I desperately want to win on the peninsula

MONSTAX teleported directly from Los Angeles back to the Peninsula with a single TP.

Lin Qianqiao received a call from Esbee that same day. They chatted for a while, and the implication was that there were some problems with the post-production of the piece, and he needed to offer some suggestions.

To be honest, mixing different teams in the later stages is quite important, after all, there's a saying in the industry that goes something like this.

Writing a song is like creating a child, and the purpose of later remixing is to dress the child in a beautiful outfit.

Lin Qianqiao first put away some of the things and souvenirs she bought in Los Angeles.

However, it was already evening when I got back to the dorm. Even if there was a problem with the demo, I would have to check it again tomorrow. I felt quite relieved because I could tell from Ebsee's tone that the problem shouldn't be too serious.

First, he went back to his room to organize some beats on his computer. They weren't for the group album, so Lin Qianqiao didn't need to worry about the MONSTAX songs anymore, since the title track was already confirmed. What else was there to worry about?

The main issue is the hip-hop beat. Since we have plenty of material prepared for SMTM, we need to find a solution for this one, because it was written based on personal preferences and carries his style, so it can't be integrated into the group's music.

So it would be a waste not to pick them out and use them. Moreover, music is about timeliness. There are a few beats that he really likes, so he picks them out and puts them in a separate folder to keep them.

Lin Qianqiao's current idea is to release a mixtape, or a studio mix album, after the comeback ends. To make it simple, he could just record a demo and release it, but that would be too casual. Generally, people would mix and match things just to make it look like a proper album.

The advantage is that this way, you don't need to upload the music to any music streaming platform. You can just put it on SoundCloud for your own enjoyment, and you don't even need to participate in any chart rankings.

SoundCloud, also known as YouTube, is a place where many musicians share their audio.

With the rise of SoundCloud, the musical careers of rappers and singers like Lil Pump, XXXTentacion, Juice WRLD, Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, Trippie Redd, 6ix9ine, Ski Mask the Slump God, Suicideboys, and Lil Peep all originated from SoundCloud. Several of these rappers have subsequently charted on the Billboard charts.

Furthermore, a new subgenre of rap has emerged on this platform, which, unlike the mainstream, has become rougher and darker due to a lack of production. SoundCloud rap is a type of low-fidelity, melody-driven music with distorted sound effects, and its lyrics often focus on repetition rather than content.

Therefore, creating a mixtape of the remaining bullets from the ammunition depot and releasing it on this platform can be considered a return to home.

It's worth mentioning that this works for Starship Entertainment. Zhou Xian released a mixtape before his debut, so he has some talent. He also has several thousand fans on SoundCloud, otherwise Starship Entertainment wouldn't have signed him up for SMTM.

Therefore, Lin Qianqiao's actions are entirely reasonable, and can be seen as feedback to his hip-hop fans who have always supported him.

The next day, Starship Manufacturing Department.

Lin Qianqiao pushed open the door and saw Esbss pouring water. When he saw Esbss looking over after hearing the noise, he took the opportunity to ask about the song.

What's wrong with the demo?

Then he put down what he was holding and found a place to sit.

"Because of the tight schedule, the company outsourced part of the post-production to an external studio," Esbee explained to Lin Qianqiao, who had just sat down, handing him a disposable cup before sitting down himself. "So... the problem lies with the studio, but they came up with an idea that I think is pretty good."

"So I'd like to hear your opinion."

"I see..." Hearing this, Lin Qianqiao nodded slightly, but he was also a little curious, "What's the idea?"

"Here's the thing, the studio is planning to add a track to the B-side of the main theme, creating an Easter egg interaction between 'Hero' and 'Monster'." Esbee smiled as he mentioned this, thinking the Easter egg was really unique, and then added:

"The idea is roughly to add the melody of 'You can call me monster' from 'Monster' to the back of the 'I can be hero' part in 'Hero'. This melody will be treated to be subtle and lingering around the edge of the verse..."

"Similarly, this part of 'Monster' will be handled in the same way."

"I understand." After hearing the explanation, Lin Qianqiao immediately understood. After a moment of contemplation, she said, "This part of the two songs is actually very compatible. The vocal melodies are also very similar. Adding a Tcack is no problem at all, and it can bring a good effect to the stage remix later."

He has a good understanding of the songs on the album, so he can quickly recall the general melodies from his mind...

