OBS Chapter 082, 1rd Single
Chapter 082, 1rd Single
"Yang Du + Jiang Yan, this combination is absolutely awesome!" Tao Cheng read a comment from a Weibo post while holding her phone, then turned to Yang Du sitting next to her and said, "Junior, do you think our combination can achieve Pro Max?"
"Hey, senior, didn't we invite you to come and review the music?"
On the morning of the 11th, Yang Du finally finished the 17-day recording of the accompaniment, completing all the instrumental recordings, arrangements, and synthesis for all ten songs on the album "Swallowtail Butterfly".
According to the schedule, Tao Cheng will officially enter the studio on August 13th to begin the most crucial part: vocal recording.
So, taking advantage of this free time today, Yang Du specially invited Tao Cheng and Sister Hong out for an essential part of the music industry: arrangement and listening.
The goal is simple: to let the singer go through the entire framework of all the accompaniments for the album before officially entering the studio, familiarize themselves with the accents and rhythms, confirm the key of the arrangement, and see if it sounds comfortable.
If the singer has any further comments or suggestions, modifications and improvements will be made at this stage.
However, Yang Du did not arrange for the arrangement and listening session to take place in the top-of-the-line listening room that Jinshihua had invested heavily in, but rather in Tao Cheng's van.
In industry jargon, this is called "in-vehicle interrogation".
Import the high-quality backing track audio you've created onto a USB drive, plug it directly into your car's multimedia system, and play the entire album through your car's speakers.
Listening to accompaniment in a recording studio or listening room is certainly possible, but there's a problem: the conditions there are too perfect.
99% of listeners in this world are not audiophiles; they don't have professional acoustic equipment, let alone a listening room that costs millions and has undergone professional acoustic renovations.
This is similar to how very few people would build a private Dolby Atmos theater in their own home.
How do the vast majority of ordinary listeners listen to music?
Listen on your computer, mobile phone, Bluetooth headphones, or even while commuting in the car.
The main feature is that you can listen anytime, anywhere, whenever you want.
The train carriage is a relatively enclosed, small space with less-than-perfect facilities.
If a song sounds comfortable, pleasant, and immersive while driving, it will likely be perfect on other playback devices as well.
At this moment, the nanny van was driving on the Fifth Ring Road in Beijing. Yang Du and Tao Cheng were sitting in the back seat, while Sister Hong was in the passenger seat in charge of playing music.
"Given the quality of 'Painting Heart' and its current nationwide popularity and widespread appeal, it might just be a sure thing that it will win the Golden Bell Award for Best Original Film Soundtrack next year."
At this point, Tao Cheng revealed a rare hint of envy: "Thinking about it, it's actually quite frustrating. I've been in the industry for almost two years and only received one Golden Bell Award nomination. Jiang Yan, on the other hand, practically secured an award right after her debut."
Hongjie, who was in the passenger seat, was changing songs on the multimedia screen when she heard Tao Cheng's sour words. She couldn't help but say, "Chengzi, are you still thinking that 'Painting Heart' might win the Golden Dragon Award for Best Original Film Song?"
The Golden Dragon Award is the highest award in the film industry.
Tao Cheng nodded: "Yes."
"Don't whine without reason," Sister Hong said with a smile. "If you had said this before May, or even last year, I would have taken it as you genuinely envying Jiang Yan and feeling that you were suffering inside."
"But now, holding the lyrics and music book of 'Swallowtail Butterfly' in your hand, it's a bit like Versailles. You're holding a royal flush, and you're still envying someone else's pair of Aces?"
"Hahaha, Sister Hong, why did you expose me?"
Tao Cheng burst into laughter when her agent saw through her lies.
She's just showing off!
In the past half hour, the car speaker has played the instrumental versions of six songs, from "The Pain That Breathes" to "Cage". Even though I had heard the AI-generated demos before, I was still amazed and impressed.
With this level of production as a foundation, Tao Cheng even began to fantasize about what it would be like if she could unleash her full potential in the studio and perfectly record the vocals...
Will she not only receive a nomination at next year's Golden Bell Awards, but also potentially win a prestigious award?
When I go on stage to accept the award, who should I thank first? It's a happy dilemma indeed.
"I also believe that I can achieve something at the Golden Bell Awards," Yang Du said confidently.
He managed to cram five hit singles into this album, pushing the limits of what he can currently achieve in terms of both concept and listenability.
"You two..." Sister Hong shook her head with a smile, "Shut up, no champagne allowed halfway through, not even in private. It's best not to make promises you can't keep."
Besides, the wine hasn't even been brewed yet.
"Okay then." Yang Du quickly shut his mouth and made a zipper-sealing motion.
Tao Cheng tidied a stray hair behind her ear and said, "Let's listen to Sister Hong and continue with the instrumental version, next song."
Sister Hong reached out and tapped the screen, saying, "The next song is the one that connects the previous and subsequent tracks of the album, and is also the title track, 'Swallowtail Butterfly'."
With a few powerful guitar strums and drumbeats, the pop-rock rhythm of "Swallowtail Butterfly" instantly filled the entire carriage.
Tao Cheng held the lyrics and music book, her feet unconsciously tapping to the rhythm of the accompaniment, completely immersed in the song that was tailor-made for her.
"The exhilarating emergence from the cocoon, the impulse for a magnificent rebirth..."
……
On August 13, a Land Rover Range Rover smoothly drove into the underground parking lot of the Jinshi Music headquarters.
Three minutes later, Yang Du entered the recording studio with his newly appointed assistant and driver, Chen Chen. Not long after, Tao Cheng and Sister Hong arrived, and even the extremely busy Fang Lei appeared in the recording studio.
"Senior." After a few brief pleasantries, Yang Du got down to business, "Let's briefly go over the recording schedule for the next few weeks. My plan is to record them exactly according to the emotional order of the five songs in the album, following the flow."
"The song 'The Pain That Breathes' opens the recording and 'Unstoppable' concludes it. Following this order, your emotions in the recording studio will gradually build up. If you follow this pattern, the recording process should be relatively easier."
Upon hearing this, Fang Lei, who was standing to the side, agreed, saying, "That's right. Singers going into the recording studio to record is actually the same as actors going into a film crew; they both need to get into character. If they follow their emotions and do it in one take, the result will be more coherent and natural."
"I'll do whatever you say." Tao Cheng naturally had no objections. "Anyway, we're in the recording studio, so whatever you say, I'll do. I trust you."
Yang Du gave an OK sign, and Tao Cheng began to enter the recording studio for a sound check.
Seeing Tao Cheng quickly getting into character in the glass, Fang Lei turned his head and got down to business: "The company has a plan to release a single while we're recording it."
This is standard practice in the industry; it's known as pre-launch hype and the initial wave of promotion.
On the one hand, releasing a high-quality single in advance can dominate various charts, firmly grasp the public's ears and expectations, and build momentum for the entire album.
On the other hand, and this is the most crucial reason.
The logic of capital has always been simple and brutal. If the data of this pilot project is a huge success, then the senior management of Jinshi can take this impressive report card directly to the business table for negotiations.
From pre-sale sponsorships of albums and collaborations on physical merchandise to commercial endorsements by the singers themselves, everyone can leverage this trend to maximize their profits.
Yang Du naturally had no objections: "Which song is the company planning to include in the single?"
"Isn't this a direct question to you?" Fang Lei laughed. "You're the producer of the 'Swallowtail Butterfly' album, so we're eager to hear your opinion as a professional. Which song do you think is most suitable?"
Without hesitation, Yang Du said, "If I had to choose, I would recommend 'Bubble'."
"Why 'Bubble'?" Sister Hong, who was sitting on the sofa in the back, couldn't help but come forward when she heard this. "I think 'The Pain That Breathes' would be more suitable."
Yang Du and Fang Lei looked at Sister Hong, signaling her to continue.
"Think about it, Orange's first album was all about urban love songs, and 'The Pain That Breathes' is undoubtedly a top-notch sad love song. If we use it as the opening track, it can seamlessly connect to the first album and instantly evoke memories for longtime fans."
"With a little guidance, not only can 'The Pain That Breathes' achieve good results, but it might also boost the sales of the first album, killing two birds with one stone."
"Most importantly, this is a safe bet, it will definitely not backfire, and it can give the entire 'Swallowtail Butterfly' album a great start."
In the music industry, aren't there plenty of examples of people making a mess of things?
Many singers fail to reinvent themselves and end up losing their core fanbase. They make a series of impressive moves, only to disappear without a trace.
Although Sister Hong is very confident in "Swallowtail Butterfly", playing it safe will never lead to a mistake.
First, stabilize the core customer base, then expand to attract casual viewers.
Yang Du shook his head: "Sister Hong is right, but 'Bubble' could be better."
"First, what is the core concept of the album 'Swallowtail Butterfly'? It's about breaking out of the cocoon and becoming a butterfly, about metamorphosis. Since it's about metamorphosis, the first single must show the market a completely different Tao Cheng, presenting a unique perspective from the outset and making a strong first impression."
Sister Hong paused for a moment, then fell into deep thought.
"Secondly," Yang Du paused, then pointed out the key point, "Senior's previous single was 'Flammable and Explosive,' which is still in the top 20 of the charts. The tension of 'Bubble' is enough to carry the momentum of 'Flammable and Explosive.'"
Fang Lei nodded in agreement, saying, "There's a third one. If the first single is 'The Pain That Breathes,' it would feel a bit like going back to the old ways after taking that first step, and the momentum would be weaker."
After careful consideration, Sister Hong realized that this was indeed the case.
Whether it's the music industry or the entertainment industry as a whole, sometimes seeking stability means mediocrity; if you don't move forward, you fall behind.
For Tao Cheng, who has almost secured her position as the leading lady of the new generation, what she needs now is a sharp and aggressive spirit that leaves others far behind, and an indomitable aura that can kill anyone who stands in her way.
"Alright, then we'll do as you say and choose 'Bubble'."
Fang Lei pressed the intercom button on the control panel, ready to hear the singer's opinion.
"Orange, the company is preparing to send out one order first. What's your opinion? 'The Pain That Breathes' or 'Bubble'?"
"The Bubble," Tao Cheng said without hesitation.
The three people in the control room exchanged a smile. Well, as expected of Tao Cheng.
"Okay, unanimously approved, the plan is settled then." Yang Du made the decision. "Let's take two days to finish recording 'The Pain That Breathes,' and on the 16th, Senior Sister will have a day off."
This is the standard rhythm in a recording studio: record for two days and rest for one day, or record for three days and rest for two days.
After all, singers are not machines; their vocal cords need to recover, and their emotions need to continue to settle.
"Sister Hong, have Lin Xu come to record the vocals on the 16th, and on the 17th, Senior Sister will continue working and record 'Bubble'."
It's almost mid-August now, and the recording of the voices for "The Lone Warrior" is still not finished. Yang Du has been very busy lately, so he can only squeeze in the recording when Tao Cheng is resting.
Yang Du turned to Fang Lei and said, "We expect to finish recording on the 18th, and Jinshi can start a promotional campaign ahead of schedule."