Chapter 190: 190
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8PM – Nashville
"HAHAHA! Holy shit!" Tayaw cackles in glee as he drives himself away and Walter from Blackbird Café above the speed limit.
"Go! Go! AHAHAHA!" Walter also shares the same mood, the influence of alcohol now flushed out of his system by the situation, his 2012 Impala's potential being put to maximum use by Tayaw.
*SCREECHHH* Tayaw does a drift to take a quick turn from Hillsboro Pike to Tyne Boulevard, before turning off the car's lights.
"WHOOOOAHH. Shit! Careful!" Walter says despite being thrilled.
"Alright. I'll slow down. I thought they followed us." Tayaw replies as he does and turns back the lights on.
"Phew. Haha. I don't understand. Why not just talk to those reporters?" Walter asks.
"Well, where's the fun in that? And, I'm not used to being mobbed. Thank goodness they weren't taping." Tayaw says.
"Huh. So, are you really going back in there next week, after that?" Walter asks.
"Ain't sure. After that? I'm not so sure anymore ... Besides, I'm still busy, so I'm leaving tonight after I pick up my rental car from your place." Tayaw says.
"Already? How busy can you be? I thought you've already finished your film?" Walter asks.
"True. But I'm consulting on another one." Tayaw says.
"I see…" Walter can only say in disappointment.
*Ring**Ring* Tayaw's phone rings and he picks it up immediately, still driving comfortably with one hand.
"Henry, sorry about that commotion. What's up?" Tayaw asks.
A minute later, "Uhuh.. Uhuh… Alright. Thanks." Tayaw drops the call.
"So, what's goin on at the bar?" Walter asks.
"The reporters dispersed… And. It looks like I'm not leaving tonight." Tayaw says.
"Oh?" Walter asks in interest.
"A lady from the Grand Country Opera is also there, they missed us." Tayaw says, suppressing his excitement.
"Nice…" Walter looks at Tayaw proudly.
"Stay in my house for the night, hm? And, I'm telling my internet guy to come over and work on what you filmed the first thing in the morning." Walter says.
"I've got another idea. You have an internet in your house, right?" Tayaw asks.
"Yeah."
"Okay. Why not just have your guy give me the password of your YouTube? Just for tonight? I can easily finish editing my videos and put them on the internet by 11 later at the latest. You can just tell your internet guy to change the password then." Tayaw says.
"…" Walter, not savvy with internet processes Tayaw's request with difficultly.
"Alright. I'll just let you talk to him later. Those folks told me that they followed how you shot your first video for us, so I don't think they'll have a problem with however you want it done." Walter finally reaches a conclusion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day, Sunday, 10 AM – Ryman Auditorium, Nashville
Tayaw exits his rental car in the Auditorium's parking lot and immediately notices a lot of scanning eyes.
"Phew." Tayaw takes a deep breath and immediately composes himself to not look assuming.
Thankfully, he is currently wearing the same Cardinals' hoodie and cap, and jeans he wore the day before when he arrived in Walter's doorstep, making him unrecognizable. He is almost certain that the people looking around are looking for him. This is evidenced by some of the many conversations he can overhear as he makes his way from the parking lot to the building.
"Hey. Have you seen Isaac's videos? He uploaded it just a few hours after playing at Blackbird."
"I don't use the internet much. How are they?"
"I have to say. They're better than the studio version. Maybe it's because of the setting, or whatever, but he sounded more… real."
"Hm. If we can't sign him, maybe we can produce and mix his songs for him."
"Is his mixing that bad?"
"Nah. But ****** said it could be better. He can also use more instruments and arrangement in his songs."
"And you really think ****** can make Isaac's songs better?"
"Well. I don't know, but that's what he said."
"Is he even coming? He kind of blew off The Opera's invitation last year."
"I don't know. He'd probably not be invited again if he does it again, right?"
"Say we can talk to him, we're not the only one who wants to sign him."
"Even if he won't. ***** said that if we can buy a song for him, it's worth the time."
"Hm…"
"Hey. Are you sure that it's The Opera's booker who went to Blackbird last night?"
"Yeah. ******* said so. Some smokes?"
