The next day was just as busy. Vezaias had several things to do at the base before he could head to the recording studio which was up and running with their very first day of appointments. Remington had a much different appointment to tend too so he would not be at the studio today. Demetri had already hired a few sound engineers to work at the studio because some days the record executives namely Demetri, Remington and Vezaias, would not be able to be at the studio due to their own band’s obligations. Demetri had also hired two people to handle advertising and promotional work to help take the workload off of Zach. Then finally two people that would be receptionists for the front desk to take calls, answer phones, and handle appointment scheduling. First the R&B group showed up to negotiate their contract. They ended up accepting and signing a record deal for paid studio time, promotion, and plus a 300,000 signing bonus while maintaining the rights to their own music while the record company with have partial rights in order to promote while keeping 25% of record sales from DigiMusic, while the group was allowed to make and keep profit elsewhere. They also had to agree to maintaining a clean public image, if any of them were to get in trouble with the law for any reason or have any other issues that the record company wasn't okay with then the contract could be considered void and there could also be penalties applied. There was also a confidentiality agreement to keep everyone's personal information safe. When Vezaias arrived Demetri was in the process of combing through all the notes on each of the entries from yesterday with Zach.
“I think we need to get this group and Uzique in here and see if they work well together. If they do, I think we could sign them, they're both very talented.” Demetri said.
“I can call them and have them both come in at the same time.” Zach said.
“Have Uzique come in sooner, I have to figure some things out.” Demetri said. Zach got a hold of Uzique right away and soon he and Jackie were at the studio and sitting down in the office that was designated for signing contracts.
“We have a band in mind who is in need of a vocalist but first I have some questions. First off, don’t think I'm rude but I would like to know more about Uzique’s atypical behavior.” Demetri asked. Vezaias seemed to be interested but feeling slightly defensive over this question.
“Uzique is on the autism spectrum. He has many of the usual symptoms. He has a different way of socializing, he has limited eye contact, he is very sensitive to sounds, this is why he wears the headphones. He has ADHD so he can lose focus quickly on things that he doesn't find interesting while he hyper fixates on things he does find interesting, one of them being memorizing lyrics and singing. He can be shy, and also anxious when he is overstimulated or out of his comfort zone. He also has another undiagnosed mental health issue; however we have tried to get him an official diagnosis but it's not easy because of the complexity of his symptoms.” Jackie explained, looking worried over the situation. “Do you feel like this might hurt his chances of making music?”
“It could be challenging. I've learned from my own experience that being in the industry requires a lot of social interactions, being in loud and uncomfortable places, talking to journalists to be interviewed, talking to fans, and just generally being put on the spot at random times because people know me and feel entitled to my time. Interviews tend to get rather personal, and ask us difficult personal questions, some fans will purposely invade our personal space, photographers follow us to take pictures. It can be overwhelming. Now if Uzique is capable of dealing with that then I have no problem working out the details to get him a contract. He is very gifted.” Demetri explained. Vezaias relaxed. Demetri was certainly being respectful as he assumed but this guy was one of those special sad types. Vezaias watched him carefully.
“Alright we will do our best, right Uzi?” Jackie said with confidence. Uzique only shrugged.
“Okay we have another band coming in. I need to interview them and see if they are open to having Uzique as their lead singer. Let me go and meet with them and I will return to let you know. It might be a while so feel free to make yourself at home.” Demetri said. He and Zach left the room. Vezaias remained. Uzique was quiet with his hood up and headphones on while tapping his black painted nails on the table anxiously.
“Do you want some food Uzi? I can go pick something up. Oh is that okay Vee?” Jackie asked.
“I don't give a fuck.” Vezaias said in amusement. Uzique only shrugged in response. Jackie laughed and left to go get some food. Vezaias was aloof for a moment but his curiosity was growing.
“What kind of music are you listening to?” Vezaias asked.
“It is white noise.” Uzique said. Vezaias found this amusing.
“Is that what you normally listen to?” He asked.
“Cassical until 11 AM, then a random shuffle of music that I have purchased on DigiMusic until 8 PM, then thunderstorms until morning. White noise while I am out in public.” Uzique explained. This guy was fascinating.
“What is your favorite genre?” Vezaias asked.
“You.” Uzique said flatly. Vezaias looked a bit bewildered. “Whatever you sing. I have been listening to you nonstop since you woke back up. Seems funny to me.” Uzique said. Vezaias was only more confused.
