Producer's Corner

Chapter 5

It has been a few long, tiring, but happy months since Kiki created her social media accounts. Deciding that song remixes and open verses were the best options, she started her channel with a couple of each. Kiki spent days, even weeks, just trying to figure out how she wanted to work. How she envisioned her music sounding. She was also very happy that she didn't receive any copyright claims. During the later months, Kiki finally started getting more views and recognition, with remixes blowing up on other social media platforms like Tik Tok.
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Opening her bedroom door, Kiki stands there in a sleepy daze, oblivious to the fact that one of her roommates was about to knock on the door.

"Well, good afternoon to you. I was about to tell you lunch is ready." Lucas says, backing up from Kiki's door.

Startled by the sudden voice, she rubs her eyes, looking at the owner of the voice. Relaxing at the sight of Lucas, she simply hums in confirmation.

Turning to watch her slowly walk towards the dining table, he narrows her eyes. "Did you sleep at all last night?"

Turning to look at him, she rests her head on her palm. "No." Is all that she says. Knowing exactly what the conversation was going to turn into.

Sitting down in an empty chair, Lucas started to question Kiki. "Why did you do another all-nighter?"

"Is Meg at college?" Kiki asks, picking at her food.

"Don't avoid the question! What have Megan and I been telling you? Don't overwork yourself." He scold.

Looking off to the side, she sighs in defeat. Even though she didn't put up much of a fight in the first place. "I couldn't stop thinking. The thoughts mixed with overthinking, anxiety, and the fact I work best at night did not help."

Lucas deflates at this, his eyes softening. "Well, we'll start small. What are you overthinking about?"

"About new songs, how to improve, and what my next move is going to be." Kiki sighs deeply.

Tilting his head in confusion, Lucas thinks for a moment. "New songs? Don't you have content ready for the next six months?"

Lucas' eyes widen before she can respond. "Or are you thinking about original songs? Or even working with idols?"

Rolling her eyes at what she thinks is an overreaction, she plainly states, "Yes, I do have remixes made for a while, but it's never bad to have more. And, yes, I am writing original songs. Though I haven't done anything for idols, I've come to the conclusion that I'm ready and want to work with idols. Hopefully."

Lucas's eyes once again widen in surprise. "Wait, you actually have original songs written? Are you going to sing them yourself?" Completely forgetting about the idol part or the fact that one of his best friends doesn't like socializing.

Looking up at him, she solemnly states, "No." The simple but serious reply sounded more defensive and rude than what she wanted to imply. She just wanted him to understand that she was set on staying hidden.

Realizing what he asked, Lucas deflates. "Right, sorry. I forgot and got excited." He awkwardly apologizes. I shouldn't have said that.

Knowing he created the awkward atmosphere, Lucas continues the conversation. "Who are the original songs for? Or are they just for fun right now."

Kiki softly sighs before answering. "They can be for someone, but they're more for future uses. As in showing other artists what I can do and what I usually write. And if someone likes the song enough, they could use the song."

As he processes the new information, he thinks of ways she could start working with artists. Basically shouting, Lucas slams his hands onto the table. "I have a great idea!"

Startled at the sudden noise, Kiki fixes him with an annoyed glare. "Do that again, and I'll show you my great idea. Of murder."

Slouching slightly in his chair, Lucas once again apologizes. "Sorry." He mumbles.

A small smile making its way onto her face, she questions him, "What's this so-called great idea?"

He clears his throat, the happy glint making its way back into his eyes. "Right. What if you get in contact with a smaller musician? Ask to collaborate with them or produce something for them. Not only do you get to start working with people, but it should be easier to convince them to work with you." Proudly states.

Pausing her eating, she thinks the idea over. Nodding her head in agreement, Kiki says, "That sounds like a good idea. I'm going to have to do more research, but I'm fine with that. I'm sure if I were to work with an underrated artist, they could expand more and get more recognition."

"See, I can have great ideas."

"Definitely not all the time. You can have some really ridiculous ideas." She quickly deflates his ego.

"Why did you say that? It's not even your job; it's Meg's." Lucas pouts.

Rolling her eyes, she simply continues the conversation, "I should probably research artists' companies and music styles."

"And their writing experience." Lucas states, already over the blow to his ego.

Nodding her head in confirmation, she stands to collect the dirty dishes. "I'll work on that next."

Standing up with Kiki, Lucas quickly takes the dishes out of her hands. "Nope. You're going to go sleep for at least an hour. You need rest. For all I know, you could end up in the hospital. You can do research later tonight or preferably tomorrow morning."

Halfheartedly rolling her eyes, Kiki heads to her room. "Too bad," she says, closing her door before he could say a response. It'll help lift a heavy weight off my shoulders. Maybe I'll even be able to go to sleep tonight.
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Research in bed sounds heavenly.

Kiki grabs her laptop and charger off of her desk and lightly tosses them onto her bed. Also grabbing a notebook and pencil from her desk. She finally settles under the covers, getting ready for another deep dive into research.

Opening Spotify and Google, she begins looking for artists. Musicians who were unique to her. Musicians who had few monthly listeners. Musicians she thought had potential.

Then she goes through everything she can think of. If they worked with a company or if they wrote songs themselves, where they were located. If it was possible to work with them at all.

She then proceeds to sit there, narrowing it down to a few artists. Trying to find out what would work for the musician. What would they strive and grow with. Something they might enjoy.

She closed her laptop, satisfied with the information she had found. She looks at the clock sitting on her bedside table. Grimacing at how late it had gotten. It was well past dinner. Kiki sets her laptop to the side, debating if she should go grab a snack or just go to bed.

Deciding to go to bed, she turns her lights off and settles under the covers.

I should probably work on contacting them in the morning.

The longer she sits in bed, the longer she thinks, and the anxiety consumes her. Worried about every small detail.
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Thank you for reading this chapter! I hope you have a great morning, day, or night! (This chapter has been heavily edited)

Word Count(not including a/n): 1,208

Character Count: 6,881