Chapter 30: Maya and Arell
[Host would you like to open your gift pack for achieving your fist milestone?]
With a sense of anticipation, Arell tapped on the notification to open the gift pack. As the virtual wrapper unravelled, he wondered what he would get? It was his first milestone, so he expected good rewards.
The screen filled with a dazzling array of virtual items and rewards, each one more enticing than the last. Arell's eyes widened in amazement as he scanned through the contents of the gift pack.
[Rewards will now be distributed]
Future x Metro Boomin. FEAT. Young Thug: "Slimed In" Song Structure
Bryson Tiller: "Whatever She Wants" Song Structure"
"Are you Kanye?"
The Art of the Sample (Epic): You develop a keen ear for obscure samples and a talent for chopping them into unique beats. This can give your music a raw, underground edge and set you apart from the mainstream.
"The A$AP Rocky?"
Style Chameleon (Epic): You develop a masterful understanding of fashion and personal branding. You can adapt your style to different situations, audiences, and even music genres, always projecting the right image. (+25 to all Fashion Styles) (+2 Base Fashion)
Arell's amusement grew as he read through the rewards. They were few but good, nevertheless.
'Interesting that I just happen to be given a song with young thug and metro just after they seen my music and a reward related to A$AP Rocky when I'm going to start a clothing line'.
Arell couldn't help but notice the synchronicity between the rewards and his current endeavours, he knew it was no coincidence.
'Well it's good to know that the system gifts awards based on my circumstances.'
'"Slimed In" Song Structure featuring Future, Metro Boomin, and Young Thug' caught his attention immediately. Maybe he'll have an oppurtunity to get with in the studio with one of them? is that why the system gave him this song?
Now "Whatever She Wants" intrigued him, he had never heard of Bryson Tiller, but he supposed he could never go wrong with another song.
He did note that with these two songs it would be far easier to complete his five-song requirement for his active quest. That would be if the two songs were rated more than 50.
The Art of the Sample clicked something in Arell's mind. "Samples." He had forgotten that he could have incorporated samples in his music. Arell's mind raced with possibilities as he considered the implications of The Art of the Sample reward. 'Kanye is well known for his great samples… if this gives me that same ability…my music will definitely elevate again.'
And as for the Style Chameleon reward, it couldn't have come at a better time. With plans to launch his own clothing line, it would be invaluable as when it comes to his personal branding and designing his brand style.
"Things are definitely looking great," Arell murmured to himself, his mind already racing with ideas for how to incorporate his new skills and connections into his work.
Arell closed the system window and immediately set to work, heading into his studio.
First things first, he made sure everything was set up and ready for Maya's arrival. He adjusted the microphone, checked the sound levels, and tidied up the space to create a comfortable environment for their studio session.
As Arell was cleaning up the studio, his phone buzzed with a message from Maya. She was outside. With a smile of anticipation, he quickly made his way to the apartment door and swung it open.
"Hey Maya, come on in." Arell greeted her warmly, stepping aside to let her enter.
Maya stepped inside, her face lighting up as she stepped in his apartment.
Maya stepped inside, her eyes scanning the space. "Wow, Arell, your apartment is really nice." she said, taking in the modern decor and cozy atmosphere. "You have a piano as well." She gestured toward the piano Arell had yet to use.
"Thanks, Maya. I'm glad you like it," Arell replied with a smile.
As Maya looked around, Arell gestured towards the studio area. "Let me show you where we'll be working," he said, leading her towards the set-up studio space.
Maya followed eagerly, her excitement growing with each step.
As they reached the studio, Arell motioned towards the microphone and mixing equipment. "This is where the magic happens," Arell said with a grin.
Maya nodded; her expression thoughtful as she took in the studio setup. "Impressive," she commented, her tone neutral.
Arell picked up on Maya's demeanour, sensing a subtle shift in her energy. He wondered what thoughts were brewing inside that mind.
"Yeah, it's a good setup," Arell replied.
Arell observed Maya closely as she settled into the main chair at the desk, her posture confident and purposeful.
"Alright, let's get started," Arell said, taking his place beside Maya at the desk. He powered up the recording software, preparing to dive into their studio session.
As Maya delved into the creative process, her fingers moved with precision across the keyboard, setting the foundation for their track. Arell watched her work, impressed by her skill and efficiency.
As the beat started to take shape, Maya glanced over at Arell. "What kind of drums do you have in your library?" she asked, her tone casual but curious.
