Chapter 116: Treasures Everywhere
[Chapter 116: Treasures Everywhere]
"Ryan?"
"Ryan... don't you like it?"
Alexandra Daddario twirled in front of Ryan, wearing a red crop top dress reminiscent of the style associated with Taylor Swift. When she noticed Ryan's lack of reaction, her nervousness kicked in.
Ryan finally snapped back to reality. "I just thought of a new song."
"What new song? It couldn't be because of what I just said, right?" Alexandra Daddario's face lit up with surprise.
Ryan didn't answer right away. Instead, he turned and sat down on the couch. Daddario quickly followed, leaning over him comfortably.
...
As a DJ, Ryan found himself naturally moving his hands on an imaginary DJ table, twisting his left hand and scratching a record with the right, doing each motion effortlessly. But instead of electronic beats, what echoed in his mind were the melodic tones of a vocal line.
His brain processed all the information he had just received. First off, it was an electronic song with a structure similar to Wake Me Up, leaning more toward pop music, with the chorus devoid of vocals.
However, unlike Wake Me Up, this song had a melancholy vibe. The verses only featured three tracks: vocals, plucking sounds, and a hint of low-frequency bass. The chorus took a turn, introducing drums alongside a high-pitched sound akin to a wind instrument, which seemed to originate from India.
Ryan thought about the beat and realized he had heard something like it in Tropical House music. Kygo was the champion of this genre, known for its crisp, fresh tones that evoked thoughts of tropical beaches and warm sea breezes.
Given the popularity of Wake Me Up, Ryan was instinctively inclined to lend his voice to this track. The only challenge would be locating that extraordinary instrument.
And the additional details surrounding the song were even more intriguing. There were three writers: Justin Bieber, Diplo, and Skrillex.
Justin Bieber had received high praises from Scooter Braun, who was even willing to let Ryan go for him. Diplo had been spending more time with Ryan, being one of the resident DJs since the inception of the Bad Room nightclub and never missing a gig.
As for Skrillex, Ryan wasn't too familiar with him, thinking he was still emerging like previous artists such as the Belgian brothers, Martin Garrix, or Avicii, who hadn't hit mainstream yet.
This meant Ryan had added another name to his "potential signing list." He had previously asked Marvin to scout for talent on his behalf. Ryan even planned to establish a dedicated scouting department within his record label, determined to unearth hidden gems.
Among the trio, Ryan was most impressed by Justin Bieber. At only fourteen, Bieber was still just a kid who barely grasped the industry. Ryan had often heard Scooter rave about him and watched videos of his vocal and dance training. But Bieber's vocals in this song and his transformation in the music video suggested that he had matured quickly, looking older than Ryan.
Fortunately, having gained access to the song early meant Ryan was positioned to capitalize while Bieber was still developing. This song, being electronic, felt tailor-made for Ryan. He imagined how Taylor's future songs would evolve -- would she maintain her country roots? Would she lean towards pop? Perhaps even venture into electronic music like Bieber?
Moreover, would pop stars gradually transition to electronic music in the coming years? Lady Gaga's electronic dance music was already climbing the charts!
Ryan mused that this seemed plausible. As he watched the music video, he discovered an even bigger treasure.
...
Though simple, two elements about the music video caught Ryan's eye. First was the dance element; the video was packed with dancing, showcasing a sing-and-dance style that would allow him to display his physicality better and fit perfectly for live performances. In other words, he was stepping closer into the realm of traditional pop stardom.
This song would be his 'transformational piece'! The thought filled him with anticipation about the future.
Secondly, Justin's outfit in the music video was stylish and appealing to Ryan. From a straight man's perspective, Bieber certainly appeared handsome, the quintessential boy-next-door vibe that female fans adored. The wardrobe, a fresh take featuring oversized tops and fitted pants, stood out.
While not particularly attuned to fashion trends, Ryan had heard of the popular streetwear brand BAPE, which sold at luxury prices despite being a streetwear label.
Kanye West had even collaborated with BAPE to launch sneakers, and Pharrell Williams had partnered with the brand's founder to target the North American market with two sub-brands.
Recently, some magazines referred to this clothing style as "high-end street style," which had originated from designer Raf Simons back in 2001.
That was the latest trend update Ryan stumbled upon while scanning magazines -- he wasn't big on trends, but he was certainly interested in cashing in on luxury goods, which were undoubtedly high-profit margins. Besides, he had a ready collaborator in Elizabeth's two older sisters, who specialized in fashion.
...
"Is that enough?" Alexandra Daddario brushed Ryan's hand away, her face flushed with embarrassment.
Ryan patted the "turntable," and Daddario received the instruction and started to throat sing. Although she was not a singer, she understood the musical notations.
At least it is a transitional work. As a DJ, Ryan has to use his superb skills in operating the DJ booth.
A few minutes later, when Alexandra Daddario lifted her head, she noticed a picture of Taylor on the shelf. This particular snapshot captured Taylor smiling at her. Daddario instinctively reached out to grab it.
Feeling a rush of excitement, she took the frame and placed it next to her.
"Let her watch closely!" Daddario smirked.
...
The next morning, Daddario was jolted awake by the sound of knocking. She quickly shook Ryan by his side.
"Who's knocking?" Daddario asked, a hint of panic in her voice.
"Who knows? Just ignore it," Ryan mumbled, his brow furrowed.
Before they could react, they heard the door creak open!
"Shit!" Daddario exclaimed. Only three people had keys to this apartment: Ryan, Taylor Swift, and herself!
*****
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