“What seems funny?” He asked.
“Your whole situation. All the strange things that happen that you are involved in. I feel like I'm the only one who has noticed.” Uzique said. He slowly turned to look at Vezaias very seriously. Vezaias looked back at him just as seriously.
“Can you give me a bit more context to what the hell you mean?” Vezaias asked.
“Jackie failed to mention that one of my favorite things to do is hack. Nearly every place in this country has a security camera. Most are easily hacked into. I've pinpointed that just after you were shot it became harder and harder to track where you and some of your friends go. You have been seen entering a place but not leaving. Or leaving but never entering. Other strange things have happened. A girl went missing after a theater practice. Police were involved. She was gone for nearly a week. When she returned she refused to explain where she had been. Your father has disappeared. Where is he? The original drummer to Nobody In Particular went missing. He is the one who shot you. When he returned he gave no explanation. He was never arrested for shooting you either. The weapon was never recovered. There is no record of Alt ever existing before you were shot. The wardrobe change on stage, people talked about how it was impossible, because it was. There were no special effects. Where do you live? Where has Mystery been living? There are just so many things surrounding you that just don't add up.” Uzique seemed to rattle off all of his reasons. Vezaias was stunned by his sudden and unusual shift in personality. “I am going to continue to investigate and I will figure it out.” Uzique threatened. Vezaias was serious for a long moment but then he suddenly looked amused and leaned back in his chair.
“Good luck with that.” Vezaias said. “What are your theories?”
“Aliens.” Uzique said flatly.
“Aliens.” Vezaias repeated in amusement. He began to laugh to himself.
“Probably from a planet like Kepler-452b. A planet with a sun similar to ours where life is sustainable. I don't know why you would come to this planet, but you won't be able to hide your true nature forever.” Uzique said matter of factly. Vezaias was laughing to himself even more. Jackie returned with a few bags full of food.
“Uzi, I got you chicken nuggets.” Jackie said, laying out the food. Uzique suddenly switched focus and looked thrilled.
“Yay! Thanks Jackie!” Uzique pulled open the box of nuggets and began eating. Vezaias watched his sudden change in behavior going from a serious detective, to childlike and uncoordinated, and began to rock back and forth as he ate. He was familiar with this sort of child-like behavior because of his own brother.
“Was he being inappropriate?” Jackie asked.
“Well he thinks I'm an alien.” Vezaias said in amusement.
“Uzi! Cannot accuse people of being an alien! That's not appropriate!” Jackie scolded.
“I didn't! It was Hack! Not me!” Uzique said in annoyance.
“Well tell Hack I said to stop it!” Jackie scolded.
“Like he will listen to me! Ugh!” Uzique exclaimed then reverted to happily eating his nuggets. Vezaias was bewildered. Was Hack a different person?
“Who is Hack?” Vezaias asked seriously. Jackie looked worried and maybe a bit embarrassed.
“It's complicated.” Jackie said and that was the end of the explanation. Vezaias decided to get up and go check on the situation with the other band. He found Demetri with the band setting up some possible music. Demetri was reading through several different songs that were on paper.
“Zay, what do you think of these songs? I think Uzi could sing them.” He handed Vezaias several sheets of music.
“They look good on paper. Only one way to find out.” Vezaias said with interest.
“Alright we are gonna have Uzi give these songs a try.” Demetri said. Vezaias returned to the office to find Uzique to bring him to the stage.
“Uzi, we want you to come and see if you can learn a few songs and meet the band we want to pair you with.” Vezaias said mildly. Uzique jumped up from the table eagerly.
‘Yes! New music?? Let's go!” He was joyful and followed Vezaias to the room that the stage was in. As soon as he got there he was suddenly closed in, shy, with his headphones back on, and his hood up looking very aloof. Jackie encouraged him to participate but it didn't seem to work.
“Uzi, this is a band we found yesterday who needed a lead singer. They have some already prepared music, but they are also open to whatever music ideas you have. Here are a few songs they have prepared. I am not sure how you learn music but if you let me know what works best for you we can make it happen.” Demetri explained. Uzique took the sheets and began to read them. He flipped through the settled on one particular song and read it over and over again.
“Okay I'm ready.” He said then he stepped up to the microphone.
“Oh okay, well let's give it a go then. Are you guys ready?” Demetri said prompting the band who were all in place on stage.
