976 Posts
0 EP
EXP
Total
19 Years
Female
"Yaksha"
Student-Rank Quirk:
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Post by Jasmine Noir on Feb 11, 2021 10:06:42 GMT -4
look at me, i'm a reflection of what you wanna be
Queen on the throne, none of you pawns can humble me
Today was the day.
Fuck.
Yeah, she was nervous.
As she heaved a harsh sigh Jasmine Noir glanced up at the tall building in front of her, separated from her only by the intersection and the subsequent red light in front of her. It was only about six stories tall -- something she could scale within about two seconds if she really wanted to -- but Jasmine couldn't help but feel absolutely tiny and insignificant as she stared at the large grey 'H' plastered on one of the structure's walls.
Horizon Records.
Horizon fucking Records.
Jasmine would be lying if she said this wasn't the goal. She wasn't creating and uploading music just so people could hear it. Any artist who claimed something as stupid like that was just full of shit. Obviously she felt happy that people heard her music. She was absolutely elated when some of them even sang Party Till I Die during one of her shows at the Risurrezione... but she wanted more than that. The fame. The glory. She wanted all of it. She wanted her words to matter. Sure she had her hero career that was pretty much set in stone already, but that wasn't enough anymore.
Now she had that opportunity.
Yesterday was just like any other Wednesday. Jasmine woke up, went through her exercise routines, went to class, worked a little at her part time job, did her routine patrols with Mia and quickly found herself at her studio again. While in the middle of recording a new track she'd gotten a call from an unknown number -- luckily she forgot to turn her phone to silent.
"What?" She asked, not at all hiding her irritation. Honestly had she known who the hell was calling her she probably would've sounded like an absolute angel. The thought made her want to shoot herself in the head with Perfect Paradox.
"A pleasure to hear from you too, Jasmine."
Nakajima Satoru called her.
He actually called her.
Wait where the fuck did he get my number from?
That Nakajima Satoru. The head of the fucking Japanese branch of Horizon Records. The absolute legend responsible for signing eight billboard topping artists within the last five years alone.
Jasmine almost called Mia to get her shotgun back.
The girl laughed and cringed to herself absendmindedly, not noticing the odd looks she got from the people around her. Thankfully Nakajima didn't really mind Jasmine's reply but rather laughed it off when the lass practically stuttered through her apology. She found out that none other than Luca gave the man her number -- he did say he'd thank me properly for that incident with Pinocchio... but I sure as shit didn't expect this holy fuck -- and scheduled an interview for the following day. Yes, an interview to sign Jasmine Noir under their record label.
"Oh my fucking God it's actually happening," the girl muttered under her breath as the light turned green. Her body felt like it had shifted into autopilot as she stepped along the crosswalk, trying to pace herself as best she could. "Okay. Okay. Breathe, Jasmine. Just breathe," she kept talking to herself, and if the stares were odd before now people were actively trying to keep their distance from the two-toned lass.
The second she entered the building Jasmine felt like the open atmosphere of the foyer was larger than life. It was wide, spacious, and honestly resembled something like a reworked in-door skatepark. Azure eyes darted from person to person, quickly settling on the reception desk and the lady working there.
"Uh... hello?" She asked after approaching, catching her attention. She had a tag on her left breast -- Mijima Hinamori. "I'm uh... here to see Nakajima-san? He told me to be here-"
"Jasmine, right?"Hinamori quickly countered, a smile making her lips widen. Jasmine blinked almost dumbly as the words died in her throat for the briefest of moments.
"You... know me?" She managed to finally ask after a few brief moments.
Hinamori chuckled at the girl, her frame turning from the stack of papers she was dealing with to fully regard the new arrival. "Of course! I saw you live two weeks ago at the club!"
Wait, seriously?
"...Risurrezione?"
"Yeah!"
Holy fuckin' shit.
"Demons is by far my favorite track on that EP you released," the older woman continued, her smile actually contagious. "When I heard it I knew it was just a matter of time before you made it big!"
"Heh... thanks, I guess..." Jasmine replied meekly, a dumb smile on her face as she rubbed the back of her head. She was feeling uncomfortable, but not like... bad uncomfortable. Rather she felt embarrassed. Praise was unusual. Despite her strength and her grades and whatever the hell else deeming her to be an incredibly high prospect in the hero scene, that never interested her. But with music, her passion? Yeah. She wasn't used to it. At all.
The receptionist stared Jasmine up and down, quickly taking note of the very different demeanor the two-toned lass displayed as compared to how she was on stage. She snickered to herself quietly, quickly piecing the puzzle together.
"I'll let Nakajima-san know you've arrived. Feel free to take a seat over there. He should be down here any minute," Hinamori smiled brightly at Jasmine and the musician countered with her own, slightly less confident grin. "Would you like some water, tea, or coffee while you wait?"
"Oh, uh... nah, think I'm good. Heartrate's already pretty wild," Jasmine admitted, a sheepish chuckle leaving her.
