Former basketball player releases first album “Sticks & Stones”
By Caitlin Doolin
Contributing Writer
Students watched him help defeat Kansas in 2005, grab six rebounds against Duke in the 2006 NCAA tournament, and receive the Tommy Thompson award for athletic excellence in 2007. Now University graduate Darren Mastropaolo ’08, the University’s very own 6’8” former starting forward of the basketball team, has released his first album, “Sticks & Stones.”
Mastropaolo’s album conveys deep messages of hope and love through his lyrics and eclectic style on the acoustic guitar.
“A lot of the songs are about seeing the brighter side of something negative,” he said. “I always want to take a step back from life and realize what really matters to me, instead of worrying about the small things … This is what I want people to get out of listening to my music.”
His lyrics fulfill this intent. The featured song, “Sticks & Stones,” has a warm beat accompanied by Mastropaolo’s hope that people haven’t given up on looking for love while surrounded by war and factions.
Mastropaolo wrote this song shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks and explained it is a reflection of his feelings after the tragedy.
Influenced by the victims and sorrows featured in the media at the time, Mastropaolo responds to the media phenomenon with the lyrics, “In a world of such half truths, why is someone else singing our blues.”
“The Monkey Song” is one of my favorite songs. This song is livelier than “Sticks & Stones” and has a more complex musical accompaniment.
The lyrics express the idea that people are too focused on their troubles to see the splendor of the world. The song says there is turmoil in our hungry, tired and violent world, but also a lot of beauty to appreciate.
Mastropaolo’s album reflects a combination of styles from John Mayer, Jack Johnson and Dave Matthews.
It is music to listen to while lounging with friends on the porch on a sunny day. I recommend this album to anyone interested in rich music that will amuse and inspire.
Born in Maine, Mastropaolo has been interested in music for as long as he can remember, but it was not until he learned guitar in high school that his interest became a passion.
Dorm mates knew Mastropaolo as the “noisy neighbor below” in Vedder Hall his junior year as he played his guitar late at night and began writing songs. Music became an outlet for the busy athlete; it was the perfect source of relaxation when he wasn’t on the court.
The summer before his senior year, Mastropaolo thought more seriously about song writing and music. He considered recording an album soon after writing the majority of songs featured on “Sticks & Stones.”
Originally Mastropaolo wanted a completely solo and acoustic format. As the recording process started, the album became lengthier, with more instrumental accompaniments. He said he was pleased with the results.
“I feel like I am really putting myself out there with this first release and I am excited to hear the response,” Mastropaolo said.
The album is available at the University bookstore, and Mastropaolo will be on campus a few more times this year to perform. For more information, visit his Web site at http://www.myspace.com/darrenmmusic.
