Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Colin Burke. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Colin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

My adult life thus far has been almost entirely an unexpected problem. Just kidding, but I’ve learned to n0t only expect “Standard” hurdles, but also the unexpected. Most importantly I first want to say- never let the unknown or unexpected drive your life as it is just that – Unknown, uncontrollable. Why let the large hurdles not just affect you but also live rent free in your headspace?

When I was a teenager, things that had most seemed scary to me where; Drug Addiction, Losing all your Teeth, or Unexpectedly having a life-threatening illness, Extreme Poverty. It has been practice for my patience and oddly enough been good lessons now having been through them all among others. Below is an offering, a short tale about my mental development through this and where I’m at now with these issues.

When I was 18 (14 long years ago) I started having Heart Arrhythmia symptoms- It temporarily took away my ability to perform for crowds, and put my body into a constant state of fear- as doctors could not decipher the exact problem and the symptoms were super dangerous. You might say obsession was my first unexpected issue hitting adolescence- but the obsessive part of me is what contributes to doing greater work and so I’ve balanced that out.

When I was 21 the root of my heart problems was found. I had a small procedure which actually cured this disease- Wolff Parkinson White syndrome- But it took my mind several years to get the message. Internally I still felt doomed.

Around this same time I was also prescribed Liquid Vicodin for a bad cough. The anxiety-driven stomach aches, the worry, the problems all melted away unexpectedly when I took it. Partially naïve yet still cautious as I understood the dangers of drugs- it went from flirting with the substances to addiction at some point. I would say it was when friends started to leave me, and the person I was likely going to marry, well, I couldn’t get things on the right track in time. (For the record, most of the people who left my life either 100% made the right choice, or were not true friends- I am NOT a victim of my own degradation).

All my dreams were fading into obscurity but I was holding on. I kept working and writing music, I even won a couple awards during this time (Like a NEMA in 2017), but was far from my potential. I passed up a massive record label opportunity, was living in MA working at startups during the day, and was Borderline Homeless between 2016=2018. My parents had moved to Austin in 2015 (I hadn’t lived with them since I was a minor) – I just felt that I was losing everyone closest to me and felt to be trying my hardest with low-level results. For example, I was starting new relationships with questionable motives, and letting my creative work go unnoticed. This was mostly because I had nearly given up and my self-esteem was at an all-time low. “To add insult to injury” (I thought), my teeth started rapidly rotting out of my skull which was certainly an Issue someone with nothing but Debt can fix. I didn’t smile for maybe two years. Haha. I was a bit vain and hadn’t really grown spiritually.

At the end of this period I was offered a deal- to come to the Austin area, get the right help and be with family if I gave up any money I could get. By this point I had been the couple treatment centers I could afford (Special thanks to MusiCares for helping me, and Masshealth), and was completely exhausted of being sick, tired, letting myself and everyone down. On “Paper” in my career I looked buttoned up to a degree, but socially and internally I was, well- broken.

I thank god for this, the universal consciousness, or whatever you want to call it for this opportunity. I jumped at it and just held on for dear life to ensure I would get to Austin alive. Very sadly, one of my still closest friends from childhood bands and the Boston music scene passed away from an overdose. RIP Zach Brock 1991-2019. I have a song called “Same Problems” I wrote the day after he passed away as catharsis, barely made it to the funeral and was able to sing a song he liked at the ceremony.

I came to Austin feeling conflicted. I had been on the brink of death and I was still torn up about why anyone needs to die unexpectedly- But I put my everything into working on myself.

Over the last 10 years I had noticed that when I participated- 12-Step programs really, really did work. I tried to make internal excuses on why I shouldn’t try the steps or staying consistent, and this kept me slightly miserable.

Thankfully I got the right help I needed- Being able to step away from everything for a few months, have family close to you and the right counseling can go very far. I also finally had the open-mindedness and willingness to try a new way of life…As in the beginning I felt like I was robbed. I felt cheated. In reality, although I made decisions I didn’t WANT to- I still made them and had to take responsibility. All was not lost- I still had my two guitars, a computer, and some clothes- and I was still alive. I finished a remote part-time consulting job I had in Engineering and started trying different things.

I started going to meetings regularly, and after a few months started to look for new jobs. I found a great challenge for myself at Swift Sensors, where I still am today doing great engineering work. I was able to move into my own place after being in Austin for just 4 months.

I began to face my problems head-on, enduring the lasting negative effects. At first, I would get into puddles of sweat just getting onto a bus- it would remind me of Boston. I pushed through this, began to make new relationships with co-workers, meeting new people. I started paying off my debts, rebuilding my studio. I finally got to the dentist too, haha. I basically got my entire mouth reconstructed- I am still missing several teeth. Implants are expensive, we’ll just say that.

At first every day was an overwhelming mess. Things began to calm down near the end of 2019 after almost being in Austin for a year, and I moved to a different area of Austin. COVID-19 then became an unexpected challenge. After all, it was my dream at this point to just get away from the social isolation that addiction and lack of self-esteem breeds. I started to go inward in a more positive way, and released the album “Louder Actions” at the very tail end of 2020- I also saw great success with engineering, releasing our new Bluetooth sensor system “Series 3.” Having my head down, concentrating on only building and probably taking some things a bit too seriously was paying off- my work became better and better.

