Sound City

Renly's head still throbbed with a dull ache, the hangover fiercely stimulating the surface of his brain. It felt as if a group of little creatures were traversing rugged terrain within, and the memories from last night remained fragmented and irreparable. Yet, he didn't want to recall it. Wasn't the purpose of drinking to forget reality and revel in abandon?

The scenes outside were rapidly receding. Towering palm trees basked in golden sunlight, and along the wide streets, sporadic figures in floral shorts and flip-flops could be seen leisurely strolling. It reminded Renly that this was Los Angeles, not New York.

"Renly, are you okay? Do you want us to pull over and get you a cup of coffee?" Andy's concerned voice reached his ears.

Renly waved his hand, declining the offer. He felt that even if he drank coffee now, he'd probably vomit immediately. The turmoil in his stomach didn't seem promising.

"Renly, how about we stop and grab some breakfast? It might help soothe your stomach." Andy inquired with concern once more.

Once again, Renly shook his head. He didn't even want to talk right now, let alone put anything into his stomach. He felt that the burden would be too much to bear.

"Renly, are you sure you're okay? Do you even know where we're headed right now?" Andy felt that Renly's condition wasn't great at all.

Finally, Renly turned his head, lowered his eyes, and gave Andy a sidelong glance. "I don't want to talk right now. What I'm most urgently craving is for you to be quiet for a while. Didn't you receive my signal?" That helpless remark slightly froze Andy's smile. It truly entertained Renly, and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "We're on our way to the recording studio. Don't worry, I won't throw up in the studio."

Andy's forehead began to sweat.

How had things developed to this point? Renly found it quite amusing.

If someone had told him just a week ago that the single "Cleopatra" was not merely climbing the Billboard charts but had truly caught the public's attention, igniting a small yet significant wave, and furthermore, he was going into the recording studio to create an official version of this song, he would have thought it was the cleverest joke since 2010.

But now, they were sitting in a car on their way to Sound City.

Located on the western side of Universal Studios, Sound City was actually the name of a recording studio. It symbolized the most splendid and beautiful musical dreams of Los Angeles since the 1970s. Founded in 1969, against the backdrop of the Vietnam War's smoke and chaos, Sound City's humble origins were starkly incongruous with the spirit of the hippie movement that championed the beauty of flowers and freedom. Even obscure artists back then hesitated to record their voices in that "dirty, messy, and dreadful" place.

However, with the arrival of the 1970s, as iconic singers like Spirit and Neil Yang recorded timeless classic albums here, Sound City gradually attracted more and more attention. In this recording studio, one could discover numerous great names, with albums that solidified the legendary status of artists like Metallica, Elton John, and the band Nirvana.

This established Sound City as the most renowned recording studio in Los Angeles, drawing countless admirers who flocked there on pilgrimages.

Nevertheless, as the 21st century arrived, the landscape of music rapidly evolved, and recording methods underwent revolutionary changes. Renly himself had last recorded "Cleopatra" on his home computer. This caused the industry status of recording studios, even renowned ones like Sound City, to decline over time.

Now, they were about to embark on a journey to Sound City, completing Renly's first studio recording.

For Renly, this was like an unbelievable fantasy journey. Rather than the primary work of recording a single, standing in the recording studio at Sound City and accomplishing the recording felt as if he was following in the footsteps of those great musicians. That, to him, was the most magical part. As for the single, Renly didn't have any expectations. Music, to him, was akin to rock climbing or surfing – just one of the many activities in his leisure life.

What was it like to stand in the studio where classic albums like "Nevermind" were recorded? What was the sensation of experiencing music in the same space where Kurt Cobain had unleashed his recklessness? And going a step further, what was the feeling of recording music in a studio?

Now Renly had the chance to experience it firsthand.

"Andy, how did you manage to book a recording studio at Sound City in such a short time?" As the turmoil in his stomach gradually subsided and the swelling in his brain seemed to ease under the warm California sunlight, Renly couldn't help but feel excited as the building of Sound City appeared in the distance. He proactively asked the question.

Andy spread his hands, "This isn't the hottest recording studio in town anymore."

"But it's still magical!" Renly exclaimed. After all, the time was truly short, with only a thirty-minute gap from start to finish.

