It feels like there is more to the story there, but I let it go as Matt pulls off the dirt road and back onto the highway that will lead us into Wild Bluffs.
“So, Matt,” I say, “any interest in farming these fields long-term?”
***
My phone rings as I wave goodbye to Matt, and I stare at my manager’s name as it scrolls across my screen. I generally like Henry, but I have a bad feeling about this call. Things between my label and me have been tense, and Henry, as the man whose job, by definition, puts him between us, has been decreasingly happy lately.
I understand that hosting the HMAs is an honor. I also understand I’ve been letting my label down recently by not writing or releasing any new music. That said, I made a deal with Izzy. One I plan on upholding.
“Jaxon,” Henry says when I answer, “you’re in. They’ve officially given Looper Jones the boot after his most recent scandal. You’ve been tapped to replace him.”
My heart drops. Like,sinks to my toes and then zooms back up to lodge itself in my throatkind of drop.
Before I can say anything, Henry continues, “They need you there. You’ve barely been seen in public in a year, and your sales are showing it. The label refused to budge.”
“How are we still talking about this, Henry? I said no. I can’t—” I start, but he cuts me off, his tone moving from professional to clipped.
“I’m not asking, Jaxon. I’m telling you. You’re hosting the HMAs on Saturday. I did everything I could, but the label has your hands tied. I tried to get you to renegotiate your contract when you signed this new one four years ago, but you said you didn’t need to rock the boat. The network head golfs with the head of the label, and they are the ones who decided you are the man to replace Looper. This is what’s happening.”
Since the label was sold three years ago, I’ve met the new owner roughly five times, and it’s always at some big event or another when he wants to have his picture taken with me. He is the kind of guy who prides himself on who he knows and who owes him a favor.
“I understand it’s what’s best for the label, Henry. But it isn’t what’s best for me. I have a previous commitment, and I need to honor it.”
Henry lets out a low sigh, one that captures just how exasperated he must feel.
“Jaxon, your team has told me repeatedly it doesn’t work for you. I passed that along before the decision was made. But they will not budge. You know I only have as much control over the label as you let me put in the contract.”
“Yeah, well, I wasn’t aware they were going to sell to some unknown entity when I signed my last contract,” I say, pouting just a bit.
Fuck. I’m going to let Izzy down when she needs me. Again.
“They can always sell, Jax. I told you that. You are so smart about every other part of your business, but you’ve always had a blind spot for SevenFour.”
“They were the first people to believe in me, Henry. Well, after you.”
“I know. And they’ve been rewarded beyond belief for the risk they took on you. You’ve got to start thinking about yourself.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to hold back my anger. I know this isn’t Henry’s fault, but I’ve jumped through every single hoop the label has ever asked me to, and the first time I ask for something that’s just for me, they say no. I do need to rethink this relationship.
“They’ve got my masters though, Henry.”
“I’m not saying you find a new label, though that’s always an option. You might be able to buy back the masters, though it may be for a hefty price. I’m just suggesting we make some changes to the contract. Ones that artists with half of your revenue power have.”
The thought makes me cringe. I’ve gone out of my way to be easy. Even as my fame was growing to undeniable levels, I always did my best to be the ideal client. To make sure that nothing—especially some minor tiff with my label—got in the way of me achieving my dreams. But now? Well, I might just have a different dream, and my label is certainly standing in its way.
“You’re right, Henry. Things have to change. This is unacceptable.”
I can hear the scratch of a pen as Henry writes something. “I agree, Jaxon. But for now, you’re shit out of luck. There is no secret option C. It’s show up or lose everything you’ve worked your entire life for.”
And if that’s not a kick straight to the gonads, I’m not sure what is.
We finalize the details, and Henry breaks the bad news that not only do I have to be at the event on Saturday, but they need me in Nashville tomorrow to start shooting promos and really amping up all the marketing that they’ve put on hold the last few weeks while everything with the last host was up in the air.
Henry already has my plane on its way.
I’m leaving in two hours.
Which is going to make everything worse. It’d be one thing if I could take my time and explain it to Izzy. If I could stay with her after I break the news. Hold her. Kiss her until I’ve convinced her I’m coming back.
