Scarred Soul (Nemi)

Part 8

When they were done with dinner, Sirah and Dianna excused themselves to the kitchen to clean up, leaving Demi and Nick at the table. Given that it was just the two of them, Nick thought it was an appropriate time to talk about the offer she had just received.

"I can't remember the last time I had a fun dinner like this. I usually eat dinner alone or with clients, catching up on work. It's nice to sit down to a good meal with friends and celebrate good news." He looked at her, examining her response.

"Before you called me this morning, I was talking with my mom about the open mic session. She was confident that there would be good news about it soon. But I didn't hold out much hope because the opportunity to sing at a special audition like that was more than enough for a music teacher like me. I couldn't have asked for a better experience."

"And your mom was right. They chose you to be their next singer-songwriter, and I couldn't agree more with their decision. I witnessed your incredible abilities as a singer and musician. I can't wait for the rest of the world to see it." He gave her a friendly smile. His smile was full of admiration and amazement. He noticed the slight crease on her forehead, as if something was bothering her. Then he asked, "Care to share what's been bothering you? I can't help but notice that you didn't talk much tonight. Is my presence here a mistake?"

"No, it's not you. I'm happy to have you here tonight. In fact, I'm starting to get used to your unexpected appearances." Demi smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. Then she lowered her gaze, figuring out how to express her concern. "I was thinking about the offer. I probably need some time to consider it."

"So that's what's been bothering you." He was relieved to hear that. The last thing he wanted to do was to upset her or make her feel uncomfortable. "Well, you don't have to rush to make your decision. It's not like a job offer that requires you to respond immediately or else someone else will take the position. Take your time."

"I know, but I'm slightly concerned if signing the offer would affect my current job. As much as I love singing, I love teaching too. Although the offer is a step closer to my dream, I cannot simply ignore the reality. You know what I mean, right? And you know why I need the salary."

He nodded, understanding her indecision. "I understand where you're coming from. But you don't have to quit your current job if you accept the offer. The deal is basically about exclusivity." He straightened up and leaned forward, his elbow resting on the table. "When you sign with a recording label, you are agreeing to make audio recordings and music videos exclusively for them. That means you can't-"

"I can't record or release music for anyone other than the label during the term of the contract." She butted in. She didn't work in music professionally, but she understood what exclusivity meant.

"That's right." He nodded. He was a little surprised at the interjection, but it wasn't a bad kind of surprise. He was just didn't expect it. "You will be required to meet certain delivery deadlines. This usually refers to an album, but it could also refer to an EP or a single. It also involves creative decisions from the label."

"They have the final say on creative and financial decisions." She stated, and Nick nodded in response. "In which it might create tension between the artist and the label. And you have to achieve a certain level of fame and success before the labels can give you more creative freedom." She added. She did her research and was well aware of what a record label deal entailed - exclusivity, commitment, royalty, advances and financial support etc. Her concern was mainly about choosing between living in reality and chasing a dream. It would be good if she could have both, but it definitely wouldn't be easy. Having two jobs was already a hassle for the time being, but at least she knew the commitment wasn't as big as being a recording artist.