“Hell yeah!” The lead guitarist said. He signaled the rest of the band to get ready and the drummer to do a count down. The song started off strong. You could tell the band was feeling the moment and jumped at the heavy opening then jerked around on stage as they smashed out the intro. They had definitely played this song many times before. Uzi stood at the microphone waiting for the moment to drop in the lyrics. He looked calm and focused as the song smoothed out and he was ready to insert the first verse. The first time they played the song it went well however Demetri looked as if he were contemplating something before he said anything.
“Uzi, your vocals are very smooth and perfectly on key and timed.” Demetri said. Everyone looked enthused but Vezaias already realized that Demetri wasn't satisfied with the song.
“I already know what you are thinking Dem but I think you need to nurture this. Give him some guidance.” Vezaias said in amusement.
“Right.” Demetri stepped up to the stage and the microphone.
“Okay Uzi, you have a smooth lovely singing voice. It sounds great for the first verse but after that the song gets more grungy and emotional. So I will give you a bit of an example. Listen to how I sound.” Demetri proceeded to sing the first few lines of the second verse.
“See how smooth it was? But it sounds very out of place. Now I will sing it again. However this time I am going to sing more in the back of my throat instead of towards the front of my mouth. It's called using vocal fry. I am also going to feel the sadness that I am singing about and let that emotion roll out freely. Now listen to the difference.” Demetri sang the lines again. “See how it sounds dirtier, grungy and more painful? There are a few other spots in the song to use vocal fry like ‘you can't take it anymore’ should be you feeling like you are overwhelmed, you can't take it anymore, and you feel like screaming. Feel that and sing deep in your throat. ‘Sadness is all you know’ you are at the most pivotal moment in the song. You are singing about emotionally connecting with people who feel these terrible feelings, people who are overwhelmed with desperate suffering but you want everyone to know you are not alone. Get that message to them. Feel it. Then make sure they hear the message.” Demetri sang each example before he stepped away and then signaled them to restart the song. This time Uzique took the criticism and applied all of the suggestions that Demetri gave him then completely transformed the song.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
??Your eyes are red,
You feel insane
I've been where you are,
I know the pain
Gloom's got a hold,
feels like it'll never lift
Colors fade,
love's hard to find
Does it stay this heavy?
Does the darkness STAY?
You push love away,
don't know what to say
Feeling lost,
trying to find a way??
??Shut the world out,
can't take the pain
Words stuck in your throat,
you're falling apart in vain
Frozen in place,
can't move or breathe
Sadness is all you know,
it's the only thing you feel
Let it out,
scream it loud,
don't hold back
Your lonely heart's speaking,
let its words attack??
??Shut the world out,
can't take the pain
Words stuck in your throat,
you're falling apart in vain
Frozen in place,
can't move or breathe
Sadness is all you know,
it's the only thing you feel
Let it out,
scream it loud,
don't hold back
Your lonely heart's speaking,
let its words attack??
***
??Frozen in place,
can't move or breathe??
Uzique screamed out the next line which was unexpected but very welcomed.
??SADNESS IS ALL YOU KNOW!!!??
??Shut the world out,
can't take the pain
Words stuck in your throat,
you're falling apart in vain
Frozen in place,
can't move or breathe
Sadness is all you know,
it's the only thing you feel
Let it out,
scream it loud,
don't hold back
Your lonely heart's speaking,
let its words attack??
Uzi stood looking satisfied but waiting for Demetri or Vezaias to give their judgement. They both looked at each other with satisfaction.
“Uzi that was perfect.” Demetri said firmly.
“He takes direction very well.” Vezaias said mildly.
“What do you guys think?” Demetri asked the band.
“Honestly that first playthrough was great, even better than our original vocalist could do, but that suggestion you gave really transformed the song into something way better. We definitely approve.” The lead guitarist said. Everyone else agreed.
“So can everyone agree to this arrangement?” Demetri asked.
“Hell yes!” The lead guitarist said enthusiastically. Everyone else also agreed.
“Alright, let's go sign a contract.” Demetri said very upbeatly. The band mates seemed to cheer and celebrate as they put their instruments down and followed out of the room with Uzique leading the way. Zach was ready now with all the paperwork for the newly formed band to sign.
