WOW!!! I had w flip a U & stop by #Batishs in #SantaCruz 2 let the owner & indie artist Ashwin Batish know that I appreciate him being a great example of what an indie artist was supposed to be. It was over 25 years ago when I walked into Batish's audio store on Mission St. to buy my first master tapes to record my 1st demo's Dirty Money & Cat Burglar. Those 2 songs eventually landed me the Drop Top opportunity for which I received national attention. I salute Mr. Batish because when I came into his store years ago it was evident that he was a recording artists. He had his tapes pressed up, posters hanged, and music available right there in the same spot where he sold duplication services as well as tapes, adats, labels, etc. I didn't know that I wanted to be like Ashwin Batish that day. I just know that I wanted to rap and Kut Master Kurt told me I need to get my masters at Batish's. Many moons later I find myself doing the same thing he's done since the 80's...maybe earlier. After all, his dad and his son are world renown musicians. Funny how life happens. He didn't remember me, but I sure remembered him. Glad I stopped by & took the time to spend the time. It was dope to re-visit the shop, cop a hat & t-shirt, talk music & share with him why I felt compelled to stop by today. Thank you for being you. You definitely inspired me years ago. Not to mention today. 🎼🎵🎶🎤🎹🎸📯🎺🎷🎻🎧 'Music is a beautiful dream that true artists never seem to wake up from.' - #RichTycoon - (at Batish Institute of Indian Music and Fine Arts)