Hinamori only nodded, feeling quite amused yet understanding. "Well, let me know if you need anything."
"Gotcha, will do."
"Mijima Hinamori. Feel free to call me Hina. Most of our artists do," she added while turning back to the paperwork she'd been working before.
"Uh..." Jasmine blinked and stared like a moron again, the insinuation far too obvious for her to ignore. She swallowed down an uneasy lump that had formed in her throat, "Yeah, uh... Jaz."
"Pleasure to meet you, Jaz."
Not but a few moments later Jasmine was sprawled out on a green wingback, staring at the ceiling two stories above. Her mind was still trying to wrap around what had just transpired. Hell, it was still trying to come to terms with the fact that she was in Horizon fucking Records about to meet with the head of the fucking office.
Holy.
Shit.
Yeah.
WC: 1076 || Yumi || Notes: leggo |
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278 Posts
0 EP
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Female
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Post by Yumi on Feb 12, 2021 11:39:49 GMT -4
“You know I hope she isn’t one of those fashionably late types.” The older gentleman chuckled softly to himself. From what he’d heard of Jasmine’s music at the very least it could hold some meaning to it or a bit of attitude depending on the track you listened to, all of it seeming heartfelt or a work of passion on some level, but… these days it was getting harder and harder to tell the real person behind music. Even the work that seemed to be fuelled by such passion could still be just a by the numbers catchy tune intended to pull at a few heartstrings just to sell better. He hoped the embaressed humility she showed on the phone translated to the person he’d meet today.
“Not a fan I take it sir?” The young woman by his side asked, idly working away at an Ipad, organizing some new relevant files and documents she may need to hold quick to hand with the person she’d be meeting today. He let out a soft chuckle as he looked out the window to the streets below, trying to spot the two toned young woman he’d seen pictures of, though cautious not to make himself too obvious in doing so.
“I think they’re a little stuck up their own rearend. Their time is more valuable than mine. If someone can’t wait in the lobby, on time, for me to finish my business… well, why should I take any of theirs?~” He shot a sly smile to the woman at his side, moving to his chair and picking up his suit jacket, adjusting it over his shoulder when the phone beside it gave a soft buzz. “Oh, speak of the devil.” Holding down a button, he was presented with the voice of their receptionist saying Jasmine Noir had arrived and would be waiting for them, a smile in his tone as he was glad she’d been punctual. “I’ll be right down.”
Fixing his suit up, he’d adjust the front buttons and his tie, making sure he looked formal and presentable, tugging at the collar with some annoyance before turning to Yua. “How do I look?”
The woman glanced up from the work she was doing on her ipad, looking him up and down and stepping into his personal space without a question to adjust the edges of his suit, walking around to make sure his shirt was fully tucked beneath it before coming back to his front, a faint smile as she honestly answered- “Like someone put a sweater on a bulldog, sir.”
He let out a hearty chuckle, sinking his hands into his pockets. “Yeah. Sounds about right.~” He’d pat the chair he’d retrieved his jacket from, moving towards the door. “Save my seat for me.”
He’d make it to about the door, hand on it ready to go, when a quiet thought occurred, turning his gaze to Yua on the otherside of the room and a slight smile as he asked.
“Stairs, or elevator.”
She seemed to think for a half moment herself, before answering with a sly smile of her own. “Stairs. Make sure she sees you coming.”
Nakajima took the proposed option, and two flights of stair left he came into view, glancing down to the young woman in the lobbie and, if he caught her eye, giving a warm smile her way as he made his way down the stairs, spry for a man getting on in years and with a bit more of a ‘bob’ to his steps than you might expect for a true Japanese businessman. His hair while brushed back and his beard while well kept both gave the impressions of someone with a little more of a free nature than the clothes he wore.
Finally, coming halfway down the last flight of stairs, the sides of which had been free to the open air of the lobby, he called out. “Jasmine Noir I presume?” He glanced to the receptionist who gave a polite nod to confirm his assumptions, striding over towards Jasmine easily, standing fairly tall himself. “I hope you’ll excuse the business suit, here in Japan even the head of an artistic industry such as music needs to keep a sharp appearance.” He’d offer his hand across, the other held behind his back, a brief wink as if to confirm this wasn’t how he’d ever dress on his days off. “Nakajima Satoru. Glad to find you know how to keep time at least.~”
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976 Posts
0 EP
EXP
Total
19 Years
Female
"Yaksha"
Student-Rank Quirk:
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Post by Jasmine Noir on Feb 22, 2021 9:57:58 GMT -4
Seated atop the green windback in Horizon Records' lobby Jasmine couldn't help but twiddle her thumbs while she waited. She was nervous -- if that much wasn't aptly apparent already then it was made obvious by the way she tapped her foot against the ground nervously. Inside her mind she was trying to come up with new tunes and rhythms, different mixtures of synths and lyrics that made absolutely no sense. She couldn't remember the last time she felt this on edge. Even in the middle of a fight, regardless of how bad it was, she'd always manage find something to grab on to and ground herself. Now she felt like her nerves were about to eat her alive.
