Billie Eilish's dont smile at me EP was released with little fanfare but maximum artistic impact. Comprising seven tracks they had meticulously crafted – including "Ocean Eyes," "bellyache," "hostage," and "idontwannabeyouanymore" – it was a cohesive statement. Darkly playful, achingly vulnerable, sonically innovative (thanks to Finneas's burgeoning production genius, carefully nudged by Alex's experienced hand and the Codex's reference points). It didn't sound like anything else out there in 2015.
Critical acclaim was swift and effusive. Indie blogs hailed it as a masterpiece of teen angst and avant-pop. Streaming numbers, while not hitting Alex Vance's astronomical figures, were exceptionally strong for an independent debut EP from a largely unknown artist. Billie's mystique grew. She did a few select, moody photoshoots, her unique fashion sense already starting to emerge. She remained elusive, primarily communicating through her music and Finneas.
The [Maestro's Codex] flashed comparative data: [Billie Eilish - dont smile at me EP (Timeline B) - Critical reception and niche market penetration significantly accelerated compared to Timeline A. Establishing strong 'tastemaker' appeal.]
This success put Echo Chamber Records firmly on the map as more than just "The Alex Vance Label." It was a home for genuinely groundbreaking artists.
Simultaneously, Alex continued to nurture Olivia Rodrigo's talent. Her demo EP, tentatively titled Teenage Daydreams, was taking shape. It featured five songs, including the co-written "Drivers Licence," showcasing her powerful vocals, piano skills, and knack for relatable, emotional storytelling. The sound was cleaner, more radio-friendly pop than Billie's work, but with an undeniable authenticity.
"Okay, Liv, this sounds really, really good," Alex said, after they listened back to the final mix of one of her tracks in his home studio. "The songs are strong, your vocals are amazing."
Olivia beamed, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "Oh my gosh, thank you, Alex! I can't believe these are like, my songs!"
"They are," Alex chuckled. "And people need to hear them."
He wasn't ready to launch Olivia with the same intensity as Billie, given her younger age (now thirteen) and the need to let her grow into her artistry. But he did see an opportunity for a soft launch, a way to introduce her talent.
Alex was in the final planning stages for his own first headlining tour – a relatively short, ten-city run in medium-sized theaters, a way to connect with his rapidly growing fanbase. Most of the dates were sold out instantly.
"Dad," Alex proposed one evening, "What if Olivia opened a couple of the California dates on my tour? Just a short acoustic set. Her and a piano. Low pressure, but a chance for her to perform to a receptive audience."
David considered it. "She's young, Alex. You sure she's ready for that kind of stage, even as an opener?"
"She's a natural performer, Dad. And this way, she's in a completely supportive environment. My fans are generally lovely." He thought of the comments, the letters he received. They seemed to appreciate sincerity. "It's a good way to test the waters."
After discussions with Olivia's parents, who were cautiously enthusiastic once assured of the supportive environment and Olivia's own eagerness, the plan was approved. Olivia was ecstatic, if a little terrified.
Alex helped her prepare, rehearsing her short, three-song set with her, giving her tips on stage presence (simple things, like making eye contact, connecting with the emotion of the song). He found himself slipping easily into a big brother/mentor role. Their friendship was solidifying through these shared creative endeavors. He admired her work ethic; despite her youth, she was serious about her music.
The weight of his multiple roles, however, was beginning to press down on Alex. He was headlining his own global-sensation solo career, A&R head and primary producer for Echo Chamber, mentor to Billie and Olivia, and still, somehow, trying to be a (homeschooled) sixteen-year-old. Sleep was becoming a precious commodity. The Codex, usually a silent partner, even flashed a rare [Personal Well-being Advisory: Recommend scheduling dedicated rest periods. Sustained high cognitive load may impact decision-making acuity.]
Alex mentally swiped it away. There was too much to do.
His tour rehearsals were intense. He was putting together a dynamic show, ranging from his intimate ballads to his upbeat pop anthems. He hired a small, tight band of talented session musicians (vetted by the Codex for skill and professionalism available in 2015). He was determined to prove he was as compelling live as he was on record.
A week before his tour kicked off, he flew to LA to do a final rehearsal with Billie and Finneas for a small, unannounced guest appearance they'd do at his LA show – performing "Ocean Eyes" together. The O'Connells' home, where Billie and Finneas still largely recorded, was a creative hub, filled with instruments and a palpable sense of artistic energy.
"You ready for this tour, Alex?" Finneas asked, as they ran through a harmony. "It's gonna be nuts."
"Getting there," Alex admitted, a tired smile on his face. "Juggling a few things."
Billie, quieter but more observant, simply said, "You look tired."
Alex just shrugged. "Comes with the territory, I guess." But her quiet concern resonated.
The night of Alex's first LA show, the theater was electric. His own set was a triumph, the crowd singing along to every word, his voice soaring. Then, midway through, he brought Billie and Finneas out.
"I want to introduce you to an incredible artist on my label, Echo Chamber Records," Alex announced. "This is Billie Eilish."
The crowd, already hyped, roared with approval, many recognizing the name from "Ocean Eyes." As Alex played the opening chords of the song on acoustic guitar, and Billie's ethereal voice filled the theater, a different kind of magic descended. Their voices intertwined beautifully. It was a powerful moment, a symbolic passing of the torch, or rather, a sharing of the light.
Later, backstage, Olivia (who had come with her parents to watch the show and prepare for her own opening slot the next night) was buzzing. "That was AMAZING, Alex! And Billie is so cool!"
Alex smiled, genuinely happy to see their shared enthusiasm. Echo Chamber felt like a real team, a family. But as he prepared for his next show, the looming responsibilities and the knowledge of all the other songs waiting in the Codex, the other artists yet to be discovered or launched, pressed in. The harmonies were beautiful, but the demands of being the headliner in more ways than one were beginning to take their toll.
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