Working from Home

I spent one and a half years of my life in Seattle, WA. Day one, I fell in love with the architecture, the parks, the way the invasive blackberry bushes grew along the sidewalks, the totem poles, the mysterious underground tunnels, the occasional random redwood tree, their amusing nicknames for transportation systems (aka, the SLUT), the comfortable and warm summers, and yes, I appreciated the rainy winters as well. I even came to love the overstatement that is the Space Needle; its rising torch-like form had become a beacon for my second home.

On my way to Sarathan Records’ headquarters every morning, I would fix my eyes on the horizon, where I knew loomed the awe-demanding Rainier, cloaked in a veil of grey. In stark contrast to the wafting mystery of fog, Sarathan was a joy. Its interior was bright and cheerful, its employees intimidatingly intelligent and in tune with pop culture. But they were friendly people, and they inspired me to new heights.

The Sarathan Office

My time in Seattle ended all too soon. I had to move. Fortunately, I am able to continue working for Sarathan from home. Working from home is … well, quiet. My social life and work life are entirely computerized, so much so that sometimes I look in the mirror and I’m surprised at what I see, as if I thought I’d somehow become completely digital. It’s a little unnerving, as I’d always considered myself an outdoorsy person.

Of course, there are the pluses: a flexible schedule and increased productivity, not to mention an unbeatable commute.

Plus, there’s an additional benefit to this new life, one that I’d never previously considered. You see, back in Seattle, I’d generally let other people dictate the music that was being played in the office. Via these means I was exposed to a range of styles and genres that I might never have explored on my own. Unfortunately, most of these sounds washed over me without leaving a distinct impression. Not that it was bad music, it just didn’t strike a chord.

Now, in the ongoing war against silence and boredom, I’ve discovered a motherload of sounds that have really enriched my life. Below is just a sampling…

SOME NEW MUSICAL DISCOVERIES:

• Capitals
• Trent Dabbs
• Ramona Falls
• Sia
• Gavin Castleton
• Flight of the Conchords
• Nurses
• The Weakerthans
• Bitter:Sweet

I’ve also discovered new works from artists I’d already known and loved, such as “Exogenisis” (Muse), “Hotel Song” (Regina Spektor), “Toto Dies” (Nellie McKay), and the acoustic version of “No Surprises” (Radiohead).

(By the way, if you want to see a complete list of my discoveries or share new music with me, Twitter/Blip.fm is the place to go!)

And so, I’ve decided…

In a world where there’s music, it’s okay to be alone, it’s okay to be far from the beautiful places you fell in love with, it’s okay to spend most of your life on the computer. Where passion is lacking, music steps in to remind you of your humanity, to endow life with a sense of meaning and direction. And I think this is true for all human beings, be they in the music business or not.

To conclude, if I can help a handful of people find music that does this for them, that helps them get through the day, then I can tell myself that my life and my job are worthwhile.

Hell, it beats selling women’s accessories, anyway.

~Kara

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