Right, absolutely, everyone has the right to like what they like. You aren’t alone in that kind of opinion…I’m sure 3 out of 4 people would agree that it is pretty nasty. Definitely, you’ve got to respect the craft, even if it’s different from yours because at the end of the day music is music, yanno? I know, I know, live instruments are seeming to go out of style, the appeal of the live big band is falling, but I’m gonna bring it back. I’m determined. I’d definitely be down to check out your stuff. Ah, hip hop, I do quite like R&B, it’s close to jazz…that’s probably why I like it. Wait…what’s trap? And I’m sure your friend is quite a gem, I don’t believe you.
Jazz artists are pretty scarce everywhere if you ask me, even back home in Paris. But I guess I got into playing so many instruments from when I was young. I took lessons in classical and contemporary music, which really wasn’t all that contemporary at all - all very boring. Then when I went to university, my friends, they were music majors, they brought me to the jazz clubs with them. Fell in love with it ever since. I figured, I knew how to play more than half the instruments up on stage, so it wouldn’t be hard to re-route.
Oh I know, there's a reason why #EraseCountryMusic trended on Twitter during the Grammys. Mhm, but unfortunately no one seems to think like that anymore. Unfortunately they are, but hey, I've got faith in you. You seem passionate and determined, and honestly it'd be pretty dope to see the return of live bands. Cool, and while we're at it you can show me a little about what it is you do, I've never met an actual jazz musician so don't mind me if I ask you all kinds of questions though. ...I'll also play some of my trap mixes for you while I'm at it cause I can't explain what it is either. Just...be prepared to dance, that's all I can say. Oh, she's a real gem for sure, one of the best people I ever met...but that doesn't change the fact that she's evil.
Shit, you're from Paris? That's mad cool, I always wanted to go to Paris. ...Shit I just wanna' travel the world in general, but Paris is at the top of the list honestly. Yeeeah classical music is good for falling asleep to...I'm not even gonna' lie. Wow...I didn't even know there were still active jazz clubs out there.
I happen to like firsts, so I’ll certainly take it. I’m just glad to meet another who gets where I’m coming from. Everyone’s so stuck up and set in their ways when it comes to the music, when it doesn’t have to be that way. No one’s wrong, yanno? Really really. Everyone I’ve worked with uses the actual things, so I’ve never…encountered an…808. Hm…base sounds. It all sounds so fascinating, really. I don’t particularly get it, maybe it’s one of those, you need to see to get kinda’ things. And what type of music is this that you work with? Hah, do I play more? Of course! I play a bit of sax and trumpet too. I just recently tried percussion, very loud, but very fun though. Well I’m really into jazz, it’s my cup o’ tea, yanno? My bread and butter.
I was waiting for the lighting to strike you for lying. But I suppose you’re okay this time. AND when it does, it’ll be an entirely poetic and life changing experience, believe me.
Exaaaaactly! Like, we can all have our own preferences without being an ass about it. I personally think country music is nasty as fuck, but I'm not gonna' look down on someone who feels differently, or even argue about that shit with them. So long as you can respect someone's artistry and realize that a lot of hard work and thought goes into it, you're fine by my standards. Well...if it makes you feel any better I don't know many people who use live instruments. Yeeeah, it might be one of those types of deal...add that onto the fact that I'm shit at explaining things. But if you ever wanna' see what I mean I'd be down to demonstrate. Hip-hop and R&B fusions are really what I'm into, but I dabble in the occasional trap mix. Damn, you play a lil bit of everything don't ya? Haha, I wanted to try percussion when I was a kid but my mom wasn't having that. Wow, not that many people I know are into jazz. That's cool though. How'd you find yourself exposed to that scene, if you don't mind my asking? Jazz musicians are kinda' scarce where I come from so...
That's rude as fuck man. It also lowkey sounds like some shit a friend of mine would say, which makes it even worse cause she's secretly rude.