Irritated with herself Jasmine blew out a few strands of golden locks out of her face. Her unruly black and gold tresses were tied up into her usual pony-tail, the girl having spent some extra time washing each strand so she looked presentable. Her attire matched her personality -- a quaintly oversized black hoodie with a series of white embroidery on the left sleeve and her back, tight-fit black jeans ripped at the knees, and white high-top Jordan sneakers. All things considered this was one of her more expensive sets of streetwear; brand new, bought using the money she'd made selling her beats online. An exasperated sigh left her as she rolled up the sleeves of her hoodie, revealing the swirl-like blue tattoo circling her right arm.
She'd started playing with the few bands she had on her wrist before the man she'd been waiting for finally showed himself. Jasmine Noir I presume?, he asked, making her jump in her seat. Alarmed bright azures quickly found the perpetrator and Jasmine had struggled a little to not squeal like a fangirl. Yes, even Jasmine goddamn Noir had it in her to sometimes want to do things like that, especially when face to face with people who, in her mind, have achieved the status of legend. In the music industry Nakajima Satoru has achieved just that with how many chart-topping artists he himself has signed during his early years with the company which prompted his fast rise into management... or so Jasmine had read.
"U-uh... yes. Yes! Jasmine Noir. That's me," the black and gold haired lass replied as she quickly got up on her feet, bowing her head ever so slightly as was customary in Japanese culture. She wasn't much for formalities but something about this whole situation made her do it on what felt like pure instinct. If she would have ventured a guess she'd say it was probably because of how she fucked up over the phone with him last night.
Her eyes darting between the man's face and his outstretched hand, Jasmine quickly responded with a handshake, chuckling rather sheepishly at his comment, "Being fashionably late doesn't really work nowadays, or so I've been told," she responded, tempted to add a quip or two about the aforementioned phone call but thinking better of it. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Nakajima-san."
An uneasy pause followed.
"So, uh... what's next? Should I give you a sample of my work or something?" Jasmine asked. While she had definitely read online and talked with her producer friends back in the states about how things like this worked she herself could never be too sure. People so high up in managemental positions tended to have their own ways of going about things and with somebody like Nakajima here she was absolutely certain that whatever ideas she had about being signed would be blown out of the water. Whether it would be for better or worse was up for debate though.
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278 Posts
0 EP
EXP
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Female
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Post by Yumi on Feb 22, 2021 15:18:36 GMT -4
Nakajima just let a subtle scoffing chuckle pass through him as he realized just how nervous the young woman seemed to be. From her attire, her hair, just… the general shape of her, she didn’t seem like someone who should be so mousey and cautious. He’d be curious to see how she started acting once she got comfortable, buuuut he wouldn’t prod her out of her comfort zone any quicker than she would flow naturally. It was important to see how quickly she could adapt to a new situation, including meeting him or other big names in the business.
“Well unless you’ve got a pretty decent speaker system in that hoodie I hardly think this is the place for a sample mmm?~” He teased, looking at the lobby around them, the receptionist seeming to resist a small giggle before he flashed a smile back at Jasmine, dipping his head in the other direction and sinking his hands into his pockets. “If you have any files on your phone get them up while we walk back. I’d take the elevator but I need to work these legs a bit at my age. Keep myself fresh.”
Turning on his heels, expecting Jasmine to follow up behind him, Nakajima let out a long yawn, not derogatory or purposeful, if anything he hoped being a little less strict in his appearance as they moved out of the lobby may help Jasmine ease up a little as they headed back upstairs. “I’ve already heard a taste of your music but I find it’s hard to beat the fresher recordings an artist chooses to represent themselves. Once we get to the room I reserved we’ll set you up and you can give me a taste of what you have ready… in the meantime…”
He’d done his research, but he feigned some ignorance as he asked- “American, right? I mean between the tattoos, the accent, the looks…” He dipped his eyes at the slipped sleeve on her arm where he’d noticed the slither of ink. “Don’t worry. I’m not judging you on that. Just curious what has a potential young star trying to make it here in Japan.”
Again, he’d done his research. Signing one of the first hero-musicians was part of the reason he’d been excited for this opportunity himself, but he’d prefer to see how she worded this, how she sold herself. That was always part of the job afterall. Being able to sell yourself, as well as your music.
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976 Posts
0 EP
EXP
Total
19 Years
Female
"Yaksha"
Student-Rank Quirk:
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Post by Jasmine Noir on Feb 23, 2021 9:13:11 GMT -4
If Jasmine knew what Nakajima was thinking about she'd undoubtedly agree with him. Why the hell was she so nervous in the first place? This wasn't like her and she knew it wasn't. It was actually starting to annoy the young woman a little. She never really had any idols at any point in her life but with Nakajima's track record Jasmine was pretty sure he came close to whatever that was supposed to be. Was that why she felt so heavy? The whole 'meeting your idols' bullshit? The urge to scoff was almost strong enough for her to be unable to resist it.
