Monstercat University I

Chapter 003

[Danyka's POV]

     I dash down the halls to Electro class, trying to navigate myself through the swarms of other artists. My mind is swimming. As if three collabs with Au5, Tut Tut Child, and HellWards (the nickname Hellberg and Rich Edwards took up since they collaborate so often) wasn't enough, the guys from Astronaut pulled me into another one over lunch. My schedule is gonna be so full, I think to myself as I approach the corner. I swear this is the last collaboration I'm- As I absentmindedly swing around the corner, I crash violently into someone. Snapping out of my trance, I look up into the boyish brown eyes of Nitro Fun. "Oh gosh, I'm-I'm so sorry!" I exclaim.
     "That's alright," Nitro Fun says, bending down to pick up his phone. Gosh, I have to admit I never noticed how adorable his accent is.
     "Wait, why are you coming this way? Aren't you going to Electro?" I ask him confusedly.
     "Uh. I am. Actually I was looking for you."
     "For me?"
     "Yeah...I was wondering if you could drop some vocals on my other new song," Nitro Fun says. I mentally facepalm. "I mean, your voice is really perfect for it," he continues, running a hand through his dark hair. "I don't think anyone else can do it like you."
     I blush. Then something falls apart inside of me, and somehow, a "yeah, sure" comes out of my mouth before I can stop myself.
     "Great!" Nitro Fun says.
     We walk to Electro class together, talking about our latest songs, and it turns out Nitro's collab with Sound Remedy is coming out next Monday. I find myself overloaded with genuine anticipation for it. One great thing about Monstercat University is that you look forward to Mondays. We take our seats just as class starts. I glance back and wave at Nitro, who looks up and flashes a sweet smile at me that makes my heart almost jolt out of my chest. Stop it, Danyka, I think, turning back to face the front. I shake my head at myself. Five collabs is really pushing it. At least the one with Tut Tut Child is done and releasing today. And besides...who could say no to someone like Nitro Fun?

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[Dilumi's POV]

     I'm sitting next to Tristam and DotEXE and across from F.O.O.L, and my mouth is watering. Rumor has it that we're eating steak and mashed potatoes tonight. The dining hall is lively with chatter as usual. There's something I love about eating here with the night sky out the windows, and I don't know why. A hush falls over the room as Principal Monstercat gets everyone's attention, and I half-listen as he goes through all the normal, boring announcements. Then he gets to today's release. "Tut Tut Child's EP, Ask Your Friends First, was released today, and the featured track 'Breathe' featuring Danyka Nadeau has already reached 5,000 views on YouTube!!!" The room explodes with cheers. I let out a whoop. They sure did a great job on that song.
     "Also, Hellberg went into surgery this afternoon. Please keep him in your prayers."
     "Poor Hellberg," Tristam frowns.
     "At least this isn't anything life-threatening," says Aero Chord, who is sitting next to F.O.O.L. Well, that's good.
     "And, lastly, the three chosen artists to perform at the quarterly Throwback Thursday performance next week are..." My heart skips a beat as I wonder who it will be, and excited whispers go up from around the room. So much hype at such short notice. That's just like Monstercat. Everyone stops what they're doing, and for a few seconds the world seems to hold its breath.
     "Dilumi!" My eyes go wide and my jaw drops as cheers erupt from the tables. Tristam claps me on the back. This is what I've hoped for! I look over to where Anna and the other girls are bouncing up and down in their seats and screaming like fangirls. Danyka gives me a big thumbs up.
     "Soulero!" Once again, cheers go up around the room.
     "And, last but not least...Droptek!" I smile. This is a pretty great variety of music. Next Thursday will be so much fun.
     "The show will take place in the auditorium. Also, due to last-minute changes, it will be held next Wednesday night at 9PM instead of on Thursday. But hey, it'll be Thursday morning in China." A few people chuckle, including me. Monstercat is so awesome; he always makes us laugh. "The three performers will have until then to prepare their sets, which they will be allowed one hour each for, and they must include at least three of their older tracks for Throwback Thursday. Good luck to each of you." I guess the word 'older' rules out my newest single, Pixelated, but I still have anything from my 5-track Shadows EP released back in July to choose from, and, of course, my first song ever released on Monstercat, Deeper. Maybe I'll even do a little teaser for my new track, 1rresistable, if Principal Monstercat will let me.
     "Oh, and I almost forgot to mention," he says, "that the show will be streamed over the internet for the fans on the Monstercat Hub at live.monstercat.com." Wow. I'm gonna be DJing for all the fans too, not just the artists here. "Are there any questions before I go?" Monstercat asks, looking around the room. "Yes, Droptek?"
     "Will we be playing in the order you mentioned?"
     "Yes. Dilumi, Soulero, then you. Make sure to plan your sets accordingly. Anyone else?" The room is silent. "Good. That's all." I turn back around as the room fills with an even higher level of chatter than before. This is gonna be crazy. I'll have to meet with Soulero and Droptek sometime before Wednesday to work out the basics and to make sure we're all on the same page about everything. It's already Friday, and the weekend is pretty much ruled out since I'm going to visit my parents. I'm mostly open besides that, so I'll just have to ask the guys to see when they're available.