Swim Through the Darkness

The book is not a conventional music biography. It is also a mystery story with elements of true crime, and addresses such topics as drugs, mental illness (specifically schizophrenia), and homelessness in America. The popularity of psychedelic music and culture is at an all-time high. Thousands gather each year for the Austin Psych Fest, one of several psychedelic festivals held around the world each year. New psychedelic acts like Tame Impala and the Black Angels sell tens of thousands of records, and original ‘60s psych acts, the 13th Floor Elevators, continue to be cult favorites. The Apache/Inca album by Maitreya Kali is considered one of the ‘holy grail’ records of the genre. Original copies sell for up to $10,000, and even the reissues now sell for over $400. The book will include a download code for an exclusive compilation of Craig Smith/Maitreya Kali music, including unreleased material. Craig Smith’s story has close connections to the Monkees, who remain one of the most popular bands of the 1960s. The Monkees recorded Craig’s song “Salesman.” Mike Nesmith of the Monkees, who was the producer of Craig’s band the Penny Arkade, was interviewed for the book.