"Thanks... Is he really coming today? Are we supposed to wait here every day 'til he shows up?"
"Nah, but today's our best bet. Tonight's Opera night. If he wants to appear tonight, today's when he'll come talk."
"Hey. Let's take a bet. First one who talks to Isaac wins $20."
"Sure."
As Tayaw is 10 feet away from the building's entrance, "Hey! Excuse me!" One of the people on the lookout calls out to him. Tayaw ignores the call however and keeps on walking.
"Hey! You on the red hoodie!" The same person calls out again before Tayaw can proceed to enter the building. Tayaw can only stop to acknowledge the person.
"?" Tayaw looks back at the man points at himself.
"Yeah! You work here?" The man asks. Tayaw almost sighs in relief.
"*nod*" Tayaw responds.
"Is Isaac playin' tonight?" The man asks.
"I don't know. Only Lena knows for now. Please wait for the announcement." Tayaw responds before making his way inside the building.
Before he can talk to the young receptionist sitting near the entrance of the lobby, "Hey. Didn't that guy sound familiar?" Tayaw hears from one of the people outside. Thankfully, there are no more signs of recognition after that.
"How are you today?" The receptionist asks Tayaw, taking his attention.
"Good. Lena's office, please. I'm her 10:00." Tayaw says.
"Name?" The receptionist opens the building's system on her computer.
"Isaac." Tayaw says, in a hushed tone.
The receptionist freezes at the name and looks up at Tayaw curiously. The next moment however, the curiosity in her eyes is replaced by skepticism. Tayaw can only take out his phone and show a text message from Lena to the receptionist. The receptionist, after reading the text, finally takes out a visitor's pass and welcomes Tayaw to the building.
"Hey… can I take a photo with you?" The receptionist asks shyly.
"I'm sorry. Maybe some other time? I'm not dressed properly." Tayaw winks at the receptionist before slipping away to find the nearest stairs he can use.
"…" The receptionist can only watch Tayaw disappear from the lobby.
A minute later, Tayaw is now at the 6th floor.
*knock* *knock* "Lena?" Tayaw knocks at the already opened door of Lena's office.
A Caucasian woman, who looks to be in her 40s, busy doing something in her office computer, looks up.
"Who're you?" She asks.
"It's me, Isaac. 10:00, like we agreed." Tayaw walks in the office confidently.
"O-oh! I didn't recognize you." Lena can only process as Tayaw comes nearer.
"That's fine…" Tayaw only stands in front of Lena, waiting for her to say something.
"Please, sit. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Thanks. It's an honor for me to be here." Tayaw sits on the chair in front of Lena's table.
"You have no idea how difficult to reach you." Lena says.
"I wanted it to be that way." Tayaw says.
"Why? Every aspiring singer loves to play in The Opera." Lena asks.
"Oh. It's my dream too. Last year was just a bad time. My visa expiring and all." Tayaw lies.
"Ah. I see. Now, I'm quite busy so let's get to it, shall we? Which spot would you want?" Lena gets to business immediately.
"Is any spot available for tonight's show?" Tayaw asks.
"?" Lena can only look at Tayaw strangely.
Tayaw also knows how it is for the weekly show and that it takes at least a week for The Opera's people to prepare whatever their performer's requests are, so he already expected that Lena might not have a spot for him.
"I'd love to perform any time really. It's just because of my upcoming film, I'm not sure when I'm gonna be back again. Adding to that, my visa too." Tayaw says, casually but Lena found his words presumptuous.
"I can't
"Ah.. That's right… You're a director too… Okay, I want you to be on the show tonight too, but how about the house band? The backing singers? They don't have the time to practice for your songs." Lena cites the obstacles to what Tayaw wants.
"I've been doing just fine with a guitar and a stomp box. I can fill an hour with that, and the show only requires me to do twenty minutes. These two instruments are what I'm used to, and that's what the people who know me are used to seeing me with as well." Tayaw says.
"It's just too…" Lena is still hesitant.
"Plain? Boring?" Tayaw gets Lena's concern immediately.
"Yes. And, your music isn't also played much over the radio so only internet users are familiar with your songs. I want you to make an impact to those who have not heard of you." Lena says.
