The Healing Life of a Music Genius - Chapter 159



Only Noblemtl

159 meeting

* * *

⌜Moonlight⌟ Grant burst out laughing as he left the office building.

People who do their best for the interests of artists rather than the interests of the company.

It’s been a long time since I met such pure people.

‘Maybe that’s why MJ was still with them because they were like that. Artists who work anonymously are usually more sensitive to these things.’

Although it was indirect, I gained a lot of information through the meeting with ⌜Wolgwang⌟.

In particular, I got to know roughly what kind of person MJ is.

There are speculations that he doesn’t want to be tied down somewhere, doesn’t seem to be only chasing money, and may be a pretty busy person.

It was all just Grant’s idea, but when I thought back on the conversation in the conference room, it seemed to be true to some extent.

And the most important thing…

‘I also found out that ⌜Moonlight⌟ doesn’t know anything about Mark Miller.’

For one reason or another, Grant did not write Mark Miller’s full name on his business cards.

However, Manager Park Hoon and Assistant Manager Charina did not seem to notice anything about this.

Thanks to this, I learned that MJ is a more cautious artist than I thought.

Of course, it could all be a mistake.

MJ and Mark Miller may have no connection whatsoever and may have just been making such healing music by accident.

but.

It was even more unbelievable that music with such an unusual color was being created by two unrelated people.

Grayson Grant has been involved in the American music industry his entire life, starting as the bassist for ⌜Desert 21⌟.

His intuition told him there would be a connection between MJ and Miller.

Grant arrived at the hotel and listened to the two people’s music, comparing them.

Mark Miller and MJ.

Although the differences between the two were clearly felt in chord progression, style, melody, and skill in building tracks.

The two composers had similar qualities in terms of the power of music and the direction of the music.

A song by two composers that shakes people’s emotions while also containing a message of healing and hope.

Regardless of the lyrics, a similar feeling can be felt in the melody itself…

‘It’s definitely not a coincidence. MJ is definitely related to Miller.’

That’s why MJ will definitely contact you after seeing your business card.

Grant felt that way.

‘But Miller? I never thought I would think of his name again after such a long time…’

An unfortunate composer who died in an unexpected accident 12 years ago.

Although Grant did not know Mark Miller directly, he had met him in passing since he was in the industry.

At a time when Miller was just beginning his career as a new composer.

The moment I first saw him at a small concert hall in the United States came back to me again after hearing MJ’s song.

A person with cheerful and bright energy.

Mark Miller became extremely serious when talking about music…

‘He was a true artist.’

A composer who created his own music without being discouraged by anyone.

He was a man of genius.

When I was working in the band ⌜Desert 21⌟, I wanted to work with Miller, but I couldn’t because I didn’t have a relationship with him.

‘He was starting to get quite busy too.’

From the time he was just starting out as a rookie, Miller actively continued his activities as a mid-level producer.

Although he was unable to write a number one song on the Billboard HOT 100 chart, I remember that the songs written by Miller were often successful in charting.

Grant confirmed once again that his memory was correct by searching Miller’s music on his laptop.

‘I completely forgot about him… ‘Time is scary.’

A person from 12 years ago.

Although his posthumous work, ⌜Live Forever⌟, was a mega hit, ranking first on Billboard for 24 consecutive weeks, that was also about 12 years ago.

‘I wish Miller had a little more time. Heaven is only trying to quickly harvest geniuses…’

Grant listened to Miller’s music and mourned him for a while.

There was sadness in Miller’s songs.

There was sadness in MJ’s song.

Listening to Miller’s songs was healing.

Listening to MJ’s songs was healing.

Strange commonality.

That is why.

Grant was betting on MJ, who was writing similar songs to Miller.

‘If it goes as I think, MJ will contact me first. ‘If you’ve seen my business card, you’ll be curious about my relationship with Miller.’

However, unless that is the case.

What if it was all Grant’s illusion?

You may have to convince ⌜Moonlight⌟ and MJ all over again from the beginning.

But that was a problem that needed to be considered at that time.

For now, all we have to do is remain open to various possibilities and wait calmly.

Grant listened to ⌜Long day⌟, composed by MJ and sung by his friend Hyunpil Jang.

I thought about the taste of homemade cookies that my friend’s mother would often give me.

With my eyes closed…

* * *

I knew from the beginning that ⌜DreamSounds⌟ was interested in me.

Last year, around the time ⌜Long day⌟ was announced, I exchanged emails with Director Grant.

