Chapter 209: 209
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(cont'd)
*bzzt* *bzzt*.
"Damn it. Of all the times. I just talked on the phone before you got here." Tayaw is annoyed by his phone suddenly buzzing.
"Take it. I have to go to the bathroom anyway." Payew says and leaves the table, allowing Tayaw privacy.
Tayaw then picks up his phone and sees that it is a Facebook video call from John of Strawberry Front. Tayaw then covers the camera of his phone before answering it, a habit he has developed due to John's often alcohol-infused calls.
"Hey John. What's up." Tayaw greets.
/Hey Isaac. Can you talk for a few minutes? / John asks.
"Uhhh. It depends. I'm on a dinner with my brother." Tayaw says, noticing that John seems sober.
/Oh. Looks like one apology isn't enough … First sorry is for this …/ John says before
/Hey Isaac!/ Another man gets in the frame, in front of John.
"Hello… Who are you… ?" Tayaw asks, his direct question making John and the man with him understand that they have a limited time with Tayaw.
/ I'm Cody Mills. The CEO of Snail Records. I'm sorry, we caught you at a bad time. It's just hard to get ahold of you. / Cody starts.
The two men's apologetic faces somehow soothe Tayaw's annoyance.
"Mr. Mills. What can I do for you?" Tayaw asks.
/Isaac. How would you like to join Snail Records?/ Cody gets to the point immediately.
~
The next day, 12 NN – Snail Records, Nashville Tennessee.
*tap* *tap* *tap*
Tayaw taps his foot impatiently as he waits at the parking lot in front of the building where Snail Records is.
Suddenly, *sniff* *sniff* "Finally." Tayaw sighs to himself as he catches a whiff of John's preferred cigarette brand and flavor. .
He then walks with confident steps, changing his posture, until he traced the smell to the back of the building.
"Hey John. Let's get in the building. Don't look back. Don't look around." Tayaw does not even greet John before ordering him.
John cannot even process recognizing the casually dressed Tayaw, or his surprise at seeing Tayaw at this moment, because of the unusually serious expression on Tayaw's face. John then puts out his freshly lit cigar and leads Tayaw to the backdoor.
"So… What was that about?" John asks as they step in the elevator.
"…" Tayaw only stares at John for a moment before sighing.
"Nothing. Let's go see Cody." He says.
"Why didn't you call me? Or just talk to the receptionist? They would have let you in." John asks.
"…" Tayaw only answers with silence. "…" John is anxious, fearing that he might have offended Tayaw somehow.
A minute later.
"Okay. That's Cody's office. I'll wait here." John says, bringing Tayaw near the entrance to Cody's office.
"It's okay. You join Rez and the rest. Aren't you guys busy in the studio?" Tayaw asks.
"Yeah. Okay. If you're done here. Just give me a call. I'm sure the band love to see you." John says.
The next moment.
"Good morning Mr. Mills." Tayaw is now in Cody's office. Despite his polite greeting, his tone is cold.
"Mr… Isaac. Good morning." Cody, after recognizing Tayaw, his eyes widen in surprise.
"Yes. Now, Mr. Mills, I would never have entered the building had I not already been in the vicinity, or if my friends here aren't around today…" Tayaw says, allowing Cody to process.
"I don't understand, Isaa-"
"Mr. Mills, I think music executives cannot be music fans, so I don't think you're my fan. We're also not close enough either. So please, call me Mr. Yawat." Tayaw says.
"Alright Mr. Yawat. What's going on?" Cody asks, starting to feel offended.
"I rather had fun dodging eyes in the parking lot. What I've noticed however, are their eyes are not watching this building's doors. No. Their eyes are in each car that arrives. Ain't that strange?" Tayaw says.
Cody's face twitches at this.
"Mr. Yawat. My label has some of the rising stars in Nashville. It's obvious that there is always a journalist or two watching us." Cody says.
"Are you saying I'm a vain celebrity?" Tayaw asks.
