Love, Michael

A Bold, Creative Shift.

The morning was a whirlwind as I prepared for the car sent by my music label's manager. The paparazzi had already gathered outside my apartment, their camera flashes creating a chaotic scene. I swiftly put on my sunglasses to shield my eyes from the blinding lights and hurried outside to get into the waiting car.

Once inside, I relaxed a little, clutching the Louis Vuitton purse gifted to me by my producer as a token of celebration for my first hit song. The life of a celebrity was filled with both glamour and pressure.

Arriving at the office of my music label, I took my seat at the round office table surrounded by executives and music producers. I began to lay out my ambitious plan—an EP consisting of two songs.

I presented the pictures from my daring photoshoot and explained that I wanted one of them to be the EP's cover. I was determined to be fully transparent with my fans, letting them know that I experienced the same challenges in love that they did.

The label's executives and marketing team were intrigued but puzzled by my sudden shift in creative direction. I stammered a bit, cautious not to reveal too much, but eventually, I explained my motivation.

"Someone famous, with whom I had been involved since my teenage years, had seemingly vanished from my life and forgotten about me despite our shared prominence in the industry. Hearing the news of their involvement with someone else had left me feeling abandoned and betrayed. I wanted to use this EP to give a subtle callout, hoping they would notice me again but also to give my fans a bit of transparency into my life at this current moment."

I had also revealed my desire to release one last song in the New Jack Swing genre while pioneering a new electronic sound as we transitioned into the 1990s.

It was a bold move, something that no one had attempted before, and I believed it could reshape the sound of pop music.

After deliberation, the executives turned to me and granted their approval. I couldn't contain my excitement, bouncing in my chair.

However, I quickly composed myself, placing my hand on the table, demanding that we begin work immediately before my drive and ideas slipped away.

My producer, bewildered by my forward nature, nodded and affirmed that he was more than willing to work on it right away.

I got up from the table, my producer following suit, and thanked everyone in the room for their time and support. The executives and marketing team expressed their excitement about the project, assuring us of their full backing.

As we exited the conference room, we made our way to the in-house studio, ready to dive into this creative journey headfirst. The prospect of pushing boundaries in both sound and expression filled the air with excitement and anticipation.

Inside the studio, the atmosphere buzzed with creative energy. I watched as my producer started setting up the equipment while I went over and down the lyrics and melodies I had in mind.

We had a lot of work ahead of us, but I was determined to make this EP truly special.

As the first notes filled the air, I began to sing, pouring my heart into each word.

"I never want to be the girly that you call one and only
You know the kind of girly that you would call when you get lonely
I never should have let you in,
A damn shame, forgot my name!
Well, anyway..

My name is not Susan
So watch what you say
If you still need her
Then be on your way
Don't wanna hear about Susan
She's got nothin' on me
So show some respect for the love you receive
My name is not Susan!"

This was more than just a project; it was an emotional outlet, a way to connect with my fans and my own feelings on a deeper level.

Hours turned into days, and we fine-tuned every aspect of the music—lyrics, melody, and sound. We experimented with the New Jack Swing genre and mixed the second song with a fully new electronic sound, to create a EP that was both nostalgic and forward-looking.

Throughout the process, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. This EP wasn't just about calling out someone from my past; it was about my growth as an artist and a person. It was a testament to resilience and the power of self-expression.

Days turned into weeks, and finally, we had a finished product that we were proud of. The EP was a blend of vulnerability and strength, a reflection of my journey in the music industry and in life.

As I listened to the final mix, I couldn't help but smile.

This was more than just music; it was a piece of my soul, ready to be shared with the world; It was a bold step forward, and I was ready to take it.

Now all we need to do is make some calls to get it on the air and sell my mini album in stores.

Business never tasted so sweet.