hollywood billionaire

Chapter 252 The long-coveted big fish

"He..."

After hearing Xu Yiru's question, Zhao Youzhen turned his attention back to Han Yi.The curve of the corner of the Korean girl's mouth became wider, and a bit of the soft sweetness in her voice accidentally leaked out.

"You should know that he is a person who will not show his happiness no matter how happy he is when it comes to important matters, especially in front of his negotiating opponents."

"So, there was nothing unusual about that night. When I got up for breakfast the next day...and had dinner, I had a terrible headache. But he was radiant. After a few minutes, he started to giggle and couldn't close his mouth."

"Wait a minute, wait a minute."

Xu Yiru stretched out five fingers in front of Zhao Youzhen's eyes and made a pause gesture.

His wide eyes were full of surprise, as if he had discovered something extraordinary.

"What did you say?"

"Wake up... the next day?"

"correct."

Xu Yiru's sudden question made Zhao Youzhen slightly startled. Apparently, she herself was not aware of the ambiguity in her words just now.But soon, she regained her composure, and the mischievous and playful tone in her expression disappeared.She lifted up her hair from her ears, bit her lower lip gently, and filled her lowered eyes with a sense of spring.

"It was already six or seven in the morning when everything ended that day. I was also very drunk and I really didn't have the energy to go back to the hotel. Well... let's just..."

"Everyone goes back to his own house."

Han Yi, who was writing furiously, didn't even raise his head to cool down Xu Yiru, who was almost down.

"There are four bedrooms. I, Khalid and Loew are in the master bedroom. The others randomly assigned them randomly. I was the last one to wake up. I don't know which bedroom she came out of."

The subtle relationship between the three has lasted for almost two months. In this happy and painful interaction day after day, Han Yi has accumulated a very rich struggle experience.The most important one is that no matter what you are doing, as long as Xu Yiru and Zhao Youzhen start chatting, you have to put half of your mind on them.In order to avoid any fatal misunderstandings, if they are not clarified in time, no matter what the consequences are, the ultimate victim will only be him.

Such as the current situation.

Thinking of this, Han Yi glanced at Zhao Youzhen and snorted helplessly through his nose.

This little girl looks thick-browed and big-eyed, and she belongs to King Zhou Wu and Zheng. I didn't expect that she could also deceive and sneak attack.

"Read your memo carefully and don't get distracted."

You Zhen, who was exposed on the spot, looked as usual. She took a leisurely sip of iced Americano, calmly ignored Xiao Ru's resentful look that wanted to kill someone, and continued.

"We invited her to stay, and Yi was even prepared to open a suite for her in the Park Hyatt Hotel downstairs, but Haili still insisted on returning to The Bowery, which she booked for herself. According to her, it was because of all the things she had It’s all over there, and it’s not easy to remove makeup if you stay at One57.”

"However, as soon as I got up the next day, Hailey called me and asked her if it would be convenient for her to come over now. She wanted to find a quieter place near Central Park that would not attract attention. Let’s talk to Yi and I alone.”

"What are you talking about?"

Xu Yiru took a few deep breaths to calm down her emotions and no longer dwelled on the "malicious fraud" that Zhao Youzhen had just made her mind go blank.

Just look for an opportunity next time and get back a win.

Moreover, if Yi Yi was not lying...she was the one who had the upper hand.

Thinking of this, Xiaoru's face finally became clearer, and she asked while starting to clean up the leftover lunch on the table.

"Is it just about signing a contract?"

"Yeah." Zhao Youzhen joined in to help clean up. Among the three of them, she ate the most, and she was too embarrassed to just sit back and watch. "After dinner, Yi found a bar in the Upper East Side that didn't have many customers. It's inside the Carlyle Hotel, called Bay...Belle..."

"Bemelmans." Han Yichao looked at the two girls he was looking at, especially Xu Yiru, and explained, "The last time I went to New York to attend Rubinstein's charity dinner, I was in this bar. The Carlyle Hotel itself consumes The level is relatively high, and ordinary guests won’t come here to drink, so it’s a good place for talking.”

"That's right, after we had dinner, it was already after eight o'clock in the evening when we arrived at the entrance of Carlisle. There were only two or three tables of customers in the bar. Yi also specially reserved a seat at the corner, not to mention the paparazzi. It would be difficult for the waiters to notice us if we didn’t come over specifically.”