"What? That-"
"Here's the thing, Mr. Mills. There isn't just one or two journalists or photographers in the parking lot. And, Oh… I've overheard two people talking about me; they are expecting me here today. I know we didn't write it in paper, but I thought we had a mutual understanding that no one should know of my visit here until I actually sign anything with you." Tayaw says.
"…" Cody is coming up with something to say.
Tayaw however will not let him.
"I should have been in the plane by now, and I should have just not showed up here in your office, but I cannot leave Nashville with my peace of mind without telling you this: I don't like being used, Mr. Mills. And now I'm less likely to hear you out after this. Now that I've said it. I bid you a good day." Tayaw says and he turns around to the direction of the door.
As he is about to walk out, "Isaac. Wait." Cody stops him.
Tayaw smiles victoriously for a moment before restoring his stony expression. After calming his face down, he turns back around to Cody's direction.
"hhuuuu… Please, close the door." Cody sighs deeply.
After Tayaw closes the door, "Please take a seat." Cody offers, which Tayaw obliges to.
"Alright. There's no point in lying to you… You got me. I called those reporters over." he finally admits.
"But the thing is, Mr. Yawat, I'm desperate." He adds.
This gets Tayaw's interest immediately.
"Desperate enough to try to use me." Tayaw says.
"Yes. And I apologize for that…"
"Uhuh…" Seeing that Tayaw is no longer as 'angry' as before, Cody decides to open up.
"You see, while my label is lucky to have signed Strawberry Front, and some young promising talents, we are very young, only three years old, and poor compared to the other companies, not to mention the major labels. Also, our artists are either inactive or are in the process of making their music and we have no choice but to lay low.
"The label also does not have much shares in the royalties of Strawberry front so even if their songs are selling, the label isn't earning much. We also do not have a large library, so our passive income is pitiful. We need as much publicity as we can to stay relevant in this industry." Cody further admits.
"Does that mean that there's no offer here for me then? You just want me to be here and start a rumor?" Tayaw asks.
"No... No. Of course not. It's just, I was already prepared to be rejected." Cody says.
"Oh?" Tayaw becomes curious, his face telling Cody to speak more.
"You are the probably the most famous indie country artist out there. Like, REAL indie, an artist without a label. In fact, major labels will probably sign a deal with you that is better than the best I can offer." Cody says.
"Hm… I'd rather own 100% and sell 10,000 than sell 1,000,000 and own 10% of it." Tayaw scoffs.
"That's exactly why I'm not confident winning you over. With your popularity outside music, and how the way people listen to music is changing, you do NOT need a label. So, I thought, even if you've rejected me today, the publicity of your visit alone is enough to help my label." Cody explains.
"I see… so… what now?" Tayaw asks.
"You've listened to me for this long already. Are you willing to hear what I can offer?" Cody asks.
"Sure." Tayaw nods, already glad that his act has already produced too much.
"I actually find it unfortunate that your songs, most of them I love, are not played over the radio. If you sign with us, we can have your songs play in many radio stations. While we can't play them as often in major radio stations, I can have them played at smaller, more artist friendly radio stations." Cody says.
"…" Tayaw tries his best to control his facial expression.
"Not impressive? I expected as much." Cody nods.
"Here's another thing I feel bad about. Your songs deserve awards, but you can't win them here in Nashville no matter how good your songs are." Cody says, and he sees Tayaw perk up.
"Our label, even though we're new, are members of both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music. Two associations that give out CMA and ACM awards. I know you're not American, so do you know these awards?" Cody asks.
"In fact, I do." Tayaw nods.
"And you also know how big of a deal they are. If you sign with us, we'll immediately submit your songs for consideration." Cody says.
"Like you said, major labels are willing to sign me. And they sure are members of those organizations too." Tayaw counters.
"okay. Like you said, you'd rather own 100% and sell less than own 10% and sell millions, right? So I'm not even gonna touch that. What I'm offering you is not a contract, but our services, just for your needs." Cody says.
