S23 - Ep 6 - The Sticky - Score Composition

A score about maple syrup heists? FM Le Sieur makes it stick — with barrels, distortion, and a defiantly Canadian sound.

This week on Below the Line, Skid is joined by Score Composer FM Le Sieur and co-host Louis Weeks to talk about FM’s genre-blending music for The Sticky, the six-part comedy series about Quebec’s infamous maple syrup heist. From pitch process to percussion tricks, FM walks us through a score that blends character, chaos, and quiet emotion — all under a very tight schedule.

Among the highlights:

• Pitching the show during the strike and getting hired twice after long delays
• Building a sound palette from acoustic textures, folk instruments, and industrial objects (yes, including syrup barrels)
• Channeling a “Quebec sound” that balances regional roots and narrative tone
• Scoring for tone, not laughs — and why comedy music often works best when it holds back
• Embracing small ensembles, distorted metal, and deep manipulation in the mix
• Balancing groove, melody, and mood in a hybrid score
• Highlighting key cues like “Chainsaw,” “Ruth and Remy,” and the opening track for Episode 2
• Navigating the emotional demands of scoring intimate scenes — without going sentimental

FM also shares how he found his way into scoring through bands, gear tinkering, and a masterclass with Philip Glass — and why every great cue starts by trusting your gut.

🎧 Press play and go Below the Line on The Sticky. For more, visit belowtheline.biz.