I wouldn’t say strange…eccentric yes, but strange has such a bad connotation, like something’s wrong with it. Mhm, you would be the first. A few days ago, just got around to these blog thingamajigs. Really? That’s fant - oh…nevermind. I’d prefer to not run into those, music is so…easy-going, why can’t everyone be? 808 machine…well I’ve certainly never heard of one of those. What does it do? I was referring to actual instruments, but these…other things you use are fascinating to me. Excellent! Then keep talking it with me. Thomas O’Malley dabbles in all things. I sing, I play a few instruments - guitar’s my favorite, but piano’s close second, I’ve certainly played it the longest so it has my heart.
Hey, I can feel your judgement! Have you let the island hug you yet? You should, then you’ll know what I mean, man.
You know...you're like the first person I've ever met that doesn't find my nickname strange. Ah, so yeah that makes sense why you haven't met any others yet, but I'm sure you'll meet a bunch of others soon enough. That's exactly how I feel man! Like honestly, music is meant to unite not divide, but everyone's got their ideas of what can be considered "real" music and then people just get nasty...I ain't got the time for all that bullshit. Really? Well, it...it's kinda' hard to put into words? It uh, gives you a bunch of different base sounds that you can put together to make a beat? It creates the overall tempo and rhythm of the type of music I make. I guess that's as good of an explanation that I can give ya', sorry. Oh cool, are those the only instruments you play or are there more? So, since you dabble in singing, I kinda' gotta' ask; any particular genre you find yourself lenient with?
No, no, no, Sticky Webb does not judge. He questions but never judges...well, that's not always true, but in this case it is. But no, I haven't let the island hug me yet? But I'll definitely keep my mind open to letting it hug me.
The greatest of compliments, naturally. Sounds very….sentimental, yeah? That was very clever of your best friend, I must admit. Now, you make beats you say? I’ll be honest I didn’t expect to meet another musician so soon. What do you make these beats with? What do you play? Do entertain me - I’m a simple man who only loves but one thing, and that’s the music. Ooooooh I see. That definitely makes sense…context and whatnot. I should write that one down too.
I’m feeling great right now, thanks. The island is beautiful, and she’s been very kind to me, almost like she’s giving me a nice warm hug all the time.
Oh yeah, it's clever, I'm never gonna' deny that. Clever but kinda' strange at first is how I like to describe it. Really, I'm the first one you met? When'd you get in? But anyways, you're probably gonna' run into a bunch of musicians around here, but I'ma warn ya now...some of them are kinda pretentious jerks. Uhh, well it depends on what I'm going for, but generally an 808 machine, a mixing console and Logic are my go to things. But if you meant in terms of things that are classified as "actual instruments", I'm pretty good at piano. I can fucks with that, I'm always down to talk music with new people. Do you play any instruments? Or like is your voice your instrument?
Welp, that's definitely one way to put it. I'm glad you're getting along just fine here though, and hopefully the island continues to give you...nice warm hugs.
Yooooo, to you sir! I must add that one to the ol’ list of greetings, yeah. Sticky, that’s one funky name you’ve got. What’d you have to do to get it? Just because I happen to be laying on the couch while I type my response to you doesn’t make this lazy at all. Thirsty? Sorry, I’m definitely not as up to your terminology as I’d like to be. You must teach me the ways, kind Sticky!
But thank you for the welcome, I much appreciate it.
Oh nah, you ain't gotta' call me sir, sounds way too formal. Oh, haha thanks...or at least I think that was a compliment? Um, my best friend gave it to me actually - long story short, I make beats and all the beats I made were catchy and "stuck"...we were kids, don't judge us. But ever since then everybody just calls me Sticky. Aye man if you're lazy or not ain't none of my business, especially since I'm probably the laziest person you'll ever meet. My bad, my bad, uhhh thirsty is just kinda' like how you refer to a guy or a girl who's into you but is mad desperate about it.
No problem. How are you? Like how's the island been treating ya so far?