"Please, explain."
"Okay. Don't you think it's time for you to have a tour? 14 songs from your country album and… what? 8 more English songs from your albums '18' and '19'. All of them are good! And enough to fill a 90-minute performance, and that does not include intermissions. Let us arrange a tour for you.
"We can work for you at a CHEAP fixed price, none of that percentage bullshit. We can also submit your songs for awards for free. After all, we're submitting the songs of Strawberry Front anyway. Submitting yours along costs us nothing." Cody says, which satisfies Tayaw.
'Now. I feel guilty. Poor guy. He seems the one of the better, more honest people in the business' Tayaw thinks to himself.
Tayaw is actually not offended by Cody's scheme for publicity. At worst, he was merely entertained by it. He however did not expect that his act would make Cody reveal all of his cards.
"Hmmm. How are your other artists doing, by the way? Aside from Strawberry Front?" Tayaw asks, switching topics.
"…" Cody is caught off-guard by the question and he becomes defensive.
"Well… While they are very, very good singers, they are not good songwriters. Therefore, they actually only make a small percentage of their album sales. But at least they not hungry from what they're earning. Many people though are willing to see them live, so they are living comfortably off of what they are earning from live shows." Cody says, honestly, while trying to make a good impression to Tayaw.
This honesty is rewarded by a nod of approval from Tayaw.
"You know… You know I wrote some songs in Strawberry Front's album, right?" Tayaw asks again.
"Oh… yeah. Everybody industry knows." Cody nods.
"Hmm. Why don't I sell songs to you for your artists too?" Tayaw offers, to Cody's surprise.
"Well… I don't think I can afford them." Cody sighs.
"Well, I can just give you the exclusive recording and performing license for them. FOR FREE." Tayaw says.
"… HUH?" Cody is dumbfounded at the offer.
"But of course, I still get cuts and royalties." Tayaw adds.
"That much is obvious, but why for free? And exclusive licenses at that?" Cody asks.
"You need publicity, I need them too. I'm buying marketing with my songs." Tayaw says.
"What do you mean?"
"In exchange for the licenses, your artists promote my songs, my movies, and my future works." Tayaw says.
"That… let me think for a minute…" Cody ponders, unsure why Tayaw is offering such a good deal.
"Look. Aside from the songs I wrote for Strawberry Front, the songs I've sold to others are not doing as great. Maybe because they're pop songs? I don't know. But I'm more confident writing for folk and country artists. You told me earlier that your artists are either in hiatus or are on the process of making their music. Why not – "
"Screw it… I don't know why you're being generous, but I don't care. Let's do what you want." Cody finally decides.
"Good." Tayaw smiles.
"Good." Cody sighs. The two enter a comfortable silence.
"By the way… do you really think I can win awards?" Tayaw suddenly asks.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
(cont'd)
*bzzt* *bzzt*.
"Damn it. Of all the times. I just talked on the phone before you got here." Tayaw is annoyed by his phone suddenly buzzing.
"Take it. I have to go to the bathroom anyway." Payew says and leaves the table, allowing Tayaw privacy.
Tayaw then picks up his phone and sees that it is a Facebook video call from John of Strawberry Front. Tayaw then covers the camera of his phone before answering it, a habit he has developed due to John's often alcohol-infused calls.
"Hey John. What's up." Tayaw greets.
/Hey Isaac. Can you talk for a few minutes? / John asks.
"Uhhh. It depends. I'm on a dinner with my brother." Tayaw says, noticing that John seems sober.
/Oh. Looks like one apology isn't enough … First sorry is for this …/ John says before
/Hey Isaac!/ Another man gets in the frame, in front of John.
"Hello… Who are you… ?" Tayaw asks, his direct question making John and the man with him understand that they have a limited time with Tayaw.
/ I'm Cody Mills. The CEO of Snail Records. I'm sorry, we caught you at a bad time. It's just hard to get ahold of you. / Cody starts.
The two men's apologetic faces somehow soothe Tayaw's annoyance.