"In this environment, we didn't even exchange greetings with Haili. We basically got down to business as soon as we sat down... She started first. Haili's first problem was how to manage people and how to deal with them. There are no plans to continue to expand the size of our customer list.”

"Is it just the management company?" Xiao Ru captured the most critical information in Yu Zhen's words, "What about other aspects?"

"Fueled by Ramen signed a 360 contract with Paramore, and Hayley Williams signed a contract with Atlantic Records. In fact, they are the first new artist in our industry to sign a 360 contract."

"I know this. Yi Yi has told me about it." Xu Yiru raised his eyes and recalled for a moment, then nodded.The first 360 contract in history was drafted by British singer Robbie Williams' managers Tim Clark and David Entowen for their client in 2002. Through this deal with EMI, Robbie Williams Williams' personal profit exceeded 8000 million pounds, and EMI also made a lot of money.

But even with such gems in front of them, in the first half of the 360s, artists rarely chose to sign a 2005-degree agency contract with a record company.On the one hand, this is because most of the labels at that time scorned EMI's unconventional approach. After all, before [-], iTunes was still in its infancy, and the sales of physical records were still the most important in record companies' profit and loss statements. Part.Cutting labels' share of physical sales and increasing their investment in artist packaging in exchange for performances, peripherals or so-called "digital royalty income" is undoubtedly a foolish thing that outweighs the gains and losses in the eyes of many record industry executives.

On the other hand, artists also have doubts about giving record companies more jurisdiction.Many musicians believe that it is best to sign out the rights as dispersedly as possible. It is best to find different partners for artist management, legal affairs, entertainment management, music copyright distribution, record recording sales, and even peripheral production and sales.If any problem occurs on either side, it will not have a devastating impact on the career development of the artist.More importantly, on the same plate, these companies will naturally compete with each other and check and balance each other, allowing artists in the middle to reap the benefits.

Therefore, when Atlantic Records and Fueled by Ramen announced that they had signed Paramore to a 360 contract, the new band effortlessly attracted the attention of the entire industry before the release of their first album.Almost no one is optimistic about the development prospects of this pop punk band under the new business model, but in the end, almost all fans, media and so-called experts agree that without the benefits brought by 360 contract, Paramore would never be what it is today. This scene.

Sufficient advance payment and production budget allow Paramore to continue to steadily release high-quality albums at a rate of one every two years that far exceed the later levels of independent bands.At the same time, Fueled by Ramen, which provides full marketing support, is not like traditional record companies, which try every means to persuade the band to reduce the number of tours and focus on song creation.

Because, within the framework of the 360 ​​contract, Paramore’s more than one hundred commercial performances per year and the subsequent peripheral sales revenue will not become an obstacle to the record company’s increase in revenue, but will allow Fueled by Ramen to operate without any worries. In this case, a large amount of passive income can be generated out of thin air.

From "All We Know Is Falling" to "Riot!" to "Brand New Eyes" and "Paramore", the cooperation between Hayley Williams and the label has become more and more harmonious and effective. .Moreover, Hailey not only achieved a win-win situation with Fueled by Ramen, but also made some achievements in the expansion of her solo career.

"Airplanes", a collaboration with rapper BOB, and "Stay the Night", a collaboration with electronic music producer Zedd, were both well received. In terms of chart data and commercial performance, they even far exceeded any of Paramore's. A promotional single.

"Hailey has always been a key development target of Atlantic Records, and Paramore is equivalent to a band specially raised for her. In addition, after Josh and Zach left the band, Atlantic's support for Paramore has only increased. Just look at the announcement. The fourth album is even more powerful than the previous three combined." Of course, the first three albums have laid less mainstream channels than this "Paramore", and it is not exactly the same as the so-called "Atlantic Records vs. Hayley William" "Related to the intensity of support provided by James."The first three albums were based on pop punk, supplemented by emo pop, post-hardcore rock and indie rock.Just by listening to these music styles, you should know that when the Farrow Brothers were still in Paramore, the band's style was not suitable for large-scale commercial promotion, nor could it attract the favor of many mainstream music fans.