The name’s Thomas O’Malley and I was told this thing is good for meeting people. So come now, commence the meeting. I don’t bite, unless you want me to, I promise.
YOOOOO, wassup man! I'm Sticky, and it's nice to meet ya'. Mhm, it's the easiest way to make friends, and some would argue it's also the laziest but that's a different story. And just a quick pro tip, I'd refrain from saying the whole 'I don't bite unless you want me to' thing, there's some thirsty asses out here, you might get mobbed. But welcome to Elias and all that.
Oh definitely, bruh. One Man Can Change The World might make a young thug cry somewhere. Forreal, Sean came up since he was talking all that “I do it, boi” shit. Seeeee, we agreed again. I was kinda hoping you’d disagree with me so I could fight you. But I mean…I’m sure I’ll find another reason to fight yo ass.
Okay well there’s different criteria for best, you feel me? Are we talking best lyrically? Production wise? Best features? Or best message? Or would it be a combination of all those things? Probably a combination - damn…um…maybe All Your Fault. It’s got lyricism, production, feature. Not the best message though. But 3 out of 4 is pretty good.
I’m just making sure you know because I’ll beat you down again, don’t try it. Ayeeeee! See it only makes sense we’d have the same taste.
I meant that nobody knew who Big Sean was 'cause half the people here don't listen to rap music. You just went ahead and said no one else has good taste.
Well without a doubt best message has got to go to One Man Can Change the World, or at least that's how I feel. Lyrically it switches a lot for me, because I feel like this is the best he's ever been as a lyricist. Production wise, I'm always going to say All Your Fault. Aaaaand best feature is probably gonna' have to go to All Your Fault too, 'cause Ye killed...even if I'm lowkey mad at his ass right now. But yeah, if we're gonna talk about a combination then you're right in your decisions.
I don't care if you beat me down, if you disrespected my fave we were still gonna' fight. Of course, I...shouldn't even be surprised really.
You right…I forget we the only ones with taste sometimes.
WAIT. You can’t just ask what the BEST song on the album is. That’s too much pressure. I’ll give my top 3 for your top 3. And if we scrap, lets scrap - you know I’ll win. Okay so uh…
I Know
All Your Fault
3-way Tie with Blessings, Play No Games and Deserve It
Well...I personally didn't mean it like that but...this is also true....
Oh damn well, I asked it. Besides I just want your honest opinion...if it's different from mine...well, I'ma side-eye you but it ain't no big deal. No pressure. Everyone knows you'll win, but that wasn't the point. Ayeee, those are all my favorites too! I ain't judging you 'cause you cheated, I would have done the same shit, so it's all good.
You know half of the people here don't even know who the fuck Big Sean is, stop playing. BUT now that we're in public and I have witnesses, I must ask...is the best song on the album? Keep in mind we might end up fighting if you disrespect my top 3...
I'm not all that surprised. Half of the time I can't even find it in me to laugh at these people 'cause the shit they say is so bad I gotta' take a step back and ask myself if it's really happening.
Weeeell, long story short, I always used to make up songs in the back of class, they always ended up getting stuck in your head and so everyone started calling me Sticky. It's weird as fuck, I know, but it's way better than my real name, trust me.
Hey Jafar, it's nice to meetcha'. How's your night going...aside from the bored thing?
I expected things to heat up far more than that around here. But as usual, things have come up short. How boring. I’m now seeking entertainment in the form of a skillful conversationalist. Takers?
Yeeeah, I learned the hard way that's just the way shit be around here. It's always nothing but really bad pickup lines and boring niggas talking about the same boring ass shit. But wassup, I'm Sticky.
Oh hush. I actually had today off, thank you very much. I coughed yesterday at work and my boss thought I was sick so he forced me to stay home today, so to not taint the food. Plot twist: I’m fine. They really are! Like I watch one, and I’m sittin’ in my bed cryin’ because I can’t stop replayin’ it. I’m a mess, it’s terrible, and it’s all Kovu’s fault.