It hasn’t been “all gravy” since, but I have learned the right tools and how to cope with life and its unexpected turns. I thank a small core group of people who truly believed I was capable of pivoting, god, and my change of mind + heart. I chose to start raising a Puppy in 02/2021 and he’s now fully-grown (and the sweetest boy). My studio is now back in great health, and I firmly believe I’m making the best work in music of my life. “Far Ride” exemplifies this. Despite the new social isolation and some paranoid days, to make it through this whole thing clean with better perspective is the greatest gift- and I am now focused on giving that back to others as freely as it was given to me. Seriously all I needed was a few people saying “hey dude don’t die, the world wants you around” combined with some work to get a new life.

As the world continues to unfold we all will encounter unexpected problems large and small. I think the important thing is that we recognize what we are “worshipping.” If we aren’t ultimately putting faith into something greater than ourselves- how do we get better?

I’ve got some issues right now. I’ll never be perfect- but the key is that I don’t regret a single thing I’ve done in the last 4 years vs. regretting nearly every day.

One final thing I will note is that I am having trouble getting close to others besides a very close inner-circle I have and that’s one of my current challenges. In the last year I let a couple people into my life with trust that was absolutely violated. I had to learn how to set firm boundaries. I now finally understand those who have a good heart but left me when my initial problems were getting worse- sometimes you have to stay distant to stay sane.

These days I am only concentrated on doing great work and affecting lives in a positive way. I don’t care much about my hair, social media follower #s, or having the attention from larger-than-life folks. I think as a sum total I’ve made peace with my own life, and the external, the uncontrollable. I’ve found the best way to do this is to try and master the few things we can control and keeping humility works best for me- everyone has what works for them. I’ll still encounter some surprising turns that may even be life-changing. But since I’ve endured and understood, I have the tools to cope. Let’s just say I need to still see some doctors and live healthier, always room for that.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

To the Uninitiated- I am both a Musical Artist with a “Product” to offer (my music, videos, and music videos), but also offer external songwriting services, music production/mixing, and coaching. You can listen to any of my music for free on any digital platform, physical copies are available as well. I think it’s more important to spread the work I make for as little $ as possible- as I believe that humans should have access to these kinds of culture.

I got into music naturally through sheer exploration. Moving around a lot as a child and feeling “uprooted” I was mostly an outsider. Skateboarding and Music ended up becoming lifetime long passions when I was in middle school. I started growing a small studio in my basement while researching the internet- and ended up recording most local bands in the Southeastern MA area. Thanks to some bands that left instruments I wanted to learn- that’s also when I picked up the idea to make records completely solo. I went to school for Music/Sound, Engineering, and Mathematics. I spent my entire time in college practicing, making records, and fostering this passion. Like many artists may say- I have this inner voice that will just start playing novel music at random times “the muse” if you will- and I was trying to make the auditory visions I would have into reality best I could. “The Muse” is not the only way I end up making great songs, but it’s always been a curious ghost that’s driven me on the frontlines.

Something big that helped me along was Telefunken Elektroakustik (Arguably the best microphone company). I got an internship there in 2010 and worked there until 2014 as an Electrical Engineer and Session Musician (funny combo). This allowed me to use better tools on the records, up the production quality to realize we were now living in a time where commercial records could be made easily at home by 20-year olds. I also got to meet tons of industry folk, perform for them, and would even get small opportunities like free studio time at Alicia Keys’ studio “Jungle City.” Looking back, I am incredibly blessed to have those small opportunities. In 2011-12 my Youtube channel was also getting a lot of attention and although i did not start “grinding on youtube,” it was encouragement.

During all of this I don’t want to take away from the fact that the live performance side of my music is potentially more important than the records. Putting on a performance that can bring a little humor into peoples’ lives and maybe affect hearts and minds is the true dream for me. I equally love performing as I do recording.

I did form a band called “We Built the moon” in 2014. We had a successful kickstarter, sold out first show which was also our EP release, and we even ended up winning “Best in State” at the 2017 New England Music Awards. It was a surprise as we were nominated two years previous for the same album, haha. Anyway- the band broke up in 2015 as we were offered a deal with Rise Records. I chose not to pursue this opportunity as they required us to make music in the “11-18” demographic. I turned this down because I was 25 at the time, my music was evolving, and being true to myself and my work was super important. Many would ask why I would turn that down as I could still make “my own” music- but this is a farce. The process is basically executives from LA manufacture a band, a sound, have them record it and then go on grueling tours. You would get burned out even if it WAS the music you’d want to be making.

I chose to keep pursuing my engineering career so that I could stay an independent artist and be in charge of what gets released. I require critical feedback from close friends and others, of course, so I’m not a control freak- I just want to do right by my intuition.

