Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 4: The Sample]

Not just the music itself, but the visuals also gave Ryan additional information -- like the name of the song, the single cover, the two credited songwriters, and a sequence of images that made up the song's music video. The single cover bore the logo of Spinnin' Records, clearly the label releasing this track.

The video comprised two parts: the first was rather mundane, featuring a beautiful model in a tight black bodysuit. These shots didn't convey much information; they simply displayed the model.

The second part, however, was a fast-paced montage of live footage that showed thousands of fans cheering exuberantly in front of the stage. Every face lit up with ecstatic smiles as both men and women danced to the music, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a massive celebration.

In one overhead shot, a gigantic stage appeared to be surrounded by a tidal wave of people -- conservatively, there were over a hundred thousand fans. Not only was there one such stage; there were a dozen different ones appearing throughout. Three DJs were featured, one duo and a solo act, just as the names in Ryan's memory suggested.

Clearly, this was footage from the tour of the dance music creators. Filled with excitement, Ryan began to analyze the situation. He thought that even if Taylor Swift, the CMA's Best New Artist of the Year, were here right now, she wouldn't draw this kind of massive crowd.

"Today you mocked me for my lack of songwriting talent, tomorrow I'll blow you away!"

With a "bang," the door swung shut behind Ryan as he returned to Aunt Trey's house.

...

On the table by the door, there was a vase of keys and assorted objects, along with a photo of Trey with a little girl. In the picture, Trey looked younger, and the girl seemed to be about twelve or thirteen. This was Trey's daughter, who, if she hadn't tragically passed away, would probably be Ryan's age.

Ever since her daughter's passing, Trey had lived alone until Ryan moved in not long ago.

From the kitchen, the sounds of clanging pots and Trey's exclamations could be heard. Clearly, she was once again battling with the pre-packaged meat pies and frozen vegetables bought from the supermarket. She could manage a crew of dozens for a music video shoot in a day but always became flustered in the kitchen. Ryan put on an apron and hurried into the kitchen, just like before.

...

"Ryan, your cooking is getting better!" Trey exclaimed, lifting her glass of red wine to finish the last of the sauce.

"All the paperwork's been taken care of; you can start school next Monday," she added before asking Ryan about his whereabouts in the afternoon.

Ryan adhered to Taylor's "deal" and didn't reveal his true whereabouts, silently doing the dishes and wiping down counters. In the time he stayed at Trey's, it was less about her taking care of him and more about him caring for her.

...

After tidying up, Ryan made his way to Trey's study. He opened the computer, revealing a Vista desktop cluttered with various files, such as scripts, rough storyboard drafts, and half-edited project files. Ignoring those, Ryan opened a browser and searched for the two songwriters. However, neither the duo Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike nor Martin Garrix appeared to have any trace online.

His former self had self-studied music theory and could write country songs, but he knew little about electronic music at that point. Thankfully, YouTube had some helpful videos that allowed Ryan to quickly get up to speed. After around two hours of learning some basics, Ryan followed the instructions to complete the download and install process while attempting to open a software called Ableton Live, a digital audio workstation (DAW).

But before he could even enter the application, a massive paywall popped up, presenting options ranging from a basic version for a few dozen dollars a month to the most expensive Suite version, running into the hundreds. The overlapping functions and professional jargon made it hard for Ryan to grasp in a short amount of time.

With no choice, Ryan pulled out Trey's credit card from the drawer and paid for the most expensive Suite version. Almost immediately, he regretted it; the "full-featured" software had even more functions than he had imagined. The array of buttons and features dazzled him, so he had to follow the tutorial step by step, starting from the basics like creating files, adding tracks, and swapping instruments.

...

As the clock ticked by, Ryan furrowed his brow as he worked. Unbeknownst to him, footsteps were quietly approaching.

"It's so late, why aren't you in bed?" Trey yawned as she walked in.

Though he had only a moment to react, it was enough for Ryan to save his work, close the software, and switch to a pre-opened educational site.

Strangely, he wondered how he had become so adept at seamless transitions.

Trey looked at Ryan seriously focused on his studies, glanced at the clock overhead, and realized it was past midnight. A quirky smile appeared on her face.

"Don't overdo it! You're young, but you still need to take care of yourself," she chuckled.

...

Ryan forced a smile as he watched Trey in her one-piece pajamas walk away, involuntarily comparing her to Taylor from earlier in the day.

After her departure, Ryan tried to recreate the electronic music in his head on the computer. However, due to the learning curve associated with the software, and some sounds, especially the climax, he couldn't replicate them. After struggling all night, he only produced a sample lasting less than thirty seconds, which didn't meet his expectations.

To achieve a decent result quickly, he realized he needed professional guidance, but he had no idea where to find such professionals.

Then he remembered his agreement with Taylor for the next day, and an idea suddenly sparked in his mind...

...

The next day, outside Blackbird Studio, Taylor handed Ryan a plastic bag. Inside were a stack of green bills along with a USB drive.

"This cash is for your hard work yesterday; it's worth your time," Taylor said, flashing a seemingly sweet smile that held a hint of mockery, just like she did in front of the cameras.

"Also, the USB has a sample titled Hot Day Afternoon, just a little bonus from me. No need to thank me."

Ryan's eyebrows twitched in surprise; he never expected that his casual words would result in a real song. Should he admire her songwriting skills or marvel at her odd thought process?

"I prepared a little bonus for you too." Ryan opened his palm to reveal another USB, containing the sample he crafted the night before.

"You really wrote something?" Taylor asked, raising her eyebrows skeptically.

"It's another song. I wanted your producer to give it a listen," Ryan made a new request. Aside from Trey, this was the only "industry insider" he could think of right now.

"Connecting with the producer? Don't joke around." Taylor immediately shook her head, assuming Ryan was still holding on to hope about his song and trying to gain a connection through her.

"Just let him listen; it's that simple. It's just a piece of cake for you, but it might change someone's life," Ryan stressed earnestly.

In order to get rid of Ryan's entanglement, Taylor reluctantly took the USB and verbally promised to pass it on to her producer.

"I need to go in with you," Ryan insisted.

This made Taylor a bit annoyed. "I must reiterate the boundaries between us..."

Just as she spoke, she noticed the bloodshot eyes of Ryan, clearly having pulled an all-nighter.

Realizing Ryan had likely been working through the night, Taylor couldn't help but think of her own experience. Though she had a playful side, she took her music very seriously and had often stayed up late to write herself.

Seeing this reminded her to soften her approach.

"Fine..."

Taylor looked around before leaning closer to Ryan. "You can come in, but you have to leave right after your turn. And I'll say this one last time..."

"This is the last time," Ryan interjected.

*****

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