The person who asked me about healing music.

He was also curious about who I learned music from.

‘Because of that, I ended up exchanging emails in moderation…’

“You came all the way to Korea yourself?”

“okay. You even came to ⌜Moolgwang⌟. “I’m going to invite you too.”

“······.”

Manager Park Hoon explained to me what happened at the meeting yesterday.

Grayson Grant wants to make me a Billboard songwriter.

Director Grant wanted to give my song to an artist belonging to ⌜DreamSounds⌟, and he said he wanted to continue working together in the future.

This may sound a little absurd.

Billboard? USA?

Although it often topped the music charts in Korea, it was a different story in the United States.

The center of the global music market.

Success in Korea and success in the United States will be fundamentally different.

so I······.

“Well, I don’t think it would be a bad idea to take this opportunity to try America.”

This is possible because of my position as a composer.

It didn’t seem like it would be much different from what I had been doing with ⌜Moonlight⌟.

‘Because you will be able to continue playing the piano as usual. The schedule needs to be adjusted to some extent, though.’

Then wouldn’t it be a loss to make ends meet?

It was foolish to kick the opportunity when it came.

Perhaps because I answered willingly, Manager Park Hoon was smiling.

“It’s refreshing. okay. You were always that kind of kid. “There is no hesitation.”

“what······. We can’t predict the likelihood of success. So you can only find out by trying it yourself. Even if this challenge ends in failure, there will be something to learn from it. So, you have to make the most of it.”

“I agree too. You’ve already tested your song in the U.S. with singer Hyunpil Jang’s ⌜Long day⌟, right? The reaction wasn’t bad. If you work with a singer who is properly active in the United States, the results will come out well. “A company like ⌜DreamSounds⌟ will promote promotions well, so that’s good.”

“This is a perfect situation.”

“yes.”

Actually, I’ve been thinking about releasing my songs in the U.S. for quite some time.

‘I had many conversations like that with Mr. Miller even on the desert island.’

A story about where to release the song I wrote.

After listening to the song I composed, he even boasted that he would personally push the song.

I knew full well that what he said was a joke, but we still had a good time there talking about various things.

However, there was some sincerity mixed into our jokes.

Uncle Miller wanted to bring me to the big stage.

I wanted to go to America, where Uncle Miller was active.

Our joke may have been like a kind of promise.

So, for this job, I completely agreed with Director Grant’s statement that he wanted to take me to the billboard.

Manager Park Hoon continued speaking.

“Then you just have to look at this situation positively. Seojin, you are inclined towards that direction, right?”

“yes. So, I have something I want to ask the manager. “To the Tsarina and the Deputy.”

“me?”

“Me?”

People who respond at the same time to what I say.

I nodded.

“What do you two want to do in the future? Do you want to stay in ⌜Moonlight⌟? Or do you want to move to ⌜DreamSounds⌟ as Director Grant suggested? I hope you can answer regardless of me. Honestly. “I want to help you both as you wish.”

“that is······.”

Before Tsarina could say anything, Manager Park Hoon answered first.

“Seojin. “What am I doing right now?”

“yes?”

“Let me just explain. Although we, ⌜Moongwang⌟, are wearing the guise of a label, we are basically management. We provide management and management for artists so that they can only make music. Many artists have joined our ⌜Moonlight⌟ team 1, but no matter what, I want to do what is most helpful to you. Besides, you are also an artist who wants to remain anonymous…”

“It’s up to me to make the decision. “It suits my convenience.”

“okay. Because that’s what management should truly do.”

A person who is always consistent.

Even though it’s been quite a while since I met Manager Park Hoon, he always considers me first.

Maybe they’re doing this because I’m young, or maybe they’re doing this because I’m an artist they like.

What I was thankful for was what I was thankful for.

So, I wanted to maintain the minimum level of loyalty not only to Manager Park Hoon, but also to Assistant Manager Charina and ⌜Wolgwang⌟.

“First of all, I want to continue working with ⌜Moolgwang⌟. “I think it would be good to negotiate with ⌜Moonlight⌟ first for songs released in Korea.”

“There’s no need to go that far in the contract?”

“Because that’s my heart. Just as ⌜Moonlight⌟ presented me with good conditions every time they renewed my contract, I want to do the same.”

Not only that, but even for songs released overseas, I said that I would like it to be distributed through ⌜Moolgwang⌟ when distributing music in Korea.

I would have to talk to ⌜DreamSounds⌟ to find out, but I heard that they had already presented me with conditions that were close to a blank check, so I didn’t think this would be difficult.