Andy shrugged as if it wasn't worth mentioning at all. As the top agent of Innovative Artists Management, such a little feat was a given.

The sight of Sound City before them resembled an abandoned garage. The yellowed walls were mottled, and flies buzzed around rusty pipes. A dozen vintage cars were parked in the vast parking lot, yet not a single person was in sight within their line of sight. Desolate and despondent, it seemed as if it had been abandoned in a corner of the city.

The once bustling and vibrant atmosphere had now quieted down. The vastness and desolation made it seem as if the echoes of cheers and flowers were still lingering in his ears, yet nothing remained in his line of sight.

With just one glance, Renly fell in love with this place. Regrettably, he hadn't brought his camera along, so he took out his phone and stood in a corner of the parking lot, capturing this fleeting moment eternally in the pixels.

Renly and Andy pushed open the large red wooden door. Unlike the high-end and elegant impression of a typical recording studio, the space before them carried the aura of a garage studio. Cigarette butts littered the ground, tables and chairs were piled up haphazardly, the red sofa was covered in dust, obsolete machines after upgrades were scattered around, chairs were placed without order. There was even a mattress with springs and cotton showing, and exposed wires on the walls. Renly then saw a brown carpet hanging on the wall, which seemed out of place yet perfectly in harmony with the space. This casual and relaxed style, even a bit messy, instantly created a sense of familiarity.

In the ever-changing 21st century, within this outdated, stubborn, and dilapidated space, a pure and unyielding sense of music burst forth.

"This…" Andy was somewhat at a loss for words. "This is even messier than I imagined." Andy couldn't help but furrow his brows. He felt as if he had picked the wrong recording studio.

At the end of the corridor, a turn revealed a vast space. Platinum-certified records hung on the walls, covering every inch of the walls in a spectacular display. Even someone as musically unversed as Andy couldn't help but be amazed.

Andy walked up to the entrance of the recording studio but noticed that Renly hadn't followed. He turned around and found Renly standing there with his hands behind his back, gazing at the platinum records before him with keen interest. "Renly, come on, we've got a scheduled time."

"You go ahead. I'll catch up in a bit." In Renly's eyes, history was an intriguing thing. Everyone wanted to be recorded in history, to become a special presence in history. Yet more often than not, history was created unknowingly. When Nirvana recorded "Nevermind", they didn't know that this album would have immeasurable and profound effects on the music industry over the next twenty years.

Therefore, the wall before him documented not only the splendor of Sound City but also bore witness to the weight of history.

Renly, however, didn't know that Guns N' Roses and Nine Inch Nails had also recorded albums here. "Many great singers have indeed gathered here, haven't they?" A voice came from his side, and Renly turned his head abruptly, only to see several individuals standing before him.

He quickly realized that the corridor was narrow, and he was blocking the way. "Sorry." Renly promptly straightened his posture, clearing the path. They nodded at Renly before hastening their steps and leaving.

However, the person who had spoken to Renly initially lingered behind. "Choosing to record here takes courage."

Renly spread his hands. "Perhaps I want to absorb a bit of greatness, hoping it will bless my album with good results."

The playful tone elicited hearty laughter from the other person. "Then I'll cross my fingers for you." After their laughter subsided, he gestured toward the recording studio behind him. "Today's youth tend to lean towards digital recording, relying on electronic synthesis and music software to get the job done. Not many appreciate the essence of traditional recording anymore. So, good luck to you."

"If I may answer your question..." Renly shrugged, "I'm here today to record folk music."

Compared to pop, electronic, and rap genres, folk music didn't require electronic synthesis; traditional recording was the best way to capture the essence of music.

However, Renly's teasing demeanor prompted a smile from the other person once again. "Then you must try the Neve 8028. She can present the most authentic melodies, something digital music can't compare to. I hope your voice does her justice." He made no effort to hide his affection for the machine. "Who knows, maybe I'll give your music a listen when the time comes. Dave Grohl."

Looking at the outstretched, sturdy hand, Renly politely shook it. "Renly Hall."

"Best of luck with the recording today," Dave nodded in acknowledgment and then strode away with confident strides.

Watching Dave's departing figure, Renly lightly pursed his lips. This was a promising start. Dave Grohl, the drummer of Nirvana, the founding member of Foo Fighters, a legendary figure who had already secured a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Welcome to Sound City.