Producer's Note: Hello to all of my loyal and faithful viewers and reviewers! I truly apologize it has taken me so long to provide you with a new episode! My life outside of the studio has been quite chaotic and catastrophic the last several weeks but I have almost the entire first season written in a notebook and I hope to be able to produce at least an episode a week! Provided of course I see proof that I haven't lost all of my loyal fans! So please, grab a bowl of popcorn sit back and enjoy! When the episode is over please leave feedback and let the studio know what you think!
World Instant Star: The New Generation
Episode 102
Opening Credits… Jude Harrison.. Tom Quincy.. Kwest.. Sadie Harrison.. Vincent Speiderman.. Karma Speiderman.. Wally Robbins.. Kyle Bateman.. Jamie Andrews.. Zeppelin..
"And the winner is…"
She can still hear the words echoing in her mind as the harsh click of designer shoes echoes on the shiny floor of the NBR lobby as she follows Sadie West back to where they began their tour. The woman seriously looked like she stepped off the page of some Calvin Kline catalogue or something with her grey pin stripe business suit and grey pointed heels to match with her long blond hair pulled back behind her in a bun seemingly held in place by a pen. "Well I believe that concludes the tour miss Rose, so if you'll follow me to the board room I will introduce you to everyone." Sadie says sweetly as she leads the young woman into a lavish board room that's painted a rich orchid color with a large wooden table in the middle of the room. "Everyone meet Butterfly Rose, our first winner under NBR and the first from the US to win the contest." She clutches a clipboard to her chest as she looks from the girl back to the others motioning with one hand. "Miss Rose from left to right is Tom Quincy, Jude Harrison, Kwest, Zeppelin Andrews, and Jamie Andrews. I will be in the PR department if anyone needs anything." She touches Butterfly's shoulder lightly to try and relax the girl as she starts to leave, only to be stopped by the sound of her sister's voice.
"Sades, will you send Kris in when he arrives?" Jude makes the request in an almost business tone as she leafs through the papers on the table in front of her.
"Of course," She leans in towards Butterfly placing her hand lightly between the girl's shoulder blades as she whispers something to her before leaving the room.
"Have a seat miss Rose." Tom motions to the empty seats in front of the girl, "Then we'll get down to business."
"Sadie says you're emancipated, yes?" Zeppelin chimes in, pushing her glasses back up the bridge of her nose and offering that shy smile of hers.
"Yes ma'am, for two years now." She looks at each of them in turn, her eyes hidden by the thin framed mirrored sunglasses she still wears despite being in the dimly lit room.
"You're really only fifteen?" She looks at her quizzically before looking at her husband, Jamie. She can see the expression on his face that matches the others but she can't decipher it.
"Watching you in the finale was like going back in time for most of us you understand. You truly did an amazing job, which is why you won and why you have the chance to sign this contract as long as you are agreeable to the terms." Jamie chimes in sounding more business minded than he intends to.
"The contest rules stated that the winner would have a three album contract with NBR, concerts, tours, and the best publicity. Correct?" Her lips of painted scarlet parted speaking in even tones. Despite all the emotion she spilled when she sang, her voice seemed almost void of it now.
"On the technical side yes, however, NBR is also a family. At the very least for the duration of your contract, should you choose to sign, you will be a part of this family and treated accordingly. We also expect the same respect from you that you receive from us." Jamie responds sliding the contract across the table to her along with a pen.
She reads over the contract carefully finding it to be roughly the same as what was stated in the contest rules except of course for being longer and more legal sounding. She looks up at the circle of adults in front of her and hides her intimidation. "It doesn't say who's producing me?"
"They usually don't. Most new artists would receive either Tom or Kwest as their producer for the first year if not their entire contract. However with you we felt you might be better suited with our new producer. Who, we apologize, is running late," Jude states glancing towards the clock behind Butterfly.
"Why am I…" Her sentence is cut short as the doors behind her open again. She turns around to see Sadie and a younger man standing in the doorway.
Sadie turns and leaves without saying a word as the young man with dark silky hair that nearly reaches his ears and dark sunglasses concealing his eyes. He removes them as he takes a seat a couple away from Butterfly on her right hand side. He's dressed in a navy blue polo shirt and black jeans as he leans forward resting his arms on the table top in front of him. He looks towards Butterfly then towards the others without saying a word, letting Jude do the talking.