Manager Park Hoon smiled slightly.

“If that happens, it won’t matter whether me and Assistant Manager stay at ⌜Moonlight⌟ or go to ⌜DreamSounds⌟.”

“yes. It’s not a picture of me ‘betraying’ and going somewhere. I was taught that I should always cherish the relationships that come my way. “I want to do that.”

“That’s great.”

“I learned this from a wonderful person.”

I thought that I would be able to solve some of the issues that Manager Park Hoon and Assistant Manager Charina were worried about.

If I get my way, you two will be able to take care of my work no matter which company you choose.

The two said they understood and would think about it a little more and give me an answer.

However, one thing here.

I had to think for a moment when Manager Park Hoon asked me if I wanted to keep the anonymity of MJ even to ⌜DreamSounds⌟.

Director Grant’s business card, which I received immediately after meeting with the manager today.

I was constantly interested in the word ‘Mark’ written on the back.

“As I already said, I knew I wanted to work with ⌜DreamSounds⌟ anyway.”

“so?”

“So I want to meet you. “I’m also curious why Director Grant said he wanted to see me in person.”

“······ okay. Because Director Grant is not the kind of person who won’t guarantee your anonymity. He seemed trustworthy. So when will he make an appointment? Do you have any free time?”

Manager Park Hoon said he would come with me.

But I didn’t want to do that this time.

In order to have a comfortable conversation with Director Grant, I thought it would be right for me to go alone.

“This time, I want to go alone. So, I will try to contact him directly. Also about contracts. Also about singers. And what I was curious about… “I feel like there are a lot of things I need to ask directly.”

* * *

The appointment was made.

This gave Grant some more confidence.

It is said that composer MJ is someone who directly knows Mark Miller.

then.

Now we can guess his age.

The AC162 accident occurred 12 years ago, and Miller was in his late 40s at the time.

Also, Miller began composing in the United States when he was almost 30 years old.

‘Let’s do the calculation…’

MJ’s age is at least 30 years old, and at most he would be in his late 50s.

Besides, in order to have a connection with Miller, wouldn’t he have to be someone who was active in the United States?

Considering that MJ was greatly influenced by Miller’s music, it was most likely that he was in his 50s, a similar age to Miller.

‘Actually, it’s natural. Because it is difficult to say that music like ⌜Long day⌟ was created by a young artist. In order to express such delicate emotions, a variety of experiences must be supported.’

A musician trying to continue Miller’s music.

An artist who may have suffered decades of obscurity.

MJ was making healing music in an unexpected country called South Korea.

Alone and silently.

Thinking only about music.

It’s finally starting to produce results.

In Grant’s opinion, MJ was becoming closer and closer to a ‘true artist’.

Such thoughts made Grant very excited.

Grant was confident he could persuade MJ.

I already had everything I wanted to talk about when I met him in my head.

‘I’m really looking forward to it.’

There are now 15 minutes left until the appointment time.

Grant, who was checking his watch, absentmindedly looked at the entrance to the cafe.

Father and girl.

A group of people who appear to be college students.

lover.

A young boy.

An elderly grandmother.

Old couple.

Several people come here one by one.

As Grant looked at them, deep in thought.

“hello. By any chance, are you Mr. Grant?”

A young boy who appeared to be in his teens spoke to me in English.

“Grant? “I’m right. Why are you doing this?”

“ah! okay. nice to meet you “Director Grant.”

The boy nodded lightly and took a seat across from him.

“······.”

For a moment, Grayson Grant had goosebumps all over his body.

A shiver arose.

Although it is not well received…

It’s a situation that you can easily understand with your head.

Unless there is just one case, this child would not be able to guess the name ‘Grant’.

The boy’s words immediately follow.

Because of that, Grayson Grant completely froze.

“My name is Han Seo-jin. I use MJ as my stage name. In Korea, we attend a school called Seolhwa. I heard from Manager Park Hoon of ⌜Moolgwang⌟ that he wanted to make me a Billboard composer. and······.”

The boy quietly looked at Grant.

“Because the business card you gave me was very impressive. I was very curious as to why this was given to me. Then, please take care of me today. “Director Grant.”

“······.”

A boy who has just begun to escape from childhood.

M.J.

Composer Han Seo-jin is now in middle school, let alone in her 50s.

“Hehehe.”

Grant faced a true genius today.

in korea.

A young, genius composer who has the skills to top the Billboard with just his compositions.