Compare Avril Lavigne, who also started her career with punk girl characters, as a comparison. This Canadian has done an extremely thorough job in popularization.The first promotional single of the debut album, "Complicated", is basically a slow love song with a pop rock shell.

The orchestration and arrangement of the second fast song "Sk8er Boi" is in a standard punk style, but the most important vocal melody and lyrics... can be described as a Disney assembly line product.At that time, almost every youth idol drama had the same theme song.Just put "Sk8er Boi" into any episode of "American Pie" or "One Over Beverly Hills" and it will blend in seamlessly and never look out of place.

By the third album "The Best Damn Thing", it was the same period when Paramore released "Brand New Eyes".In other words, while Hayley Williams was still playing hardcore rock in "Ignorance" and roaring along with the furious rhythm of 171BPM, Avril Lavigne had already evolved to the next popular version, using seven different languages. Sing "Hey hey yo yo, I'm your girlfriend". The lead single "When You're Gone" after "Girlfriend" goes a step further. It can basically be said to be a lyrical rock work copied by Kelly Clarkson.

As for Paramore, there is only one song "The Only Exception", which can barely catch the eye of the station manager.

Ultimately, the popularity of "Misery Business" in the field of popular culture is a miracle that even Paramore itself cannot replicate.What's more, if we only use chart rankings and sales results as a yardstick, the success of "Misery Business" is far from Avril Lavigne.

"Misery Business" peaked at No. 100 on the Billboard Hot 26 singles chart. During the same period, Avril Lavigne had already sold more than 2000 million albums worldwide and performed two global tours of 215 concerts, all of which were sold out. .

In pop culture and pop music, the rules of the game are like this. They are both extremely simple and extremely complex.You don’t need to create the most shocking and avant-garde works, you just need to find a way to make them acceptable to as many people as possible, so that they can be devoured as a pastime.

It sounds easy in theory, but it is so difficult in practice.Who can guarantee that their aesthetics will always be at the center of the mass consumer market?
At least not Josh Farrow.

The first three albums with him as the creative brainchild can become punk classics regarded as the standard by rock fans, but they will never reach the top in the mainstream world of commercial music.

This is the core factor behind Fueled by Ramen and Atlantic Records, which had been hesitant about large-scale radio promotion before, but was fully fired up when the fourth album was released.The departure of Josh Farrow hurt Paramore's team image and slowed down the preparations for the fourth album, but it gave Paramore a chance for nirvana and rebirth to a certain extent.

It's not a rebirth of a rock legend that can rival Pink Floyd, but a pop icon that can finally capture car radio and mainstream charts.

"Still Into You", "Daydreaming", "Ain't It Fun", Hayley Williams does not reject the integration with other music genres, nor does she resist the attempt to step onto a larger stage.No longer restrained, with the support of Warner Music's powerful production team, she delivered the most exciting commercial success since Paramore was founded.

"She has gotten along well with the producers in the Warner system, and the next album has entered the final stage of recording. Hailey told us that because of what he has done before, Josh will never be able to return to Paramore. But Zach has confirmed that he will return to the group before the next album. This time, he signed a personal contract with Fueled by Ramen early. In addition, Paramore signed a 1+6 long-term contract when they debuted, and there is still time before the contract is completed. It’s three albums short, so…”

When it comes to work-related topics, Zhao Youzhen talks endlessly and is very clear.

"Whether it is for us or for Hailey herself, the best way to cooperate at the moment is to start in the field of artist management... As for the entertainment agency, Paramore and Hailey have already signed UTA, and there is no way to ask for more. too much."

"What she needs now is a management team with strong execution and rich resources." Han Yi interjected, "It turns out that team... To put it bluntly, from their debut to now, they have basically done nothing, and their resources are only records. The company put it in her mouth. Although she is said to be a pioneer in 360 contracts, but think about it carefully, why was her manager willing to sign a full contract with someone in the [-]s? Is it not because she has insufficient resources and lack of confidence? ?"

"Paramore's transformation is such an important matter, and its reputation depends entirely on natural fermentation. Half of it is good and half of it is bad. They don't even care about Hayley Williams' solo career. "Airplanes" and "Stay the Night" have such good starts. She can obviously compete more with rappers and pop singers like Coldplay or Maroon 5. Even if it is not in her own name, it is good in the name of Paramore. There are so many things to do, but these people are completely indifferent, I really... …”

"I know you like her very much, but... I still hope you won't be so excited when communicating with Haili in person." Xu Yiru pressed down her hands to signal Han Yi to calm down, looking very cute and cute, "You will be regarded as A fan’s, not a professional’s.”