"Indeed, that's what I think too." After hearing the opinion, Esbee was stunned for a moment, then nodded mechanically.

Unexpectedly, Lin Qianqiao grasped the meaning so quickly. You should know that he didn't quite understand it at first, and it was only after the studio reminded him that he realized it.

In that instant, he suddenly realized the difference between ordinary people and geniuses...

"This is a good idea. It was designed by that studio, and it's quite interesting." Lin Qianqiao chuckled, unable to help but feel curious about the studio. He also felt that the producer had grasped the original style and structure of "Monster" before coming up with this idea.

"Eden Studio," Esbee replied.

"So it was them...no wonder." Hearing the familiar names, Lin Qianqiao nodded slightly, feeling quite surprised.

"You know him?" Esbee asked curiously, judging from his tone that they seemed to know each other.

"We happen to know each other. We studied music arrangement at the same time, and we get along quite well. It's just that he got started a little faster than me and has more experience."

Lin Qianqiao nodded in agreement, not feeling there was anything to hide, and frankly revealed her relationship with him, her words revealing familiarity and an expression of complete understanding.

He added in his mind: there are also things that the two of them know, and their skill levels are roughly the same.

However, the friends Eden found were quite good, filling in the gaps in his skills.

As it stands, their team is a fairly well-established studio, capable of handling everything from songwriting and composition to post-production mixing and concept creation.

The team members each have their own strengths; among them, LEEZ is very capable, specializing in rock, jazz, and lyrical vocal melodies. With some honing of his skills, he could even be spun off and become the lead producer at a small company.

In addition, there is another master of mixing and matching, Superboom, who is extremely good at adding various EDM elements and is considered a very talented producer.

Moreover, the entire studio is very young, consisting of members from around the 90s. Lin Qianqiao happened to know him because Eden once wanted to recruit him into the team.

However, Lin Qianqiao declined, as she simply couldn't muster any interest in post-production.

It's worth mentioning that he currently works for PD Zhao's company, which is why Lin Qianqiao is familiar with him—because he actually knows people there.

The reason these people can't get ahead is simple: Block B doesn't need to help with composing, so Eden has been sidelined. Unless the company releases a new group, they can only endure it and take on outside jobs like they are now.

Esbss, who was standing to the side, was a little dumbfounded. She didn't expect the circle to be so small that she could run into an acquaintance of an acquaintance.

A thought popped into my head: wasn't this all too coincidental?

Lin Qianqiao suddenly remembered something, "Isn't Cube in contact with them?"

"How do you know Cube is contacting him?" Ebsee asked with a gossipy tone after hearing his words.

Lin Qianqiao waved her phone directly and explained in a relaxed tone, "We've always been in contact. He told me that Cube is quite optimistic about them and wants to collaborate with them on B2B. I didn't expect our company to hire him as a producer."

"Oh, I see!" Esbee exclaimed in sudden realization, then clapped her hands and laughed, saying, "It's so much easier to get things done if you know someone."

"As for their abilities... they're pretty good. If it's them, then there won't be any problems." Lin Qianqiao, who was familiar with the Eden team, raised an eyebrow.

"Then let's do it this way..."

"Okay..." Lin Qianqiao nodded, thinking that there should be no problem now. Suddenly, she remembered that she had brought him something.

"Oh right, bro, here's the souvenir I bought for you."

"Oh dear... I can't accept this!"

"It's nothing, I bought it especially for my brother."

Lin Qianqiao felt that everything was done and there was no need to argue with this guy anymore, so after saying a few words, she simply turned around and left.

Moreover, Lin Qianqiao was afraid that if he realized what was going on later, Xiao Qiao's ideas would take root in his mind and he would have to offer him more suggestions, which would be even more troublesome.

It's both mentally and physically exhausting; I'm really afraid of it.

Lin Qianqiao rushed to the practice room as soon as she stepped out of the production department, mainly because the MV shooting was approaching and the dance coordination was not yet in place.

The main problem is that both Lin Qianqiao and Zhou Xian are participating in SMTM, and practicing on both fronts has made their coordination a bit awkward. They can only intensify their practice.

MONSTAX's practice room is on the third floor. Go downstairs from the production department, turn a corner, and walk to the door at the end of the corridor with a tag on it.