Luckily for her Nakajima was trying to help her get used to things -- something she was immensely thankful for. She heaved a low, quiet breath in an attempt to clear her head. Okay, Jaz, time to get your shit together.
The girl blinked at the older male's quip, tilting her head to the side a little. Speaker system or not the girl could easily go acapella, and honestly she kind of wanted to make a sarcastic remark about it. Thankfully the logical part of her brain made the snide thought fuck off to the farthest reaches of her psyche. Getting your shit together does not mean being an asshole, she reminded herself internally, almost laughing out loud at the dumb situation she found herself in.
Jasmine only shrugged in response, "Alright," she said, shoving both of her hands into her hoodie's pockets. While Jasmine was definitely rearing to go, acapella or just singing and/or rapping along to the music from the speaker of her phone she couldn't help but feel a little glad the man chose to actually give her some proper equipment to work with. Then again she didn't really know what else to expect. A record label, more so one like Horizon, would definitely want to taste test something of the highest quality. Phone quality wasn't exactly that.
His next question made the girl raise a brow in wonder. She contemplated both why he'd ask and what her answer would be. Rather, she knew what her answer was. She just wondered how to frame it. "Happenstance, really," Jasmine offered. "When I got picked up off the streets of New York to attend U.A. a music career wasn't exactly high on the priority list. By the time it got up there I was already set to become a hero. I could probably go back home and start up a music career there but that'd mean ditching what I've already built here. Friends, family... my whole life. I've done that once already. Not about to repeat that mistake again," she explained with an idle shrug, part of her mind reminiscing on the first time she'd left the country to go back to the states with Rin. A magical time, to be sure. The only sad part was what happened in between.
"Besides," a small smirk formed itself on Jasmine's lips, "making waves where I don't belong just seems like fun."
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278 Posts
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Female
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Post by Yumi on Feb 23, 2021 9:42:50 GMT -4
She seemed to be getting her nerve rather quickly, Nakajima was certainly impressed. Nerves were to be expected but to calm herself so quickly? He wondered if the hero training had any part in helping her learn how to control herself like that, or maybe it was just her own nature. He definitely hoped it was the latter. Sure, hero training was impressive in it's own right, but there was always a natural talent for things that would exceed anything training or practice could impart. That was his belief at least. Anyone could play music, great music could come from anyone, but not everyone could create great music.
"Aahhh UA. How is that place treating you? Honestly I'm a little surprised to hear a potential up and comer is spawning from there of all places. I never imagined they'd have given you much room to be yourself. Not much free time either..." He shrugged idly with his comment, not meaning to speak poorly of the school. He was actually on the side of all this new hero stuff, be it for business reasons like with the potential fame Jasmine could garner, or just... well, he had to admit he could be a bit of a romantic when it came to the rules of society. He'd rather see something fantastical like a hero than suppress quirks entirely.
He gave a hearty little chuckle at her following quip however, shaking his head. "Well well... I think we'll certainly be getting along. Assuming I find you're worth the investment." His tone was still playful but there was a layer of seriousness on the comment. He was a businessman at the end of the day. He could take risky investments till the cows came home, but he needed to see some return at the end of the day.
Reaching the room he'd booked out for the hour, the walls made of glass, he checked to make sure he was out of view of the lobby from this level before starting to remove his jacket, opening the door tot he meeting room for Jasmine to enter first before loosening his tie up as he followed behind her, tossing his jacket loosely over one of the spare chairs. "Miss Noir, meet Yua. She'll be joining us for the meeting."
Yua, true to what Nakajima had said, was setting up some equipment at the north end of the room, perpendicular to the long table that cut the room in half. Nakajima took his seat opposite the entrance again, as Yua stepped aside from the equipment, lightly bowing her head.
"I assume you both got the formalities out of the way. Shall we jump right into the sample?"
Nakajima leaned back far more relaxed in his chair, from his attire to the way he slouched back he seemed to be rid of most of the fake strictness in his motions he'd had when in view of the lobby, even rolling up his sleeves. "I'd say so. Jasmine?"
Even as Nakajima checked in with Jasmine, the young woman gestured to the set up, a central piece with two primary speakers, though more subtle speakers did seem to be positioned in the opposing corners of the room. "The connected laptop is unlocked. I don't imagine you'll find it difficult to 'hook up' any device you have to provide. There is also a connected microphone if you'd prefer to provide live vocals." Nakajima nor Yua were going to be expecting anything specifically, live vocals, acapella, Jasmine was just going to have to make a choice on which of her feet was the best one to put forward.
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976 Posts
0 EP
EXP
Total
19 Years
Female
"Yaksha"
Student-Rank Quirk:
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Post by Jasmine Noir on Feb 24, 2021 8:41:16 GMT -4
Confidence wasn't something Jasmine lacked. It was incredibly rare that the girl would come across as shy or nervous as she did now. She realized this. She couldn't help it. First impressions were, for better or worse, already made. Though based on what she knew and what she'd seen of the man so far it didn't seem like Nakajima already pegged her as the nervous sort. She was thankful for that. As a result, she had already started pulling herself together. The initial shellshock of stardom staring you in the face had settled down, leaving her with room to breathe. She swallowed whatever preconceived notions she had. If she played her cards right Nakajima would stop being her idol and would become her colleague. Coming to terms with that was something Jasmine absolutely needed to do.