"He was so excited." Zhao Youzhen covered his mouth and snickered. "He talked non-stop for more than ten minutes, basically blaming all the decisions made by the previous management team."

"Criticize, criticize. I don't mean to criticize others." Han Yi corrected Zhao Youzhen's wording seriously, "And doesn't Haili just like our passion and drive for doing things? She said it herself, the reason why she is interested in us , at first it was because Ellie Goulding and Lana Del Rey were here, and later she was moved by Madison Beer's words. She said, "We are all new here, from the executive team to the signed artists. Yes, but this is not a bad thing, because most milestones are created with passion when people have nothing. After becoming successful, they will be worried and hesitate to move forward."

"What do you mean by hesitating?" You Zhen blinked and asked sincerely.

"Ah, it means he is very hesitant to do things, always unsure of his attention, and wandering in circles."

"Understood, hesitating, hesitating... I have learned it in books before, but I have forgotten it." As an academic who has been admitted to several Ivy League universities at the same time, Zhao Youzhen always seizes every possible opportunity to absorb nutrients. , "Hailey herself admitted that Paramore is now in a stage of... hesitating... and not moving forward. If they don't go further, the spirit and roots of the band will be preserved. The concept of popularization will be implemented to the end and the next album will be released. , Paramore may be completely outdated.”

"Cherish the opportunity of this album and completely change your image like Maroon 5's "Overexposed". This is the prescription we give Haili." Han Yi concluded, "It's just such an opportunity. I can’t wait, and I can’t afford to waste it.”

""Overexposed"..." Xiao Ru muttered, "It sounds so familiar."

"'Payphone,' 'One More Night,' 'Daylight,' and 'Moves Like Jagger,' which is not on the album."

"Ah, no wonder." Xu Yiru understood instantly, "Since this album, Maroon 5's style has been completely different from before. Also, I remember... At that time, Adam was also on "The Voice" Mentor, right?”

"Yes, the combination of variety shows and music has extended the life of Maroon 5 for five years, and also found a development direction for them that has increased its commercial value several times." Han Yi nodded, "This is what we want to do for Paramore. Not only do we need to make a good new album, we also need to find some suitable collaborative singles for Paramore and Hailey in addition to the new album, like "Moves Like Jagger", which will open up the band's market and horizons."

"Hai Li completely agrees with us. She has been in a low mood during this period because she can't find an exit or suitable helper." Zhao Youzhen added, "Although nothing has been signed yet, we have reached a verbal agreement. , when she returns to Nashville this time, she will talk to her previous management company about terminating the contract."

"Will it take a long time?"

"Management contracts are generally very short, ranging from three to four years, two to three years, or even one year, and rarely more than five years." Zhao Youzhen shook his head, "Hai Li told us that she and Showdown Management Bian's contract is renewable every three years, and from 2004 to now, it happens to be the end of the fourth contract period."

"That's a coincidence, that's great!"

When it comes to the ability to support people, across China, there is no more professional talent than the Baodao girls.When they praise you, their already sweet tone will become more high-pitched and high-pitched, as if they are so happy that they can't breathe because of your achievements, but they will not be so exaggerated that it feels false.As an elite girl who excels in all aspects, Xu Yiru knows this very well.

"Congratulations, Yiyi. Less than half a year after starting your business, you signed an idol. You have unlocked your life achievements, which is awesome."

"Youzhen is the number one hero in this matter." Xu Yiru kept silent to Zhao Youzhen, and Han Yi, who was carrying two loads of water on his shoulders, naturally had to help her make up for it.He waved his hand and showed a smile that was reserved but could not hide his pride and joy. "And... I have done so many things. How can signing a Paramore be regarded as an achievement in life? It's just that I like it. In terms of level, it’s still far behind.”

"The real big fish is the one I plan to catch following her."

"Which one?"

"Of course it is..."

Han Yi raised his chin and deliberately prolonged his voice to create a dramatic atmosphere.

"Taylor—"

"Swift."

(End of this chapter)