Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 70: Best New Artist]

"Have you made it to Nashville?" As soon as Ryan opened his phone, he saw the text from Elizabeth Olsen.

The navigator was parked outside the airport. After Ryan dropped Joel off at home, he received a call from Scooter.

"Ryan, you need to come back to Atlanta in the next couple of days. Robin Thicke is only available for a short time," Scooter said on the other end of the line.

"I'm not considering teaming up with him right now... I've thought about it for a long time, and I still feel that his voice isn't the right fit," Ryan directly rejected the idea of collaborating with Robin Thicke.

"Listen, Ryan, we already promised him. Backing out now isn't wise. It will make you seem unreliable. Who's going to want to work with you in the future? You can't stall indefinitely. Can you find someone better than him?" Scooter pressed.

"Of course, the real wise choice is me," Ryan responded.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm going to perform Wake Me Up. It's my song, so I should be the one singing it."

"Ryan, you're just a DJ. DJs are performers and producers, but they're not singers. That doesn't align with your career path," Scooter argued.

"Maybe that's true for other DJs, but I'm different. I've already performed in Nashville Star." Ryan mentioned his past experience.

"I advise you to think carefully. Actually, I've already lined up several potential collaborators for you -- Arthur, Ludacris, Lil Wayne -- these are all big names. You could really soar!" Scooter continued to press.

"We both know what the best choice for me is."

"Let me put it this way: if you perform this song, there's a good chance it won't make any waves. Are you willing to take that risk?"

"Absolutely, risk and reward go hand in hand."

After thinking it over, Scooter replied, "Okay, so are you coming to Atlanta or not?"

"No, I can get all the recording done here in Nashville using local studios."

"Well, get it done quickly." Scooter hung up the phone.

Ryan let out a sigh of relief. Scooter had revealed his intentions. The key was really in the identity of "DJ." At the Ultra Music Festival, Deadmau5 had mentioned, "Record labels don't understand how DJs work, so they won't give electronic music any significant airtime." Scooter knew this too. He had brought Ryan under his wing more as a "DJ" or "producer." The radio tour he had previously arranged seemed more like a last-minute decision since Harlem Shake had unexpectedly gone viral online, leading many radio stations to want to feature him.

The emergence of Wake Me Up completely shattered Scooter's overall plan.

In a way, this was a good thing for Ryan. He had embarked on a path no famous DJs like Armin or Tiesto had ventured into -- a broader avenue.

...

Instead of going home, Ryan headed straight to Blackbird Studio.

When Ryan burst into the recording studio, he saw Taylor and Colbie Caillat recording together. Their earlier collaboration, Breath, was in its final production phase.

Through the glass, Taylor spotted Ryan, immediately took off her headphones, stopped recording, and dashed out.

"Why didn't you let me know?" she bounced towards him, her fluffy hair blowing in the breeze.

The other people in the studio chuckled at the sight.

"I wanted to surprise you," Ryan casually said. Truthfully, he should have returned yesterday, but his plans had been delayed by Elizabeth Olsen.

Ryan didn't want to interrupt Taylor's recording, so he went to lounge in the waiting area.

...

About an hour later, after Taylor had sent the other staff members home, she entered the room, humming the song they had recorded that day.

♫

It's two amFeelin' like I just lost a friendHope you know this ain't easy,Easy for me

And we know it's never simple,Never easyNever a clean break, no one here to save me

I can't,Breathe,Without you,But I have to,Breathe,Without you,But I have to

♫

"Where did you get that inspiration?" Ryan frowned slightly.

"Jealous?" Taylor chimed back with a bright smile.

"No," Ryan shook his head.

"You still say no? Is your heart hurting? Now you understand how I felt when you talked about your date with Abigail, right? This song is actually about losing a friend, a tribute to a lost friendship." Taylor revealed.

Losing a friendship? That might not be a good omen.