Pushing open the door, Zhou Xian, hearing the commotion, turned around and shouted, "Come quick, you're the only one we're waiting for!"

"Oh my god, teacher." Lin Qianqiao greeted the choreographer first, and only walked to his seat after seeing him nod.

A moment later, under the guidance of the dance teacher, the seven members gathered together and assumed the starting pose. As the music started, their half-bent bodies changed with the rhythm of the drumbeats. The dance in the prelude was like a spring, constantly shifting, while also carrying a touch of violent beauty.

"One step, two steps, step down quickly!"

The dance teacher kept moving, constantly reminding the seven people behind him to follow his steps, and increasing the volume of his voice at each change in the scene.

The seven members of Monstax practiced their dance under his guidance through actions and words. The teacher they hired this time was from the well-known 1M, a company located quite close to Starship, both in Nonhyeon-dong.

This dance studio specializes in dances with strong physical movements, and their choreography for girl groups often includes suggestive or suggestive elements.

But this is normal, since the songs released in recent years have all been of this type, and these demands are usually made by entertainment companies, while studios generally create styles based on those demands and the musical style.

After all, this studio doesn't just choreograph for girl groups; they also collaborate with boy groups, and their choreography is quite good.

The style of the music basically set the tone for the dance; locking and urban elements were inevitable. Combined with the requirements put forward by Starship Entertainment, the performance was unlikely to deviate from the theme, and the overall performance was quite commendable.

The framework is clear and distinctive...

The mirror in the practice room reflected the seven people practicing their dance continuously, while a staff member stood in the corner observing their overall performance and step coordination, occasionally taking notes.

The ear-piercing friction sound, the clattering floorboards, and the constant stream of sweat dripping from Lin Qianqiao's temples.

This dance was really difficult; practicing it was so tough it made everyone complain.

Even Shownu, the leader with the longest dance training career, said that this was one of the most tiring dances he had ever practiced, let alone the other members.

After what seemed like an eternity, the dance teacher finally called a halt, summarizing their performance, praising or scolding them as they went, and then dismissed them for a break.

Not long after the dance teacher left the practice room, another person came in—it was the manager, Lee Young-jin.

The first thing they said was some great news: the return date has been set.

"Really? Our comeback is going to be against Girls' Generation and all those seniors?" Joo Heon stared wide-eyed at his manager, Lee Young-jin, his tone utterly incredulous.

The other members all looked shocked, as if to say, "Are you kidding me?"

"Hmm..." Lee Young-jin was stunned for a moment when he received the message. He didn't expect the company to be so bold. He gave a wry smile and said, "Our comeback date is probably set for the end of August. According to the official announcements released by SM Entertainment, it's highly likely that we'll run into that date."

Upon hearing this, Lin Qianqiao's lips twitched slightly, feeling that this man's words were biased.

This doesn't even qualify as a collision, let alone a bump. At most, it can only be called a scan, a one-click scan.

Monsta X is like an innocent little monster in a hack-and-slash game, still looking around with childlike wonder and curiosity about the world, then skipping and hopping around, enjoying the good times, pure and innocent...

But fate had already decreed that he would be kicked to death by these predecessors at will, just like kicking to death a roadside animal...

And it's that simple.

However, Starship Entertainment always seems to pick such perfect dates. They debuted with Bigbang and EXO, and for their comeback, they've chosen the most formidable girl group right now. Although it's not a full-fledged version, taking down their contemporaries is still a breeze. But their courage is truly admirable...

And I'm really curious if there's a master in the company... otherwise, I should really go and burn some incense.

"However... the company will most likely adjust the date." Lee Young-jin pondered for a moment before comforting the members who were lying on the floor looking utterly hopeless.

Based on his understanding of the company, there should be some changes. After all, it's not like Monstax is being forced to practice headbutt exercises, where they've already seen a huge obstacle but still refuse to turn back until they hit a brick wall.

There's a saying that goes, "Escaping is shameful, but it's useful."

"Qin'jia?" Zhou Xian exclaimed in surprise, his eyes widening instantly upon hearing the twist.

You could hear the joy, surprise, and happiness in his tone, a mix of positive emotions. His face showed a relieved expression, as if he had just escaped a disaster. You could tell he really didn't want to be stepped on by the older girls.

"Yes, there will probably be adjustments." Lee Young-jin nodded. "Anyway, you should prepare for your return."

"Yes," the others replied.

……