"Butterfly Rose this is Kris, he will be your producer. He's new as a solo producer but he has been working under Tom and Kwest since he was fourteen so he's more than qualified." She watches her waiting for a reaction, any kind of reaction but receives none so she continues on. "I believe we've covered everything so you two can get started. Sadie will be in later today to discuss your school schedule with you once she has it set up."
"Thank you, for everything." Butterfly states politely as she stands walking out of the board room and into the lobby waiting for her producer, her concealed eyes on her feet.
Kris walks out a couple minutes after her and nods towards studio A, "Well let's go see what you're made of kid, and see why you are the exception to the rule."
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And now, back to the show!
"What now?! I've tried every chord variation you've told me to! How is it still wrong?!" Butterfly nearly screams at Kris from where she sits perched on her stool on her side of the glass. Her olive green eyes narrowed in agitation.
"Well it just doesn't work. It's not coming together. Look, take a break. Go to hospitality get something to eat, and work on it. See if you can come up with a workable arrangement." Kris sighs, dropping into his chair as he releases the button. When he hears the glass doors shut on her side he leans forward dropping his head into his hands. "Is it just me man? Am I doing something wrong?" He asks his engineer Casey.
"You're both like brick walls. You're trying way too hard, especially for the first day. Don't get me wrong, she is as stubborn as they come. But despite her legal standing, she's still only fifteen Kris. Jude was just as much of a stubborn nightmare for Tommy," Casey inputs.
"She really is like Jude all over again isn't she?"
"Times two."
"Make that three," Sadie chimes in as she enters the studio with a soft click of her heels, "Which is going to make my news difficult to hear."
"Uh-oh, why do I not like the sound of this…" Kris groans rhetorically.
"Well I do have good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?"
"Good news, maybe it will soften the blow."
"Good news is; Butterfly's first performance will be at the Vinyl Palace, same as Jude's first."
"And the bad?"
"She goes on in three days. So you have until Friday to get her ready."
"Are you serious? We can barely work together for ten minutes without nearly coming to blows!"
"Well unless you want to be re-assigned and working under Tom or Kwest again you'd better think of something." Sadie pats his shoulder before leaving the studio.
"Look Case, it's almost five and she's determined to leave on time so don't mention the concert to her, okay?" Kris sighs watching as Butterfly walks back into the booth on the other side of the glass. He pushes the button on the board to talk to her briefly.
"Let's hear what you've got kid."
"When do you plan on telling her then?" Casey asks, his brow arching as they listen to her newest set of chords.
"Tomorrow morning, I'm going to get here early and kidnap her first thing. So then I'll take her some where like the park where hopefully she won't kill me. Or she will at least not hurt my ears quite as badly when she rips me apart."
"Good call man."
Kris looks back towards Butterfly, watching from a safe place behind the glass he pushes the button, opening communication on his side. "I think you may be onto something here kid. It's close to five though so let's call it a day and I will see you at 9am sharp."
"Does that mean you'll be on time tomorrow?" She asks with asmirk upon her lips and sarcasm dripping from her voice.
"Maybe I'll even get here before you."
"I'll believe it when I see it." She hops off of the stool and places the guitar in its stand before leaving Studio A and NBR without another word.
"Think you can really keep your word on this?" Casey pipes up once they're alone. He's lounging in the chair beside Kris with his ankles crossed and his heels resting on the arm of the sofa behind them.
"Oh come on, I'm not that bad."
"Dude, you put Jude's record to shame."
"He's right Kris." Tom chimes in, his sudden presence in the studio startling the other two, causing him to chuckle.
"Good lord! You know this is the reason most people knock or make noise when they enter a room." Kris sighs before asking, "Was there something specific or did you just want to eaves drop and scare us half to death?"
"I wanted to find out what you thought of your first solo client." He knocks Casey's feet off of the sofa's arm before perching there himself with his arms folded lazily across his chest.
"She has an attitude, she's stubborn, argumentative, and sarcastic; but vocally she's an amazing breath of fresh air. She needs help when it comes to arrangements but her lyrics are fantastic."