"Mr. Mills. What can I do for you?" Tayaw asks.
/Isaac. How would you like to join Snail Records?/ Cody gets to the point immediately.
~
The next day, 12 NN – Snail Records, Nashville Tennessee.
*tap* *tap* *tap*
Tayaw taps his foot impatiently as he waits at the parking lot in front of the building where Snail Records is.
Suddenly, *sniff* *sniff* "Finally." Tayaw sighs to himself as he catches a whiff of John's preferred cigarette brand and flavor. .
He then walks with confident steps, changing his posture, until he traced the smell to the back of the building.
"Hey John. Let's get in the building. Don't look back. Don't look around." Tayaw does not even greet John before ordering him.
John cannot even process recognizing the casually dressed Tayaw, or his surprise at seeing Tayaw at this moment, because of the unusually serious expression on Tayaw's face. John then puts out his freshly lit cigar and leads Tayaw to the backdoor.
"So… What was that about?" John asks as they step in the elevator.
"…" Tayaw only stares at John for a moment before sighing.
"Nothing. Let's go see Cody." He says.
"Why didn't you call me? Or just talk to the receptionist? They would have let you in." John asks.
"…" Tayaw only answers with silence. "…" John is anxious, fearing that he might have offended Tayaw somehow.
A minute later.
"Okay. That's Cody's office. I'll wait here." John says, bringing Tayaw near the entrance to Cody's office.
"It's okay. You join Rez and the rest. Aren't you guys busy in the studio?" Tayaw asks.
"Yeah. Okay. If you're done here. Just give me a call. I'm sure the band love to see you." John says.
The next moment.
"Good morning Mr. Mills." Tayaw is now in Cody's office. Despite his polite greeting, his tone is cold.
"Mr… Isaac. Good morning." Cody, after recognizing Tayaw, his eyes widen in surprise.
"Yes. Now, Mr. Mills, I would never have entered the building had I not already been in the vicinity, or if my friends here aren't around today…" Tayaw says, allowing Cody to process.
"I don't understand, Isaa-"
"Mr. Mills, I think music executives cannot be music fans, so I don't think you're my fan. We're also not close enough either. So please, call me Mr. Yawat." Tayaw says.
"Alright Mr. Yawat. What's going on?" Cody asks, starting to feel offended.
"I rather had fun dodging eyes in the parking lot. What I've noticed however, are their eyes are not watching this building's doors. No. Their eyes are in each car that arrives. Ain't that strange?" Tayaw says.
Cody's face twitches at this.
"Mr. Yawat. My label has some of the rising stars in Nashville. It's obvious that there is always a journalist or two watching us." Cody says.
"Are you saying I'm a vain celebrity?" Tayaw asks.
"What? That-"
"Here's the thing, Mr. Mills. There isn't just one or two journalists or photographers in the parking lot. And, Oh… I've overheard two people talking about me; they are expecting me here today. I know we didn't write it in paper, but I thought we had a mutual understanding that no one should know of my visit here until I actually sign anything with you." Tayaw says.
"…" Cody is coming up with something to say.
Tayaw however will not let him.
"I should have been in the plane by now, and I should have just not showed up here in your office, but I cannot leave Nashville with my peace of mind without telling you this: I don't like being used, Mr. Mills. And now I'm less likely to hear you out after this. Now that I've said it. I bid you a good day." Tayaw says and he turns around to the direction of the door.
As he is about to walk out, "Isaac. Wait." Cody stops him.
Tayaw smiles victoriously for a moment before restoring his stony expression. After calming his face down, he turns back around to Cody's direction.
"hhuuuu… Please, close the door." Cody sighs deeply.
After Tayaw closes the door, "Please take a seat." Cody offers, which Tayaw obliges to.
"Alright. There's no point in lying to you… You got me. I called those reporters over." he finally admits.
"But the thing is, Mr. Yawat, I'm desperate." He adds.
This gets Tayaw's interest immediately.
