Chapter 61: Album Profits, Sugar Went Viral
[Chapter 61: Album Profits, Sugar Went Viral]
On the morning of February 10th, Linton, Mira, and Henry Zhou entered Daniel's office laughing, only to see Lisa smiling brightly with her accountant inside.
But this time, Daniel didn't conduct the settlement in his own office; instead, he took them to the office of President John Smith. It seemed the settlement amount was so large that it required the president's personal involvement.
In John's office, besides the secretary, there was a lawyer and an accountant. A bottle of champagne was already opened on the desk.
...
The first part was the final royalty share of three singles from November 1, 1991, to the end of January 1992.
In the North American market, Baby sold 350,000 copies, Numb 420,000 copies, and Believer 480,000 copies, totaling 1.25 million copies, with an average price of $4.80 per album (the last sales window with bigger discounts).
In overseas markets, Baby sold 830,000 copies, Numb 870,000 copies, and Believer 960,000 copies, totaling 2.66 million copies, averaging $4.60 per single.
According to the agreement, Linton was entitled to 22% royalty, which amounted to $4,011,920.
...
The second part was the first royalty share from Linton's debut album up to the end of January.
The album sold 11.26 million copies in North America, at an average price of $15.80.
Overseas sales reached 15.87 million copies with an average price of $15.20.
According to the agreement, Linton's share was 22%, amounting to $92,209,040.
...
The third part was licensing fees for the 13 songs on the album, which had strong performance.
The standout was Sugar, which brought in $8.32 million from various licensing deals, far exceeding expectations.
Other songs generated a combined $19.45 million in new licensing fees, totaling $27.77 million.
With a 22% royalty rate, Linton could receive $6,109,400.
...
Adding all three parts, Linton's total income was $102,330,360. He paid 10%, $10,233,036 to WMA (based on the previous commission standard for 1991 revenues), paid Henry Zhou 1%, $1,023,303.6, leaving himself $91,074,020.4.
Seeing such massive numbers, everyone was naturally overjoyed, their breaths quickening with excitement.
After the accountant verified the amounts, Linton and Lisa signed the documents.
...
Daniel poured several glasses of champagne, and John personally handed them around, saying, "Pleasure working with you."
"Pleasure working with you!"
"Cheers!" Everyone raised their glasses and cheered loudly.
...
John looked at Linton with a complicated expression. Last year, Universal made huge profits thanks to Linton's three singles and album, achieving unprecedented success, and John himself received a hefty bonus.
More importantly, he was able to conclude his career triumphantly. Such results during his final tenure gave him great prestige.
Correspondingly, his retirement package and compensation would be more generous when he retired later this year.
But what pained him most was missing out on discovering Linton, a superstar. As Universal's president, he had missed this chance, leaving Daniel to manage Linton and pocket delicious commissions.
What frustrated John even more was that the new songs Linton wrote for the movie were sung by a female singer from Daniel's company.
Didn't Universal have suitable female singers? The thought was painful to his chest; he couldn't breathe.
No, he couldn't think about this any longer, his heart wouldn't take it.
...
"As of yesterday, Linton's debut album's sales officially surpassed 28 million copies, exceeding Madonna's True Blue at 27.7 million, ranking second in album sales history. Congratulations!" John swiftly collected himself and raised his glass.
Everyone raised their glasses and cheered.
"The company has issued congratulatory statements to the media about Linton's debut album breaking 28 million in sales. Reports will come out tonight to further promote the album and boost sales."
"Thank you, I am looking forward to breaking new sales records," Linton responded with a toast.
"Here's even better news. On last week's Billboard chart, Sugar unexpectedly rose to second place. Our marketing staff found that all wedding companies, bridal shops, and related businesses are playing this song. The music video has been urgently released on LaserDisc for sale.
People hear the song everywhere; Sugar has truly broken out of its niche. This week it's sure to hit number one on the Billboard singles chart, also driving album sales higher."
"Even more exciting is that Sugar is a breakout hit not just in the U.S. but in almost all overseas markets. Last week it ranked well on charts in multiple countries and is expected to rise further this week, pushing album sales overseas as well. The company is rapidly promoting Sugar globally to maximize success," Daniel added.
"Looks like surpassing 30 million album sales in February shouldn't be a problem," Linton said happily. He also realized why his ability progression sped up recently; it wasn't just media hype, but the breakout success of Sugar.