"Wait, what?" Lena's words are news to Tayaw.
"What do you mean it's not played over the radio?" Tayaw asks.
Lena then looks at Tayaw before a pitying expression crosses her eyes before disappearing.
"You do know that your songs are only streamed on the internet, or played in shops and bars, right?" Lena asks for clarification.
"I did not know that." Tayaw says, dumbfounded.
"Only the smaller radio stations play your songs." Lena shakes her head.
"Okay… Because I like your songs, I'll let you in on something…" Lena says, the volume of her voice hushing.
"You're independent, and the record labels have the major radio stations on a leash. These radio stations only have too much time in a day to play so many songs so record labels are vying for the spots." Lena explains.
"So independent artists like me can't squeeze in." Tayaw nods.
"Exactly. But hey, you're still famous. You're doing better than signed artists." Lena shrugs.
"Huh…" Tayaw only sighs, reminding himself that music is also a business.
"How about the songs of Strawberry Front? Are they playing on the radio?" Tayaw asks.
"Yeah. The same would happen to them had they stayed independent. You should think of signing a deal too." Lena suggests.
"I'm thinking about it as well." Tayaw lies. He knows that radio is already starting to lose its power of exposure.
"But still, even though radio listeners haven't heard of me, I don't remember boring a crowd with only two instruments though…" Tayaw says, not knowing how to proceed as Lena's concern is valid.
"Yeah. People want you, but I can't risk boring the rest of the viewers as well. I can't agree with you just going up the stage alone." Lena shakes her head.
"You're saying I can't do it tonight, then?" Tayaw asks.
"Yes." Lena says, frankly. Tayaw can only hide his disappointment, until an idea pops up.
"How about this? Like any newcomer. I think the opening spot suits me. It's low risk, and the viewers are not expecting much from an opening act. Also, I heard you don't usually have the opening spots reserved for that long." Tayaw says.
"Heh. 'Newcomer'." Lena chuckles.
"Are you really sure taking that spot? It's inappropriate considering your popularity. Putting you on the first spot…"
"I'm fine with it!" Tayaw interrupts. "Truly! I can even direct how I would come out on TV to set the viewers' expectations. I'll even give some songs to the act who I'll replace, so they give me their spot in exchange." Tayaw says further.
"You'll do that?" Lena is almost floored by the price Tayaw is willing to pay.
"Yes." Tayaw says, the resolve in his eyes swaying Lena.
"Fine... What's your plan?" Lena asks, now interested.
With that, "Simple, really, but if this works out, you won't regret it. Imagine this... Imagine a movie theater. Everything else is dark, except for the screen, with everyone's eyes focused on it. I want that effect. Imagine me, on stage, everything around me's dark while the spotlight is on me. Make the spotlight blue, yellow, pink, anything that goes with the mood of my song… " Tayaw starts impromptu planning, with Lena gladly listening.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
8PM – Nashville
"HAHAHA! Holy shit!" Tayaw cackles in glee as he drives himself away and Walter from Blackbird Café above the speed limit.
"Go! Go! AHAHAHA!" Walter also shares the same mood, the influence of alcohol now flushed out of his system by the situation, his 2012 Impala's potential being put to maximum use by Tayaw.
*SCREECHHH* Tayaw does a drift to take a quick turn from Hillsboro Pike to Tyne Boulevard, before turning off the car's lights.
"WHOOOOAHH. Shit! Careful!" Walter says despite being thrilled.
"Alright. I'll slow down. I thought they followed us." Tayaw replies as he does and turns back the lights on.
"Phew. Haha. I don't understand. Why not just talk to those reporters?" Walter asks.
"Well, where's the fun in that? And, I'm not used to being mobbed. Thank goodness they weren't taping." Tayaw says.
"Huh. So, are you really going back in there next week, after that?" Walter asks.
"Ain't sure. After that? I'm not so sure anymore ... Besides, I'm still busy, so I'm leaving tonight after I pick up my rental car from your place." Tayaw says.
"Already? How busy can you be? I thought you've already finished your film?" Walter asks.
"True. But I'm consulting on another one." Tayaw says.