"Desperate enough to try to use me." Tayaw says.
"Yes. And I apologize for that…"
"Uhuh…" Seeing that Tayaw is no longer as 'angry' as before, Cody decides to open up.
"You see, while my label is lucky to have signed Strawberry Front, and some young promising talents, we are very young, only three years old, and poor compared to the other companies, not to mention the major labels. Also, our artists are either inactive or are in the process of making their music and we have no choice but to lay low.
"The label also does not have much shares in the royalties of Strawberry front so even if their songs are selling, the label isn't earning much. We also do not have a large library, so our passive income is pitiful. We need as much publicity as we can to stay relevant in this industry." Cody further admits.
"Does that mean that there's no offer here for me then? You just want me to be here and start a rumor?" Tayaw asks.
"No... No. Of course not. It's just, I was already prepared to be rejected." Cody says.
"Oh?" Tayaw becomes curious, his face telling Cody to speak more.
"You are the probably the most famous indie country artist out there. Like, REAL indie, an artist without a label. In fact, major labels will probably sign a deal with you that is better than the best I can offer." Cody says.
"Hm… I'd rather own 100% and sell 10,000 than sell 1,000,000 and own 10% of it." Tayaw scoffs.
"That's exactly why I'm not confident winning you over. With your popularity outside music, and how the way people listen to music is changing, you do NOT need a label. So, I thought, even if you've rejected me today, the publicity of your visit alone is enough to help my label." Cody explains.
"I see… so… what now?" Tayaw asks.
"You've listened to me for this long already. Are you willing to hear what I can offer?" Cody asks.
"Sure." Tayaw nods, already glad that his act has already produced too much.
"I actually find it unfortunate that your songs, most of them I love, are not played over the radio. If you sign with us, we can have your songs play in many radio stations. While we can't play them as often in major radio stations, I can have them played at smaller, more artist friendly radio stations." Cody says.
"…" Tayaw tries his best to control his facial expression.
"Not impressive? I expected as much." Cody nods.
"Here's another thing I feel bad about. Your songs deserve awards, but you can't win them here in Nashville no matter how good your songs are." Cody says, and he sees Tayaw perk up.
"Our label, even though we're new, are members of both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music. Two associations that give out CMA and ACM awards. I know you're not American, so do you know these awards?" Cody asks.
"In fact, I do." Tayaw nods.
"And you also know how big of a deal they are. If you sign with us, we'll immediately submit your songs for consideration." Cody says.
"Like you said, major labels are willing to sign me. And they sure are members of those organizations too." Tayaw counters.
"okay. Like you said, you'd rather own 100% and sell less than own 10% and sell millions, right? So I'm not even gonna touch that. What I'm offering you is not a contract, but our services, just for your needs." Cody says.
"Please, explain."
"Okay. Don't you think it's time for you to have a tour? 14 songs from your country album and… what? 8 more English songs from your albums '18' and '19'. All of them are good! And enough to fill a 90-minute performance, and that does not include intermissions. Let us arrange a tour for you.
"We can work for you at a CHEAP fixed price, none of that percentage bullshit. We can also submit your songs for awards for free. After all, we're submitting the songs of Strawberry Front anyway. Submitting yours along costs us nothing." Cody says, which satisfies Tayaw.
'Now. I feel guilty. Poor guy. He seems the one of the better, more honest people in the business' Tayaw thinks to himself.
Tayaw is actually not offended by Cody's scheme for publicity. At worst, he was merely entertained by it. He however did not expect that his act would make Cody reveal all of his cards.
"Hmmm. How are your other artists doing, by the way? Aside from Strawberry Front?" Tayaw asks, switching topics.
"…" Cody is caught off-guard by the question and he becomes defensive.
"Well… While they are very, very good singers, they are not good songwriters. Therefore, they actually only make a small percentage of their album sales. But at least they not hungry from what they're earning. Many people though are willing to see them live, so they are living comfortably off of what they are earning from live shows." Cody says, honestly, while trying to make a good impression to Tayaw.
