Marquise
I will skip this game. What is wrong with you?
Me
Nothing.
Marquise
Ignoring me, snapping and shit, and you not sleeping in my bed.
Me
I’m your friend, not your girlfriend.
Marquise
What did I tell you about others telling me what to do in my friendship?
Me
It’s bullshit. It’s your excuse to blur the lines.
Marquise’s name flashed on my phone, and I wanted to walk back those words. I sent him to voicemail before I powered off the phone.
“I’m excited to see what you have,” Tyrus said, and Jhae smiled.
Standing in front of the living room television, I mirrored my screen.
“I am proposing a ten-city “Intimate Night With Jhae” tour. Two nights in each city with venues holding ten thousand people a night. On stage, it will be you and the band belting out the lyrics to the song. We could do a meet and greet afterward for a hefty fee. But we will travel at night with no more than two or three buses. One for you, of course, the band and the equipment. For the album, a nineties photoshoot would set this off, and at the album release party, let’s do those old cd covers. We can put QR codes on the back for them to scan for the digital version...”
I continued to map out my plan, earning praise from Tyrus. He was impressed with the overall presentation, but Jhae’s eyes sometimes wandered to her phone.
“I want to also report that your social media following has grown. I’ve shifted the focus back to music instead of your personal life, and your website is in the works.”
Swiping my finger over, I revealed the beta version of her new website. Jhae slapped hands with Tyrus as she gave an approving smile.
“I told you she was good,” she said.
The website opened with a black-and-white photo of Jhae, but her lips were teal. Once you scrolled down her page, a pop up appeared to join her mailing list. The footer held links to her social media pages. I’ve also updated her profiles on all streaming platforms, removing Midwest Records.
“What are we thinking?” I queried.
Tyrus beamed at my plan before he said, “let’s go for it. The plan is solid, effective and budget-friendly for a tour.”
I turned to Jhae, awaiting feedback. “The only thing we gon’ have to change is those dates. The last of June until the end of September, I’m good for out-of-town travel. Anything before will have to be local. I want Malcolm to be able to travel with us.”.
Tyrus and I both shifted in her direction. Most summer tours launch at the end of May early June.
“I’m the boss. Once the tour dates and contracts are signed, we as a label need to shift to Icey. It’s time to record a full album. Erin, he needs the same treatment, website and social media. Lastly, I need you to find me a wedding planner,” Jhae requested, and I gave her surrendering hands. “If we could get his album to hit at the end of your tour, this could work,” I said, as I disconnected from the television.
Tyrus agreed with a nod, along with Jhae.
“Is there a deadline on Icey’s website and social media rebrand, and how do I contact him? I will also set up meetings with wedding planners and get contracts for venues,” I said.
Jhae air-dropped me Icey’s information, and I stored everything in my contacts.
“Alright team, I like where this is going,” Jhae said as she adjourned the meeting.
