Behind The Spotlight Chapter 213
He actually wanted to assassinate Niko, but the man also had some influence in the music industry, and silencing him would be troublesome. So the best he could do was destroy his career. Ruining his reputation was safer than risking an investigation.
Last time, they failed to steal Princess Chantal from her record label. But mistakes should not be repeated, the failure had only strengthened their determination to interfere again.
Jeff Stain and Velvet Harmony might have had strong influence in the music industry, but it all came down to profit. Princess Chantal's music was so loved by people that radio stations were bombarded with requests to play her songs, with endless listeners begging to hear them.
Even though these radio stations received orders that they must not play her music too often, they couldn't help but bend to the will of the masses.
That was the first time many radio stations had experienced such pressure. What followed was Princess Chantal's rise to stardom.
What Velvet Harmony was trying to do was prevent Moonrise Music's new artist, Pulse Static, from achieving the same status as Princess Chantal. They feared another unstoppable artist would weaken their influence.
They didn't want Moonrise Music to become more successful.
...
...
...
"Do it."
"Why me?"
"Because you're the band leader."
"Since when did I become the band leader? I'm the newest member."
"You're indeed the newest member, so you must listen to us. Go and give him coins."
"..."
Mikael Wagner was speechless as he looked at his band members, Jericho, Rosales, and Tonio. Together, they formed the band Pulse Static.
Mikael gulped and left with no choice. He had to do it for their future. He approached Niko, the music producer who was currently sniffing coins with eagerness.
It had been a month since Pulse Static signed a contract with Moonrise Music, a record label with a good reputation. Moonrise Music was the label that made Princess Chantal a star. Since the company handled her career, expectations naturally became higher after Pulse Static joined.
Pulse Static's contract followed Princess Chantal's, showing that Moonrise Music was sincere in working with them. Even Arnold was happy when he read the contract. It was far better than other record labels. It showed that Moonrise Music had heart and confidence in their potential success.
$1 million advance payment.
20% royalty rate.
Five-album commitment from Moonrise Music.
Complete concert tour support, with Moonrise Music receiving 50% of the concert profits.
50% profit share from merchandise.
Moonrise Music decided to follow this contract because they would still earn a lot of money. However, the biggest reason Pulse Static received such a good contract was because of Collin.
If not for Collin, Pulse Static might have only received a 10% royalty rate with no concert tour support. This was the usual contract that record labels offered. Some even lowered the royalty rate to 5%, yet many artists still accepted it because young artists rarely had bargaining power.
Naturally, Arnold saw the advantage and agreed. He didn't even negotiate for more. For him, Moonrise Music was the perfect record label for his clients.
After signing the contract, the four members of Pulse Static each received $225,000. Arnold and his team naturally earned a 10% commission, which was why each member received $225,000 instead of $250,000.
Yet the fact that they easily earned $225,000 was enough to shock each member to the core. They were just ordinary people a month ago, not even sure if their dreams could become reality.
To make it clear, the $1 million they received was a loan they needed to pay back through album sales.
Mikael approached Niko, who was busy flirting with his coins and murmuring to them like treasured companions.
"Um, Niko, sir, here's a coin."
Mikael extended his hand to Niko. In his palm were old coins from a past era.
After getting briefed by Vivian, the owner of Moonrise Music, Mikael and the others realized that Niko was a talented music producer, but he had unique quirks. For Niko to work with Pulse Static, they needed to earn his approval.
Last time, Princess Chantal gave Niko a coin and the man agreed to produce her album. The story had become legend inside the label.
This time, Pulse Static had it harder.
Apparently, Niko rarely cooperated with male artists. He usually preferred working with female artists, especially those who gave him coins. Either way, it was difficult to work with him because most artists, male or female, were afraid to approach him. His behavior unsettled many professionals.
Vivian told them the trick to convince Niko. She learned the trick from the King of Pop himself. Jackson Mike had collaborated with Niko because of it.
The members of Pulse Static did their best to look for vintage coins, well-preserved coins with historical value.
Mikael nervously showed the coins, his palms sweaty. He had encountered his fair share of odd people in college, but someone who took pleasure in sniffing coins was on another level.
Suddenly, Niko stopped what he was doing. He stared at the coins and grabbed them, inspecting their condition, his eyes shining with collector enthusiasm.
"1847 Gothic Crown and 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent. The quality is good. However, I already have these coins in my collection."
"I- Is that so...?" Mikael's lips twitched. It cost them $10,000 to buy these coins from a collector.
Niko looked at Mikael and then at the three men behind him. Focus and sanity returned to his eyes.
"You guys are the new artists of Moonrise Music. Pulse Static, is that right?"
"Yes, sir."
Mikael was still skeptical about how this man created hit songs. He didn't look like someone capable of doing so, his appearance and actions contradicted his reputation.
"Vivian wants us to follow the emo punk rock style."
Emo punk rock was becoming popular in the early 2000s, and Moonrise Music wanted to ride the wave of its popularity.
"I see... You guys prepared a record tape? I want to listen to your songs."
"Um, we have cover songs."
"That will do." Niko stood up and went to the control room. The new studio had better equipment.
He played the tape and listened to their cover songs from famous rock bands. He slightly raised his brow and stared at the four men. They looked promising, particularly the vocalist.
'... Is finding talented singers really this easy?'
Niko had been a music producer for decades, and he could tell if a person was talented. When he listened to Princess Chantal's voice for the first time, he knew the woman would achieve success, and it seemed Pulse Static had the same potential.
---
[Author's Note:]
You can read more on my Patreon with:
81 advance chapters of Behind The Spotlight
63 advance chapters of Reincarnated as a Fisherman and Dad
Pat reon link: https ://www .pat reon. com/Puji_makii