This honesty is rewarded by a nod of approval from Tayaw.
"You know… You know I wrote some songs in Strawberry Front's album, right?" Tayaw asks again.
"Oh… yeah. Everybody industry knows." Cody nods.
"Hmm. Why don't I sell songs to you for your artists too?" Tayaw offers, to Cody's surprise.
"Well… I don't think I can afford them." Cody sighs.
"Well, I can just give you the exclusive recording and performing license for them. FOR FREE." Tayaw says.
"… HUH?" Cody is dumbfounded at the offer.
"But of course, I still get cuts and royalties." Tayaw adds.
"That much is obvious, but why for free? And exclusive licenses at that?" Cody asks.
"You need publicity, I need them too. I'm buying marketing with my songs." Tayaw says.
"What do you mean?"
"In exchange for the licenses, your artists promote my songs, my movies, and my future works." Tayaw says.
"That… let me think for a minute…" Cody ponders, unsure why Tayaw is offering such a good deal.
"Look. Aside from the songs I wrote for Strawberry Front, the songs I've sold to others are not doing as great. Maybe because they're pop songs? I don't know. But I'm more confident writing for folk and country artists. You told me earlier that your artists are either in hiatus or are on the process of making their music. Why not – "
"Screw it… I don't know why you're being generous, but I don't care. Let's do what you want." Cody finally decides.
"Good." Tayaw smiles.
"Good." Cody sighs. The two enter a comfortable silence.
"By the way… do you really think I can win awards?" Tayaw suddenly asks.
cont'd *bzzt* *bzzt*. "Damn it. Of all the times. I just talked on the phone before you got here." Tayaw is annoyed by his phone suddenly buzzing. "Take it. I have to go to the bathroom anyway." Payew says and leaves the table, allowing Tayaw privacy. Tayaw then picks up his phone and sees that it is a Facebook video call from John of Strawberry Front. Tayaw then covers the camera of his phone before answering it, a habit he has developed due to John's often alcohol-infused calls. "Hey John. What's up." Tayaw greets. /Hey Isaac. Can you talk for a few minutes? / John asks. "Uhhh. It depends. I'm on a dinner with my brother." Tayaw says, noticing that John seems sober. /Oh. Looks like one apology isn't enough First sorry is for this / John says before /Hey Isaac!/ Another man gets in the frame, in front of John. "Hello Who are you ?" Tayaw asks, his direct question making John and the man with him understand that they have a limited time with Tayaw. / I'm Cody Mills. The CEO of Snail Records. I'm sorry, we caught you at a bad time. It's just hard to get ahold of you. / Cody starts. The two men's apologetic faces somehow soothe Tayaw's annoyance. "Mr. Mills. What can I do for you?" Tayaw asks. /Isaac. How would you like to join Snail Records?/ Cody gets to the point immediately. ~ The next day, 12 NN Snail Records, Nashville Tennessee. *tap* *tap* *tap* Tayaw taps his foot impatiently as he waits at the parking lot in front of the building where Snail Records is. Suddenly, *sniff* *sniff* "Finally." Tayaw sighs to himself as he catches a whiff of John's preferred cigarette brand and flavor. . He then walks with confident steps, changing his posture, until he traced the smell to the back of the building. "Hey John. Let's get in the building. Don't look back. Don't look around." Tayaw does not even greet John before ordering him. John cannot even process recognizing the casually dressed Tayaw, or his surprise at seeing Tayaw at this moment, because of the unusually serious expression on Tayaw's face. John then puts out his freshly lit cigar and leads Tayaw to the backdoor. "So What was that about?" John asks as they step in the elevator. "" Tayaw only stares at John for a moment before sighing. "Nothing. Let's go see Cody." He says. "Why didn't you call me? Or just talk to the receptionist? They would have let you in." John asks. "" Tayaw only answers with silence. "" John is anxious, fearing that he might have offended Tayaw somehow. A minute later. "Okay. That's Cody's office. I'll wait here." John says, bringing Tayaw near the entrance to Cody's office. "It's okay. You join Rez and the rest. Aren't you guys busy in the studio?" Tayaw asks. "Yeah. Okay. If you're done here. Just give me a call. I'm sure the band love to see you." John says. The next moment. "Good