The Genius Composer Starts Again - Chapter 65

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Min Chan-hyeok slammed down a stack of documents on the desk.

 

The A&S Entertainment logo was stamped on the top. It was the kind of document envelope that felt like only authorized personnel should even touch.

 

“A&S contacted us directly.”

 

What is A&S?

 

It’s one of the top three entertainment companies in our country, with an impressive track record of debuting multiple idol groups and achieving massive success.

 

“Their boy group is preparing a new album. The executive producer there is Bella.”

 

My eyes sparkled.

 

“That Bella from A&S?”

 

“Yeah. ‘That’ Bella.”

 

Min Chan-hyeok leaned back in his chair and continued.

 

“She’s a producer and composer who can be considered A&S’s representative. It’s their first full album in a while, so they seem to be putting extra care into it.”

 

I flipped through a few pages of the documents Min Chan-hyeok handed me.

 

[ Art&Soul – Bella Project / Sub-Track Collaboration ]

 

The meaning of the text written in elegant font was clear.

 

“Are they outsourcing the B-side tracks?”

 

“Some of them.”

 

“Did they say they want to commission a B-side track from me too?”

 

This was a good opportunity.

 

V-Tunes wasn’t a bad place, but it couldn’t compare to A&S. From the scale of personnel to capital, A&S was overwhelmingly superior.

 

Just having experience working with such a major entertainment company would be a huge help.

 

“There were a few other proposals from different places too. But I thought it would be good for you to get acquainted with A&S. Especially with Bella.”

 

Min Chan-hyeok specifically mentioned Bella.

 

“She’s a top-tier female composer. It’ll be easy for you to seek advice from her. With your level of skill, Bella will quickly recognize and appreciate you.”

 

“Do you think so?”

 

The chance to get acquainted with that Bella. Suddenly, my chest began to swell with anticipation.

 

“Of course! But it’s not like they’re giving you the commission without any conditions.”

 

“…Is that so?”

 

“In-seok. Do you know how fierce this industry is these days? One hit doesn’t mean everything. Nowadays, you have to compete with composers from all over the world.”

 

Min Chan-hyeok passionately explained that when A&S Entertainment publicly collects songs, famous composers from around the world rush to send samples.

 

Along with the cold reality that there are countless established composers whose skills have already been proven, so there’s no reason to use a rookie composer.

 

“Then why did this commission come to me?”

 

“Well, because it includes conditions that others are reluctant to accept. All the experienced guys rejected it, and since you’re standing out the most among the newcomers, they contacted you.”

 

“What kind of conditions are they?”

 

I was starting to get scared.

 

At my question, Min Chan-hyeok grinned.

 

“Do you know what the current idol trend is?”

 

“I don’t know much about idols.”

 

I’d listened to many songs, but I didn’t know any of their names or faces.

 

“Self-production, self-producing!”

 

“What?”

 

“They need to show their ‘artistic’ side. The members want to participate directly in composing and writing lyrics.”

 

Hearing that, I got a rough idea.

 

So they want to reflect the idols’ opinions, but since they can’t ignore quality, they’ll attach a composer to package it nicely.

 

“These days, other groups often have composing members who write their own songs. They don’t want to fall behind that trend.”

 

There are surely some who truly have talent for composing.

 

But idols are busy enough with dancing, singing, and packed schedules that they barely have time to sleep.

 

Even if they squeeze time to learn composing, it’s hard for their skills to improve dramatically in a short period.

 

But they can’t just sit still either, so instead of self-composed songs, they seem to have compromised with reality by having ‘members directly participate in composing and lyric writing to contribute their opinions.’

 

“Not everyone will participate, but their main vocal member seems to have some ambition. He’s taken quite a few composing lessons. He can handle chord progressions, but it’s difficult to release a song with just that.”

 

“So that’s why you’re asking me?”

 

“It circulated internally and eventually came to us.”

 

Min Chan-hyeok leaned forward and whispered quietly.

 

“You won’t have complete freedom, and it’s tricky because you have to reflect that idol member’s opinions while also maintaining high quality. Plus, since the member participated, A&S will promote it as if the member did almost everything.”

