Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 98: It's Time to Talk Business]

"So, you're telling me that all your work has been put on hold due to 'technical reasons'?" the radio host asked Ryan.

"That's one way to put it. As for the internal issues, you'll have to ask Scooter about that." Ryan nodded with a smile, carefully navigating the question while hinting at deeper issues.

"But before all this happened, Scooter wanted me to not switch agencies, and I refused. It's an artist's basic right to freely choose their representation. I know the record industry isn't as hot as it once was, but that doesn't mean Scooter can trample on our rights." Ryan shifted the spotlight onto Scooter, placing him in opposition to all artists.

Ryan was in the Nashville Channel's studio, where he had previously recorded shows. Now, with his performances cut off, this became a rare opportunity to speak out. After some discussions, the Nashville Channel management happily accepted, realizing that Ryan's live commentary would grab attention.

"You're right, Ryan. Artists are always at a disadvantage in front of record labels. At this very moment, countless injustices are happening. Taylor, what do you think?" The host turned to Taylor, who was sitting next to Ryan as they appeared on the show together.

"As a singer, I wholeheartedly support Ryan's view. I urge artists to use legal means to defend themselves. We pour our hearts into music, only to be exploited by those with ulterior motives, barely reaping the rewards we deserve. And as Ryan's girlfriend, I have to support him. No matter what happens, I'll always stand by his side," Taylor stated.

Ryan and the host exchanged glances, realizing that Taylor was getting a bit too direct.

While Ryan's criticism had been focused on Scooter, Taylor's bold call for artists to take action might not sit well with the bigwigs of the record labels.

Taylor Swift had always been outspoken; otherwise, she wouldn't have had such intensity when it came to streaming media and calling on record labels to sell off shares and distribute profits to the artists. Naturally, she had made some enemies along the way.

"So, Ryan, do you have anything you want to say to Scooter?" the host asked, attempting to redirect the topic as Taylor seemed to lose her filter.

"Not really. After all, I don't have much time left on my contract with Schoolboy." Ryan purposely brought up the issue of his remaining contract time.

He couldn't disclose specific terms but could express it vaguely.

...

"How do you think I did?" Taylor asked after the radio segment was over.

"Well, it's important to consider the consequences before speaking," Ryan reminded her.

"I was just stating the truth. I know some people might not like what I said, but who cares? I couldn't care less about their opinions. Everything I have today, I earned myself. As long as my music resonates with people, that's all that matters," Taylor paused for a moment.

"You don't care," Ryan interjected.

Taylor nodded, "Except for you."

In a sense, she was quite insightful.

...

A week passed in the blink of an eye since the radio show. During those ten days, Ryan's life was hit with a pause button -- no performances, no interviews. He found himself lounging on a quiet beach in Florida, dressed only in board shorts, as his sunglasses reflected a group of young women with toned bodies playing beach volleyball.

These six or seven women were Mary's arrangement for Ryan -- just casual company, enjoying food and playing cards.

At such a critical time, Ryan knew he shouldn't be so careless. But with Taylor ordered by her parents not to accompany him on this trip, he was all alone in Florida.

She had been "under the weather," halting all her activities, and her second single's release was temporarily shelved. It seemed Scott was furious upon hearing about it, but there was nothing he could do.

Then Ryan received a phone call from Mary, who first checked in on him and then emphasized how crucial customer privacy was in her line of work.

...

At that moment, the reflection in Ryan's sunglasses became bigger and bigger. It was a woman with very white and natural skin, completely different from the group of biochemical humans behind her. 

"Someone wants to talk to you," Daddario handed him the phone.

However, Ryan didn't move and emitted light snores.

Daddario quietly removed his sunglasses and discovered he had dozed off, so she had to wake him.

Ryan yawned, "Who's trying to reach me?"

"You won't believe it, it's will.i.am."

"Who?"

"Lead singer of the Black Eyed Peas."

Ryan's drowsiness vanished. The Black Eyed Peas were a huge name in music, one of the most prominent groups in hip-hop, known for their unique style that set them apart from traditional rap. The band was initially formed by will.i.am and was called Tribal Nation, a dance and music group. They were discovered by Eazy-E of N.W.A., which had established the "gangsta rap" genre with their 1993 album Straight Outta Compton.

Ryan answered the phone, recognizing will.i.am's familiar yet unfamiliar voice, "Yo, Ray, sounds like the road ahead is bumpy, huh? I know the feeling. Don't worry, it's just the old tricks of the record labels trying to scare you. If you're afraid, then you're done.

I can help you out. I can handle your troubles and even get you out of your contract. Universal Music Group is massive, and different record labels are like different departments. Some won't welcome you, while others will always keep their doors open.

You can go solo or band together. If you want, you could even join us, then there'd be five of us, working together on a new album."

"That sounds awesome, but I've already made up my mind. Once I break my contract, I'm starting my own record label." Ryan thought will.i.am was reaching out on behalf of Jimmy, but it seemed more like his own agenda.

In the past few days, will.i.am was not the first top artist to contact Ryan.

After losing a bet, Justin Timberlake had sent someone to reach out, hoping Ryan would join him with grand promises of solving all his problems.

Even Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jay-Z had their people give Ryan a call.

Nonetheless, will.i.am was the first to call Ryan personally.

"Looks like you've made up your mind?" will.i.am said slowly, having just rattled off an impressive pitch.

"Yep."

"Congrats, boy. You took an important step. How old are you this year?"

"Nineteen."

"Ah, memorable nineteen. Great talking to you, and best of luck with everything."

"Same to you."

"If you need anything, feel free to reach out."

...

Ryan handed the phone back to Daddario.

"Have those fake news articles been taken down?" Ryan inquired.

"They've all vanished, but those rumors on the internet..." Daddario hesitated.

Ryan's lawyer had made significant moves in recent days, sending warning letters that led various websites to retract their stories.

Furthermore, several smaller artists voiced their experiences of unfair treatment by record labels. Though they were not famous, their collective voices gained mainstream attention, and relevant reports began popping up in reputable media outlets.

Still, some rumors slipped through, like personal "exposes" shared online. Ryan didn't care about them -- it was inevitable. Those who intended to initiate civil suits against him scattered like mice when they saw a cat.

"Additionally, Schoolboy Records is preparing to re-release your music," Daddario announced, delivering good news.

This was also the result of the efforts by the lawyer Ryan had hired; according to the contract, the record label could not interfere with the sales of Ryan's music. Using "technical reasons" as an excuse couldn't stall for long, or they would be breaching the contract.

"I believe Scooter is about to seek peace with you. I didn't think he had it in him," Daddario chuckled, a rare smile breaking through her demeanor.

That was because I was disciplined enough not to give him any leeway? Plus, I had solid backing and was fearless.

"Now let's give the Big Machine owner a call; it's time to talk business," Ryan concluded, feeling that the moment had arrived.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.