"I see…" Walter can only say in disappointment.
*Ring**Ring* Tayaw's phone rings and he picks it up immediately, still driving comfortably with one hand.
"Henry, sorry about that commotion. What's up?" Tayaw asks.
A minute later, "Uhuh.. Uhuh… Alright. Thanks." Tayaw drops the call.
"So, what's goin on at the bar?" Walter asks.
"The reporters dispersed… And. It looks like I'm not leaving tonight." Tayaw says.
"Oh?" Walter asks in interest.
"A lady from the Grand Country Opera is also there, they missed us." Tayaw says, suppressing his excitement.
"Nice…" Walter looks at Tayaw proudly.
"Stay in my house for the night, hm? And, I'm telling my internet guy to come over and work on what you filmed the first thing in the morning." Walter says.
"I've got another idea. You have an internet in your house, right?" Tayaw asks.
"Yeah."
"Okay. Why not just have your guy give me the password of your YouTube? Just for tonight? I can easily finish editing my videos and put them on the internet by 11 later at the latest. You can just tell your internet guy to change the password then." Tayaw says.
"…" Walter, not savvy with internet processes Tayaw's request with difficultly.
"Alright. I'll just let you talk to him later. Those folks told me that they followed how you shot your first video for us, so I don't think they'll have a problem with however you want it done." Walter finally reaches a conclusion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day, Sunday, 10 AM – Ryman Auditorium, Nashville
Tayaw exits his rental car in the Auditorium's parking lot and immediately notices a lot of scanning eyes.
"Phew." Tayaw takes a deep breath and immediately composes himself to not look assuming.
Thankfully, he is currently wearing the same Cardinals' hoodie and cap, and jeans he wore the day before when he arrived in Walter's doorstep, making him unrecognizable. He is almost certain that the people looking around are looking for him. This is evidenced by some of the many conversations he can overhear as he makes his way from the parking lot to the building.
"Hey. Have you seen Isaac's videos? He uploaded it just a few hours after playing at Blackbird."
"I don't use the internet much. How are they?"
"I have to say. They're better than the studio version. Maybe it's because of the setting, or whatever, but he sounded more… real."
"Hm. If we can't sign him, maybe we can produce and mix his songs for him."
"Is his mixing that bad?"
"Nah. But ****** said it could be better. He can also use more instruments and arrangement in his songs."
"And you really think ****** can make Isaac's songs better?"
"Well. I don't know, but that's what he said."
"Is he even coming? He kind of blew off The Opera's invitation last year."
"I don't know. He'd probably not be invited again if he does it again, right?"
"Say we can talk to him, we're not the only one who wants to sign him."
"Even if he won't. ***** said that if we can buy a song for him, it's worth the time."
"Hm…"
"Hey. Are you sure that it's The Opera's booker who went to Blackbird last night?"
"Yeah. ******* said so. Some smokes?"
"Thanks... Is he really coming today? Are we supposed to wait here every day 'til he shows up?"
"Nah, but today's our best bet. Tonight's Opera night. If he wants to appear tonight, today's when he'll come talk."
"Hey. Let's take a bet. First one who talks to Isaac wins $20."
"Sure."
As Tayaw is 10 feet away from the building's entrance, "Hey! Excuse me!" One of the people on the lookout calls out to him. Tayaw ignores the call however and keeps on walking.
"Hey! You on the red hoodie!" The same person calls out again before Tayaw can proceed to enter the building. Tayaw can only stop to acknowledge the person.
"?" Tayaw looks back at the man points at himself.
"Yeah! You work here?" The man asks. Tayaw almost sighs in relief.
"*nod*" Tayaw responds.
"Is Isaac playin' tonight?" The man asks.
"I don't know. Only Lena knows for now. Please wait for the announcement." Tayaw responds before making his way inside the building.
Before he can talk to the young receptionist sitting near the entrance of the lobby, "Hey. Didn't that guy sound familiar?" Tayaw hears from one of the people outside. Thankfully, there are no more signs of recognition after that.
"How are you today?" The receptionist asks Tayaw, taking his attention.
"Good. Lena's office, please. I'm her 10:00." Tayaw says.
