Page 93 of Wrathful Malice
I’m excited about this opportunity but disappointed that Malice had to go back to Boulder City. Mark is great, but I miss Malice’s strong arms and reassurances. But he has obligations to the club, and I can’t be selfish.
Malice assured me that he’s all in, and so am I, but that was all based on me going back. Iwillgo back, but…
What will happen to us if I get a record contract? Will our relationship survive?
Tim, Ross, and Claire, Ross’s assistant, walk toward me, interrupting my thoughts. Claire hands each of us a bundle of papers, and I glance at the first page while the others do the same. The top reads ‘Artist Management Agreement (With Master Rights)’.
“Are you serious?” Mara squeals. “I can’t believe it’s finally happening.”
Tim nods. “All of you need to read over the contracts and decide if you want to sign with TL Records. We’d love to have all of you join our family.” He points to all the gold records on the wall before continuing. “Every artist wants one of these on their wall, and we want to help make that dream a reality.”
I skim the document quickly, while Tim finishes his spiel. From what I can tell, it basically says that I’d be under contract with TL Records, and they would manage my career going forward. They’d also own all the rights to my songs and setup performances.
What the hell?
I flip to the second page, and the Songwriter Split Clause catches my eye.
‘Apple Caldwell agrees to co-write a song and produce a duet album with Kyle Bishop, and the songwriters acknowledge the co-ownership. Artist will consent to no less than three different tours within a three-year contract period with Kyle Bishop.’
“Hold on.” I walk over to Tim, pointing to the Songwriter Split Clause. “What does this mean?”
I’m not an idiot, but I want to hear the words from his mouth.
“You and Kyle have charisma, and I think we can really capitalize on that.” Tim shrugs. “Kyle has the same language in his contract. Mara and Sydney have something similar in theirs, as well.”
“What language?” Kyle asks, flipping through the pages.
“Page two, Songwriter Split Clause,” I reply.
Kyle peruses the contract, his eyes growing bigger the more that he reads. “This is perfect! Apple this is exactly what we were hoping for.”
“No, this isn’texactlywhat we hoped for.” I sigh. “We all wanted ourowncontracts. We agreed the duets we—”
“Apple, each of you will do very well, but together, you could be unstoppable and rise up the charts faster,” Tim explains.
“I understand that a lot of artists sing duets, and I get it.” Taking a deep breath, I continue. “But I don’t want to do a whole album of duets. I want to stand on my own and show the world what I’m capable of.”
“We can always negotiate, but this contact hinges on a duets album,” Tim says as he makes his way toward the door. “Why don’t we give y’all a few minutes to discuss.”
Tim exits behind Ross and Charity, who are already out of the room. The door clicks, and yells erupt around me.
“What the fuck, Apple?” Kyle starts. “It’s not that big of a deal. Would singing with me be that bad?”
“I didn’t say that.” I heave a sigh. “We agreed that the duets were just to keep people in their seats inVegas.” I clasp my hands in front of me. “Don’t you want to be recognized because of what you can do alone and not with someone else?”
“Sure, that’s what we all want,” Mara agrees. “But isn’t this the step in the right direction? I mean, come on.” She waves her packet of papers. “We’re all holding contracts.”
Sydney’s eyes narrow at me. “They want all of us or none of us, Apple.”
I roll my eyes. “They didn’t say that.”
“They didn’t have to,” she argues. “Tim said the contract hinges on duet albums.”
“I’m not saying we can’t do a duet or two.” I shake my head. “I just don’t think we should all be quick to sign something that says we agree to duetalbums.It makes us partners. I don’t know about you guys, but I want to be an individual.”
“It’s not all about you,” Mara says softly. “Each of us has a huge stake in this. Can’t you go along with it for a few years and renegotiate your contract then?”
I consider what she’s saying, and she’s right. Icouldwait, but at what cost? The fans we gain in the next three years might only like Kyle and me together and not care about our standalones. I don’t want to be selfish, but I also have my own future to worry about.