But hiiiiii Sticky. I’m good, classes started so I’ve been plenty busy. How are you, though?
They let you have days off? I'm truly shocked right now. Woooow Tia, your boss gave you a day off just because you coughed? I guess it makes sense though, in the event you weren't faking and was actually sick no one would want you to wait on them. No offense, I wouldn't even want you to wait on me with your sicky germs. Don't blame Kovu for your own inability to do something else with your time.
That ain't nothing new, you're always busy. I'm good too though, tryna' re-adjust to having places to be in the morning. It sucks, but I'll get used to it again...at some point.
Because every time boredom strikes, I resort to watchin’ them funny vine videos. And it’s definitely not healthy with the amount I just watched. So, human contact - I’ve concluded - is a better alternative. Anyone about to talk to lil’ ol’ me?
I didn't even know it was possible for people who are constantly doing like a bazillion things to actually be bored. And watching Vines is actually always the better option because at least they're funny and laughing is apparently good for you and shit, keeps you healthy. But since you want someone to talk to, I might as well provide my services. So heeeeeey, how've ya been?
and I'ma love you girl, the way you need. ain't no one gon' stop us. and I'mma give you girl, what you feel. I'm the drug in your veins, just fight through the pain. he's what you want, I'm what you need. you thought that'd you forget about me. fuck you think I am? you gon' spend forever sitting, thinkin' 'bout me, wishing you were still my man.
The Webb home always seemed to be filled with an undeniable sense warmth, as if Denise Webb's own outstanding geniality managed to breathe it's way into the walls. Actually, growing up Sticky's grandpa used to tell him that their home was built entirely out of love and good humor, which didn't make much sense to him at the time. But he gets it now. He especially understands what pappy means when Kovu quietly comments on how nice his mom is as he helps himself to another Rudolph cookie.
Somewhere downstairs Sticky's mom is busy frosting a cake that she knows won't last very long because it's chocolate, and well, Sticky destroys anything chocolate. Plus, Kovu's here so basically there's no hope left for this cake. In the living room Sticky can distinctly hear his grandmother reminding his mom to save a piece of cake for Tobias and "those nice girls Cornelius is always with, Penny and Dijonnay." And yes, Sticky cringes as Kovu snickers when she says Cornelius, only to remind Kovu it's a family name. Meanwhile his grandfather's fussing about his sugar diabetes and implying that neither Tobias or Junior (and yes, Sticky rolls his eyes because he's always hated being called Junior) shouldn't be eating "no damn cake."
For the most part the Christmas festivities are over; meaning there's no more screaming children running around the house, there's no more awkward conversations with distant relatives, and things have returned to their relative state of calm. Kovu's wrapped up in an episode of Teen Titans Go and the colorful cartoon seems to be the only thing capable of ripping Sticky's attention away from his computer screen.
Naturally Sticky's family gifted him with a new Logic console to add to his collection of beat machines and mixing consoles. In a rush of excitement Sticky rushed up to his room to hook up the machine to his MAC, nimble fingers navigating the various dials and buttons. It wasn't long before Kovu joined him, adding yet another song to Sticky's iTunes library. Sticky wasn't sure if his ability to finish multiple nonsense tracks with Kovu was a testament to how much fun they had together or if it was just his inability to focus rearing it's ugly head again.
He liked to think it was the former, though that hardly seemed likely.
Stcky clicked through various folders in his iTunes library, eyebrows furrowed and jaw tightened as he scrolled through potential beats and sound mixes. Exactly three weeks ago he was presented with his final assignment for his Music Lab class, and even though he had already submitted an older piece for a grade, he was still working on the assignment. Kovu told him he shouldn't be stressing about it considering he got a good grade anyway, but here he was weeks later still dissatisfied.
Sounds blended into one another as Sticky layered The Weeknd's vocals underneath a soothing mix of Rita's vocals and Aaliyah's. Somewhere in the back of his mind he knows all the reverb on 'Boss' would eventually drive him insane, and combined with the way The Weeknd's voice bounces and fills the space on 'What You Need' he's bound to find himself irritated with himself and the individual songs. But there was a bigger picture here, a much bigger picture.