"I felt almost exactly like that after my first time with Jude in the studio. Think you can have her ready in time for her debut?"
"I think so, but to help that along I need to take her on a bit of a field trip."
"Get it cleared through the others before you go home tonight."
"Where are the others?"
"Jude's in her office, Sadie and the others in the board room discussing some of the details for Friday."
"I'll ask Jude first, if she agrees with my plan she'll help me sway the rest." Kris claps Casey on the shoulder before leaving him and Tom alone in the studio.
"Casey, keep an eye on them all right?"
"Sure thing, nut why? What am I watching out for?"
"Just their development, we want to know their progress and that they haven't killed each other."
"You got it boss. See you tomorrow."
The scene fades out as their day ends and the scene changes…
It's only 8:30 in the morning and he's already lounging on the ratty old sofa in Studio A with an open navy blue hard cover book in his hands. He's been reading for the past half an hour waiting for Butterfly to arrive. It only took five minutes though before his mind started to wander. He knows his plan has to go off without a hitch. He only hopes this works as well for him as it did for Tommy more than twenty years ago.
He turns the page of his book absently, sighing deeply when he's interrupted by the sound of the studio door closing and the soft feminine voice passing through rose tinted lips. "When did you get here?"
He looks up at the clock on the wall closing his book at the same time. He shrugs with a soft groan of leather as he answers her casually, "About an hour ago."
For a moment she's quiet and clearly impressed, and then she asks; "Are you ready to get started then?"
"Not yet, actually, we're going on a bit of a field trip before we get to the music today. That is if you think you can trust me."
"You're not going to tell me where we're going are you?"
"Hadn't planned to, no, think you're up to the challenge?" He stands closing the distance between them without appearing threatening.
"I'm fairly certain that I'll be safe with you, even if you are a stubborn ass." She flashes him a contrary smile as she motions for him to lead the way.
He starts for the door then stops briefly as a thought crossed his mind causing him to grab her hand without warning as he drags her out of the studio and the back door of the building into the alley. That brings them face to face with his blue vintage Viper.
"Is that…" She looks up at him with wide, shocked, olive green eyes.
"Yes, exact same care Tommy drove at my age when he first began producing Jude."
"How in the world did you get one of these?"
"Honestly? Let's just put it this way, it doesn't just look like Tommy's Viper."
"Are you serious?" She looks up at him with her mouth hanging open in awe.
He chuckles softly, reaching out he places the tops of his middle and ring fingers under her chin pushing gently to close it. "Just get in kiddo, we're losing time."
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And now, back to our show!
She's pacing around her small dressing room; Sadie has just left from completing her very simple make-up and hair. Sadie has put her in boots, black and red plaid bondage pants, and a black spaghetti strapped shirt with obvious red thread. Silver butterflies adorn from top to bottom down the center of the shirt. Her long strawberry curls hang free around her while hoops with red butterflies in the center dangle from her delicate ears. Despite the fact she knows she looks perfect and ready for the stage with her lips painted crimson, she's petrified. She hasn't spoken to her producer in nearly two days, since he took her to the lake and she blew up at him.
She really hadn't meant to cause this total silence between them. She had just wanted him to look at her point of view considering it is her song. She wrings her hands as she paces back and forth running dangerously close to wearing holes in the floor. Her crimson petals move rapidly as she quietly mutters to herself, the act helping her to work through her thoughts when she is interrupted by a knock on the door. Without looking up she calls out, "Come in."
Slowly and with caution the door opens and Kris walks in closing the door behind him before leaning against it. He looks good in more relaxed attire consisting of a pair of faded jeans, a navy blue t-shirt, black leather jacket, and worn out black converse. He reaches up to idly push bits of dark silk from his vision. "I know you don't want to see me, but before you start yelling, hear me out." He pauses for only a moment, not really giving her time to interrupt. "I know we don't see eye to eye about, well, anything, so I'm taking myself off your album and having Tom take over. You know what he did for Jude's career so I'm sure he'll do wonders for yours. Butterfly you may be young, but like Jude you are a true artist. You'll blow the industry away, starting with that crowd out there tonight. Good luck in everything." Then with a quick, almost mournful look he opens the door and leaves before she has time to react.
When everything he has just said registers she tries to chase after him only to be caught by Sadie. "Butterfly, it's time."
"But… Kris?" She looks at the woman questioningly.
"Will be watching in the back to the right, I promise. Let's go."
Don't say maybe
Nothing ever happens that way
Don't say tomorrow
Tomorrow always comes too late
And don't say later
Because later never comes
Every step along the way
So few stay and catch me when I fall
They come the moment after
The moment later is too late
The wounds are open
So few are ever there to tell me it'll be ok again
To help me stand my ground
So I stand-alone
But…
Don't say maybe
Nothing ever happens that way
Don't say tomorrow
Tomorrow always comes too late
And don't say later
Because later never comes
With every breath of word spoken against me
Who was there to ease the sting?
Who was there to say they're wrong
That I'm above the words they spoke
That my life's more than just a joke
That my life's worth something more…
Don't say maybe
Nothing ever happens that way
Don't say tomorrow
Tomorrow always comes too late
And don't say later
Because later never comes
What am I to this world,
Nothing but a waste of life's precious gifts?
I hold my own
Stand my ground with every stone thrown
When will I learn?
How many stones must they throw?
How many promises must be broken
Before I realize that you…
Don't say maybe
Nothing ever happens that way
Don't say tomorrow
Tomorrow always comes too late
And don't say later
Because later never comes
As the song ends and the music fades behind her giving into the thunderous applause from the audience, her olive green eyes are focused on Kris in the distance. She had watched him through most of her performance, standing exactly where Sadie said he would be. She tries to leave the stage and chase after him when she sees him walk out of the club. Once again she's stopped by Sadie trying to drag her off to face the press. But she's determined this time and she pulls free slipping out a back door. He's no where in sight and neither is his Jeep that he'd driven tonight. Immediately she pulls out her phone and calls a cab.
As soon as she's in the cab she gives the driver the first location that comes to mind; NBR. Anxiously she watches the scenery go by during the ten minute ride until they reach NBR. She hands the cab driver enough to cover the fare and a small tip before she bolts out of the cab. She sees his Keep in the lot, proving her hunch correct.
She runs in through the front doors before finally slowing down to keep down the risk of him hearing her. It's almost eerie to her to be here when it's empty except for Kris and her. She very quietly walks into Studio A when she spots him with headphones on buried in whatever is pouring out of them.
She reaches up and removes them from his head from behind. When he spins around in shock she speaks, this time not giving him the chance for words. "You're an idiot. Did you seriously think I'd let you quit?"
He shakes his head, "You can't really stop me."
"Not with force, no, but that wasn't my plan. Kris you are an amazing producer, as proven by my performance tonight. So we don't agree most of the time Tommy and Jude fought more than they did anything else in the beginning, and look how great her work came out. We fight but it makes what we do better. Your job is about passion just as much as mine is. You brass me off, I won't deny that, but I don't want a different producer. I think they knew what they were doing when they assigned me to you. So what do you say? Will you give working with me another chance?"
"Shouldn't you be talking to the press right now?" He's painfully obvious about avoiding the question.
"I left. It's more important to make sure I keep my producer. So what do you say? Will you give it a try?"
He watches her with his piercing crystal blue eyes knowing she's sincere and here of her own accord. Finally he sighs, "We can try again. Are you really sure you want me producing you?"
"Yes!" Finally a smile paints itself on her crimson lips faintly until she notices the clock. "I need to go before I turn into a pumpkin but I'll see you at 9am sharp on Monday?"
"9am sharp, I'll be here on time." He watches her disappear before he has a chance to consider changing his mind again.
Today's episode was brought to you by American Mom studios of California. In association with Space Monkey productions and sponsored by Space Monkey Inc.
On the next episode World Instant Star: The New Generation
"Michael and Molly came too didn't they?"
"Want to be friends? Oh! You have to come meet Melody! You'll love her, she's a fan of yours too."
"Butterfly, everyone needs friends."
"You're afraid aren't you?"
"Rejection. Failure."
"No I mean you're at risk of falling for her, hard."