148 Songs and Stages
With the help of the hotel staff, the stack of packages delivered was transported into Miaoyi and Qiuying's room. The crucial equipment needed for producing the new single was now mostly available.
Unpacking the boxes revealed computers, MIDI keyboards, compact mixers, monitoring equipment, mixing consoles, and even a physical synthesizer. As these devices were laid out and connected to power sources, the hotel room underwent a metamorphosis. It was no longer a typical hotel room; it had transformed into a professional musician's studio.
Meticulously arranging the equipment, Miaoyi systematically tested each piece. Fortunately, they had survived the shipping process without damage. With this task accomplished, all preparations were in order.
Miaoyi let out a sigh of relief. If any of these critical devices had been compromised, it could have spelled disaster. Now, the next step was to map out the detailed plan for creating the new single.
This wasn't an issue for Miaoyi; she had a well-thought-out plan. Unless unforeseen obstacles arose, she was confident she could produce several singles within the seven-day timeframe.
"Alright, time to drop a teaser on Weibo," Miaoyi whispered to herself, opening her computer.
Efficiently navigating her browser, she entered the Weibo URL. Miaoyi paid little attention to the stream of private messages and notifications flooding in the background, promptly posting an update.
[TMY: The Next-Gen Ultra Electronic Music Festival in the Imperial Capital is just 6 days away. Catch me on the main stage on Day 2. Get ready for a surprise; I believe you won't be disappointed.]
Checking the date and time at the bottom right corner, Miaoyi noted that it was January 3rd. The electronic music festival was a mere six days from commencement, officially starting on January 9th. Her performance was scheduled for the daytime session of the second day, January 10th.
"Very well..." Miaoyi took a deep breath and launched her "Record Production Assistant" on her computer.
- - - - - - - - - -
Time swiftly flowed by.
During this period, the electronic music community buzzed with activity. It seemed as if the entire populace had entered a festive mode, abuzz with excitement. Online servers like Hua Electric, Light Cloud Music, and the Modu DJ Exchange Club were abuzz with discussions on various electronic music-related subjects.
The catalyst for this surge in activity within the electronic music community was simple: the impending commencement of the Ultra Electronic Music Festival in the Imperial Capital!
What was the Ultra Music Festival? Those acquainted with electronic music knew it well—it was one of the three most monumental electronic music festivals, bearing immense significance.
DJs who graced this stage were all elite professionals in the industry. Even the secondary stage was beyond the reach of most. Yet, what truly ignited the fervour among Chinese electronic music aficionados was something else entirely.
That something was... the world's first Top 100 female DJ from China, TMY, who was set to perform at this electronic music festival!
This news set the hearts of countless electronic music fans aflutter, particularly male enthusiasts. They were nearly howling with anticipation, having eagerly awaited this moment...
After all, TMY's initial debut had been her very first live performance, and many fans still lamented missing out. Tickets had sold out within minutes, leaving a mere handful the privilege of witnessing that spectacle firsthand. Most had to make do with live streams or recorded broadcasts. How could they be satisfied with that?
Thus, this forthcoming opportunity was even more exhilarating.
As a result, even before the official commencement of the electronic music festival, something quite extraordinary unfolded within the Chinese electronic music scene.
In this edition of Ultra in the Imperial Capital, the most eagerly awaited and discussed DJ was not within the top numbers of DJ MAG's Top 100. It was none other than TMY, a pure newcomer! Her ranking on the Top 100 chart was even placed at the very bottom!
Time pressed on, inching closer to the festival. As for Miaoyi's personal endeavours? Those were self-evident and required little elaboration.
On the afternoon of January 4th, the media captured TMY at the East Records headquarters. Following interviews with the staff there, it was revealed that TMY seemed to be inquiring about internal singers, although the specific artists and reasons remained unclear. Nevertheless, she left the premises seemingly happy, and was seen sending off a newly-signed artist from East Records.
This marked the first day. After TMY returned to her hotel, the media was unable to catch her leaving again.
Once the related reports were uploaded online, they sparked a brief and limited discussion within the electronic music community. Speculations about TMY's intentions abounded.
On the next day, January 5th, the smog had slightly cleared up. The two-day haze that had enveloped the Imperial Capital finally receded, presenting good weather. However, much to the disappointment of the news media, Miaoyi remained elusive. Journalists on stakeout had no luck.
But on this day, a significant event unfolded in the electronic music scene, providing something for the media to report. This was about Ye Fumeng, one of the invited DJs for the main stage of the Ultra Electronic Music Festival, whose flight landed at the Imperial Capital International Airport.
This event wasn't without news value, and the reason was simple.
Ye Fumeng was a male professional DJ/producer, as well as a prominent DJ ranked No.79 on the Top 100 list. His popularity within China was exceptionally high. Although he held American-Amurian Federation citizenship, he was of pure Chinese ethnicity and quite young.
It could be said that if it weren't for TMY's emergence, he might have been the youngest member on the Top 100 list.
However, as far as Miaoyi was concerned, she probably had no interest in these matters. Even if she did know, she likely wouldn't be interested.
January 6th, the third day, marked the continuation of Miaoyi's production process, now onto her second track.
In their hotel room at the Yuwei Hotel, Qiuying watched attentively while Miaoyi's hands moved non-stop.
As time passed, progress swiftly advanced.
"For the intro's arrangement, set it in 16 bars, arrange the lead-in..."
"Very well, for the break: 16 bars, transition. Let's use the Kick (bass drum) from No.18, it sounds authentic..."
"This build should be 8 bars, after all, it's the main melody..."
Track after track appeared densely on the project's timeline.
"For the drop, these 16 bars, give it some energy here... Add an F(x) here... No, let's change it."
Qiuying watched on, occasionally blinking.
Although she couldn't comprehend the process, she sensed that it was impressive; it exuded a sense of professionalism.
A day immersed in production...
January 7th.
On this day, the throngs of reporters stationed at the entrance of the Yuwei Hotel finally got what they had been waiting for. TMY emerged again, heading to the East Records headquarters. While they couldn't interview the star herself, journalists managed to extract unexpected tidbits from others.
Today, TMY went to the East Records headquarters to record songs!
Record songs!
What did that signify?
The journalists were instantly ecstatic. The news they garnered was quite substantial...
Up until January 9th, the seventh day...
Today was a momentous day, at least for the electronic music world. And for Miaoyi, who hadn't left her room for several days, it was even more so.
Because today wasn't just the commencement of Ultra's awaited launch; Miaoyi also received a package.
Though it wasn't delivered by The Rex.
Inside the package, there wasn't much—just a flag lying peacefully.
A white flag with a single design imprinted on it along with three-letter lettering.
[◢ ◤ – AVICII___T/A – ◢ ◤]
