This is my son, and I feel very proud of his journeys of life, and I love this , love you Mike xx

Hello Mike. I'm 65, retired and disabled from neurological disorder. Basically I worked so hard I "broke my brain". I succumbed to anxiety and depression. Then I decided to turn to my passion for singing and making music. Studio One opened a doorway to my creativity and you continue to play a major role in my journey to publish a good recording and learn a whole new craft. Thank you for your contribution to my ability to bring my creativity into the world. The most important thing I have learned in my therapy is that we must control the voice inside our head. The story we tell ourselves is the reality we face. Too often we let others or circumstances write our story. Does the rain make us sad? Or do we tell ourselves that the rain is refreshing, that it cleans the air, waters the😢 flowers, feeds the streams and rivers? Enjoy your reset in Bali! You have dedicated your "work" to feeding others. Perhaps the chef forgot how to sit down and enjoy a meal. I believe that I speak for everyone that follows you when I say that your contribution to our musical evolution is greatly appreciated and your sincere and heartfelt engagement is so important to our development and enjoyment of our own creative sauce. Thanks for the recipe! I wish you well! I can't wait to hear how the trip went and what the universe speaks to you once you have EQ'd your spirit!❤️

Mike, every time these feelings hit, remind yourself that SOMEONE in your 133,000+ followers is thinking of you fondly at that very moment. SOMEONE is being affected by your presence, and the kindness, creativity, and positivity that it brings. And that someone is wishing you well -- I know this is true because I'll be among them. This simple habit may not be a cure, but it will help ease your burden. Be well!

What I do is try not to focus on myself but rather try to serve others. Get the focus off of myself.

Hello Mike, I am 96 and still functioning OK. It is interesting that just a few days ago I looked at a documentary about Bali, Indonesia. Living in Canada and Mexico I have no hope anymore to visit Bali or any other of these wonderful places. I have abandoned Cakewalk for many reasons, and taken up the very difficult process of learning Cubase. It certainly slowed down my creativity, to a practical stop. This is just to get to know, that your videos, your style, was a big help for me for many years. You have never projected any problems you had, always a positive attitude. So, I am concerned about your well being, and can not be more enthused by your plan to go to Bali. Please do, and immerse yourself in the beautiful place and equally beautiful people there. Please try to relax and inform us how do you getting better there. Feel no obligation to anything and anybody else but your own person, and enjoy your stay there. I will maintain looking for you and wish you happiness Mike.

You have produced an incredibly informative, supportive and thought provoking channel for many years Mike. Thank you so much. Enjoy your break. And when you return keep in mind the words of the poet Lemmy Sissay: “How do you do it?” said Night “How do you wake and shine?” “I keep it simple.” said Light “One day at a time.”

There's well over 100k of us who you have helped so much, with our personal passion to create. Please know that we are all sending our best vibes and prayers your way. There's never a rush on your videos - but they are so well received when you post. At 59, my best tool has been meditation with my VR headset. There are free and affordable meditation apps that were made by therapists and professors. I got into meditation because of chronic, severe pain that causes intense anxiety and depression. Even without the VR, there are meditation visualizers on KZfaq. Mute the volume and enjoy your favorite healing music. Making a list of blessings and things that make me happy and fulfilled are a big help for me as well. A lot of dealing with anxiety in my life has my state of mind. I try to set myself up to succeed with my daily routine. You will find your path. Thanks for sharing this, It gets better, my friend.

Hi Mike, Let me tell you a couple of things about yourself that will help. You are by far the best presenter on KZfaq! There are a lot of people on KZfaq that make recording/ DAW/ VST video’s. You are one of the few that explain the basics, background and don’t skip steps. Your video’s e.g. on EQ, side chaining, compressing should be required viewing material. I know that issue’s like finances can hamper creativity or self esteem and make us think that anxiety is either hereditary or impossible to conquer. My advise to you is: 1. Forget the past. Forgive who wronged you and open your heart and undo/ reverse past mistakes. The past always seems to pop up and obstruct future happiness. Today is a new day, a new start. 2. There is always a balance between duty and longing, reality versus willfulness. I know that paying bills is required to proceed in either. You are on the way to self sustainment with your excellent video’s. However, never put all your eggs in the same basket. 3. See to it that you laugh and enjoy yourself every day! Proverbs 17:22: A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. God bless

Mike, your channel is without equal for me. You gave me the incentive to push ahead and master Cakewalk and get to doing my lifetime dream of recording music. I started back when I was 15 with a Sony TC366 recorder and used sound-on-sound. I put it down after getting married and having kids, etc. and now that I'm nearly 70, I can pick up where I left off. You helped me immensely to get moving again in music. Thank you so much for doing what you do.

Hey Mike, I am also a singer-songwriter, and all my early career I played in cover bands and threw in a few original songs through the night. I did that till I was in my 40's and paid my bills but it was very stressful always looking for a gig to pay the bills for my family. I decided to go to college and become an RN because my wife was a nurse and made decent money and was never out of a job. I worked as a Psych Nurse so I can tell you anxiety disorders are common but also relatively easy to treat. I'm glad you got some help because that is the best thing to do. Sitting at home and dwelling on problems will only increase your anxiety. I wish you well and love what you do for us who try to make good music!

