Stormy

Chapter 36

"Why would you... file a lawsuit against your former record label? What happened?", I ask completely stunned. Things always seemed to go perfectly well for him. Martijn grabs a can of his favorite energy drink from his backpack and cracks it open before he takes a sip and answers: "It's not a decision you make just like that. Believe me, it really sucks. But it was necessary." "So... From what I understand, Watse and the guys from your team are with you on the case?", I ask carefully. Martijn nods his head: "Yeah they are. Of course they are. But it's mostly my dad and I, because back in the days we were the ones to sign the contracts with the old label. And there's a bunch of lawyers, too." "Don't you want to talk about what happened? I'm here to listen, I promise.", I offer. Martijn scratches his head, sighs and finally answers: "You know, I'm actually not supposed to talk about this. So please keep this absolutely confidential, okay? I really can't have anybody know." "Of course Martijn. You know how much I appreciate your trust!", I promise. "I do. Sorry, my head is just a mess. Basically, things are like this: A few years ago, back before I released Animals, I signed a deal with this label. Well, my dad had to sign it too, because I was still a minor. Just a few months after that, I also signed a deal with their management company. A whole 360 deal, everything included. It all seemed right to us.", Martijn starts to explain. "And then things changed when you released 'Animals'?", I assume. "Exactly. Obviously, the record took off and nobody really expected it. And with that, things weren't all about the art anymore. It was just business, business over everything else. People started getting greedy. And the thing was that I have always just cared about the art. Maybe my dad and I were a little naïve back when we signed with them, but now with STMPD I have learned how label terms are actually supposed to look like. Artists can actually keep master ownership of their songs. The label doesn't have to take every single thing you make in the studio away from you. And most importantly, there always always always has to be an independent, unbiased party in all contract negotiations. None of that was the case for me back then.", he continues to explain. "Oh wow... I can imagine how horrible that must have felt like for you.", I say. "Just in case you're worried now, I promise the deal you signed with us for our song is safe. We don't want to take advantage of artists with STMPD. There's no secret terms to fuck with you, your master percentage or anything. I promise.", Martijn exclaims and it feels like he's worried to have said the wrong thing. "No worries, Martijn. I know you wouldn't screw me over. That's out of question." "Remember when I mentioned something to you about not signing shady deals like about a week ago? I was alluding to all this mess.", Martijn sighs and takes another long sip from his can. "I'm sorry... I wish I'd known. I could have been there for you.", I say quietly. "It's okay... Don't you worry.", Martijn says, "Back when I signed the management deal, I was basically pressured into the deal. I could have gotten better options with other companies, but the label wanted me to sign with their company. We would have needed an independent third party during the negotiations. Basically that's what we are suing the label for. Plus we are hoping to regain master ownership for all the songs I released under their company name. It really sucks to have to work against the people I used to be so close with. But I have to do it. Not only for my sake, but for all the smaller artists out there. There you go, that's what's up." "I totally get that it messes with your mind. But it's brave of you to fight for your rights.", I try to cheer him up. "Thanks, Julie. Means a lot to have you listening.", Martijn answers. We walk in silence for a while, before I ask: "So how's the plan now? Do you have to go to another hearing soon?" "Looks like it's two more for now.", Martijn says, "As well as all the meetings that go on behind the scenes. We're hoping to have my lawyers handle the rest." "So that means you're done before ADE?", I ask. "True. I'm so glad about that. Because honestly, ADE is the most important time of the year for me.", Martijn says and I can see a little smile on his face. He's probably thinking about the show. It's good to see him happy like that and it feels like we're back to the old honesty of our friendship. Feels like a good time to change topics. "So how's ADE like for you? What are your plans?", I want to know. "ADE is amazing! You'll find everyone from the dance music scene in Amsterdam for a whole week. We're hosting two writing camps at the studios, I'll have a bunch of friends over to write music with... Then, there's also several parties that I'm playing at. And to finish the week off on the perfect note, I'll have the two big shows on Friday and Saturday. One of them is all ages, so we even have young kids coming out to see what we've been working on for the year. It's all just crazy fun. Best time of the year if you ask me.", Martijn tells me with a big smile. "That honestly sounds great. I'm happy for you!", I say and smile back. "You know, ever since they have moved ADE from autumn to the beginning of spring, there's even more internationals coming over for the week. It's amazing!", Martijn adds, "Oh and actually, you know what? I think they have a songwriter mentorship program going on every year. You could go ahead and try to apply for next year. I'm sure you'd enjoy it if that's a path you'd like to pursue in the future." "Oh, that sounds great!", I reply, "I'll look into that for sure. Thanks Martijn." "Sure.", he says and then scratches his head, "Also... I'm sorry if it seemed like I wasn't really supportive of your decision not to perform at ADE. I just had all this crazy mess going on in my head and I probably just took it the wrong way. Actually, I'm proud of you for standing up for what you believe in. I still think it would have been a great opportunity for you, but if you don't feel comfortable with it, it's perfectly right to say no." "I'm also sorry if I was acting all weird about it. I do actually appreciate you very much for wanting to give me a chance like that, especially now that I know how much ADE means to you. And thank you for respecting my decision. I still can't wait for our song to be out though. Can you believe it's my first song that'll ever get released? That was always such a big goal for me to achieve. And I've done it now thanks to meeting you and all the work we've put in at the studio. You know, this is really special to me...", I answer. "Hey, can you still remember how it was like when you released your first song?", I add. "Of course I remember. Felt like I made finally made it. Except for the fact that I was starting at a level much lower than yours now.", he jokes, "But hey, honestly I'm so glad we get to release this song together. It's only... Less than a month until it's out! And about two weeks until we start teasing. Oh and about that... You're still not up for a music video? You can say no if you want, I just wanted to ask again. In case you... maybe changed your mind?"