends Who Inspire
- MIDIMarcum
- Oct 30
- 2 min read
I really appreciate the memories that are attached to the music I make. Each track is like a timestamp—capturing what was happening in my life and what I was feeling while I created it. This project, in particular, brings to mind two friends: Grayson and Rhett. Funny enough, during the span of about a week, I happened to have conversations with both of them. And honestly, it’s never hard to get into a conversation about music with me.
“Grayson’s Pick”
Grayson mentioned a Stevie Wonder song that plays in one of his favorite movies, High Fidelity. I hadn’t seen the movie at the time, but I’ve always been familiar with Stevie—especially albums like Talking Book, Songs in the Key of Life, and Innervisions. That conversation inspired a track on this project, a little nod to Grayson and Stevie’s influence.
“Rhett Now”
Chef Rhett, may he rest in peace, was the chef at The War Mouth in Columbia, SC. I spent many nights hanging out after hours with him and the staff, sometimes continuing the party at his house. He would play guitar or piano (badly, but with so much joy) and sing, and we’d spin records together. One night, I discovered he had a record by one of my favorite blues singers, Syl Johnson, and he shared his favorite song from it. That song became the inspiration for a track I named after him. When I finished the project, I shared it with him—letting the track named for him be a surprise. He was so proud. I really miss him.
Making music has enriched my life in ways I can hardly put into words. Even in my wildest imagination, I can’t fathom my life without it. My life and my music feel completely intertwined—they are one and the same.
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