Humming at the question from the man, Jasmine's eyes idly drifted to the ceiling as she followed him up the stairs. "It's been pretty good, honestly. Think most people -- myself included, at first -- thought it wasn't much more than a glorified military camp for kids. Some part of it is. But nah, there is room for you to develop yourself creatively. Time's obviously in short supply what with all the studies we do but we manage. You'd be surprised how many musically-talented kids that place somehow produces. Guess everybody loves the cliche of a guitar," the black and gold haired heroine-in-training commented with a shrug. "Takes a very special individual to turn it into a career, though. Sleep and I have a rocky relationship so I got extra time."
Jasmine's eyes widened a tad as she blinked at Nakajima's comment. Honestly had he said that about five minutes ago Jasmine might've lost her cool. Now, though? With her confidence having all but returned? She could only scoff and smirk.
"I am."
Upon entering the meeting room Jasmine's eyes immediately caught the sight of all of the equipment set up for her. She quietly hummed to herself in recognition of all the gear, her mind already processing ways of usage. She glanced towards the other woman in the room upon introduction, giving her a quick customary bow of her head, "Hello." The girl glanced back at Nakajima as he got himself much deformalized, though based on what she knew about him that was expected.
A quick nod of confirmation saw to Jasmine strolling over towards the offered equipment. She carefully set her backpack beside the laptop and rummaged through it, pulling out her own laptop before replacing the old one with it. She always did prefer to use her own gear. Made things much more simpler when she didn't need to adjust any settings or use any applications that she wasn't familiar with. A synth test here, a mic check there -- Jasmine speedily ran through a series of sound checks before she was confident she could proceed.
Glancing to the side Jasmine spotted an orange Gibson Les Paul Classic. She whistled at the sight of the guitar, carefully taking it in her hands to test its weight. She assumed she could use it so didn't bother asking. Sure she could do without it but live sound was always better than pre-recorded notes. Always gave it that life that she felt too many artists were sorely lacking. Jasmine carefully yet quite masterfully hooked what gear remained into her laptop, amp and microphone included. Glancing back at the two Horizon workers, she slid a seat of headphones each towards them.
"Just so you get a clear sound," she explained briefly before pulling up a chair and sitting down. Her legs were immediatelly crossed with one leg on top of another before she rested the guitar on her lap. Humming once more, it seemed like Jasmine was now lost in her own little world with the guitar being her one and only focus as her fingers gently ran along the strings, checking if it was tuned to her liking. Once it was she ran her fingers along the strings. "This should do."
"So, uh..." Jasmine pulled the microphone situated on top of its own stand closer towards her mouth, leaning forward a tad. "Generally speaking I'm not really an uh... open person. Like I don't really talk about myself all that much. Keep things close to the heart and all that. Part of it is my soon-to-be-hero image or whatever, another part of it is just... y'know, my experiences and who I am as a person, I guess," she explained, a soft smile crossing her lips. "But with my music I like to open up. Express myself. Share things that I feel or have been through. Just... be genuine. I hope that that resonates with my listeners. For better or worse."
With that out of the way Jasmine cleared her throat an ran her hands through the strings once more, this time using a rhythm she knew all too well. "This song's called 3AM."
"Darling, I've just left the bar and I've misplaced all my credit cards. My self-preservation and all of my reservations are sittin' and contemplatin' what to do with me, do with me," she sang with her eyes closed, her voice calm and melodic, meshing perfectly with the with the calm strums of the guitar. "Think I took it way too far and I'm stumblin' drunk, getting in a car. My insecurities are hurtin' me. Someone, please, come and flirt with me. Really need a mirror that'll come along and tell me that I'm fine. I do it every time," her torso swayed back and forth as her head bobbed to the rhythm, her lips moving either closer or farther away from the microphone each time the volume, tone and pitch of her voice was changed by her in tandem with the lyrics. "I keep on hanging on the line, ignoring every warning sign. Come on and make me feel alright again."
"Cause it's 3AM, and I'm callin' everybody that I know," she continued, completely obliviosu to the other people present in the room with her. The smile on her face had only widened. Despite the subject matter at hand she still recalled those nights. Bittersweet memories, to be sure, but nostalgic regardless. "And here we go again while I'm runnin' through the numbers in my phone. And yeah, I'll take fake moans and dial tones, let 'em spill right down the microphone. I need it digital 'cause, baby, when it's physical I end up alone, end up alone."
Jasmine just sang. Without a care in the world the nineteen-year-old let her voice flow together with the the beautiful sounds of the guitar. Two verses in, she was nearing the end after a few minutes. "I'm reckless, treat it like a necklace. Take a different version, and I try it on for size with everybody that I know. And will you, please, pick up the fucking phone?"
