Stormy

Chapter 12

Martijn takes ages to answer my text. As he finally does, it is late in the evening and Emma and I are just on our way back to the dorms from the dining hall. "Guess what, he finally texted me back!", I roll my eyes. "Wow, finally!", Emma laughs and adds, "But really, he could have at least told you before he skips school for one and a half weeks. I mean, you're partners in this after all. It's just really unfair to you." "I know!", I reply, "Let's see what he says..."

Martijn: Hi Julie! I'm so sorry I'm only getting back to you now... I was on this long haul flight the whole day over to the US and therefore received your text only now. We had this big opportunity to play one of the craziest nightclubs in Miami, as one of the other DJs got sick and couldn't do his show. So we had to fly out on a super short notice and everything went super quick. We also added a few other things in Miami while we are there. So sorry you had to be in the studio alone today, but in this case, I had to decide for my career instead of school. I hope you understand...

"Miami...Wow. He's really got a crazy lifestyle.", Emma exclaims. "But I do get him. He'd always make the choice for his career, because it's his future. This school only offers him knowledge and not even an official diploma, so If I was in his position, I'd also prefer real industry experience...", I explain. "But he really could've told you.", Emma insists. And I know that she is right.

Julie: Miami, wow! So happy you got this crazy chance, make the best of it! Just let me know next time, will you? We're partners for this project after all. Also, if there's anything you want me to prepare for the song while you're gone, just text me. Julie

Martijn: I'm honestly really sorry! I'll make it up to you when I get back, I promise! Meanwhile, just do what you feel comfortable with. I'll send you what I have down in Fruity Loops so far in an e-mail later today, so maybe you wanna use it to further develop the lyrics? And text me if you get stuck on something, I promise to look into it as soon as I possibly can. Martijn

Julie: Thanks, Garrix J I'll see you when you get back. Enjoy Miami!

I show Emma the messages and she smiles: "Okay. Maybe he's not the worst after all. Look how often he apologized! That's pretty sweet." "I know! It was really not his fault. Martijn always tries to make things right for everyone.", I say and at the thought of it, I have to smile.

During the next sessions, I put some work into the lyrics. On the following Friday, Martijn and I even manage to set up a Facetime call while I work in the studio. As he appears on the screen, he smiles and waves to me from a hotel room in Miami. "Hey! How's Miami treating you?", I ask. "Hi Julie! Miami has been awesome so far! I just love this city so much, it's an amazing place for dance music. But how are you doing?", Martijn smiles. "I'm doing well. Thanks for asking! I have been working on the lyrics and I extended your vocal melody from the Fruity Loops project a little.", I explain, "I also showed it to Mrs. Verholen and not to brag, but she thought it was amazing!" "Wohooo!", Martijn shouts and adds, now a little more serious: "Can you show it to me? I'd love to hear it." "Sure thing! Let me just grab my guitar so I can play it to you.", I say. As I get back to the phone, I see Martijn surrounded by a few other guys around his age. "Like come on guys, I'm working!", he says, a little annoyed, "You go out to the pool, I'll join you later. And no, I don't want a drink! Come on." I watch him messing around with his friends for a while, until I clear my throat to get Martijn's attention back. "Julie, I'm so sorry. These guys keep trying to convince me to go to the pool with them.", he says. "Sounds tempting.", I laugh. "But I really wanna hear what you have been working on.", Martijn protests. "Can you maybe just play it to me? I promise these idiots here will keep quiet.", he suggests and gives the guy next to him a playful punch. "No need to be scared.", one of them laughs from the back and another one says: "We love beautiful girls. Especially if they sing as wonderful as you do. Or if they are as sexy." "Martijn...", I hesitantly say. "Okay, guys, it's enough.", Martijn says, gets up and pushes the guys out of the room, "I'll join you as soon as I can. But for now, I have work to do." As it is quiet again, I say: "Thank you, Martijn." "You're welcome, Julie.", he smiles, "These guys are weirdos, just like me, but the best friends I could ask for. They simply like to make fun of me, I guess, but they never meant to be offensive to you. I promise." "Okay. Sooo... do you wanna hear my idea now, before they get any more crazy out there?", I ask. "Sure, I'd love to.", he smiles. I close my eyes and start to play for him. As I finish playing, Martijn offers me a few ideas of improvement that we go through together. Then he says: "Okay, so I really have to get going now. I'll see you next Friday, Julie. And I promise, I'll make it up to you, okay?" "Accepted. See you soon, Martijn!", I smile. "See you!", he answers and waves into the camera. I spend the rest of the time in the studio listening to Martijn's project file over and over again, trying to feel the vibe he is going for with the song. So far it's very progressive and melodious. It feels a little different than his usual Garrix songs, but in a good way. Martijn has told me a lot about how he continuously tries to evolve his sound and take new directions. He just knows so much about music and it is super inspiring to work with him. With a good feeling, I return back to the dorms on this day.