Hey Mike ... Donnie from across the pond ... I can say confidently that all of your subscribers are thankful because you are such a unique person with so much talent and ability to communicate ... most don't know of the time and costs of keeping a channel up with relevant content ... it's quite difficult ... I will speak as a chorus of many, you have made a difference in many many musicians journeys to be "creative" ... I remember one-on-one consults with you, and you were always kind and helpful ... sending you positive thoughts and vibes hoping the road ahead becomes more fruitful and supportive of your desires ... thank you for all you share, and hope the best is yet to come .... you're the best!!

Mike, Mate. This video is inspirational to me in more way than I can express. Making this video was a brave thing to do and I thank you for it. Basically, I am a 56 yo Australian widowed father living in central Wyoming USA (deep outback America). I use to play in working bands through the 80's & 90's as a singer song writer. In both Australia and the States. Eventually I met a girl, a widow with 2 small kids. We married and had 2 more. That's 4 kids. After 15 years the girl suddenly died. . Two of them full American, so i had to stay and take care of them. I was a long way from home and a time from Rock n Roll. Now the kids are grown. I was alone. I was lost. The Rock 'n Roller was gone I thought. I was broken. I was spent...Then I bought an interface and a condenser mic. And found your videos. And now I make music. Spoken word. Poetry. I don't know if any one will ever hear it. But one day my kids will find it. And I couldn't have done it without you. I am not a young Hip Hopper, I am an old hardcore punk from Sydney. I just want to make tunes for me. I have issues now. Existing in this universe is a hard ride. And you make it a little easier for more people than you know. It's the little things in life that are important mate. You videos are one of my little things. Important thing. You go do you. Be you. Be in the moment and let the voices and thoughts fade for a while. Just be a Mike in the universe for a while. Peace Mate. Namaste. And thank you,

One of the challenges of being a "reviewer" is trying to balance a good relationship with the companies whose products I review, earning the trust of my viewers, and making it financially worth having a channel. A while back I made a policy that I would only review products I liked. If I needed financial compensation, I would charge for a demo track, but it would still be contingent upon it being a great product. I have so many NFR products I chose not to review because they were awful or mediocre. I wish you health and peace. People sometimes don't realize that no one's life is as polished and perfect as the videos we make. You're a good man and I salute you for making this video. Keep up the good work.

Mike, First of all I want to say a heartfelt thank you. I am 66 and I relate to your videos because I feel a common ground. I too have suffered with my own demons and I understand how overwhelming they can be. Last year I had one of those revelation moments. Most if not all of the things I worried about my entire life didn't matter anymore. I was able to forgive myself because I made the best decisions I could with the info I had. I wish I could have experienced this reset in "Bali" but I was in Texas and thankful to be here. I still struggle but I give myself an imaginary hug when I am getting close to the edge. It is my way of calming myself down. I hope you have a wonderful trip and do what you need to do to be happy. That truly is all that matters. CJ

Hi Mike, what a heartbreaking and at the same time inspiring video. Just wanted to say that I’ve been using Cakewalk since 1999 and been following your channel since you only had a couple of thousand subscribers. And i can honestly say I’ve learned more in the last 5 or so years from you than I did in the previous 19years of using cakewalk. Every time I create a stereo bus and colour code it, I think if your video. Everytime I use Melodyne I think of one of your videos. Every time I mix and master a song, I think about what I learned in your mix master and release series. Thank you so much for everything you have given us over the years. I hope you decide to continue with the Creative Sauce journey, but will totally understand and admire any decision to put it in the back burner. All the best Mike Scott

Hey Mike, I'm thankful for your teaching on this channel. It has helped me learn the ins and outs of recording and mixing my own songs over the last 2 or 3 years. I'm a pastor, and I'll just say that the only everlasting hope that I've found, that sticks with me through the ups and downs, is the love of Christ. Praying for you! *btw, I have a song called "Help My Unbelief" that I wrote when I was in a real valley. It's on spotify and youtube. Maybe it could speak to you in this time. God bless!

Sorry to hear about your circumstances and I wish you a speedy recovery. During lockdown your videos enabled me to finally get to grips with Cakewalk. Fantastic, thank you.

I'm such a fan of you Mike and the person you are. I wish you nothing but good things buddy. I'm very sorry to hear about your rough patch. I totally agree with your decisions about it though. You need time to heal and just YOU time. You HAVE to come first sometimes and that's simply about being healthy. Meditation and lots of time in nature could help. At times emotions come up, they just want to be heard, sit with them, acknowledge them. We'll be here when you come back.

Thank you, Mike, for everything you've done and will do here on this channel!! I've learned a lot.

Hello Mike, you are part of my household, you have been streamed from my phone to my tv for more times than I can remember! Your videos are fabulous, and your presentation is superb! Go and reset, something we all need to do from time to time, and I hope you return reinvigorated! For me, what keeps me with good mental health is Frederic François Chopin …. Seriously, it is music that keeps me sane, and it is music that should keep us utterly ‘transported!’ Speedy full recovery Sir!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏

so sorry to hear about your struggles. I could not have released my music without your channel. I found distrokid from you, learned cakewalk from you and master my songs based on your tutorials. I don't have any great tips but I want you to know how helpful you've been and I wish you all the best. thank you for all you do.