Arell pulled up his drum library on the screen, displaying a collection of standard drum kits and percussion samples. "Just these," he replied, noting the hint of disappointment in Maya's expression.
Maya furrowed her brows slightly as she scrolled through the drum options. "This is all?" she questioned; her voice laced with scepticism.
"Uhm…yeah," Arell looked at Maya her expression unreadable. He had always made do with what he had, was his library really that small?
Maya watched him for a moment. Then, with a determined look, she turned back to the screen. "Don't worry, I'll download some more drums, claps, and all that other stuff," she declared, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she searched for additional samples.
Arell watched as Maya's fingers danced across the keyboard, her movements deliberate and precise. She began by selecting a kick drum from the library, opting for a deep, punchy sound to lay down the foundation of the beat. With each press of the key, the room filled with the thud of the kick drum, setting a steady rhythm.
Next, Arell himself began working, he layered the snare hits on the off beats, adding a dynamic groove to the track.
As the kick and snare patterns solidified, he then turned his attention to the hi-hats. He selected a closed hi-hat sound, using it to create a rhythmic pulse that drove the beat forward. Arell experimented with different hi-hat patterns, alternating between quick, tight rolls and sparse, syncopated accents.
With the core elements of the drum track in place, Maya then started to add embellishments and flourishes. She introduced percussion samples, layering shakers, tambourines, and congas to add depth and texture to the rhythm.
As Maya worked, Arell couldn't help but be impressed by her attention to detail and creative vision.
As Maya continued to refine the beat, Arell listened intently, nodding along in approval. With each addition, the beat grew more complex and nuanced.
Finally, after several minutes of tweaking and refining, Maya leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. "There we go," she declared, her eyes alight with excitement. "What do you think?"
[Exact Track: No Guidance. Chris Brown ft. Drake]
Arell listened to the beat, his head nodding in time with the rhythm. It was infectious, with its pulsating bassline, crisp percussion, and catchy melodies. "It sounds amazing," he replied, unable to hide the admiration in his voice. "You really have a knack for this."
Maya grinned, a sense of pride evident in her expression. "Thanks," she said, her tone pleased. "I'm just glad I could help."
Maya's grin widened as she leaned back in her chair, a sense of accomplishment radiating from her. "You know, this beat reminds me of something my professor once taught me," she said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Arell raised an eyebrow, curious to hear what Maya had to share. "What's that?" he asked, eager to learn from her experience.
"Well," Maya began, her voice taking on a thoughtful tone, "my professor always emphasized the importance of layering different elements to create depth and complexity in a beat. He taught us that every sound should serve a purpose and contribute to the overall vibe of the track."
Arell nodded, recognizing the wisdom in Maya's words. "That makes sense," he replied, impressed by her insight. "It's all about finding the right balance between simplicity and complexity."
Maya, continued. "You know the key to a great mix is in the details," she explained, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. "My professor taught us to pay attention to things like frequency balance, stereo imaging, and dynamic range to really make a track come alive."
Arell listened intently, absorbing Maya's words with keen interest. "I'll definitely keep that in mind."
With their creative juices flowing and their minds buzzing with ideas, Arell and Maya dove back into their work. "Alright," he said, clearing his throat, "let's lay down some words."
Maya nodded in agreement, her fingers poised over the keyboard as she prepared to start the beat from the beginning. With a sense of anticipation, she triggered the playback, and the rhythm filled the room once more.
Feeling the energy of the music coursing through him, Arell took a deep breath, centering himself before stepping up to the microphone. As the beat pulsed around him, he closed his eyes, letting the music guide his flow.
"All my niggas stand toes down, yeah, we holdin' it down," Arell rapped, his flow effortlessly riding the pulsating bassline and crisp percussion.
"From the city to the town, we runnin' this town," he continued, his voice rising and falling with the ebb and flow of the music.
Feeling the rythem turn off unexpectedly, Arell paused mid-verse, removing his headphones as he looked over at Maya with a quizzical expression. Her intense gaze met his, and he could sense that something was off.
"What's wrong?" he asked, furrowing his brows in confusion.
Maya hesitated for a moment before speaking. "That's not the kind of way you rap on this beat," she explained, her tone measured. "You need to be more melodic, and the lyrics...they should be about something different, like love or a personal experience."
Arell absorbed Maya's words, feeling a sense of surprise wash over him. He had been so caught up in the energy of the beat that he hadn't considered the lyrical direction. But Maya's insight made sense, and he trusted her judgment.
