[Chapter 57: Shania Twain]
The next day, February 1, Danny avoided the paparazzi and took Linton back to his estate, only to find even more photographers waiting at the gate. But Linton paid them no mind. Once inside, he asked the housekeeper Amy to bring the day's newspapers.
Sure enough, there were multiple articles about his film project, most of them critical. However, the tabloid Hollywood Entertainment News praised Linton with the front-page headline: "Linton, From Singer to Director, Carving a New Legacy."
The article highlighted Linton's remarkable achievements in music within less than a year: each of his three singles had sold over 10 million copies globally, and his debut album had surpassed 20 million in sales. He wrote all his own songs, hailed as a true prodigy and embodiment of the American Dream.
The article also noted Linton's recent graduation from USC's School of Cinema and Television, where he had excelled academically. Now investing in his own films as a director, he was seen as someone who remained true to his roots and confident in himself.
They expressed confidence he would succeed in the film industry, looking forward to Step Up becoming a major box office hit.
...
Despite the praise, Linton felt a bit embarrassed. Seeing Amy's curious look, he asked, "Any questions?"
Amy, a bit shy, asked, "Sir, how much did we pay Hollywood Entertainment News? Why are they so nice to us?"
"Believe it or not, I didn't pay them a cent. Maybe they want to stand out and attract attention," Linton replied.
Amy seemed skeptical, but Linton didn't mind. Whether good or bad, publicity helped increase his fame and promote his work. Besides, Step Up was getting free promotion.
---
At 9:30, following Daniel's directions, Linton arrived at a music company called Sunshine Music. It was quiet because it was the weekend, and for confidentiality, only a few staff were present. Daniel took Linton directly to the recording studio, equipped with top-tier gear.
Inside, only a tuner and keyboard player were present along with a white woman around 5'3" dressed like a country singer -- plain shirt and jeans. She looked older than Linton and didn't quite look like a novice.
Daniel introduced her: "Linton, this is Shania Twain, a Canadian singer with a very distinctive voice perfect for rhythm and blues. I think she's ideal for singing your songs. Can you have her sing a part for you?"
Linton was stunned -- Shania Twain was one of the world's best-selling female artists. How lucky Daniel was to have found her.
His face remained neutral as he nodded.
"Alright, let's start."
...
♫ Boy, no matter what we go through ♫♫ You step up, I'll step up too ♫♫ It don't matter what the haters say ♫
As soon as she sang, it was clear Shania met all his expectations. He simply didn't understand why she hadn't debuted yet, given her amazing vocal abilities.
"Great, your voice is distinctive and heartfelt," Linton applauded after the first song.
He asked her to sing all four songs: 80's Joint, 'Til The Dawn, U Must Be, and the first one. Despite being a little unfamiliar, Shania's voice and tone were excellent.
"Daniel, you've got a great singer. With good training, she'll be a star," Linton said.
Daniel beamed. He then introduced Shania to Linton personally.
Unexpectedly, Shania hugged Linton in excitement. "Linton, you're my idol. I'm so happy to meet you."
"Glad to meet you too. We're colleagues and friends now," Linton replied, slightly embarrassed.
"Did I sing well earlier?" Shania asked nervously.
In the studio's outer room, they spoke privately.
"Very well. Your voice fits rhythm and blues perfectly. You sing these songs well but could use more practice on details."
"Thank you. I'll work hard. I heard you wrote these songs. Can you sing them for me?"
"Maybe. But it's Daniel's call on who sings what."
...
They went to a nondescript office, where Daniel explained the project to Shania.
"Shania, did you know Linton's making a movie?"
"I saw it in the papers this morning."
"These songs are for the movie, and since Linton chose you, you'll sing them. There are four duets with him, too. Practice hard -- this is a huge chance. You could be famous overnight."
"Thank you, boss, and thank you, Linton. I won't let you down."
"Go ahead and have Susie find you a nicer apartment. A good environment helps your singing," Daniel said.
"Thanks!" Shania left, beaming.
...
"We found a gem, right?" Daniel asked proudly.
"Definitely. But it's odd -- why hasn't she debuted if she has such talent and looks?" Linton said.
"She's 27, born in '65. Age isn't crucial in singing as it is in acting. She's Canadian and has loved music since childhood but never caught a break due to her poor background and few opportunities in Canada. She came to the U.S. two years ago but competition's fierce. Without a major label backing or songwriting skills, female singers struggle to break through.
If these songs were offered at Universal, a thousand singers might sign up in three days, with countless industry insiders trying to get involved," Daniel explained. "Some time ago, one of my people spotted her potential and introduced her to me.
After hearing her, I signed her. If you want a female lead singer, this is the chance."
"Daniel, I'm with Universal, and she's with Sunshine Music. If we don't use singers from Universal for my songs but outsiders, will Universal approve? Are there legal issues with producing the soundtrack?"
"No problem. Sunshine Music is under Universal. Universal distributes their music."
"But it's still separate companies. Who handles the soundtrack production?"
"Ideally Sunshine Music."
"My contract with Universal says my songs must be produced and released by Universal, right?"
"Yes, but since Sunshine's part of Universal, the album can be a joint production. I'll handle it to avoid legal risks. When Universal execs ask why the female singer is Shania, you must stand by that she's the best match because of her voice."
"Can I consult my lawyer?" Linton was still cautious.
"Of course. I don't think your contract forbids writing for other labels. Contact your lawyer now to clarify legal issues so we can sign the authorization contract promptly."
...
Linton called Goodman, gave him the address, and asked him to come over quickly. He told Danny to bring his Universal contract from home. Daniel also invited lawyers from Sunshine Music and Shania herself to prepare the licensing contract.
Goodman arrived, and after hearing the details and examining Linton's Universal contract closely, he concluded there were no legal risks.
Shania, accompanied by her agent Susie, arrived wearing a stunning gold gown, glowing beautifully after careful preparation.
With legal issues cleared, Linton readily granted Sunshine Music licensing rights for the four female solo songs and four duets to Shania Dawn.
They signed the contract, with the standard industry split: his composer and lyrics receiving 6% each, totaling 12%.
However, for Ain't Cha, performed by the male group, Linton and Daniel felt it better to keep it under Universal, not wanting to overreach, especially since the song was average.
...
By the time everything wrapped up, it was already 4 p.m. They had just grabbed a quick lunch in the office.
After signing, Shania hugged Susie excitedly, singing and dancing before hugging and kissing Linton on the cheek.
"Thank you so much. I promise to give it my all."
Daniel popped open champagne to celebrate.
"Cheers!"
"Cheers, to a great partnership!"
Linton reminded Daniel to settle the first batch of album revenue soon -- the film was about to launch fully, and his cash flow was low.
Daniel saw Linton as his closest partner and most solid ally. He agreed to have everything settled by February 10 at the latest and asked Linton to have his accountant audit the books soon.
Declining Daniel's club invitation that night, Linton needed to practice singing and dancing -- time was tight.
Before leaving, Daniel suggested that to speed up the recording, Shania and Linton should rehearse together.
Linton wanted to refuse, knowing nothing underhanded would happen and that Shania, still a rookie, wouldn't aid his growth.
But with Daniel's enthusiasm and Shania's eagerness, he reluctantly let her into his Rolls-Royce. Might as well consider it an investment in cultivating a star.
*****
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