I so appreciate your honesty, Mike, in admitting you have been "going through some stuff". That takes a lot of courage. I too have been struggling (with a "capital S") for the last year or so myself. I've been reluctant to seek help (probably out of shame) but hearing your story has convinced me that I really need to reach out and get some assistance. I'm sorry I don't have any of the advice that you requested (at least for now), but I want to thank you for reminding me that things CAN get better. THANK YOU! All the best to you on your continued journey. 🙏 P.S. Enjoy your upcoming trip to Bali. Relax and heal, my friend!

Man , I'm amazed how people can make a living being a "KZfaqr". With my health and mental issues , I couldn't do this. I have a lot of respect for people who can do this , especially keeping things interesting , informative , etc. I hope you remain well whether you are doing this channel or not. I can only imagine the amount burn out you go through.

Mike, I don't claim to have any helpful wisdom, however, I want you to know that I have learned and benefitted immensely from your teachings. You are a pleasant and comfortable voice to listen to. I thank you for sharing it all. My blessings and prayers go out to you and your friends and family.

Thank you Mike for all the help in understanding Studio One. Your approach and delivery is always a delight. I hope you get a much needed break and return refreshed! ❤

To me, Bali is "in the end of the World", but it's on my wish list since a long time ago. I'm a language teacher, and it's a very frustrating job. Also, I built a wall between my private life and my professional life. I make songs, I paint, I draw, anything to not fall in the well again, anything creative. Because my is also, somehow, creative, I found a balance between this two world. I guess you're not in the position to separate things... If I had to give a recomandation, I would say you must have a "physical relaxing" activity. Could be Tai Chi, Yoga, some activity combining mind and body. At some point it helps me immensely.

Maybe not the advice most creative people want, but.... And I've struggled A LOT with anxiety to. A lot of creative people seem to do that. But what works great for me is to have a "real" job that has NOTHING almost to do with the hobbys I enjoy. But the job needs to be challenging. So i work as a sawmill-mechanic. Lots and lots of problem solving. And on my FREE time, I can be creative if i want to with my studio. And my carpentry, in my garden and so on. Hope you have a good time in Bali Mike! I will be very disappointed if you don't have a massive tan the next time we see you. Hugs! And thank you. /Dennis.

Hi there Mike. I have had a philosophy in life that helps to keep me in the right place and it's quite simple. Life is a vacation! Some people have short ones-long ones, some have good ones-bad ones, some have exciting-boring ones, and some have challenging vacations while others seem to ride the gravy train. In short life is made up of experiences that we hopefully learn from. After life's vacation is over, we all go home. While in life, the expansion of our soul becomes enriched when we get out of our wheelhouse. Puttin others ahead of ourselves helps to grow our souls by its pure nature. When you are on your vacations vacation, reflect on not just the current adversities you may find yourself in, but the entirety of your life vacation and know your journey as always will be just beginning. I love you and you channel and thank you for all the influence you have had on me and my musical vacation within my life vacation. Be blessed in your journey. 🎶

I found your channell in the midst of the pandemic. As a church musician, we were hard pressed to continue to serve our congregation. As a result of lockdowns, we started streaming services every week from an empty sanctuary. During this time, our organist of many years passed away, and service music was handled by those who might be able to fill in. To fill the gaps, it became apparent that I was going to have to start creating electronic arrangements for hymns, preludes/postludes and solo acommpaniments. I had no experience with this at the time. I discovered Cakewalk as a means to this end, and with this started watching your great tutorials. With your help, I was able to do that which I needed to do to get us thru a very tough year. I am forever greatful for you and your channel, and the skills I aquired from your great teaching. It helped me to take on a challenge that I had previously not seriously considered, and grew within because of it. Thank you Mike!!

Hey Mike, the 12 step program has helped me and you don't need to be an alcoholic to benefit from them. Getting rid of the wreckage of the past and forgiving yourself etc is a great thing. You've taught me a lot over the years which I'll thank you for. Keep it simple my friend 👌

You need a Springer Spaniel. Preferably two. Each day you'll be taking them to open country for exercise and enjoy their malarkey and nature. For that you'll have the best friends ever and discover creative thoughts in bucket loads. Your time in between walks will not seem like enough but you'll find you spend it well. I'm 69 now and have had my problems too. My spaniels are a joy. I like a break, and rebuild engines, renovate machinery and paint, but the music is always tugging at the sleeve. Bit like the spaniels.

You’re not alone, Mike. Most of us creative minds have to deal with mental health issues sooner or later. I wish you a speedy recovery. Discovering your channel and getting inspired to get back into music production, has helped me to magage my anxiety issues.

Mike, you deserve a place in the Dictionary under HONESTY and INTEGRITY. You've helped me soooo much on my musical journey (both with Cakewalk and in general), and I look forward to all your posts. I have, as you (and I'm sure many of your subscribers), been dealing with lots of life issues. You've helped me greatly in managing them! In my opinion, you should take great comfort in realizing how much you help others. That is probably some of the best therapy anyone could hope for.

Enjoy Bali, other than being hot this time of the year it is a paradise. Thank you for your honesty. Seeing others talk about things that affect so many of us sometimes makes those things bearable. Well done!

