Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 1: Deja Vu]

"Have you ever felt a sort of illusion, a false sense regarding memories? Is what you see before you eerily familiar, as if sensations -- touch, perception, sound -- are all just echoes of the past? You might consider this a glimpse of a past life, or even proof of your soul's existence..."

Deja vu was first introduced by French philosopher Emile Boirac in 1876, and Carl Jung interpreted it as a manifestation of the collective unconscious. He believed that some memories transferred through generations akin to genes. Medical studies indicated conditions like amnesia or temporal lobe epilepsy might trigger this phenomenon more frequently...

Or maybe it involved time travel, Ryan Rivers thought.

Ever since he had been thrust into this "Music City" just a week prior, he had been haunted by this feeling of familiarity.

As a college student, Ryan couldn't say he fully understood this culture; he had only casually watched some abstract news clips. His knowledge about the music scene was almost nonexistent, and this left him feeling lost, especially after being eliminated from a reality show.

The previous contestant found himself the subject of ridicule during the finals of Nashville's sixth season, with judge Billy Ray Cyrus (Miley Cyrus's father, a famous country music singer) echoing in his ears, "You might sound decent among underwear models, but as a country singer, you cannot rely on just your good looks and abs. Sorry, I can't pass you through."

As the car radio continued to discuss deja vu, Ryan turned to see an AMC theater's glowing red and curved sign next to a poster for The Other Boleyn Girl featuring Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson in period costumes, along with a flickering release date of February 29.

"An exhausting mystery show," the middle-aged woman driving switched the dial, instantly transforming the radio into upbeat banter.

"Good afternoon, Nashville! The cold winter is officially over. Are you ready to shed those heavy coats in favor of lighter spring attire? Today's Nashville is sunny, with an average temperature of 61 degrees Fahrenheit..."

"Relax, Ryan. I let them know last night that you'd audition as usual. But this is just a formality. She already committed you to be the leading man in the music video," the driver, Trey Fanjoy, reassured.

"Got it," Ryan nodded, glancing out at a row of music bars as they passed by.

...

"Let's see what's new among country artists this month! Kenny Chesney got his foot caught under a hydraulic lift during his concert tour in Columbia, South Carolina yesterday. It took him thirty seconds to free himself, but he continued the performance, limping. An X-ray afterward showed several crushed bones in his right foot, yet he didn't cancel any shows due to the injury."

"Keith Urban, currently on his 'Love, Pain, and Crazy Carnival Tour' with Carrie Underwood, announced the lead single from his fifth studio album would be titled Sweet Thing. Whether or not this song will become his tenth Billboard country chart hit remains to be seen, especially with the new talent nipping at his heels."

"Exactly! I'm talking about last year's CMA (Country Music Association) Best New Artist winner, Taylor Swift. As the youngest country music chart-topping singer ever, country radio just last week released the final lead single from her self-titled debut album, Should've Said No."

"She mentioned it only took her five minutes to write the chorus, pulling many lyrics directly from her conversations with her ex-boyfriend. Like her previous hit, Picture to Burn, this latest song addresses her breakup, but with a hint more bitterness rather than simple anger over destroyed photographs."

"By the way, her debut album has already introduced four guys: Drew from Tim McGraw, the classmate from Teardrops On My Guitar, Jordan from Picture To Burn, and now Sam from Should've Said No. This clear 'ex-boyfriend' marketing tactic has proven remarkably effective, too -- her new song topped the country charts this week and made its way onto the Hot 100 overall chart, marking her second number-one single..."

...

"Better think twice before dating her," Ryan scoffed.

"Don't say that in front of her. She might become a significant benefactor in your career," Trey pointed out. The person she contacted last night was indeed Taylor.

"You mean that teenager?" Ryan shot back.

"She's a teenager with two number-one country singles. I seem to recall she's about your age. How's the view count on that 'original song' you uploaded on YouTube? Over 5,000, right? Future superstar!" Trey teased, showing no mercy as she schooled her friend's son.

"Why do I have to be a country singer?" Ryan replied, leaning back as he relaxed against the seat.

According to the storyline, time travelers often exploited their new body's looks and physique to find a wealthy, understanding older lady who would then provide financial support in return for companionship. It would be even better if she resembled former beauties like Elizabeth Hurley or Sofia Vergara...

"Exactly. Don't bet all your chips at once. You'll soon finalize your return to school paperwork; Hendersonville High is just a short drive away," Trey interrupted Ryan's daydream.

"I won't have to start back in the ninth grade, right?" Ryan grimaced as though he had just had a nightmare.

"I don't have money to support you through another four years of high school! You've got just over a year left," Trey parked the car along the road.

...

As Ryan stepped out, he noticed Trey, in a thin white tank top, throw on a jacket. It was amusing how her name -- Trey -- fit her personality perfectly.

Following Trey into the yard, Ryan's eyes fell on a plain gray and white wooden house. He noticed a sign next to it that read "Big Machine Records," with a logo of a four-wheeler with wheels on fire.

Trey knocked on the door, and shortly after, it swung open to reveal a tall girl with golden curls peeking out.

"Welcome! Trey, congratulations on winning CMT's Video of the Year!" The girl greeted with the kind of obligatory standard smile, embracing Trey.

The CMT Music Awards were akin to the VMAs for the country music scene, designed to honor the best country music videos.

"My camera could only capture one percent of your beauty, darling; I should be the one saying thank you," Trey beamed back.

Listening to the two women exchange compliments, Ryan realized that the music video for Taylor Swift's hit Our Song was precisely what had earned Trey that accolade.

Trey's collaboration with Taylor had begun with Taylor's very first music video, and now all four of Taylor's videos had been directed by Trey. It was through this connection that Ryan made his way in.

Then it was Ryan's turn. As he approached, before he could even introduce himself, a shiver shot down his spine, leading to an overwhelmingly intense feeling of deja vu.

*****

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