Though that was always the problem with Sticky, his visions were always far too grand to accomplish most of the time.
"Heeeeey Mrs. Webb." Kovu grinned, earning an eye roll from Sticky as he turned around to look at his mother.
"Hi boys, I just wanted to make sure y'all were okay up here." Mrs. Webb smiled kindly, taking it upon herself to take a seat next to Kovu on the edge of Sticky's bed. "What are you guys up to?"
"Nothing, Sticky's doing that thing he does when he ignores everyone's existence." Kovu rolled his eyes, but something in his tone made it clear he was only feigning irritation with his friend's behavior. Clear amusement and all, it didn't stop Sticky from smiling apologetically in Kovu's direction.
"Well at least I know you like your present." Mrs. Webb responded, her quiet laughter bringing a smile to her son's face.
"Yeah, I love it! I've been dying to get a new console with better reverb and panel mixing functions."
Mrs. Webb and Kovu exchanged a look, mirth filling their eyes before they both looked back at Sticky.
"Reverb would be....the echo thing, right?" Mrs. Webb asked, head cocked to the side and eyebrows knitted together in confusion.
"Yes, ma, the echo thing." Sticky sighed, shaking his head as he turned back around in his chair. "Look." he unplugged his headphones and pressed the space bar on his keyboard. On the screen colored lines that represented individual sound waves moved as music filled the room. "So, you hear the girl singing?" he looked back at his mom and Kovu to confirm that they were following. When they nodded in unison Sticky looked back at the screen, using the mouse to drag a yellow line to another section of the grid on his screen. "This is what it sounds like without the reverb, and then this is what it sounds like when I amplify it on the panel. I can control how loud the echo is, how many times it echoes, whether it's a full bar echo or just a snippet of particular sections."
"Oh." Mrs. Webb nodded, understanding touching her features and evident in her voice. "And who is that singing? I've never heard her, is she someone new in the...game." his mother blinked, making it clear she was unsure if she'd used that word in the right context. Sticky didn't bother to tell her if she had or if she hadn't.
"Nah, she's not like a professional singer or anything. That's just my friend from school."
"Oh!" Mrs. Webb's features lit up and she was smiling now. Weird. "Would this be that girl you like?"
Sticky didn't even have time to ask his mom what she was talking about or how she even knew there was a girl at school that he liked, the grin on Kovu's face made it clear that this was his doing. Honestly, Sticky wasn't even all that surprised that Kovu had told his mom about Tiana. Embarrassing him was apparently Kovu's favorite pastime.
"No, that's not Tia. But, that is her friend." Kovu explained as Sticky rolled his eyes for what felt like the billionth time.
"Oh, okay. So she's a singer?"
"Mhm, she's got a pretty voice too. No real control on her range, but I think if she works on her breathing and does some scale exercises she'd be amazing. She mostly just stays in her lower register, it's like her comfort zone, I've noticed. But I'm working on fleshing out her head voice and whistle notes, and..." Sticky peered up at them over his shoulder, the rest of his sentence going unfinished when he realized his mom didn't really seem to be following his ramblings. "Never mind, she's just got a lot of potential, I think."
"She sounds good." Mrs. Webb nodded before pointing to the other colored lines moving along the screen. "And those are different songs?"
"Different vocals, yeah." Sticky nodded. "I've already got the beat mixed together, I just need to layer and filter vocals, which...sucks."
"Well, why don't you take a break? Cake's done, and there's more cookies downstairs." his mom offered with a smile. That's when Sticky noticed Kovu had already left the room, undoubtedly to get to the cookies before Sticky could.
"You weren't supposed to tell him there were cookies ma, he gonna eat em all!" Sticky jumped out of his seat, rushing out the room to try to catch his friend. "Aye, stay away from my damn cookies!" he called out after Kovu.