One more chorus before the song ended. Jasmine lowered her head once the song she wrote came to a stop, the music ceasing as she took a few moments to collect her own thoughts. The smile still on her face, she glanced up at the two others in the room, finally acknowledging their existence. She leaned into the microphone, "So? I got more if you need it."
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278 Posts
0 EP
EXP
Total
Female
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Post by Yumi on Feb 26, 2021 15:53:39 GMT -4
Nakajima let out a warm hearted little chuckle at Jasmine’s comments about her sleep schedule, shaking his head. He could certainly relate to that from his younger years even if it wasn’t as big an issue for him these days, continuing to climb the stairs with her as they talked. “You’re right on that one. A very special individual indeed. Needs a bit of passion to light that real fire. I’ve seen it enough times to recognize it.” He didn’t point any of those words specifically at Jasmine, not letting her know if he could already see that fire or if he was waiting to see it… he couldn’t let himself be too easy to read now could he?~
In the room, Yua moved to stand beside Najakima, her back against the glass window wall and watching as Jasmine set herself up. Her brow raised a hair as she pulled out her own laptop and took the time to set herself up with her own equipment. She shared a glance with Nakajima, but the most he gave was a warm smile and a lax shrug. If she wanted to work with her own gear fair enough, he wasn’t about to stop her if she thought that would make the difference.
She was thorough at the very least, he’d give her that. Not rushing to impress, which honestly he actually was expecting a little, but instead taking the time to ensure her best foot was forward. His smile widened a hair.
The choice of live music mixed with the headphones surprised him a bit but she had a fair point, even if she was generating the sound on the spot it was best they get the purest version of that sound they could. Yua briefly adjusted her hair as she slid the headphones on while Nakajima slipped them on right away, leaning back into his chair and hooking his fingers together over one of his knees, speaking clearly enough. “Ready when you are.”
They each took their comfortable positions and listened to the music, watching her perform and how the music flowed through her. While Yua herself was definitely interested, if trying to still remain stern and straight faced, Nakajima made no effort to hide his more analytical expressions. He could feel the emotions in the song sure, but with two joined fingers pressed to his lips, his mind was bubbling with every aspect of this moment. What made her choose that song, how she chose to perform it, the energy of the performance, how she closed her eyes and gave herself into it, all adding up to… well, how that would sell. Even if he loved to see an artist get the recognition they deserved, he was a businessman at the end of the day, and even as the music filled his ears, he examined the whole package.
The cheekiness to ask if they wanted a bit more brought a smile to his briefly strict and stern features, and he shook his head. “As much as I’d love another, I feel we have enough to go on. Yua?”
Yua took a slow breath, not as analytical as her boss, but giving a slow nod. “I can work with her.”
Nakajima smiled, sinking back into his chair. “I believe that is the cue for me to formally introduce Miss Yua here… should things go well today, I was going to install her as your personal manager slash-“
“Babysitter.” She interrupted with a relaxed smirk
“I was going to say assistant.~”
“Same thing.” She added with a light shrug. Nakajima tapped the desk again, gesturing to the choice of seats opposite him.
“Why don’t you come back over here and we can talk terms?” He’d chuckle a little and add. “Unless you’d prefer to keep singing for us while we yell contract terms at you.~”
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976 Posts
0 EP
EXP
Total
19 Years
Female
"Yaksha"
Student-Rank Quirk:
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Post by Jasmine Noir on Feb 27, 2021 20:18:57 GMT -4
All things considered Jasmine felt a little surprised they found one song sufficient to gauge whether or not she was good enough to be signed. She was well aware of how good Nakajima was at scouting talent -- his track record and resume more than proved that sufficiently -- and that they undoubtedly did their research on the third year would-be musician up and down before they even called her. Yet she still figured they might've needed more than just one track as a sample. Heck had she known it would've only been one Jasmine might've chosen a different song altogether. With how big her range of talents (considering it was more hard work than talent, Jasmine used that word loosely) tended to be she wondered if she shouldn't have just rapped or something.
As if to mirror this thought process Jasmine's fingers begun to dance along the strings of the Les Paul in her lap. A familiar melody started to take shape, an array of different, calming notes building themselves into a rhythm Jasmine held close to her heart. Nathan's song. The song he worked on and she finished. Jasmine couldn't help the smile that formed on her facial features when she realized that her mind defaulted to that song as if on instinct, like it was somehow meant to be. In her mind it actually was, in some strange way. It was her way of making sure Nathan was present during what would undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in her life. Horizon Records wanted to sign her. Her dream was finally coming true.
If Nathan were actually here Jasmine could already picture the big dumbass grin he'd no doubt have on his face.
"I'm in your care, Yua-san," the black and gold haired lass commented as her seemingly serene azure orbs drifted towards the older woman. Jasmine smiled and nodded at her, though she never once stopped playing. Honestly had she not been so preoccupied with the guitar in her hands she might've quipped at the babysitter comment. She reasoned she'd do it later anyway.