"Name?" The receptionist opens the building's system on her computer.
"Isaac." Tayaw says, in a hushed tone.
The receptionist freezes at the name and looks up at Tayaw curiously. The next moment however, the curiosity in her eyes is replaced by skepticism. Tayaw can only take out his phone and show a text message from Lena to the receptionist. The receptionist, after reading the text, finally takes out a visitor's pass and welcomes Tayaw to the building.
"Hey… can I take a photo with you?" The receptionist asks shyly.
"I'm sorry. Maybe some other time? I'm not dressed properly." Tayaw winks at the receptionist before slipping away to find the nearest stairs he can use.
"…" The receptionist can only watch Tayaw disappear from the lobby.
A minute later, Tayaw is now at the 6th floor.
*knock* *knock* "Lena?" Tayaw knocks at the already opened door of Lena's office.
A Caucasian woman, who looks to be in her 40s, busy doing something in her office computer, looks up.
"Who're you?" She asks.
"It's me, Isaac. 10:00, like we agreed." Tayaw walks in the office confidently.
"O-oh! I didn't recognize you." Lena can only process as Tayaw comes nearer.
"That's fine…" Tayaw only stands in front of Lena, waiting for her to say something.
"Please, sit. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Thanks. It's an honor for me to be here." Tayaw sits on the chair in front of Lena's table.
"You have no idea how difficult to reach you." Lena says.
"I wanted it to be that way." Tayaw says.
"Why? Every aspiring singer loves to play in The Opera." Lena asks.
"Oh. It's my dream too. Last year was just a bad time. My visa expiring and all." Tayaw lies.
"Ah. I see. Now, I'm quite busy so let's get to it, shall we? Which spot would you want?" Lena gets to business immediately.
"Is any spot available for tonight's show?" Tayaw asks.
"?" Lena can only look at Tayaw strangely.
Tayaw also knows how it is for the weekly show and that it takes at least a week for The Opera's people to prepare whatever their performer's requests are, so he already expected that Lena might not have a spot for him.
"I'd love to perform any time really. It's just because of my upcoming film, I'm not sure when I'm gonna be back again. Adding to that, my visa too." Tayaw says, casually but Lena found his words presumptuous.
"I can't
"Ah.. That's right… You're a director too… Okay, I want you to be on the show tonight too, but how about the house band? The backing singers? They don't have the time to practice for your songs." Lena cites the obstacles to what Tayaw wants.
"I've been doing just fine with a guitar and a stomp box. I can fill an hour with that, and the show only requires me to do twenty minutes. These two instruments are what I'm used to, and that's what the people who know me are used to seeing me with as well." Tayaw says.
"It's just too…" Lena is still hesitant.
"Plain? Boring?" Tayaw gets Lena's concern immediately.
"Yes. And, your music isn't also played much over the radio so only internet users are familiar with your songs. I want you to make an impact to those who have not heard of you." Lena says.
"Wait, what?" Lena's words are news to Tayaw.
"What do you mean it's not played over the radio?" Tayaw asks.
Lena then looks at Tayaw before a pitying expression crosses her eyes before disappearing.
"You do know that your songs are only streamed on the internet, or played in shops and bars, right?" Lena asks for clarification.
"I did not know that." Tayaw says, dumbfounded.
"Only the smaller radio stations play your songs." Lena shakes her head.
"Okay… Because I like your songs, I'll let you in on something…" Lena says, the volume of her voice hushing.
"You're independent, and the record labels have the major radio stations on a leash. These radio stations only have too much time in a day to play so many songs so record labels are vying for the spots." Lena explains.
"So independent artists like me can't squeeze in." Tayaw nods.
"Exactly. But hey, you're still famous. You're doing better than signed artists." Lena shrugs.
"Huh…" Tayaw only sighs, reminding himself that music is also a business.
"How about the songs of Strawberry Front? Are they playing on the radio?" Tayaw asks.
"Yeah. The same would happen to them had they stayed independent. You should think of signing a deal too." Lena suggests.
"I'm thinking about it as well." Tayaw lies. He knows that radio is already starting to lose its power of exposure.