“This contract offers you the band free studio time which is subject to available appointment scheduling, a full promotion package, a full merchandise package, limited management assistance for things like booking public appearances and shows, as well as fully paid for DigiMusic space. In return our agency will receive 50% of all record sales and merch sales. You will retain full rights to your music, but our agency will be allowed enough rights to the music you produce with us for promotional purposes. This is a one album and one year contract with the possibility to renegotiate another deal if by the end of this contract all parties involved want to continue our business relationship. This contract will be considered null and void with penalty if any of the terms and conditions are not met or broken which is explained on page seven. To summarize, you are to maintain a clean record, be respectful, don't get in trouble, don't do anything offensive that doesn't align with our policies, and do not enter into any other conflicting contracts. This contract covers each band member including Uzique who is going to be your official vocalist. Switching band members is possible but only with our consent, for example if someone in the band decides to quit, and needs replacement you must notify us first and we will negotiate them into the contract. Otherwise everyone here today will receive the coverage as listed in the contract with an advancement of three million dollars as compensation.” Zach explained. The band members all looked surprised at the amount of money offered to them, immediately were out of their chairs in celebration hugging each other and jumping up and down enthusiastically. Uzi only sat quietly reading the contract. Zach, Demetri and Vezaias sat watching them with satisfaction as they expelled their excitement then settled down to read the contract for themselves then sign the papers eagerly.
“We have three stages, several recording booths, and more than one office that you can utilize to put together the music you want to record. Vee, Zach, myself, and eventually Mystery who had another engagement today will be around to help you with whatever you need. We also have a few sound engineers that can help out with recording, sound editing and whatever. I will have appointment scheduling work with you on when you want to come in and work Zach is going to get with you about other things like merch design, social media management, promotion, and all that other junk. For now you can stay and accomplish some of these preliminary things, make your schedule, then my only other advice is to celebrate and enjoy yourself tonight and be ready to work by your first appointment.” Demetri said. They were all eager to get some of these preliminary issues started.
“Oh Zay, I have to finish up with these guys, but Nate should be here any minute. Can you handle him for a while so I can get these guys going?” Demetri asked.
“Nate? Sure I can help him. See you soon.” Vezaias got up to go to the front desk. It was just after 2pm and Nate hadn't been waiting very long in the waiting room. Vezaias stepped out looking amused.
“Hey Nate. Good to see you. Come with me.” Vezaias said before leading Nate down the hall and into the first office. He offered Nate a seat just after a handshake and a bro hug. Nate sat looking eager but anxious.
“Zach is going to be here in a moment with the contract, so for now we can just have a chat. Would you like something to drink? There's coffee, tea, water…” Vezaias said, to be hospitable.
“Nah, I'm fine. Thanks though.” Nate said looking more anxious.
“Bruh you look tense. You alright?” Vezaias asked in concern.
“Yeah, I am just ready to see what this contract is. We haven't talked terms yet and I am hoping I will be able to make a living with this, you know?” Nate said seriously. “I got bills to pay if you feel me. I had a really rough night last night so I am hoping this will help me. Do you know what the offer is?”
“Nah, Dem and Zach handle that part of the business. I am sure they are going to pay out though bro don't worry. I don't want to pry but what you got going on?” Vezaias asked.
“Well, it's my baby mama. She left because we were struggling to pay the bills. She wanted me to work more but all I could get hired at was fast food and terrible jobs. That doesn't pay the bills very well so I would take time to work on my music and she'd get pissed and call me lazy and say I ain't helping her at all, but I was doing as much as I could you know? I was giving her all my money and it still wasn't enough. So she left and took my kid with her. Well I called her last night and told her I got a record deal and I would be able to give her more money and right away she was cynical and wanted to know how much but I don't know cause I haven't signed that paperwork yet so she called me a liar and cussed me out and told me I can't see my kid. So I'm just a little I don't know, worked up you know?” Nate said with residual irritation.
“I don't have kids, but I have had some pretty awful females that I've dated. Look we are going to take care of you financially, I know Dem had a decent budget for contracts this first signing. Soon you will be financially stable and she will have to be satisfied. If you need an attorney to get more time with your kid I know a fantastic attorney that will take your case for free.” Vezaias said seriously.
“Free?” Nate looked hopeful.
“Yeah, free. He's my father and if I tell him to do a pro bono then he will. Don't sweat man I got you. We're gonna work this out together alright?” Vezaias reassured him.
“Wow thanks bro, finally someone that has my back. I've been struggling for so long.” Nate said in relief.
“For sure bro. I don't know if you know much about my struggles but I've been through some shit too you know.” Vezaias said mildly, leaning back in his seat.
