There’s something poetic about the fact that Cheap Products barely left a trace of its existence. Our band, a ragtag group of misfits bound together by our love for music and the thrill of creation, was like a fleeting moment in time. Yet, despite our ephemerality, we managed to make a lasting impact, at least on me. The smattering of VHS tapes that hold our few performances are like relics from a bygone era, evidence of our passion and the spark that ignited my lifelong pursuit of stardom. Our time as a group was short-lived, but those few songs we played together left an indelible mark on my soul. With my boy Ricky’s guest appearances adding an extra layer of excitement, our performances were raw and unpolished, but brimming with the energy and enthusiasm that only comes from true passion. In the aftermath of Cheap Products, I found myself alone with a motley collection of equipment: Frankenstein-like computers, a battered keyboard, a well-worn guitar, and a trusty microphone. Determined to keep the fire burning, I started to produce music under the band name, utilizing the power of Cool Edit Pro to piece together my creations. I would record each part separately, painstakingly layering the audio until the disparate elements coalesced into a cohesive whole. The songs that emerged from this process were primitive, and listening to them now brings a smile to my face and a chuckle to my throat. But beneath their rough exterior lay the seeds of my burgeoning confidence and the realization that I could make something out of nothing. My simple but catchy tunes, born of the most basic equipment and a sheer determination to succeed, were a testament to the power of creativity and the magic of music. As the years have gone by, the memory of Cheap Products and the music we created has taken on a nostalgic sheen. Those who were a part of my life at the time look back on this era with fondness, amused by our youthful exuberance and unrefined talent. But for me, that time holds an even deeper significance. It taught me that even with the cheapest of products, the most limited resources, and the barest of opportunities, I could create something meaningful and valuable.