"But still, even though radio listeners haven't heard of me, I don't remember boring a crowd with only two instruments though…" Tayaw says, not knowing how to proceed as Lena's concern is valid.
"Yeah. People want you, but I can't risk boring the rest of the viewers as well. I can't agree with you just going up the stage alone." Lena shakes her head.
"You're saying I can't do it tonight, then?" Tayaw asks.
"Yes." Lena says, frankly. Tayaw can only hide his disappointment, until an idea pops up.
"How about this? Like any newcomer. I think the opening spot suits me. It's low risk, and the viewers are not expecting much from an opening act. Also, I heard you don't usually have the opening spots reserved for that long." Tayaw says.
"Heh. 'Newcomer'." Lena chuckles.
"Are you really sure taking that spot? It's inappropriate considering your popularity. Putting you on the first spot…"
"I'm fine with it!" Tayaw interrupts. "Truly! I can even direct how I would come out on TV to set the viewers' expectations. I'll even give some songs to the act who I'll replace, so they give me their spot in exchange." Tayaw says further.
"You'll do that?" Lena is almost floored by the price Tayaw is willing to pay.
"Yes." Tayaw says, the resolve in his eyes swaying Lena.
"Fine... What's your plan?" Lena asks, now interested.
With that, "Simple, really, but if this works out, you won't regret it. Imagine this... Imagine a movie theater. Everything else is dark, except for the screen, with everyone's eyes focused on it. I want that effect. Imagine me, on stage, everything around me's dark while the spotlight is on me. Make the spotlight blue, yellow, pink, anything that goes with the mood of my song… " Tayaw starts impromptu planning, with Lena gladly listening.
8PM Nashville "HAHAHA! Holy shit!" Tayaw cackles in glee as he drives himself away and Walter from Blackbird Caf above the speed limit. "Go! Go! AHAHAHA!" Walter also shares the same mood, the influence of alcohol now flushed out of his system by the situation, his 2012 Impala's potential being put to maximum use by Tayaw. *SCREECHHH* Tayaw does a drift to take a quick turn from Hillsboro Pike to Tyne Boulevard, before turning off the car's lights. "WHOOOOAHH. Shit! Careful!" Walter says despite being thrilled. "Alright. I'll slow down. I thought they followed us." Tayaw replies as he does and turns back the lights on. "Phew. Haha. I don't understand. Why not just talk to those reporters?" Walter asks. "Well, where's the fun in that? And, I'm not used to being mobbed. Thank goodness they weren't taping." Tayaw says. "Huh. So, are you really going back in there next week, after that?" Walter asks. "Ain't sure. After that? I'm not so sure anymore ... Besides, I'm still busy, so I'm leaving tonight after I pick up my rental car from your place." Tayaw says. "Already? How busy can you be? I thought you've already finished your film?" Walter asks. "True. But I'm consulting on another one." Tayaw says. "I see" Walter can only say in disappointment. *Ring**Ring* Tayaw's phone rings and he picks it up immediately, still driving comfortably with one hand. "Henry, sorry about that commotion. What's up?" Tayaw asks. A minute later, "Uhuh.. Uhuh Alright. Thanks." Tayaw drops the call. "So, what's goin on at the bar?" Walter asks. "The reporters dispersed And. It looks like I'm not leaving tonight." Tayaw says. "Oh?" Walter asks in interest. "A lady from the Grand Country Opera is also there, they missed us." Tayaw says, suppressing his excitement. "Nice" Walter looks at Tayaw proudly. "Stay in my house for the night, hm? And, I'm telling my internet guy to come over and work on what you filmed the first thing in the morning." Walter says. "I've got another idea. You have an internet in your house, right?" Tayaw asks. "Yeah." "Okay. Why not just have your guy give me the password of your YouTube? Just for tonight? I can easily finish editing my videos and put them on the internet by 11 later at the latest. You can just tell your internet guy to change the password then." Tayaw says. "" Walter, not savvy with internet processes Tayaw's request with difficultly. "Alright. I'll just let you talk to him later. Those folks told me that they followed how you shot your first video for us, so I don't think they'll have a problem with however you want it done." Walter finally reaches a conclusion. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next day, Sunday, 10 AM Ryman Auditorium, Nashville Tayaw exits his rental car in the Auditorium's parking lot and immediately notices a lot of scanning eyes. "Phew." Tayaw takes a deep breath and immediately composes himself to not look assuming. Thankfully, he is currently wearing the same Cardinals' hoodie and cap, and jeans he wore the day before when he arrived in Walter's doorstep, making him unrecognizable. He is almost certain that the people looking around are looking for him. This is evidenced by some of the many conversations he can overhear as he makes his way from the parking lot to the building. "Hey. Have you seen Isaac's videos? He uploaded it just a few hours after playing at Blackbird." "I don't use the internet much. How are they?" "I have to say. They're better than the studio version. Maybe it's because of the setting, or whatever, but he sounded more real." "Hm. If we can't sign him, maybe we can produce and mix his songs for him." "Is his mixing that bad?" "Nah. But ****** said it could be better. He can also use more instruments and arrangement in his songs." "And you really think ****** can make Isaac's songs better?" "Well. I don't know, but that's what he said." "Is he even coming? He kind of blew off The Opera's invitation last year." "I don't know. He'd probably not be invited again if he does it again, right?" "Say we can talk to him, we're not the only one who wants to sign him." "Even if he won't. ***** said that if we can buy a song for him, it's worth the time." "Hm" "Hey. Are you sure that it's The Opera's booker who went to Blackbird last night?" "Yeah. ******* said so. Some smokes?" "Thanks... Is he really coming today? Are we supposed to wait here every day 'til he shows up?" "Nah, but today's our best bet. Tonight's Opera night. If he wants to appear tonight, today's when he'll come talk." "Hey. Let's take a bet. First one who talks to Isaac wins $20." "Sure." As Tayaw is 10 feet away from the building's entrance, "Hey! Excuse me!" One of the people on the lookout calls out to him. Tayaw ignores the call however and keeps on walking. "Hey! You on the red hoodie!" The same person calls out again before Tayaw can proceed to enter the building. Tayaw can only stop to acknowledge the person. "?" Tayaw looks back at the man points at himself. "Yeah! You work here?" The man asks. Tayaw almost sighs in relief. "*nod*" Tayaw responds. "Is Isaac playin' tonight?" The man asks. "I don't know. Only Lena knows for now. Please wait for the announcement." Tayaw responds before making his way inside the building. Before he can talk to the young receptionist sitting near the entrance of the lobby, "Hey. Didn't that guy sound familiar?" Tayaw hears from one of the people outside. Thankfully, there are no more signs of recognition after that. "How are you today?" The receptionist asks Tayaw, taking his attention. "Good. Lena's office, please. I'm her 10:00." Tayaw says. "Name?" The receptionist opens the building's system on her computer. "Isaac." Tayaw says, in a hushed tone. The receptionist freezes at the name and looks up at Tayaw curiously. The next moment however, the curiosity in her eyes is replaced by skepticism. Tayaw can only take out his phone and show a text message from Lena to the receptionist. The receptionist, after reading the text, finally takes out a visitor's pass and welcomes Tayaw to the building. "Hey can I take a photo with you?" The receptionist asks shyly. "I'm sorry. Maybe some other time? I'm not dressed properly." Tayaw winks at the receptionist before slipping away to find the nearest stairs he can use. "" The receptionist can only watch Tayaw disappear from the lobby. A minute later, Tayaw is now at the 6th floor. *knock* *knock* "Lena?" Tayaw knocks at the already opened door of Lena's office. A Caucasian woman, who looks to be in her 40s, busy doing something in her office computer, looks up. "Who're you?" She asks. "It's me, Isaac. 10:00, like we agreed." Tayaw walks in the office confidently. "O-oh! I didn't recognize you." Lena can only process as Tayaw comes nearer. "That's fine" Tayaw only stands in front of Lena, waiting for her to say something. "Please, sit. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." "Thanks. It's an honor for me to be here." Tayaw sits on the chair in front of Lena's table. "You have no idea how difficult to reach you." Lena says. "I wanted it to be that way." Tayaw says. "Why? Every aspiring singer loves to play in The Opera." Lena asks. "Oh. It's my dream too. Last year was just a bad time. My visa expiring and all." Tayaw lies. "Ah. I see. Now, I'm quite busy so let's get to it, shall we? Which spot would you want?" Lena gets to business immediately. "Is any spot available for tonight's show?" Tayaw asks. "?" Lena can only look at Tayaw strangely. Tayaw also knows how it is for the weekly show and that it takes at least a week for The Opera's people to prepare whatever their performer's requests are, so he already expected that Lena might not have a spot for him. "I'd love to perform any time really. It's just because of my upcoming film, I'm not sure when I'm gonna be back again. Adding to that, my visa too." Tayaw says, casually but Lena found his words presumptuous. "I can't "Ah.. That's right You're a director too Okay, I want you to be on the show tonight too, but how about the house band? The backing singers? They don't have the time to practice for your songs." Lena cites the obstacles to what Tayaw wants. "I've been doing just fine with a guitar and a stomp box. I can fill an hour with that, and the show only requires me to do twenty minutes. These two instruments are what I'm used to, and that's what the people who know me are used to seeing me with as well." Tayaw says. "It's just too" Lena is still hesitant. "Plain? Boring?" Tayaw gets Lena's concern immediately. "Yes. And, your music isn't also played much over the radio so only internet users are familiar with your songs. I want you to make an impact to those who have not heard of you." Lena says. "Wait, what?" Lena's words are news to Tayaw. "What do you mean it's not played over the radio?" Tayaw asks. Lena then looks at Tayaw before a pitying expression crosses her eyes before disappearing. "You do know that your songs are only streamed on the internet, or played in shops and bars, right?" Lena asks for clarification. "I did not know that." Tayaw says, dumbfounded. "Only the smaller radio stations play your songs." Lena shakes her head. "Okay Because I like your songs, I'll let you in on something" Lena says, the volume of her voice hushing. "You're independent, and the record labels have the major radio stations on a leash. These radio stations only have too much time in a day to play so many songs so record labels are vying for the spots." Lena explains. "So independent artists like me can't squeeze in." Tayaw nods. "Exactly. But hey, you're still famous. You're doing better than signed artists." Lena shrugs. "Huh" Tayaw only sighs, reminding himself that music is also a business. "How about the songs of Strawberry Front? Are they playing on the radio?" Tayaw asks. "Yeah. The same would happen to them had they stayed independent. You should think of signing a deal too." Lena suggests. "I'm thinking about it as well." Tayaw lies. He knows that radio is already starting to lose its power of exposure. "But still, even though radio listeners haven't heard of me, I don't remember boring a crowd with only two instruments though" Tayaw says, not knowing how to proceed as Lena's concern is valid. "Yeah. People want you, but I can't risk boring the rest of the viewers as well. I can't agree with you just going up the stage alone." Lena shakes her head. "You're saying I can't do it tonight, then?" Tayaw asks. "Yes." Lena says, frankly. Tayaw can only hide his disappointment, until an idea pops up. "How about this? Like any newcomer. I think the opening spot suits me. It's low risk, and the viewers are not expecting much from an opening act. Also, I heard you don't usually have the opening spots reserved for that long." Tayaw says. "Heh. 'Newcomer'." Lena chuckles. "Are you really sure taking that spot? It's inappropriate considering your popularity. Putting you on the first spot" "I'm fine with it!" Tayaw interrupts. "Truly! I can even direct how I would come out on TV to set the viewers' expectations. I'll even give some songs to the act who I'll replace, so they give me their spot in exchange." Tayaw says further. "You'll do that?" Lena is almost floored by the price Tayaw is willing to pay. "Yes." Tayaw says, the resolve in his eyes swaying Lena. "Fine... What's your plan?" Lena asks, now interested. With that, "Simple, really, but if this works out, you won't regret it. Imagine this... Imagine a movie theater. Everything else is dark, except for the screen, with everyone's eyes focused on it. I want that effect. Imagine me, on stage, everything around me's dark while the spotlight is on me. Make the spotlight blue, yellow, pink, anything that goes with the mood of my song " Tayaw starts impromptu planning, with Lena gladly listening.
