R&B and Soul have always been two genres of music I’d enjoy; this is guaranteed. The calming and arousing sense derived from songs placed in those genres will never be something I’d take for granted.
The Internet is a perfect band for avid listeners of chill, passionate music. Its band members consist of vocalist Syd, keyboardist Matt Martians, bassist Patrick Paige II, drummer Christopher Smith, and the infamous guitarist, Steve Lacy. Unfortunately, they stopped producing music as a band after releasing their 2018 album Hive Mind.
Since disbandment, the members have continued to contribute to each other’s music individually. Lacy became a big name after going solo in 2019, however, Matt Martians still helped him produce music, and Lacy continued to sing features in Syd’s personal career. Syd, after going solo, has thrived after being featured on plenty of songs for Lil Uzi Vert, Beyoncé, Zayn, and more, while constantly still producing her own. I cannot emphasize enough, Matt Martians has an amazing talent when it comes to producing. I recommend listening to his 2017 album, The Drum Chord Theory.
Tapping into Lacy a bit more, his guitar guides each song’s tempo and melody. As a solo artist, he is an extremely influential singer. Starting trends and gaining fame through social media with songs like “Static,” “Dark Red,” and the popular song “Bad Habit,” his appearance only grew. Having a comedic and controversial vibe at his 2022 concerts, his popularity skyrocketed after a few incidents (I recommend researching more on it individually). Lacy, not completely endorsing his own fame, continued to work hand in hand with The Internet members.
The Internet’s music is a bit intimidating to get into the groove of for first-time listeners, take it from me. Their music isn’t strictly just R&B, but it’s a mastermind blend of jazzy soul, funky electronic, and hip-hop.
It’s a bit cliché to go in depth about how a song or band makes you feel, but that’s exactly what I’m about to do. I’ve had such a long journey of listening to The Internet. I started streaming their music a few years back in 2021. I heard “Hold On” for the first time in a Spotify shuffle, and I knew immediately it would become my favorite song (yes, even over Daniel Caesar’s songs).
Much like any teenage girl, I began to associate music with moments and people in my life. “Hold On” was a song I’d share many positive memories with, especially with my long-distance cousin Michelle Uvaydova. We overcame the long distance through sharing the same music taste, even having our Spotify Blend telling us our taste matches 98%! The Internet was one of many bands and artists we would listen to together. She highly influenced my love for music and The Internet.
During this period of slowly transitioning my taste from Rock ’n Roll to R&B, it became the basis of what the majority of my music taste turned out to be. I continued to explore and experiment with the band’s music, and I started to absolutely adore the hypnotic, funky, and melancholic blend of their songs.
Take their song “Visions,” for example. It has a psychedelic beat displaying the band’s ability to create an immersive space. Their use of layering hypnotic synths and the deep bass, oh my GOSH– Immaculate. Syd’s airy vocals put together each diverse aspect of the song in a perfect way. Another example could be their song “The Garden.” This one tunes into their more soulful side with instrumentals that feel intimate and groovy. Lastly, “Under Control” blends chill funk with heartfelt lyricism, showing how they can balance deep emotion with infectious rhythm.
Their lyrics are just as intelligent as their melodies and beats. Each song, rather than focusing on a random topic, tells a story. 2015 album, “Ego Death,” is a wonderful example. The album hints at a feeling of revenge, but then later moves to lyrics symbolizing friendship and obsession. Coming back to the previously mentioned 2018 album, “Hive Mind,” it is the epitome of perfection when considering song and lyric selection. Through the song titles themselves, the chronological order of the story it’s attempting to tell is clear to see.
Opening the album with “Come Together,” it is a perfect kick-off for the album, which eventually tells a full circle love story. This song only ignites the idea of the two literally coming together and meeting. Following with “Roll (Burbank Funk),” we see the connection between the two people is growing to be more than strangers. Rolling through the next three songs, “Come Over,” “La Di Da,” and “Stay the Night,” there’s an implied message that the two flourish into a romantic relationship. This part is such an addictive part of the album, it’s a smooth transition from chill, to upbeat to relaxed again.
Unfortunately, in the music industry, most love story albums are based on always having a sick twist. Songs “Bravo” and “Next Time/Humble Pie” both express the disappointment and gradual dismissal from their partner. The songs turn the album’s lightheartedness into a vengeful, hypnotic song that loops you into the feeling of intense emotion. Speaking about the dark feeling, “Look What U Started” is full of it. Syd’s anger is evident, and the melody only plays into it more. The lyrics are based solely on sarcasm and hatred for the partner who hurt Syd.
Funny enough, between “Bravo” and “Next Time/Humble Pie” comes “Mood.” “Mood” channels the previous energy given by “Come Over” and the songs that follow. It may be relatable for most to take time getting over a relationship, especially before self-reflection. This song expresses how it’s physically hard to let go.
There’s always more than one plot twist in a good drama! The last three songs on the album, “Wanna Be,” “Beat Goes On,” and my personal favorite, “Hold On,” return to soulful. The melodies are relaxed once again and are supported by a joyful, sensual feeling. Syd, in the story told by the album, finds love with this person again, reminiscing on the great times they used to share and do once again now. At least this story ends happily!
As much as I love them, I won’t share any more of the greatness The Internet has to offer. It’s now up to you to explore their weird and funky music yourself. A guarantee I can share is that you will surely notice all I’ve talked about in their music. Don’t be intimidated by how diverse and blunt their music can be; try and ease into it, as smooth as the song “You Don’t Even Know.” Below, I have an easy guide to figuring out which album may be for you, and a fun playlist to listen to and fall in love with The Internet.
Here’s your friendly guide! Jazz: Feel Good. Up-beat Hip-hop: Ego Death. Electric and Funky: Purple Naked Ladies. Soul and R&B: Hive Mind. Also, enjoy this lovely playlist, filled with many gems by The Internet and their solo songs: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/441ND8BhRDd7TE7mvKrAUT?si=1c53aeaf45d142b5
(Explicit songs are not included)
