ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Mike Blankenship
Mike Blankenship is a composer, producer, and pianist with over 25 years of experience shaping sound across genres and mediums. With roots in jazz and a deep connection to hip-hop, his work blends technical mastery with emotional clarity — drawing on influences from Coltrane to J Dilla to create music that moves.
As the founder of Sticky Thing, Mike leads a creative studio known for crafting original scores for advertising, film, orchestral collaborations, and cause-driven campaigns. From arranging symphonic tributes at the Paramount Theatre to producing bold audio for brands and museums, his work brings nuance and soul to every setting.
Beyond the studio, Mike is a vocal advocate for equity in the arts. He serves as a Chapter Governor for The Recording Academy (San Francisco), helping shape policy that protects and uplifts working musicians. He’s also the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Yeah, Art!, a nonprofit that provides tech-driven arts education to students in underfunded Oakland schools — giving young people the tools to create, produce, and tell their stories through music.
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Dame Drummer is a Grammy Award–winning musician, songwriter, producer, and documentary filmmaker based in Oakland. Known for his soulful sound and powerful storytelling, he creates work that heals and inspires. From classrooms to concert halls, Dame uses music and film to drive cultural change.
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Michael Aczon is an entertainment attorney and business affairs advisor for Sticky Thing Music. With decades of experience representing artists, producers, and creatives, he brings sharp legal insight and deep industry knowledge. Michael helps ensure every deal aligns with Sticky Thing’s values of integrity, equity, and creative ownership.
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Shirley Liang is a project producer with a sharp eye for storytelling and a deep love for sound. With experience across branded content, doc-style video, and post-production workflows, she brings clarity and care to Sticky Thing’s audio projects—managing timelines, teams, and creative vision from kickoff to final mix.
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J. Ele is a bilingual Music Producer specializing in Spanish-language content. With deep roots in Latin music and an ear for authentic storytelling, J. Ele curates and clears music that resonates across cultures and platforms—from film and TV to branded campaigns.
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Angel Adedokun is a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter whose fluency in soul, salsa, R&B, and jazz brings unmatched versatility to every project. A bilingual lyricist and dynamic live performer, Angel delivers hooks that land and emotion that lasts.
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Vince Rillera is a meticulous music producer and multi-instrumentalist whose work is defined by its emotional precision and sonic depth. Drawing from gospel, alt-R&B, and modern pop, he builds immersive sound worlds that feel both intimate and expansive.