"Okay, I see what you're saying," Arell replied, nodding in understanding. "Let's give it another shot."
Arell nodded in agreement with Maya's suggestion, appreciating her guidance. "Yeah, let's switch it up. Give me a word to work with," he said, eager to see where her creativity would take them.
Maya paused for a moment, her brows furrowed in concentration as she considered her options. After a moment of thought, she looked up at Arell.
"Sunshine," she declared, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Arell grinned at the word choice, finding it both unexpected and inspiring. "Sunshine, huh. Ok, sunshine in my eyes, yeah, her eyes one of a kind." he tried, but then he paused, shaking his head slightly. "I'm not feeling it. Can you give me another word?"
Maya thought for a moment as she came up with a word that would suit the vibe they were going for. "How about 'Baby'?" she suggested, her eyes sparkling.
Arell's eyebrows raised at the unexpected word choice, but he found himself intrigued. "Baby... I like it," he replied, nodding in approval. "Let's see what we can do with that."
Arell leans back in his chair, eyes closed for a moment. Finding the rhythm, He opens his eyes, a confident smirk playing on his lips.
"Sunshine in the studio, blinds wide open." he began bobbing his head slighty.
"Got that summer vibe flowin', yeah, the mood is smokin'"
"Got trips I done planned for the whole weekend."
"My baby never going nowhere modest."
"I be fresh as hell thats why she want it."
Maya watched Arell, nodding along in approval as he delivered the verses with ease.
As Arell continued to rap, Maya couldn't help but be impressed by his flow and lyrical prowess.
But then, as Arell attempted to transition into a more melodic delivery, Maya noticed a slight hesitation in his voice. His confidence faltered for a moment, and she could sense his uncertainty.
Arell's voice cracked slightly as he tried to hit the higher notes, without hesitation, she reached out and stopped the playback, bringing the music to a sudden halt.
"Arell, it's okay," she said. "I think we might need to try a different approach for this part. Maybe your voice isn't suited for a more melodic delivery, and that's perfectly fine. We'll find a way to make it work."
"Thanks, Maya," he replied, his voice tinged with gratitude. "I appreciate your understanding."
"Give me a moment," Maya said. "I have an idea."
She quickly pulled out her phone and opened up a browser window, tapping away at the screen with practiced efficiency. Arell watched curiously as Maya navigated to a YouTube video and clicked play.
"Check this out," Maya said, gesturing for Arell to come closer.
As Arell leaned in, Maya explained, "I found this video on singing techniques for rappers. Maybe it will help us find a way to incorporate a more melodic delivery into your rap."
As Maya guided Arell through the YouTube video, they stumbled upon a technique known as "Resonant Rhythmic Breathing." The instructor explained that this technique, often used by professional vocalists, enhances vocal resonance and control while maintaining rhythm and flow.
The essence of Resonant Rhythmic Breathing lies in synchronizing breath with vocal delivery. Arell learned that by consciously engaging his diaphragm and controlling his breath, he could produce a more resonant and melodious tone in his voice. The technique involved deep, diaphragmatic breathing during pauses in the lyrics, allowing the voice to resonate more fully and effortlessly.
As Arell practiced the technique, he felt a profound difference in the power and clarity of his voice.
"Resonant Rhythmic Breathing," Maya repeated with a nod, impressed by effectiveness of the technique. "It's amazing how something as basic as breathing can make such a difference in your voice. But your voice is already naturally good, I suppose, that's why it worked so well."
With newfound confidence in his vocal abilities, Arell was eager to put the technique into practice. However, it wasn't just the knowledge of the technique that encouraged him rather it was a notification he received after learning and attempting the technique.
Voice: 61 ——> 67
'That much?' He questioned; his vocal stat could improve that easily?
His vocal stat had jumped from 61 to 67 just from learning and attempting the technique. It was a significant improvement.
With a sense of determination, Arell put on his headphones and motioned for Maya to start the beat from where they left off. As the music filled the room once more, he closed his eyes, focusing on his breath and the rhythm of the beat.
"Yeah, Arell in the booth, thats what she want."
"Huh, Ice on my body, I got the cutter."
"Baby want cutter, Baby want soul."
He paused for a moment, letting the beat ride before he continued.
"Baby!" He shouted into the mic.
"Lost without you, baby, guidance in your grasp." He started speeding up his flow now.
"Its a late night, have a blast."
