Monstercat University I

Chapter 011

[Dilumi's POV]

     "I mean, I see the one side of it. An album's not an album without every track. But just taking part of a track that rightfully belongs to someone else and making money off of it is outright stealing. And that's not right," Noisestorm says, slapping the arm of his chair. We're all just hanging out now and chatting about random things that are mostly Monstercat-related.
     "I agree," says Braken.
     "Yeah, but there is the fact that Principal Monstercat said the songs belong to the artists individually, not to the label, and they can do whatever they want with them. So if Fractal was fine with the guy releasing the remix then let him," Aero Chord puts in.
     "True," Noisestorm agrees, "but it still belongs to Monstercat in a way. And if he didn't want it to be released then back off, respect the right that it belongs to someone else, and that's the end of it. There's no point in creating an uproar over one track and putting a bad reputation on yourself."
     "Exactly. There's a time when you have to realize that going any farther would be stupid," says Tristam.
     "People don't think sometimes," Braken says, shaking his head. I decide to insert my opinion.
     "I respected his side of it until he started calling Monstercat names over it. That was completely unnecessary and it made it even worse for me. I mean, I'm extremely proud of the way Monstercat handled this. I think he handled it exceptionally well, especially by saying he wouldn't sue the guy because that's not what we're about. And he has every right to retain his and Fractal's ownership of that song. So cussing him out about it isn't going to change a thing. And there's no point in saying that Monstercat is being a snob about the situation when clearly, it's really you." Noisestorm nods.
     "And think about how permanent that is, to post that kind of stuff on the Internet."
     "Man, I wish I was around when this happened, and I could have been part of it," Aero Chord says.
     "It was just a bunch of crap, really," says Braken. "You wouldn't have wanted to."
     "Dang, it's been how long now that you've been here though?" Tristam asks Aero Chord. "It doesn't feel like it's been more than a couple months."
     "I know, sometimes it feels like Braken got here just yesterday," Noisestorm inserts. Has it really been eight months since I got here? Maybe sometimes we get so caught up in our music that time slips away from us faster than we think. Noisestorm yawns. "I'm tired," he says wearily.
     "Me too," Aero Chord says, leaning back on his bed and putting his arms behind his head.
     "I'm gonna get something to drink," Tristam says, walking into the kitchen. I could use a drink too. I follow him in and lean against the table, watching Tristam as he opens the fridge and pulls out a bottle of Sprite zero.
     "Can I have some too?" I ask him.
     "Yeah, sure!" Tristam grabs two glasses out of the cabinet, fills them both up and hands one to me.
     "Thanks," I say.
     "Of course."
     "Braken is so much more sociable in here!" I exclaim, but not so loud that the guys in the other room could hear us.
     "Yeah, he is. I think he gets some influence from Noisestorm, because he can actually be kind of loud sometimes."
     "Really?!" The thought of Braken ever being 'loud' strikes me as inconceivable.
     "Yep. He just has a really bad time with large groups of people. Besides, he's kinda gotten used to us. It's hard for him to make friends and trust people and stuff like that. And it's hard for anyone to crack his shell open. But once you do, it's always and forever," Tristam says, leaning against the other end of the table.
     "Has he always been that way? I mean, like, how long have you known him? And how did you guys become so inseparable in the first place?"
     "Oh, I knew him for years and years before we came here. And...well...yeah, I-I guess he's sorta always been that way. It got worse when we came here though." Tristam looks at the floor. Gosh, that seems weird. I think of everyone at Monstercat High as such comforting, uplifting, and fun people to be around. People you can relate to. Tristam stares off into space for a long time before a small smile crosses his face.
     "What're you thinking about?"
     "Oh, back when I made techno trance and we listened to it together," Tristam says. "Gosh, that was a long time ago. I never knew we were both gonna become part of such a big label because of that."
     "You made techno trance?!" Tristam nods and grins. "Dang, you've made everything! How did I never know about this?"
     "I don't know," Tristam shrugs. "Well, my old channel is lordlion4. That's where all that stuff is...so you can check it out if you want."
     "I certainly will," I smile.
     "I don't know if you'd want to listen to my crappy 14-year-old vocals..." Tristam says, blushing a little.
     "It's okay," I laugh. "It can't be that bad. I mean, you're like the best vocalist on Monstercat now."
     "Psssh. I don't know if I'd say that," Tristam says. "I mean, come on." I shrug, looking down. I'd easily say he's the best vocalist on Monstercat. But I decide to let go of it. "By the way, will you meet me during the podcast tomorrow so we can work on Once Again some more?"
     "Uh..." I think for a few seconds over what he said. I wouldn't miss the podcast for the world, and I mean THE WORLD. But some strange feeling compels me to accept his offer. "...sure," I say.
     "Great," Tristam says.