Mike, I've prioritized "duty" throughout my life. Even as a young man, starting off in college as a music major, I talked myself into a "more responsible" major. I've never given up on music -- and I still daydream about making a living with it; however, at nearly 60 years old (young compared to the 96-year-old learning Cubase), I feel that it's unlikely that I'll start a new career in music. I admire that you've stuck with it and that you have the wisdom to take a break from it to preserve your mental health. Thank you for keeping it real.

Thank you soo much Mike - I loaded CakeWalk a few months back and if i did not watch your videos then I would still be scratching my head.. the basics you show are what people want and need! .. Go find yourself again - take a break and create - we will all be waiting !!

Hi Mike - been following your channel for some time now and you are my prime source for getting up to speed in Cakewalk because your videos are so well made. It sounds like you have a plan to reset, and I hope that some time away in Bali will help. Your videos are professional but personal and I appreciate that immensely. In short you are probably the kind of bloke I'd enjoy a beer with and talk music because you present it as you see it. You are a very good presenter and certainly one of my favorites. I really appreciate your honesty and wish you the very best as others have in the comments below. Life is a journey we are all on and, as you are probably well aware, sometimes there are down times we need to manage to keep our sanity and happiness. Looking forward to news on how things have gone for you once you get back.

Funny, what you are discussing is highly similar to people who work a separate job unrelated to their creative side. We get anxiety, we feel disconnected from who we truly are, we feel obligated to continue this outside work in order to survive, etc. We have the same anxieties that surface when we get too far from our creative side, and so on. Great video, and thanks for sharing!

Hi Mike. I stumbled across your channel searching 'how do i do this or that in cakewalk'!? I've played in bands and dabbled in audio production over the years, but 'life' got in the way... then during the 'great pause' I decided to follow another passion, to make a video game, from scratch, for free*. After many wonderful online tutorials on how to do this I had something that resembled a high school / college project... "Hey!" I thought. "This just needs some music now! I know how to do that!". Yet, I had forgotten so THANK YOU for revitalising and improving my skills in this area! And more than that, thank you for candid discussions around mental health. You are on the good side of the internet. * FREE 1. a great band from the 70s 2. probably not free

Thank you for all your content Mike. I hope you get rest from your break. Looking forward to seeing you back soon. Take it easy mate

Hi Mike, first off, THANK YOU, for all you do for all of us. Each of us has taken so many good things from you and learned so much from you, there is no way to ever repay what you have accomplished. I have always been a steadily working musician since the beginning of 7th grade (I am 64 now). I retired 2 years ago, thanks to my music and we moved to Panama, bought a beautiful home and I strarted diving into Cakewalk by Bandlab in the digital world. Being retired in Panama with a Pensionado Visa, you can't work.....no more playing out live. I thought that would be ok, after playing numerous nights weekly for almost 50 years. I was wrong. So I understand your feelings and how relieving it was for you and your firend to just play and produce music together. I think you found your cure. I recently found out I can work, up to $13,000 per year, so I am dusting my live setup off and getting ready to start playing out live again. Now, I think we both found our cures. God bless you and your loved ones and enjoy your vacation, start playing more....and don't forget to let us hear it too.

Hi Mike, I hope you're well. First off, I was was not confident in the studio. I had many insecurities about my abilities and your channel has helped me overcome those hurdles. Secondly, a trip to Bali is exactly what the doctor ordered. Thirdly, giving into or "selling out" is all about perspective. Relieving people from burden and putting a smile on their face is a gift that some musicians don't respect and chastise those that do. Yeah, I've played Helter Skelter 1000 times and yes, it gets old but when I look at those smiling faces, that all falls away. Thanks for being you Mike.

Hi Mike, thanks for your videos and this one especially. The only thing that has worked for me in times like that is to take an extended break. I basically took a year off from practicing my mandolin - I still showed up for gigs I committed to, but any practice on my own was gone. I'm now finally getting back the same passion for music that I had before. Letting go of commitments and giving myself more down time for just doing nothing also helped. Sleep / diet / exercise / medications are needed too of course. But the main thing at least for me was just taking the much needed time off.

Hey Mike! I truly appreciate all the knowledge you've shared and for being such special company during the pandemic. I hope you can overcome this period soon. For me, spirituality and inner searching always yield results; maybe it'll work for you too. I'm looking forward to seeing you back here soon. Peace and love!

Big hug brotherman.....never forget the good u did in this world.....maybe u dont know all u did.....but I promise u.....u saved lives

I went through the same thing. I developed long Covid after getting Covid and all of a sudden crazy anxiety. Wish you a speedy recovery ❤

Hi Mike. I don’t usually write comments, but you’ve inspired me and taught me a great deal about music production. I’m a self taught musician with one CD released which was produced by others, with the exception of my pan flute playing . I’m working on 2nd CD and I’m looking to implement what you’ve taught about music production. Music is my hobby and when I’m troubled I go back to my faith and the words of Jesus Christ who said: Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. I wish you well and look forward your new videos.