 

“What about the credits?”

 

“It’ll be listed as co-composition. Regardless of the actual contribution ratio.”

 

There was a reason veteran composers refused.

 

Dealing with difficult clients is overwhelming enough, but having to share name credits too.

 

‘This commission has clear pros and cons.’

 

Should I accept and establish a connection with A&S, or just cleanly refuse?

 

Both were decent options, which made it even more troubling.

 

“Hmm. But you know I’m a faceless composer, right?”

 

“Don’t worry. They don’t want to cause unnecessary trouble either, so they’ll keep it strictly confidential. You can just wear a mask and hat.”

 

They’ll be busy too, so most things can be handled online. Even if there’s an urgent need to meet, it would be fine as long as I don’t reveal my face.

 

“That’s also part of why they chose you. Since you’re a faceless composer, there’s no risk of you blabbing about it somewhere. You’re not an attention seeker either.”

 

If they carelessly use an outsider and that person posts something like ‘working with so-and-so’ on social media, it would be problematic.

 

Of course, that would rarely happen. But I could understand the company’s desire to be extra cautious.

 

“That’s why they asked you to find a lyricist too. The fewer people who know, the better, and it’s preferable if it’s someone you trust.”

 

“That’s true.”

 

This way, I’d be communicating quite closely with the lyricist too. It would be better if it’s someone I can trust.

 

“Did you find one?”

 

“Um. Probably.”

 

“Probably?”

 

“It’s not certain yet.”

 

We’d just exchanged phone numbers and sent a few KakaoTalk messages.

 

Shin Ha-yeon doesn’t know that I’m ‘YULE,’ nor that she has talent for lyric writing.

 

I was in the middle of pondering how to naturally persuade her.

 

“Well, if it doesn’t work out, I can find someone I know and connect you.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“So what will you do?”

 

I thought for a moment, then nodded.

 

“Alright. I’ll give it a try.”

 

As someone still new, it seemed like a good opportunity to expand my network and work with a better company.

 

As soon as I voiced my acceptance, a system window appeared.

 

[ SYSTEM – MAIN QUEST ]

 

> Build a good relationship with A&S!

 

> Content: The first opportunity that has come to you as you’re about to take your first steps as a rookie composer. Achieve excellent results and build a good partnership!

 

> Achievement Conditions:

 

1. Client 1 (???) satisfaction rate of 80% or higher

 

2. Client 2 (??) satisfaction rate of 80% or higher

 

Simultaneous fulfillment of above conditions

 

> Reward: Skill ‘Spark of Creativity (A)’

 

> Penalty: 7 days of hearing loss

 

‘It appeared!’

 

My eyes sparkled at the Quest window that appeared after a long time.

 

Most importantly, the fact that an A-grade skill appeared as a reward was significant.

 

‘The penalty isn’t permanent hearing loss either.’

 

While losing my hearing completely for 7 days was frightening, I thought it seemed manageable.

 

Of course, I’d barely be able to function in daily life during that week.

 

‘The success condition isn’t something like achieving first place in music charts, right?’

 

Since it’s a B-side track, they probably took into account that it wouldn’t get much attention. Though having two clients to satisfy is quite tricky.

 

‘One is an idol and the other must be Bella.’

 

It was an easy part to deduce.

 

‘That much, I can handle easily.’

 

This Quest is practically free money, right? That’s what I thought.

 

Right.

 

“…This isn’t it.”

 

Everyone has grand plans when they start.

 

“The music I want isn’t like this.”

 

Until everything gets smashed to pieces. I was the same.

 

I struggled desperately not to swing my clenched fist. With my teeth gritted, I barely managed to curl up the corners of my mouth and asked.

 

“Geu-reum eu-tteon geol won-ha-seu-yo?”

 

Then what kind do you want?

 

A snooty answer came back.

 

“How can you ask me that? You’re the composer.”

 

Crack!

 

Unable to hold back, the sheet music crumpled into a mess under my grip.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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