morning Mr. Mills." Tayaw is now in Cody's office. Despite his polite greeting, his tone is cold. "Mr Isaac. Good morning." Cody, after recognizing Tayaw, his eyes widen in surprise. "Yes. Now, Mr. Mills, I would never have entered the building had I not already been in the vicinity, or if my friends here aren't around today" Tayaw says, allowing Cody to process. "I don't understand, Isaa-" "Mr. Mills, I think music executives cannot be music fans, so I don't think you're my fan. We're also not close enough either. So please, call me Mr. Yawat." Tayaw says. "Alright Mr. Yawat. What's going on?" Cody asks, starting to feel offended. "I rather had fun dodging eyes in the parking lot. What I've noticed however, are their eyes are not watching this building's doors. No. Their eyes are in each car that arrives. Ain't that strange?" Tayaw says. Cody's face twitches at this. "Mr. Yawat. My label has some of the rising stars in Nashville. It's obvious that there is always a journalist or two watching us." Cody says. "Are you saying I'm a vain celebrity?" Tayaw asks. "What? That-" "Here's the thing, Mr. Mills. There isn't just one or two journalists or photographers in the parking lot. And, Oh I've overheard two people talking about me; they are expecting me here today. I know we didn't write it in paper, but I thought we had a mutual understanding that no one should know of my visit here until I actually sign anything with you." Tayaw says. "" Cody is coming up with something to say. Tayaw however will not let him. "I should have been in the plane by now, and I should have just not showed up here in your office, but I cannot leave Nashville with my peace of mind without telling you this: I don't like being used, Mr. Mills. And now I'm less likely to hear you out after this. Now that I've said it. I bid you a good day." Tayaw says and he turns around to the direction of the door. As he is about to walk out, "Isaac. Wait." Cody stops him. Tayaw smiles victoriously for a moment before restoring his stony expression. After calming his face down, he turns back around to Cody's direction. "hhuuuu Please, close the door." Cody sighs deeply. After Tayaw closes the door, "Please take a seat." Cody offers, which Tayaw obliges to. "Alright. There's no point in lying to you You got me. I called those reporters over." he finally admits. "But the thing is, Mr. Yawat, I'm desperate." He adds. This gets Tayaw's interest immediately. "Desperate enough to try to use me." Tayaw says. "Yes. And I apologize for that" "Uhuh" Seeing that Tayaw is no longer as 'angry' as before, Cody decides to open up. "You see, while my label is lucky to have signed Strawberry Front, and some young promising talents, we are very young, only three years old, and poor compared to the other companies, not to mention the major labels. Also, our artists are either inactive or are in the process of making their music and we have no choice but to lay low. "The label also does not have much shares in the royalties of Strawberry front so even if their songs are selling, the label isn't earning much. We also do not have a large library, so our passive income is pitiful. We need as much publicity as we can to stay relevant in this industry." Cody further admits. "Does that mean that there's no offer here for me then? You just want me to be here and start a rumor?" Tayaw asks. "No... No. Of course not. It's just, I was already prepared to be rejected." Cody says. "Oh?" Tayaw becomes curious, his face telling Cody to speak more. "You are the probably the most famous indie country artist out there. Like, REAL indie, an artist without a label. In fact, major labels will probably sign a deal with you that is better than the best I can offer." Cody says. "Hm I'd rather own 100% and sell 10,000 than sell 1,000,000 and own 10% of it." Tayaw scoffs. "That's exactly why I'm not confident winning you over. With your popularity outside music, and how the way people listen to music is changing, you do NOT need a label. So, I thought, even if you've rejected me today, the publicity of your visit alone is enough to help my label." Cody explains. "I see so what now?" Tayaw asks. "You've listened to me for this long already. Are you willing to hear what I can offer?" Cody asks. "Sure." Tayaw nods, already glad that his act has already produced too much. "I actually