Mike- you have helped so many of us and cant say thank you enough! I do know that those of us who are creative types do tend to struggle with mental health issues to varying degrees. You are in our prayers

This is an amazing and courageous step for you. I'm glad you understand how your positive influence ripples through society (you helped me get started after a 15 year dad break) . Ok- here's a simple thing that I find for me at least helps and is fun, often spend time tuning into my core self in my individuality - then making a generative progression with a simple and quick patch that reflects that feeling. Its like personalised meditation music, with it playing I engage in other activities such as tidying up, reading or art. Occasionally I go and tweak something to get a quick creative dopamine kick.

Hey Mike, thanks for your openness and honesty. I am sure we have all suffered to one degree or another with the things you described. One thing I struggle with as an artist is I find it difficult to 'force' the creative process and I have to be in the right frame of mind to be creative. Some days it happens, others it doesn't. I have learned that I just have to wait until the stars align and the mood is right and not beat myself up about it. As part of my creative journey, I started using Cakewalk several years ago and your superb videos and tutorials have been an essential part in getting me started and to where I am today, although I am still no expert but can at least record a song, thanks in no small part to you. Have you considered making perhaps a series showing how you write and record a song from start to finish? It would be interesting to see how all the different components and processes come together. A series could run alongside your other videos. Anyway, thanks for the amazing content to date, take care of yourself, enjoy Bali, and I look forward to more inspiration in the future.

I followed you from your days of cakewalk tutorials to Studio One! I can't wait to watch what you have next for this channel Mike! Thanks for everything thus far!

Positive vibes to you Mike! Have a wonderful unplugged trip! You definitely deserve it! I have learned SO much from your videos and from the very first video, I saw your kind, gentle, and positive personality came shining through! Anxiety has been a significant part of my life too, so certainly understand what you’re going through! I don’t have the secret to balance since I finally retired from a high stress job (I’m 64) which took up much time I would have rather devoted to music. Wishing you the best and hope all the well deserved love you are seeing in these comments is helpful! I look forward to seeing what’s ahead in your life!! ❤ Safe travels!

I am so sorry to hear this - you have been so generous with your knowledge on this channel. I am glad you are through the worst of it and resetting to get a better balance in your life. Whenever you find yourself spiraling into unproductive and negative thinking, remind yourself to cut yourself some slack - even about the negative thinking. Sometimes even just accepting that it’s there and part of who you are and that’s OK makes it dissipate somehow. Certain people need to flip the golden rule around now and then: treat yourself as you try to treat others.

You and Joe Gilder are my go to resources for Studio One…thanks for your work. I get to spend only about a day a week in my studio because of family responsibilities…it would be easy for creativity to suffer. Balance in music and life is most important and it sounds like you’re on your way. I think my dogs would like you…that’s enough for me.

You are such an honest human being Mike. This video is so brave and inspirational. Lots of love!

I stumbled upon your channel last year when I stumbled upon Cakewalk. I learned everything I know about Cakewalk from you. I've always loved and appreciated your channel, its content, and your complete honesty and your direct, professional presentation of content. I can honestly say that I believe your channel stands far above your peers by all measures. I don't use Studio One, but I have watched much of your content about it out of curiosity. You are easy to listen to. I wish you only the best life has to offer, and hope this current struggle is a temporary journey to rediscovery. Enjoy Bali. You have very many friends here. Cheers.

For me, completely abandoning ALL of social media and most of the internet (outside of learning outlets like this particular channel); focusing on real people, my immediate lived-in reality and in person relationships changed everything. Going back to being a person in the real world as opposed to an avatar on the internet. Thanks for the content Mike.

Sending love your way! I also suffer with anxiety at times and mindfulness has helped. I can only achieve a flow state when making music. Periods of extreme focus on “the now” help me reduce overall fear of the future (anxiety). I’ve tried chanting and sitting quietly but making music is the best way I’ve found to achieve a meditative state.

This is a unique challenge for any creative professional -- finding the balance between passion and practicality. And I don't think there's any one answer.

Mike! Dude? I turn to you quite often just to see your approach to using any aspects of Cakewalk! Your instructions are always spot on. And I thank you and look forward to hearing from you often in the future! Cheers and blessings!

Mike - I found your channel during the pandemic and have learned so much about recording and production from you, so definitely must express some gratitude for all the wisdom you've shared with us over the years. I work as a guitarist & vocalist doing solo work and playing in various bands. My advice: 1. I do pretty much all covers, mostly as a soloist, but I exercise my creativity by producing my own backing tracks using techniques I learned right here. Kind of a way to merge the creative with the necessary. 2. Surround yourself with people who energize you creatively and socially. Having good friends that I can share musical ideas with and occasionally perform or record with keeps me stimulated. I hope your trip to Indonesia gives you the necessary break you need, and that you find the creative stimulation you need when you retuyrn. All the best, brother!

hope you have a replenishing break and have a great time. thanks for all your help in your videos. all the best :)

Mike I totally feel what you have been going through. I have been experiencing the same thing and I am rooting for your spirit to have joy my friend

Hey Mike! Thanks for your honesty. I'm afraid I can't give you any life advice; I feel like I've always been close to the edge my entire life. And since about 15 years ago (maybe more) I've suffered from anxiety too, which prevents me from being publicly creative. In terms of my creativity, I now create for myself alone (although I do let my daughters listen in). Anyway, do what you need to do to get yourself through life. All the best, mate.

My wife and I went to Bintan Island, Indonesia a couple years ago for a couple weeks, and it was great reset. Enjoy some down time! I find it refreshing to take a long weekend, like we did this past weekend and have zero focus on music, but just exist in the moment with my wife on a short vacation. Times like that to unplug from busy life and reconnect with those you love is essential. More importantly is the spiritual reconnection with God and refocusing on what is important to me on that side of things as well.

Hi Mike. I'm 70, and Sunday I celebrated 10 years of sobriety. I can honestly say I went from the most hellish part of my life ten years ago to the best part of my life. A 12 step program helped tremendously, but I will boil it down to two steps: First, taking some time out for yourself to develop an inner spirituality. For me, I have found twice-daily Transcendental Meditation (TM) to be a godsend, and I know they offer TM courses in Australia. Second, from that "going within" your Self , find something that you're good at that can help people, and share it with them. Knowing the help you've given me with my newfound love for audio engineering, I know you are already doing the second one! I suspect your caring, giving attitude with your skill-set may have had you forgetting the first one. Find a way to take care of yourself on a daily basis. That's it. You're already a beautiful person.

Fantastic, frank and moving video Mike. I'm one of your many 'students' who has benefitted greatly from your fantastic videos. You have a down to earth approach that really resonates with me. I'm so sorry to hear that you have been struggling recently but pleased to hear you are on the path to recovery. Regarding income streams, Bandlab surely owe you a bob or two. Your fantastic series of Cakewalk videos has probably been responsible for shifting more Cakewalk DAWs than any Bandlab marketing campaign could ever do. Enjoy your Balinese holiday mate. If you ever find yourself in the UK, you'd be made very welcome at the Stringer residence.

Hi Mike. Thank you so much for making this video. It's timely for me since I woke up this morning feeling such a lack of purpose in life and making music. It sounds like you're already doing the thing you need to do which is taking a break and to hit the reset button and give yourself the time you need to figure out your next step. This is what I do when I'm at a crossroads. I take off for the forest where there are no judgments and usually come back with a clearer picture of things. I try to not sweat too much about details and just do the work that's in front of me realizing that when I finish that step the next step appears. Oh yeah, and keep breathing! 👍😊 I so appreciate everything you do here in this channel and want to thank you for the opportunity to help. It's helped me feel a little better about my purpose at least for the day. Have a safe and wonderful trip to Bali! ❤

You are extremely talented!! I know for a fact that I'm a good deal older than you and yet you have been key to my learning how to produce my original "rock" songs which will be released in the near future. I could give you advice based on my experience about how to deal with inner problems but it could backfire, and so the only, and I'm sure unwanted, personal wish I have for you when you return from you trip is CUT LOOSE, RAISE HELL, and BLAST THE ROOF OFF OF YOUR PLACE!!! Or your version of that! I find cooking has a therapeutic, calming effect on me personally, Maestro Creative Sauce. Look forward to tuning in to your new music! You are always an inspiration.

Hey Mike. I’m 29 but I have this thing to say about life and anxiety. It’s ok to deal with it but we must struggle on. I love you brother and we will get through all of this together.

Hello Mike! It's a pleasure to write to you and I'm a long-time subscriber to your excellent channel! The truth is, I never thought that you were going through these situations that you describe, because you always look happy and very professional in your videos. But it is evident that our lives are like that, until a while ago I worked as a teacher and I had a very big financial problem a few years ago and my students never realized until I talked to some of them with whom I had more confidence and they said that My face or attitudes did not show that I had problems... but I was finally able to solve my situation and the truth is that nothing bad lasts forever, it is good to talk about what is happening with your loved ones and closest friends. One of my personal therapies in recent years has been to learn on KZfaq and with your channel, especially about sound and recording in Cakewalk... very entertaining with it and you are an excellent teacher and friend (Although we do not know each other personally)... I have 53 years old and the music I make is first for me, a pleasure and personal taste, right now I am recording music for a friend. and all thanks to what I learned with you on your channel...so you have also made positive changes in the lives of others by sharing your knowledge. Thank you for your help and I hope that your trip allows you to rest and connect with God and nature and life itself. And when you come back, come with a lot of positive energy, and as I said...everything passes and life begins as many times as you want... Thanking God for one more day is invaluable. A big hug Mike and greetings from Chile!

Love the channel and your presentation, Mike. Hang in there and think of the positive. Cheers, Bob.

Thanks for sharing Mike... I love you channels,both this one and the Studio One channel... take your time and think what YOU would like to work one, and that will be the best way forward!

Hey Mike no worries, I get it. Everybody needs a reset from what their routine is, even people that are able to make a living creating. Having to make life adjustments tends to interfere with my creative side of doing music. It's a trade off I have no regrets of. Playing in a band doing covers helped. Getting that live feedback that people like what your doing helps. After the band broke up I was looking at other ways to release my creative self. I downloaded Cakewalk and found your channel and though its been a slow learning curve for me, your channel has helped me immensely learning how to record, mix, and hopefully I will get to finish a song and master it. I have no advice other than to say again when you feel you need a reset, go for it. It is a joy when you do post your videos that we get to share your enthusiasm for music. When you do post I will be watching, cheers.