This led me down to Austin ultimately among other reasons we’d discussed before. Since I’ve been down here, I’ve met some fantastic people in the industry or adjacent and still retain many friends up north. Only in the last few years have I gotten to the point where I can make the proper investments into my artwork, take some big risks I want to, to see what I’m capable of.

As artists we do need to eat too, I am trying to get income from things relating to my music + royalties rather than charge for the music itself if that makes sense. I’ve been big on growing the YouTube channel this year with their new “shorts” feature. YouTube has ended up being a pretty reasonable, long=standing platform, so the best way to support me would be to come subscribe there :) I became a Twitch Affiliate earlier this year (speaking of unexpected issues before), so I put in many months of hard work in live-streaming space only to have my account being unexpectedly taken down due to a single person’s false report of “Drug Use.” Some platforms are really fragile and one false mark against you can bar you from the potential you’d had- I have to roll with the punches and adapt and that’s why I came back to YouTube in a big way.

Since I am so focused on the spread instead of the bread, I will be transitioning later this year into offering things like T-shirts, Vinyl Records, and I’m really hyped on doing some songwriting for others and the production of others’ music. I’m out of my comfort zone for a good reason and trying to grow one small step at a time. It makes each accomplishment feel fantastic.

I am proud of every album I’ve made- each song is like a developed memory for me and always new experiences for listeners. It’s quite fascinating. I’m also most proud of being able to even attempt to carve my own path- I’ve still got a ways to go, we’ll see what happens and hold on tight!

I will mention my latest EP “Far Ride” has been out since 1/27/22, and “Begin to Feel,” (10-song LP) comes out in November 2022. Even though I have released a double-digit number of albums (which are available everywhere- Bandcamp is the best spot if you want to listen to the oldies), I feel like I’ve been coming into my best work as a musician, artist, and a human with “Louder Actions,” “Far Ride,” and my upcoming LP Begin to Feel. That’s my favorite part of being an artist- you keep exploring and hopefully doing better and better work- which will resonate with more and more folks.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Everyone has a different skillset. I just so happen to possess both creative and “non-creative” skillsets. Ultimately I believe much more is “creative” than we think.

The most important message I could give people who aren’t trying to express themselves for a living or as a primary function would be; We can feed each other. Artists make works that defines the lives of people who make the “real money,” and artists need to survive as well! I see it as a big circle. Say you’re a CEO- you’d lose your mind without your hobbies and outlets, right? We make those outlets or lay the groundwork for those outlets- so invest when you can. Invest in what you believe is true talent whether it be Music, Crafts, Furniture, Books, Movies, etc. We all share these creative aspects of culture, whether we make them or not- so let’s be supportive, but also meritocratic! Again invest in what you believe is true talent- not gimmicks or box-checking. True talent speaks to all humans equally in my opinion.

Last thought on this; when you’re the type of artist I am at least, definitely attempt to understand that just as much as someone may want to be a Lawyer, someone may want to create music- so if you have the ability to help enable them with a seat at the table, it’s much better for everyone’s spiritual health. There’s definitely a reason many people die making art or for their art- it’s that important. Not in an egotistic way, but because many artists (myself included) feel that what they’re creating comes from a place larger than themselves that will be a net positive for all humanity.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I’m surprised I chose this question and answer but want to keep things 100.

Faith. I had the wrong conceptualization of faith. I used to think people literally thought “skydaddy” existed and it brought much internal conflict. I wasn’t an atheist because I’ve always also believed that’s just as dogmatic and mind-closing as some extreme religions. Who am I as one person to think I know any ultimate answer?

Anywho, it was in recovery when. my sponsor asked “You know you worship drugs, right?”
My answer was “No I hate them, that’s why I’ve been struggling- I’ve never wanted to be in any position to do that stuff, I just don’t know how it happened.”

Theoretically he replied “Well, your issue is that you’re an anxious mess but the allure of drugs is that once you take them, you feel like you can let go of everything else right?”

“Yeah…..Oh Wait!” It was then I discovered he was dead on. Even though I despised substance and where it brought me- technically as long as I was craving drugs, I was putting all my faith there – as my normal state was fear and anxiety about dying or the health issue of the week, this and that.

Realizing what having faith actually meant was probably the largest revelation of my life. I started practicing universal spiritual principals, opening my mind, and reaching a higher power of my understanding that I do leave my life to. So now when something bad is going on and my mind thinks “I’m going to die!” The response is “well, let go. Why does everything have to be a fight?”

I’m not here to promote any religion, nor am I an active participant IN any religion. I have learned inner truths through universal spiritual principals, and I have now learned the “true” meaning of faith mentioned throughout the ages. This doesn’t mean I’m in-tune always- but It’s a revelation that can no longer be unravelled now that I know the truth. It also sets new positive goalpoints, on the brighter side of life!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cbear.bandcamp.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colbuiltthemoon/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinpburke/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/colinburkemusic
• Other: My Landing page is best- With Spotify, Youtube, etc Direct Links that make it easier for all! (also because I have a “.com” website in progress- and anything that changes or updates will always appear on the landing page) Landing Page Link: https://linktr.ee/cb34r

Image Credits
Lindsay Fondacaro – Outdoor Acoustic Photo