“I only know a little bit. Some general things like you were a criminal, an alcoholic, your ma was an addict, your dad was abusive. But that's about it. Just by that general explanation I knew you would really understand me.” Nate said.
“I do. My mom ditched me when I was four years old. She took my younger brother with her and I didn't see him again for five years. She ruined him before he ended up in social services' custody and then placed back with my father. He was a shitty father and he beat me nearly everyday. I was a bad rebellious kid and was in and out of jail and rehab and caught up in so many terrible situations. Finally I ended up getting clean for a while but then quickly relapsed and got kicked out of my Gran's house and I was homeless for just over a year.” Vezaias explained. Nate looked captivated by the story.
“What happened next?” He asked.
“Well it was sort of supposed to be a one time only thing, but I ended up joining this band, then I got shot dead for 15 days and woke up famous and a brand new person.” Vezaias paused. “My life has been rough, but now I have more money than I know what to do with. So I funded this recording studio and a few other projects so I can help guys like you. So when I tell you I understand where you are coming from I truly mean it and when I say don't worry about money anymore I am not bullshitting you.” Vezaias said with his typical charismatic voice. Nate nodded and looked much more comfortable now. Soon the door opened and Zach walked in with a file folder and reached to shake Nate's hand.
“Hello Nate, sorry about the wait.” He said as he shook Nate's hand.
“No problem.” Nate said politely. Zach laid out the contract to go over it with Nate.
“Okay so Demetri dictated to me the terms of this contract, he was very firm on the offer so hopefully you will be satisfied with the details. First the offer is for a single musician you, for a three album, three year contract. This includes free studio time, which is subject to available appointment scheduling, a full promotion package, a full merchandise package, limited management assistance for things like booking public appearances and shows, as well as fully paid for DigiMusic space. In return our agency will receive 50% of all record sales and merch sales. You will retain full rights to your music, but our agency will be allowed enough rights to the music you produce with us for promotional purposes. There will be a possibility to renegotiate another deal if by the end of this contract all parties involve want to continue our business relationship. This contract will be considered null and void with penalty if any of the terms and conditions are not met or broken which is explained on page seven. To summarize, you are to maintain a clean record, be respectful, don't get in trouble, don't do anything offensive that doesn't align with our policies, and do not enter into any other conflicting contracts. There is also a confidentiality agreement to keep your personal information as well as ours safe. Otherwise you will receive the coverage as listed in the contract with an advancement of three million dollars as compensation.” Zach summarized. Nate looked stunned. Vezaias looked amused and satisfied.
“Wait….did you say three million?” Nate asked as if he had heard Zach incorrectly.
“Yes, three million. We will write you a check or we can prepare a bank transfer, whatever your preference. Also you are allowed to make your own profit elsewhere, via social media, and your record sales will still make you more profit on top of this three million. I have projected around 300,000 sales on DigiMusic in your first 30 days. That is approximately 3 million dollars. That doesn't add in merch sales, or what you will make in the next few months of sales or on your social media page. Now factor in two more albums after that, we'll say one per year, that is a minimum of 10 million dollars without trying to guess how high your sales will eventually get.” Zach calculated.
“Oh my…” Nate trailed off feeling very overwhelmed. He put his face into his hands and cried. It took a while but eventually he calmed down. Zach and Vezaias were both patient.
“I will have you speak with appointment scheduling to plan out when you want to come in here and work. Dem, Vee and I will be around often if you want help with anything otherwise we also have several sound engineers to help edit and mix. I will be meeting with you to plan out things like promotion, merch, and social media guidance. If you need anything at all please don't hesitate to ask.” Zach offered.
“This is way more than I expected. Thank you so much!” Nate said. Zach waited patiently as Nate took the time to read the contract and sign his name. Zach then left the room to go and file this paperwork.
“See bruh, I wasn't joking. Let me cut you that check now so you can be a few million dollars richer today.” Vezaias led Nate out into a different office where he wrote out the check and handed it over.
“Look I know you are a special case, what with the struggles you've been through. Let me give you my phone number. If you need anything don't hesitate to call me. If I am home with the fam, I might have it shut off but it will be easier to contact me than calling the studio and hoping that I am here. Just send me a txt message really quick.” Vezaias said. Nate quickly sent a message and Vezaias saved his number.
“Thanks Vee.” Nate said.
“Nah bro, let you in on a little secret. Vee is just a stage name, don't tell anyone, especially not in public. My real name is Vezaias. You can call me Zay, or Vee or my name, whatever.”