Ryan then asked Taylor about the new album's production. She mentioned that most of the tracks were done and production was nearing completion. After releasing the new EP, they could begin promoting the album, including filming the first single's music video, which meant she was about to enter a new phase. She also had to spend some time in Los Angeles, as Scott Borchetta had secured an appearance for her on Hannah Montana, and she would be a guest for the Jonas Brothers concert.

"By the way, I haven't settled on a name for the new album yet. I've got several options," Taylor shrugged, noting there was still time, so it wasn't urgent.

Ryan discussed his new song and Scooter's thoughts. Taylor pondered deeply.

"Thank goodness you wrote Wake Me Up; otherwise, we'd be kept in the dark," Taylor said. "You're right; your song should be sung by you! What if someone else sings it and it becomes a hit? That would be a massive loss!"

"Speaking of which, I have to go to the ACM Awards in Las Vegas this week. I'll be there for a few days. Why don't you..." She turned around, pinching Ryan's nose, "Why don't you go with me?"

Attending the awards ceremony would also give Ryan and Taylor a few days of quality time without parental interference. Just thinking about it made Taylor excited, eager to leave the next day.

"Let's wait until I finish recording the new song," Ryan said, wrapping his arms around her waist, feeling a bit restless.

"I'll help you book a studio for later," Taylor said, turning around.

They spent some intimate moments together; if it weren't for Taylor's mom calling, Ryan would have definitely taken care of what he had missed out on these past few days.

...

"This is our first time attending the ACM Awards, and we're honored to present this award..." On the TV, a woman in white stood in front of the microphone, flanked by two men. They were from the up-and-coming country music group -- Lady Antebellum.

"These three beautiful women have had an amazing year."

"But only one of them can win."

The two male members spoke one after another.

"The ACM Award for Best Female New Artist goes to..." The woman opened the envelope.

"Taylor Swift!"

"Yeah!" Abigail rejoiced, giving Ryan a high-five. Sitting next to them was Trey, casting occasional glances at Ryan. Seeing the sweet expression on Abigail's face made her let out a sigh.

The scene shifted to Taylor, wearing a stunning white strapless dress as she walked onto the stage with an expression of surprise.

"There are so many people I want to thank, but at this moment, I just want to thank one person. She used to love having lunch with friends and cooking for family, but she put everything aside to take her daughter on the road. She sleeps in a rented car and yawns on planes because she's just that tired." Taylor looked at the trophy, pausing several times as she spoke, ultimately making the audience smile.

"So, Mom, thank you so much; I love you!"

The entire venue erupted in applause.

The camera shifted to Taylor's parents, who were seated in the audience.

That was the reason Ryan hadn't gone to Las Vegas with Taylor. Under the watchful eyes of her parents, they couldn't be too reckless, so Ryan chose not to go.

"I'm really happy for her," Abigail hugged Ryan. Taylor had left, and there was another one who needed comforting. Ryan had spent a few fulfilling days with her, not only did she accompany Ryan to complete the recording of the new song, but Abigail didn't even go home yesterday.

...

After winning the CMA last year, and now the ACM, Taylor had collected two of the biggest awards for Best New Female Artist in country music, representing her tremendous potential.

Thirty minutes later was Taylor's live performance segment. When she first appeared, she was in jeans and an oversized hoodie, half of her face covered by the hood. Holding a guitar, she was halfway through her song when two dancers pulled at her clothes, tearing them open to reveal her true stage outfit, a sleek black skirt.

The music changed suddenly, and a water wall cascaded from the stage above. When Taylor opened her mouth again, the lyrics had shifted to Wake Me Up. She had unexpectedly changed her setlist to promote Ryan's song.

"How is she singing your song?" Abigail blinked in surprise.

"Well, there are two versions of this song -- the other version is sung by Taylor," Ryan explained.

"No wonder," Abigail nodded and then nudged Ryan. "I'm hungry, dear. Tonight, I want to eat what you cook."

After Ryan left, she started asking Trey some questions...

*****

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