"Huh, Uhuh, Huh, Uhuh."
"Jet lag city, yeah, I'm always on the dash."
"But when I'm with you, baby, time just seems to pass."
"Before I die, I'm tryna cuff you, baby, for real." He noticed he gradually become more comfortable rapping in high notes.
"Hopin' we don't have no babies, just keep it how we feel"
"Don't even wanna go back home, escape's the only thrill."
"But if you leave me, baby, my heart gone spill."
As the beat pulsed through the studio, Arell found himself getting lost in the music. His body swayed to the rhythm, his movements fluid and instinctive as he surrendered himself to the groove.
"Yeah, vibes in the air, we can't deny the thrill," Arell continued, his voice carrying a hint of raw emotion. "Lost in your love, baby, can't get my fill."
"Every moment with you, baby, is a dream fulfilled," he added, his flow becoming more effortless with each passing verse.
Arell's eyes remained closed as he allowed the music to carry him away, his mind drifting into a state of pure creative flow. With each word that flowed from his lips, he felt a sense of liberation, as if he were tapping into something deeper and more profound than himself.
"Got me feeling so alive, like I'm on a hill," Arell rapped, his voice rising and falling with the ebbs and flows of the beat. "With you by my side, baby, I know I can't stand still."
"Foreign whips skrrtin', top down, ain't no need to explain,"
"Real king in the game, ain't playin' by no other lane."
Arell opened his eyes, a sense of euphoria washing over him. He looked over at Maya, a wide smile spreading across his face. He sent her a gesture signalling to stop the beat.
"Man, that felt amazing," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "I don't think I've ever been in such a creative zone before."
Maya smiled back at Arell, her eyes shining with excitement. "You killed it, that flow was really good," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "I could feel the energy and passion in every word you spoke."
Arell grinned, a sense of satisfaction coursing through him.
Though, he couldn't help but notice her tapping something on her phone. "Thanks, Maya," he replied, his voice tinged with gratitude.
Taking a moment, he sipped some water and cleared his throat, also checking to see if his voice stat had improved which to his disappointment, it didn't.
And as they prepared to move on to the chorus, Arell turned to Maya, eager to hear her thoughts on the direction they should take.
"So, what are you thinking for the chorus?" he asked, his voice filled with anticipation. "Any ideas?"
Maya nodded thoughtfully, her fingers tracing the outline of the beat as she listened intently. After a moment of contemplation, she pointed out a section of the beat where the chorus would fit perfectly.
"I think this part right here," she said, her voice confident as she highlighted the chorus section. "It's got that catchy melody and energetic vibe that would make for a killer chorus."
Arell nodded in agreement, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Yeah, I can see that," he replied, his mind already racing with ideas for the chorus lyrics. "Let's give it a shot."
With a renewed sense of purpose, Arell and Maya dove back into their work, focusing their energy on crafting the perfect chorus for their track. Arell closed his eyes, letting the rhythm of the beat wash over him as he searched for inspiration.
As the music filled the room, Arell's thoughts drifted to the theme of the song.
After a moment of reflection, Arell opened his eyes, a determined look on his face. "I think I've got an idea," he said, his voice filled with confidence. "Let's give it a try."
Maya nodded in agreement, her fingers poised over the keyboard as she prepared to trigger the playback. With a sense of anticipation, she started the beat from the chorus section, and the room was filled once more with the infectious rhythm.
As the music pulsed around him, Arell took a deep breath, centering himself before stepping up to the microphone. With Maya's guidance, he began to experiment with different melodies and vocal patterns, searching for the perfect combination to bring the chorus to life.
After several attempts, Arell finally found the melody he had been searching for.
"Yeah, lost in the darkness, baby, guidance in your eyes." his delivery was slow and heartfelt.
"The whispers of the devils, they only bring lies."
"Built a name from nothin', yeah, the struggle never dies."
"Like, Baby I need your love, tonight i'm tryna rest."
As the final notes of the chorus faded away, Arell looked over at Maya, a wide smile spreading across his face.
"What do you think?" he asked, eager to hear her thoughts.
Maya beamed back at him, her eyes shining with pride. "It's good," she replied. "You really nailed it, Arell."
Arell's smile widened at Maya's words, a sense of accomplishment filling him.
With the chorus complete, Arell and Maya continued to work on refining the rest of the track, layering in additional vocals, harmonies, and instrumental flourishes to bring their vision to life.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone