*late May 1980*
(Y/N) is at the studio listening to her album playback. Andy and Karen came to support her.
(Y/N)'s POV:
Today is the first playback of my album. I am nervous and excited all at the same time. Andy and Karen volunteered to come to the remix playback.
I got up bright and early and headed into the studio before anyone else got there. I wanted to see the prototype vinyl sleeves for the album and to see if the track listing was correct.
Side One of my album consisted of:
1). Wind of Change
2). Reasons to Be Happy (duet with Andy)
3). Wildflowers
4). Too Late to Turn Back
5). Suddenly (Bee Gees cover)
6). Pink Roses
Side Two of my album was the country/crossover songs:
7). Happy
8). I'm Just Me (cover of Charley Pride's song).
9). Blue Skies
10). Someone I Used To Be
11). Coffee Cups (a song I wrote when I flew in to surprise Andy around our engagement)
12). Born To Be Me
Each of the songs I wrote came together from the many experiences I've had in this world. Let me say, Herb was very impressed I could write such songs but it wouldn't have been as easy without the craziness I've felt. The only stipulation Herb and A&M wanted was to have 2 songs that were written by other artists at the time. I chose Suddenly by the Bee Gees because it was one of their older pieces of material. I also chose a Charley Pride song which was I'm Just Me because that's exactly it, I am just me.
Herb came in, making me come out of my thoughts.
"Hey (Y/N). How's it going?" he asked.
"I'm good Herb. Wow the album cover looks amazing," I told him reading over it once more.
"The A&M cover artists worked really hard. These photos were our personal favorites too and it looks great with the album title Just Being Me," Herb told me.
We heard a knock and saw Andy and Karen at the door with Richard. Sometimes I forget Richard and Karen co-produced my album.
I went and greeted them.
"Hi honey," I greeted Andy.
He handed me a travel mug with coffee.
"Ello darling, so proud of you," Andy said kissing my cheek.
"GIRL I'M SO STOKED," Karen greeted excitedly.
"Hello (Y/N)," Richard said mumbled.
"Do you want to start the playback (Y/N)?" Herb asked.
"Yes everyone who is important in this process is here now," I said smiling.
"Ok great. Rich and Karen, since you are co-producers of the album go ahead and do your thing," Herb instructed.
"Ok awesome (Y/N) I am so stoked for you!" Karen said heading to play the tape.
"I'm so proud of you darling. Hopefully you like the coffee," Andy whispered in my ear.
"Thanks love. Your support means a lot," I told him and squeezed his hand.
Karen hit play on the tape and everyone went slient.
I still could not believe this was me. The (Y/N) (L/N) from 2021 made it big in 1980.
I was incredibly proud of how the album was sounding as I did not have any actual music training. What I did was just sing along to my favorite Carpenters or ABBA songs to train my voice I suppose. We were only on track 3 but it was getting better.
"Wow (Y/N) Wildflowers sounds incredible," Karen told me.
"Thanks, KC. It was actually one of my least favorites to record because of the higher vocal range but it came together," I said smiling.
"You did pretty fabulous on your first album (Y/N)," Herb told me.
"Thanks, Herb," I said smiling.
The album kept playing on and I was just completely lost in my music.
The playback was over and I was just looking at everyone.
"Darling I have to say I am incredibly proud of you. You are going so many places. I really liked Wildflowers and I am biased, our duet," Andy said locking eyes with me.
"I really like the diversity we got for your album," Richard told me.
"(Y/N) I'm just so proud of you, you are incredible and I can't wait for your album to drop so I can buy a million copies," Karen said smiling.
"Thank you guys so much. Your kind words mean a lot. I can't believe my album is finished," I told them.
"Let's open some champagne (Y/N) to celebrate," Herb said pulling out a bottle and some glasses.
Let's just say, I'm glad this whole siutation wasn't just a dream.
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