"Over 30 million, definitely. Thanks to Sugar going viral, February accumulative sales could reach 31 million. Linton, to support the promotion, the company wants to hold a celebration dinner tomorrow for surpassing 28 million copies. What do you think?" John suggested.
"28 million isn't that impressive, maybe wait until we break 30 million to hold the party. The press impact would be stronger and generate more media coverage," Linton proposed, adding he was too busy lately.
John and Daniel exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.
"Alright, we'll hold the celebration once the album breaks 30 million sales. Shouldn't take long."
...
After leaving John's office, Daniel invited Linton to his office to discuss business. Linton told Mira and Henry Zhou to wait at his own office.
Entering Daniel's office, Daniel happily said: "Linton, another piece of good news: I've streamlined Universal's internal process for the movie soundtrack production. The male group for Ain't Cha is arranged and handed to John's people. You should send someone over to negotiate specific cooperation details."
"Alright, I'll arrange it. The movie's producer, Robert, will soon contact you," Linton promised.
He felt pity for Panasonic. From top to bottom, Universal executives were blatantly poaching talent.
But what did that have to do with him? Moreover, if those executives had truly been loyal to Universal, this royalty settlement wouldn't have been so quick. Linton was a beneficiary here.
"By the way, the song recordings for the movie need quick preparation. Filming starts in March, so February should produce a preliminary version for shooting. The final product will replace it during editing."
"Okay, I'll start preparation tomorrow to not hold you back. Is Lisa still the producer?"
"Yes, she works well with us. Let's continue."
"Feels like a dream that within just one year you've reached this level. Now your album has even outsold Madonna," Daniel sighed.
"Michael Jackson is still ahead, though. I wonder when my album will sell as much as Thriller?"
"Michael Jackson is one of a kind, a special product of a special era, crafted by the full power of American media as a symbol of the American dream.
In the '80s, when the Soviet Union was recklessly bombing Afghanistan, we needed a star hero like Michael to represent anti-war, anti-racism, and constantly call for peace globally.
At that time, our media at other top five record labels worked for free to promote Michael worldwide.
You know the most fanatical fans of Michael were actually those in Soviet-controlled Eastern Europe. That was the propaganda effect back then."
"But Michael's singing is top-notch. I loved his music since I was a kid."
"I don't deny his skill and charisma as a top artist, but objectively, without the country's needs at that special time, he would have succeeded but never reached this level.
But now times have changed. Back then, the Soviets were dropping bombs abroad and we needed to promote peace through Michael.
But now? We're the ones dropping bombs abroad. Do you think the government needs to create such star heroes anymore?"
"Do you remember the points system I mentioned before?" Daniel suddenly asked.
"Yes, what does that have to do with it?"
"Back then the government needed Michael. He actively traveled the world for them, effectively earning 'points' with the government and politicians who in turn made him into a global superstar.
That's how he gained immense fame, success, and wealth.
But now the government and politicians don't need him. He's no longer earning them points.
His initially earned fame may gradually lose its foundation.
If he doesn't convert his current fame and wealth into other 'points,' the consequences may not be good."
"How so?" Linton asked, intrigued.
"Michael is black, and given America's current social climate, the black community should be his base.
But after becoming famous, he distanced himself from the black community, even undergoing skin whitening surgeries to assimilate with white culture.
Even worse, he publicly said, 'I don't live for any color in this life,' which alienated his biggest base.
He's losing both his support at the top and his grassroots base."
"What will happen?"
"For an ordinary person, perhaps no problem, but don't forget, he has massive wealth.
His 'Neverland Ranch' alone covers over 1,800 acres in Los Angeles - not some farmland elsewhere.
Last year, he even wrestled away the Beatles' song rights from the six major record companies.
With such wealth but no protection, what do you think the consequences are?"
"What could happen?"
"You tell me. Didn't I tell you before that this is fundamentally a 'survival of the fittest' society, just with a layer of legal dress to cover it?
Wait and see. I don't know if Michael even realizes it himself."
"Even if he doesn't, surely his lawyers, agents, and accountants warn him?"
"Here's a truth: never put your hope in others. His agents, lawyers, and accountants may already be allied with others or bought off, scheming how to profit from him."
'Perhaps this is just the reality,' Linton thought, recalling Michael Jackson's tragic end in a past life.
"Linton, I share all this because I see you as a true ally, hoping it helps you, and that our partnership lasts longer," Daniel said seriously.
"Thank you, Daniel. I will remember your advice and work hard to become stronger," Linton sincerely thanked him.
*****
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