Best wishes from California, Mike! Your channel has been super helpful for me! Thanks for all that you do, and best of luck (re)finding that creative flow.

Your knowledge and skills are greatly appreciated, as are your personal values. Thank you for your candour. I am glad that you obtained the help you needed. Rest, re-energize, reflect, and re-evaluate. It tremendous challenging to balance your need to survive financially with not compromising your values and creative ethos. Doing what is most important and valued by you may require sacrifice, but I am confident you will determine what is the right path for you. Clearly there are over 100k followers on this channel who appreciate what you do, but in the end you must do what's right for you and your family. Many thanks for all your insights and help with audio production. You are definitely a gifted communicator and teacher. Take good care, Mike. All the best to you and yours. Roy from Ontario, Canada

Thanks Mike for your candid video. I am so pleased that Brian was there to help you, just as you have helped so many people. Yours were the first videos I watched after I installed Cakewalk, and your advice and VST links have proven so valuable. This video itself has helped so many people even though it is outside of your "purpose and comfort zone" of creative advice. Reading the comments, you have helped so many people voice their own, personal challenges, as you have (maybe unintentionally) encouraged them to use the comments section as counsel. Thank you once again, enjoy your trip, and as you say, reset. As for advice, the only thing I can say is to continue to do what you do, don't sell out, go for option A (what you're truly passionate about), and hopefully the beans will continue to roll in.

Hey Mike, much love and thank you for sharing. I've learned to unplug and taking walks outside have really really helped me out. Socializing has helped a lot too. Thanks for taking care of yourself and being up front up and honest. Helps others a lot. Have fun in Bali. Get some sun. Get some drinks (if you drink). Duty vs Creativity. I try to make my duty creative if that makes sense. Like every year I make a small Christmas album. But instead of knock offs, I re-compose the whole song and play all the instruments and mix it. It keeps me sharp in a lot of areas and creative while doing something people know and recognize.

Hey Mike wishing you all the best! Really enjoying your channel, sending prayers and positive vibes. Wishing you all the best. Take care!

Hi Mike, Thanks for all of your tutorials you have tought me a lot. I went to Bali about 20 years ago it is a magical place. There is a lake up in the mountains I cant remember the name but it is very beautiful up there. You might want to try some Wim Hof breathing and maybe listen to Eckhart Tolle while you are there, I dont know if you like that kind of stuff but the breathing has helped thousands of people. Be well Mike and I look forward too many more videos from you.

Glad to hear you are getting away and taking care of yourself . This is extremely important to you. You and I share many "challenges" . Being creative for yourself and only for yourself does heal. I am 71 years old this day , a retired professional musician. I just recently discovered that many of my issues that I have had in the past and in the recent weeks that are similar to yours all have to do with low blood sugar. Look up a list of top symptoms of low blood sugar. See if you identify with any of them. I am on my way to healing. Monitoring my blood sugar level. I would have never guess it. The doctors can't catch it all them time. You just gotta do it yourself. Praying and hoping the best for you always. With much love and respect , Donny "The Twangler".

Mike, I have been in the mental health system for 20yrs. I have gone through plenty of counseling and counselors. Some helpful, some not so much... The 2 best pieces of advice I have ever gotten is "one day at a time" and "you will have good days, you will have bad days". Now, you happen to be a little farther along than I am in terms of being able to support myself with my love of music. But the thing about me is that my mental health DOES cut into my music abilities. But I need to allow myself those bad days because I know I can't be decent, good, great ALL the time. I'm not sure if anything I've said helps but I definitely can sympathize. I hope you have fun on your vacation!

Thanks for opening up and sharing all of this. All the best to you Mike.

So grateful for you and how much you have helped all of us! I am praying for you and wishing you the very best! One thing that helped me overcome the onslaught of negative thoughts is something I learned from someone else. If you get still and take a few deep breaths and focus on your inner voice and ask yourself, what will my next thought be? It makes your mind get quiet so you can rest. It helped me and I hope it helps you. God bless you and thank you again from all of us who care for you!

Thanks for the honest video. I'd like to say first thank you for all the helpful information you share here. I have been coming here to learn and your channel has been such a great resource. Also, thank you for sharing your art. I hope it helps to know that your art has brought joy to people like me. I recently have been experiencing frustration that my "joe job" as I call it, which pays the bills, often means I have to give up opportunities as an artist. But I do realize that as creative people we can't be truly happy and fulfilled unless we pursue our art. I hope to continue exploring your videos and learning from you and thank you again for providing this resource for newbies like me.

Good luck with your reset, Mike. Go with your gut. It's served you very well with Creative Sauce so far. You make top-notch, substantive content that has helped me tremendously. I wish you and your family health and happiness.