"Uhm, before that there's uh... this one thing I gotta talk to you about. Figured I'd start with it before we get into the whole nitty gritty of a contract," Jasmine said idly, her eyes moving to the guitar she continued to play. She wondered if her continuing to play wasn't a defensive mechanism -- a sort of... action to keep her grounded while she was about to throw in a term that may put the brakes on this whole operation before negotiations even had the chance to properly start.
Though, in hindsight... if everything were to fall apart because of Jasmine's request she damn sure wouldn't regret it. As much as she wanted to do music, she had her priorities straight.
"I want to be an artist," she said, adamantly. "Whether it's playing an instrument, singing, drawing or whatever the hell else... I've always wanted to do it. Like I said before it's kind of like my way of expressing things I otherwise kind of... can't. I've always been that way and I don't think that'll ever change. Lowkey also why I hate interviews, but uh... I'm under no illusion that me being an artist is what the world needs."
Perhaps Jasmine might have seemed a little self-cented with that comment. She sure as hell would think whoever said something like that would probably come across as an egomaniac. But what Jasmine was, one hundred thousand per cent confident in was that-
"I am, or will be, a Hero. That's my end all be all. Alpha and Omega. Start and the end. Whatever," Jasmine explained, her eyes finally rising to regard both Nakajima and Yua. "If I have to choose between being a musician and being a hero I'll choose the cape eleven times out of ten, no questions asked. Before we proceed, I need you guys to understand that. Making sure there is law and order and protecting the lives of anybody who is in danger will always, always be my top priority."
A slow sigh left Jasmine's lips. She was rambling. "I guess what I'm trying to say, in a more practical sense, is that I want to have complete freedom with how I work. I understand that deadlines, profits and whatever else you got is important and I will do my best to make sure I get every single aspect of it right, but if there is a crisis and I need to put music -- whether it's a concert, an album, a whole tour... - on hold, I need your word that I can do that without being questioned."
"I'm super thankful for this opportunity, I really am... but if you guys can't promise me that it's probably best to stop whatever negotiations we might've had right here so we don't waste our time."
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Post by Yumi on Mar 1, 2021 17:24:49 GMT -4
The pausing comments from Jasmine brought Nakajima to raise his brow, hands linked, elbows in the table, lightly resting together infront of his face as he leaned forward and listened to what she had to say. It started worrying though he didn’t show it, the talk of her being an artist was definitely leading to a ‘but’ he could see a mile off, but when the but finally came, he and Yua shared a glance, and it was clear the two of them had to resist smiling, which itself didn’t last long, but Nakajima did manage to suppress it to a coy little thing rather than a huge grin that he could feel welling up on his cheeks.
“I think we’ll go with draft B of the contract Yua. If you wouldn’t mind.”
“Of course sir.” Bowing her head she’d walk out of the meeting room for a moment, ensuring the door closed properly behind her before continuing to walk down the wall.
Finally a light chuckle pierced his closed lips, quiet and restrained but still present on the ears. “Sorry, it’s just… well I feel you might like the arrangement we have for you.” Resting his hands down on the table between them he spoke more forwardly. He’d rather be open about this than deceitful. “You’re talented Jasmine, truly, but your hero work is actually a big part of the reason we took such an interest in you so quickly. By no means misunderstand me, you have the skills to make it in this business, we wouldn’t be signing you if you didn’t, but to sign one of the first generation of artistic heroes? Well it’s new ground, and while I’m sure you’d like your name to reach people, your actions to save people… well, I’d like to make waves in my own industry, so to speak. I hope none of this dampens the moment for you, but I feel you can understand a bit of frank business in a world such as this.”
Yua returned, laying down a paper copy of a contract beside Jasmine and returning to Nakajima’s side with the other copy. The front page of the document seemed to be titled-
‘Jasmine Noir
Contract B
Hero Allowance’
“We had a few drafts written up-“ He continued. “This is rather experimental afterall, balancing hero work and such a career. The contract will be relatively short term but this addition has vast allowances for… well, saving people I suppose is the best way to put it.” He smiled a little, internally chuckling at how weird it was to be using such ideas during such a moment. “I’m sure you’ll want someone you trust to look over it but effectively, just as you requested, it allows for moments where cancellations can be made for your hero work. Promises can be pulled back and anyone signing onto your projects, be it tours or recordings or concerts, will always be given similar contracts, understanding that if your aid is needed as a hero, the events they organize come second. If this isn’t profitable? Well… that’s why this initial contract is short term. We’ll work with it, see if it fits for us both, see what adjustments we can make, and a stipulation of the initial contract is you must at least discuss any new contract we offer you following it. You would be under no obligation to sign if they feel too strict, but we would need to see about that when we get to it.”
A slow breath, he felt like he rambled there but the points should be clear.
“Bottom line, we know you’re a hero first. We’re happy for you to be a hero first and… we’d cautiously like to see if that works for us both.~”
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Post by Jasmine Noir on Mar 1, 2021 23:27:23 GMT -4
Well that... sure as shit went easier than she had expected it to.
