Chapter 29: Chapter 29: The Re-Invention
While the promotion for "Re-Invention" was in full swing, major record companies were also scrutinizing the song's MV. Their interest wasn't because of the song itself, but because of the ongoing rivalry between Republican Records and SBK Records. Each company watched with glee, eager to analyze the competition.
"It's definitely cool," Joel Jay, the president of Warner Records, said after a meeting, discussing the MV with other executives.
"Dolly Amos is planning to release a new album soon. Maybe she could use a shooting style like this—it's fresh and eye-catching!"
"True, it is eye-catching, but I think the impact overshadows the song's features. It doesn't quite fit Dolly's style," said Major, the head of the publicity department. "And finding a director with this style isn't easy."
"Don't we have any directors who could do this kind of MV? It doesn't seem too difficult, stylistically," Joel frowned.
Major nodded. "It's not difficult in terms of style, but matching the colors perfectly is challenging. If we use the same colors, it might look like an unoriginal imitation."
"Alright, forget I said anything. We should keep an eye out for directors who can handle this type of MV. I think the younger generation might really like it."
Aside from record companies, many casual listeners were discussing and recommending the song to others. The bold colors of the MV and album cover made it seem like it had collectible value.
As a result, collectors rushed to vinyl stores, quickly buying up all copies of "Re-Invention." The price of the vinyl skyrocketed, becoming a hot collectible item. Numerous buyers sent letters to Republican Records requesting a reprint.
Despite the positive reception from fans, there were dissenting voices. DJ Grim from Brooklyn announced his intention to boycott artists like Raymond, accusing him of trying to redeem his first song's poor reputation with a sob story and claiming the new song was soft and unmanly.
He even nicknamed Raymond "Raygirl," infuriating Davis to the point where he almost confronted him with a gun, but Raymond stopped him.
However, Yesan and Giorgio knew these were just SBK's tactics. Although many radio stations claimed neutrality, they all had their own partners. SBK had several Black rap artists, and under higher-ups' instructions, they quickly began to criticize Raymond's song, from its weak vocal style to its effeminate tone. Some said the MV looked like light pollution, flashy and not masculine.
But despite the criticism, audience votes with their feet couldn't be stopped.
Singles flew off the shelves, and TVs behind record store counters constantly played Raymond's "Re-Invention" MV. Republican Records even put up huge posters of the album cover on a plaza building. The mysterious deep blue easily captured the attention of many passersby, becoming a hot topic in New York news that day.
Everyone learned for the first time how important color could be for an album.
The song's request rate at radio stations soared, nearly placing it in the top three for the week.
Of course, SBK and other record companies didn't remain passive. Besides attacking through radio station statements, SBK also had several of their Black artists release singles simultaneously to divert sales from Raymond.
This tactic proved effective, as "Re-Invention's" rapid rise slowed slightly.
But Republican Records responded with heavy promotion, determined to keep the song's momentum high.
This, however, had little to do with Ethan and the others. At that moment, he was standing outside Fist Music Company, chatting with Sloth after handing him a box of cigars, then walked down the hall to Yesan's office.
It was Billboard update day, and they were waiting for the latest rankings to be announced in the evening.
While chatting and waiting, they were astonished to see that Raymond's song had debuted at number fifty!
"Wow! Fifty!" Raymond exclaimed, jumping up from the sofa.
He could see his dream of stardom beckoning, the red carpet seemed to be laid out right at his feet!
Yesan also sighed with relief and joy. This meant he had made the right bet, and the partnership with Republican Records had achieved a win-win!
Raymond would become Fist Music Company's flagship artist!
"Raymond, starting tomorrow, we'll be going on a nationwide tour!" To support Republican Records' promotion, Raymond and his band would be touring various cities, with Yesan naturally accompanying them.
"No problem! Bring Davis, Big Mike, and Little B too! I'm about to get famous!" Raymond said before turning to Ethan. "Brother, are you coming with me?"
"I'll pass. I have other work," Ethan declined with a smile.
Not only was there the upcoming advertising competition, but as he was not part of Raymond's team, he wasn't one of those who would rise with Raymond's success.
As the leader, Raymond needed to enjoy the perks with his close friends.
But Ethan was not among them, and he didn't want to be.
Yesan, though, felt that taking so many unrelated people might be a waste of money, but knowing he couldn't convince Raymond otherwise, he stayed silent. He instead took out a wooden box from his drawer and carefully opened it.
Ethan and Raymond saw a row of large Cuban cigars, clearly high-quality selections.
"These are my treasures, handle them carefully," Yesan said, handing one to Raymond and another to Ethan.
Ethan wasn't inexperienced with smoking, just not interested in regular cigarettes. Now that there were cigars, he was willing to give them a try.
Yesan, however, didn't immediately cut the cigars. Instead, he asked, "Have you ever smoked cigars? Not just puffing away to show off, but truly savoring the aroma… enjoying the taste of the cigar."
"No," Ethan shook his head, admitting he hadn't had much exposure.
Raymond also shook his head. "You know me, Yesan, I'm more impatient."
"Alright, I regret pulling these out," Yesan said, clearly valuing the cigars highly. Had it not been for his good mood, he might not have taken them out.
But since they were now in their hands, he continued instructing, "Follow my instructions carefully. First, smell the cigar. Then use the cigar cutter to cut the head. Avoid a straight cut; for beginners like you, a diagonal cut is the simplest and safest method."
Ethan followed the instructions, smelling a hint of milk and coffee, which was quite appealing.
After savoring the aroma for a while, he cut off the cigar's head.
Yesan continued, "Next, I'll light it for you. Remember, don't start smoking immediately! First, like me, blow on the cigar's head. When you see a glow, then take the first puff. And every subsequent puff should be about 30 seconds apart. Got it?" Yesan sounded like a cigar teacher, and Ethan and Raymond nodded in agreement.
After a moment, Yesan added, "Also, don't inhale the smoke into your lungs, especially you, Raymond. Take big puffs, exhale fully, and enjoy the aroma and flavor. That's how you truly appreciate it."
Ethan picked up the large cigar. He knew that larger sizes were better for beginners, as the first puff is milder, and the flavor intensifies as it burns.
He held the cigar to the flame, rotating it slowly. Once the head turned black and a ring of grayish white appeared around the edge, with a glowing ember visible inside, he knew it was the perfect moment to smoke.
Ethan took a deep puff. The subtle flavor immediately filled his mouth, and then he exhaled forcefully, letting the smoke rise in the room.
"Ah," he reclined in his chair, feeling utterly relaxed.
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