Hollywood: Behind The SpotLight Chapter 132

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 132

After two days, Collin found a recording booth in a reputable studio in the heart of Los Angeles, its walls lined with platinum records and old photos of legendary artists. Chantal was present to sing a few songs. Collin planned to make copies of the recordings and send them to record labels as carefully prepared demos, ensuring each one was labeled and ready to impress. If the record labels found Chantal's voice remarkable, they would contact him.

"What do you think? She has a nice voice, right?"

Collin asked the music producer who was handling the recording. Both n watched from the control room through the pristine glass that separated them from the vocal booth.

The control room, with its glass window, allowed them to see the padded vocal booth where singers perford. It was also where the music producer adjusted the sound, effects, and mixing of the music.

The producer gently bobbed his head in rhythm, his foot tapping discreetly against the floor while Chantal sang in the booth.

As for Isabella, she sat quietly in the corner of the control room, her hands clasped on her knees, eyes darting curiously. Collin had advised her to behave and remain silent since one wrong word could ruin the professional atmosphere.

The studio Collin rented belonged to a major record label known for scouting hidden gems and turning them into household nas. The music producer he was speaking to was one of the shareholders of the label, a man with both power and influence.

Collin used this chance to promote Chantal with every ounce of persuasion, determined to ensure her talent was noticed.

"She's amazing. I think she'll be a famous singer," the producer agreed.

The record label, Velvet Harmony, was a major force in the industry with more than 100 artists across various genres, rock, pop, ballads, and even experintal music. Out of these, seven were household nas: two rock bands, three female singers, and four male singers who dominated the radio.

It was no surprise that Collin was interested in Velvet Harmony. Partnering with them ant access to powerful marketing, pri venues, and wide distribution networks. Having seven successful artists was a clear sign of their strength. But Collin also noticed the other side, over 100 artists who had failed to find success. Not every voice, no matter how beautiful, could survive the brutal industry.

When Chantal finished, she stepped out of the booth, cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling with nervous excitent. She shyly smiled at Collin and the producer.

"Collin, right? How about we talk about this seriously?" Milo Finn suggested with a grin, clearly implying he already had a plan.

Collin asked Chantal and Isabella to step outside, allowing the discussion to turn toward negotiations.

Once they were alone, Milo spoke with a tone that was both flattering and calculating.

"Chantal has potential. Her voice is so soothing that I feel like I'm floating."

"That's right. But that's not all she can do. She can sing rock and pop too. Her voice adapts to different genres, and that versatility is one of her biggest strengths. You should hear her sing other songs, they're electrifying," Collin added.

"You're right. From what I see, you're interested in signing her with our label. I support your choice. I'd be happy to work with soone as talented as Chantal. Voices like hers are rare. She might even surpass so of our top nas."

"I'm happy to hear that."

"We'll pay your client $1 million and handle her first five albums. Of course, we'll own the rights to all songs in those albums. We can negotiate royalties, but we'll also take a share of her concert tours and rchandise."

Collin studied his words carefully. The deal sounded lucrative but was also restrictive. This was only the first round of negotiations, so he expected to push back and bend the terms in Chantal's favor.

The so-called $1 million wasn't really paynt, it was an advance the label would recoup from album sales and royalties. Until they earned that money back, Chantal wouldn't see a cent. In reality, it was a loan disguised as an offer.

"That's a great offer, Mr. Finn. But I want assurance. I want it written in the contract that your label will promote her albums seriously."

"I like that we're talking business. I know you're worried about her not getting proper support. I have a way to fix that problem."

Milo leaned closer, eyes narrowing as though he was about to reveal a secret.

Collin leaned in.

"You see, the owner of Velvet Harmony is interested in young girls. It's a sha Chantal is already 19, but we can work around that by involving her friend Isabella. If Chantal and Isabella spend a week with him on his private island, I can guarantee Chantal's career is set. Velvet Harmony will make sure she becos a star. I rarely extend this kind of arrangent, but Chantal is too talented to let go. So, are you in?"

Collin sat upright, his jaw tightening in suppressed anger, eyes cold as steel. Disgust roiled in his stomach. Agents were expected to be shaless and money-driven, but there were limits, and this crossed them.

Without shaking Milo's hand or wasting another second, Collin stood.

"I have to apologize, Mr. Finn, but I'll have to decline your offer."

"It's such a sha, Collin."

He left the building with a stiff expression, fury simring beneath the surface. Chantal and Isabella looked at him with hopeful eyes, waiting for news.

When they reached the car, Isabella was the first to ask.

"How was it? Did they agree to sign Chantal?"

Collin gave them his most handso smile, the sa mask he always wore when hiding his emotions.

"They're interested in signing Chantal, but I'm looking for more offers. We can't put all of our eggs in one basket."

He didn't want to tell Chantal that the label's interest ca with a filthy price. Crushing her confidence or exposing her to that darkness so early in her career could be devastating. Instead, he left it at that Velvet Harmony was interested, but he wanted a better deal.

The car rolled down the street as Collin gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white, silently vowing never to let anyone harm his clients.

[Author's Note: I feel like I'm painting the industry badly, but I can't say it's pure either. Being famous usually cos with a price and consequences. I'm not just talking about casting couch situations, people only see the glamour but not the darkness behind it. Since chapter one, I've wanted to show the ugly side of the industry too. Please don't forget the Epstein files and Diddy's parties, people need to be reminded. Thank you again for your support, you can read more on my Patr eon.]