Mike, you have been a absolute godsend when it comes to helping someone go from not knowing anything to being fully competent and not afraid to do everything you’re showing all of viewers how to do. For that I am extremely grateful. As far as doing things that are not necessarily what someone wants to do… It’s definitely a hard line to walk when you want to be creative but at the same time you have to make money to live. I can relate to that on a extraordinarily personal level. The one thing I did to help myself through…because I was going through a lot of the same emotions you’re going through. I decided to take a break and reevaluate. I took a hit financially and stepped away from doing all the things that made me feel a little like a prostitute. I vowed to myself that I wouldn’t do any of the gigs that I didn’t like without equal creative rewarding gigs or work in general to offset the gigs I took to pay bills. It was a struggle for me at first, because I actually ended up working more to do the things that I wanted to do but, in the long run it was detrimental for my mental health. Sorry for the long winded message but I just wanted you to know that you have helped a lot of people and you are definitely not alone in the way you feel. But, you are on the right path and you’re doing the right things. Keep the faith and choose what makes you happy. Cheers

I was a musician for 20 years as a young man. Never got over the top, gave up. During a 35 year computer career, I occasionally tried downloading and learning various DAWs. But for some reason, I never hit critical mass and figured it out. I did some voiceover work, using Adobe Audition to record my voice, but I never got a DAW working. Until 2020. I finally put the last few pieces together and figured out how to record music at a basic level. But of course, there is SO MUCH TO LEARN. So much I didn't even know what I needed to know. And then I found you. And to paraphrase the video above, not "the Creative Sauce KZfaq channel," but YOU. You were smart, your knowledge was deep, but you were also kind, patient, gently funny and a magnificent communicator. (You still are.) It is directly because of YOU that I finally realized a lifelong dream to write and record my own songs in studio quality. I've upped my songwriting game, and now I can record my songs as well. It has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. So thank you. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. You are golden.

I appreciate you Mike. My hope is that you feel better with each day and am a fan of your many talents mate.

Thank you for your candor and honesty. It is greatly appreciated. Keep your head to the sky. We are here to listen if that can help at all.

Vacation to make / decide on a direction... I've done that, and it was great. You are not alone brother. Have a great time. Thank you for all the great videos!!

Your videos are so sincere and authentic. Mental health is so important and I really appreciate what you do.

Just wanted to say that I owe you so much Mike. In early 2022 I downloaded Cakewalk and started writing and recording again after a gap of 15 or so years. You were absolutely instrumental in allowing me to re-access that creative side of my personality, and it has brought me so much joy. I'm not publishing these songs, they're just for me, but I love it and it fills a void that I wasn't aware had opened up over a decade and half of doing the day job, being a dad, paying a mortgage etc. The videos you've made are important - you're helping people express themselves fully, it doesn't get better than that. Thank you and stay well 👍

Hello Mike.... I've been there too.... the struggle, feeling depressed... but remember... it's a period where you are going through... I did stopped for more than a year making music and the appetite and ideas came back and everything felt in the right sense/place... I'm from Belgium and you teached me a lot... and I mean ... A lot... because of you I found out that cakewalk was the best to work with for me and I won't forget all your lessons and I hope I can still follow your advice in the future as you know cakewalk will change and become no longer for free... I hope your reset will bring you relieve and I truly hope to see you back on youtube... Keep well... Enjoy whatever... Have a nice trip... Kind regards... Nico

Today is November 22. You’re on your first day of your holiday break. Congratulations! Stepping away, truly disconnecting, is a gift you’ve given yourself. Enjoy that gift to its fullest. You’ve taught me a great deal as I pursue my journey - I am grateful for the time, care and effort you put into your channel to make it relevant to so many of us. Take good care, Mike. We’re on your side! Cheers.

Hi Mike, good to hear you talk about what’s been going on. I’ve been there and I could write a book about it, but may I just share a couple of things that have been important to me. I asked my counsellor if I will ever get better and she said, “No, you won’t get better because there’s nothing wrong with you, your mind and body are doing exactly what they were designed to do - you’re telling you that your thinking is fu**ed up. Sort out your thinking and you’ll feel better” She also said, “I know it sounds hippy-dippy, but think about trying meditation” I did and after two weeks my mind started working differently, but don’t ask to explain how. Also, and I don’t won’t to be a downer, but Bali sounds great, but you have to take your head with you. You can never escape from that, so just concentrating on making it your best friend. Good luck mate.

Thank you for sharing your experience with honesty, you are inspiring. Have a great trip!

Mike, thank you for all your amazing tutorials! Remember, your health and well being should always come first! God bless!

I needed a reset a few years ago. Rather unexpectedly a chapter of a self help book off a daytime tv show I'd never watched helped through: 1) Realising the best perspective is not often the obvious one 2) Going away from things (as you are to Bali) could really help. I went off to the coast for a couple of weeks. Whilst there every day I spent 10 minutes after breakfast quietly meditating about unrolling a ball of string - an amazing technique I still use now. 3) The hardest part: I 'built' some mental traps to stop me going down the stress and anxiety routes. These are words and images connected with how i felt after the stress attacks (not during) that helped put me on the upward path without too much dipping to the depths. (Some of this has turned up in my lyric writing since!) Whether this will work for you or not I don't know, but hang on in there Mike, yours is one of my favourite channels!

Hello Mike, my name is Hans, I am german so please excuse my english. I am 68 years old and I started only a few months ago learning how to make music with a DAW. Of course I looked for videos in KZfaq and fortunately I found your channel. I have learned a lot from you, not only in respect of making music. Also there are a lot of tips, which can transported to general live. I was very sad to see this video, because you are a very kind person and I love to see your videos. You explain the things very good and understandable and I wish you will never give up producing them in the way you are doing. You are a great person!