Jasmine could only blink with mild surprise at the sudden shift in both of Horizon's execs, them holding in their smiles far too easy for Jasmine to notice. Part of Jasmine's allure as an up and coming artist was that she was also an up and coming hero -- she was no stranger to this fact. People online had made that awfully obvious to anybody with a set of eyeballs. Comments like A hero and a musician? Damn. She's going places. came just as often as Her music isn't even good. The only reason you people like her is because she's gonna be a hero or whatever and frankly? Jasmine didn't really care. As controversial as something like this might've been Jasmine had every intention of using every single opportunity she could get her claws on.
Clearly she and Nakajima shared the same train of thought.
Though Jasmine had certainly expected him to take at least some issue with her proposal.
Guess I don't know as much about him as I thought, she mused inwardly, her eyes following Yua as the woman exited the room. The moment she was out of earshot Nakajima seemed to have relaxed a little, letting part of his amusement show both with a chuckle and that smile on his face. Jasmine turned to him, a brow rising as his words sunk into her eardrums. She hummed to herself quietly, a small smile coming to her lips as she shook her head.
"Not at all. I'm actually quite aware that's part of my marketability. It's also why, as an artist, I'm using my full name instead of some different name, disguise or like an alter ego or whatever," she admitted, her fingers still dancing melodic circles along the Les Paul's strings, piecing together different tunes into rhythmic soundbites of music. Scarlett immediately came to mind, her memories replaying to her the times when Rin wanted to pursue a career in music, all while under the feisty redheaded persona of an idol. "I'm young, but I'm not stupid or naive. As idealistic as music can get, at the end of the day it's still a business and if I wanna make it as an artist I gotta play that game too."
A soft sigh left the musician's lips as she paused her musings with the isntrument for the briefest of moments, "Of course there's always the threat of someone wanting to get some personal revenge or whatever and trying to do -- excuse my language -- dumb shit during a concert and put civilians in danger, but... yeah. That's more my problem to worry about."
Azure eyes rose to meet Nakajima's gaze, a soft smile once again making its presence known on the girl's lips. "I do appreciate you being frank with me, though."
Only when the contract was in front of Yaksha did she finally set the beautiful guitar down back on its stove. She nodded towards Yua and offered a quiet thank you as she leaned in closer to read the offered contract all while multitasking and listening to what Nakajima had to say. Explanations, rectifications, offer, acceptance, parties... etc. etc.. Everything and anything you'd see in a normal contract was there. Benefits. Royalties. Merch. Tours... Jasmine paused for the briefest of moments once she saw the first signing bonus.
"Holy shit..." she whispered aloud without even realizing it, rather bewildered by the fact that she hadn't actually seen this many zeroes before in her life... let alone zeroes that were gonna make it into her bank account. The contract included the requirement that she compose a full length studio/debut album which the label would cover the costs for. Said costs would be reinbursed to the company through the royalties the album's release would make. Only after these costs were covered would Jasmine actually receive her own share of these dividents. Standard procedure, one that she also thought was completely fair.
Jasmine also took notice of the part that Nakajima mentioned. According to this contract Jasmine would indeed have a contractual right to exercise her authority as a hero without the label being able to interfere, assuming she didn't do things to damage the reputation of the company itself which would then give them reason to terminate her contract. Heck even the reasons for possible termination were outlined. Obviously not everything was there -- you couldn't possibly account for everything in an instance as peculiar and as advanced as this one -- but Jasmine was still glad they chose to do it.
One of the last parts of the contract caught Jasmine's attention; something incredibly important that she was about to enquire about but didn't need to.
In the event that [artist name] passes away... she read in her mind, a small smile crossing her lips again. That was something she couldn't ever forget, especially within her own line of work. Everything after that one sentence was left blank for Jasmine to fill in herself. She was thankful for that. "Can I, uh... borrow a pen?"
Once that was given, either by Nakajima or Yua, Jasmine's eyes would focus on the latter of the two execs. They did her the favor of being straightforward with her. She wasn't planning on beating around the bush either. "No offense to Nakajima-san but uh... since you and I will be working together, and because I have a feeling you're the type of person who'd do this request the justice that it needs... You mind if I ask that in the event of my death my share of the profits from my music is donated to a charity of your choosing?" Jasmine asked, her words, while rather bleak in terms of subject matter, coming out as completely nonchalant. Heck, warm even. Almost as though something like this happening was already something Jasmine had accepted as being an entirely possible outcome.
"I... don't really know much about you, true. But my gut's rarely wrong about this type of stuff," Jasmine explained, all while she chuckled and rubbed the back of her head sheepishly, "Speaking of, that reminds me I don't know your full name so I can't really fill in the blanks. So, uh... hi! Jasmine Noir. Pleasure to meet you, Yua-...?"
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Post by Crimson on Apr 18, 2021 10:40:44 GMT -4
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