find it unfortunate that your songs, most of them I love, are not played over the radio. If you sign with us, we can have your songs play in many radio stations. While we can't play them as often in major radio stations, I can have them played at smaller, more artist friendly radio stations." Cody says. "" Tayaw tries his best to control his facial expression. "Not impressive? I expected as much." Cody nods. "Here's another thing I feel bad about. Your songs deserve awards, but you can't win them here in Nashville no matter how good your songs are." Cody says, and he sees Tayaw perk up. "Our label, even though we're new, are members of both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music. Two associations that give out CMA and ACM awards. I know you're not American, so do you know these awards?" Cody asks. "In fact, I do." Tayaw nods. "And you also know how big of a deal they are. If you sign with us, we'll immediately submit your songs for consideration." Cody says. "Like you said, major labels are willing to sign me. And they sure are members of those organizations too." Tayaw counters. "okay. Like you said, you'd rather own 100% and sell less than own 10% and sell millions, right? So I'm not even gonna touch that. What I'm offering you is not a contract, but our services, just for your needs." Cody says. "Please, explain." "Okay. Don't you think it's time for you to have a tour? 14 songs from your country album and what? 8 more English songs from your albums '18' and '19'. All of them are good! And enough to fill a 90-minute performance, and that does not include intermissions. Let us arrange a tour for you. "We can work for you at a CHEAP fixed price, none of that percentage bullshit. We can also submit your songs for awards for free. After all, we're submitting the songs of Strawberry Front anyway. Submitting yours along costs us nothing." Cody says, which satisfies Tayaw. 'Now. I feel guilty. Poor guy. He seems the one of the better, more honest people in the business' Tayaw thinks to himself. Tayaw is actually not offended by Cody's scheme for publicity. At worst, he was merely entertained by it. He however did not expect that his act would make Cody reveal all of his cards. "Hmmm. How are your other artists doing, by the way? Aside from Strawberry Front?" Tayaw asks, switching topics. "" Cody is caught off-guard by the question and he becomes defensive. "Well While they are very, very good singers, they are not good songwriters. Therefore, they actually only make a small percentage of their album sales. But at least they not hungry from what they're earning. Many people though are willing to see them live, so they are living comfortably off of what they are earning from live shows." Cody says, honestly, while trying to make a good impression to Tayaw. This honesty is rewarded by a nod of approval from Tayaw. "You know You know I wrote some songs in Strawberry Front's album, right?" Tayaw asks again. "Oh yeah. Everybody industry knows." Cody nods. "Hmm. Why don't I sell songs to you for your artists too?" Tayaw offers, to Cody's surprise. "Well I don't think I can afford them." Cody sighs. "Well, I can just give you the exclusive recording and performing license for them. FOR FREE." Tayaw says. " HUH?" Cody is dumbfounded at the offer. "But of course, I still get cuts and royalties." Tayaw adds. "That much is obvious, but why for free? And exclusive licenses at that?" Cody asks. "You need publicity, I need them too. I'm buying marketing with my songs." Tayaw says. "What do you mean?" "In exchange for the licenses, your artists promote my songs, my movies, and my future works." Tayaw says. "That let me think for a minute" Cody ponders, unsure why Tayaw is offering such a good deal. "Look. Aside from the songs I wrote for Strawberry Front, the songs I've sold to others are not doing as great. Maybe because they're pop songs? I don't know. But I'm more confident writing for folk and country artists. You told me earlier that your artists are either in hiatus or are on the process of making their music. Why not " "Screw it I don't know why you're being generous, but I don't care. Let's do what you want." Cody finally decides. "Good." Tayaw smiles. "Good." Cody sighs. The two enter a comfortable silence. "By the way do you really think I can win awards?" Tayaw suddenly asks.
