“Same. It was getting claustrophobic even if we were largely only sleeping there.”
We stayed in a hotel for a few weeks when we first arrived in L.A. But after there was a bidding war for us—with several top labels vying for our commitment—we signed with Capitol Records and promptly started looking for a suitable place to rent.
We were offered a decent advance for a six-album deal, but we turned it down on the advice of our new agent-slash-manager, Frankie, and our new lawyer, Ted. Frankie explained how the only guarantee was our first album. After that, the label has the option of producing and distributing any future albums,meaning we could be tied to them for years if our first album is a big success. With current streaming and distribution options, we might want to go it alone after we establish a name for ourselves. It was sound advice, and we renegotiated a three-album deal with no advance and as much creative control over our image, our music, and our schedule as is possible with these types of contracts. Our lawyer more than earned the hefty fee he charged us.
We learned all upfront payments might be paid by the label, but they come out of our future share of the royalties, the same way an advance would. Thankfully, we have the Lancaster millions to cover us until royalties start coming in. Apart from the new equipment we bought and the studio time we paid for back in Dublin, our only other expenses were flights, hotel accommodation, food and drink, and legal fees. Up until we signed a twelve-month lease on this place a few days ago and bought motorbikes and cars. But there will be no other big spending unless something crops up.
Ash has taken full control of our finances. We trust her more than we trust ourselves with the money. She’s going to hire a housekeeper and a PA, and the label provides a publicist. Ash will act on our behalf, carefully vetting our options to ensure whoever is appointed is the best fit.
The two-year contract we signed with Frankie Freeman includes provision for Ash to be mentored by him. It cost us an extra five percent in commission and an agreement to pay him an exit bonus when the contract ends, should the band sales and royalties exceed a certain threshold. But it was worth it to know we’ll have full control of our careers in the future under Ash’s stewardship. Frankie is already treating Ash like his daughter; my sister having charmed him in record time.
Ash is going to be every bit as busy as we are between learning how the industry works, attending business meetings,managing our finances, paying our bills, and attending online classes. She’s determined she still wants to get her degree, so I hope she’s able to juggle everything. The label is already talking about a tour the year after next if everything goes well, so I’m not sure how viable it will be for her to do post-grad studies when we hit the road, but she says she’ll cross that bridge when she comes to it.
“I can’t believe we get to live in a mansion like this.” Reverence fills her tone as she looks all around.
“It’s surreal for sure,” I agree, needing to pinch myself too. It’s only been seven weeks since we landed on US soil, and so much has happened in that short space of time. It’s been hectic. A blur of meetings and performances, signing paperwork, organizing long-term visas, and making plans. All the important things are in place now, and we can get settled in our new routine.
Come Monday, we start recording our album at Capitol Studios, which is in the Capitol Records building. One of the benefits of this gaff is its proximity to the label. A thirty-minute walk or a five-minute bike ride is all it will take between both places. I couldn’t stomach the thought of sitting in that bullshit traffic every day. A ton of iconic music venues are on our doorstep along with top-notch restaurants, bars, and clubs. So, as locations go, it doesn’t get much better than this. It’s a quiet, private retreat only minutes from the hustle and bustle of L.A. life.
Our new home is a palatial Tuscan-inspired five-bedroom house costing a small fortune every month. I’m putting Lancaster’s money to good use for sure. Dave, who is now our official A&R rep at the label, managed to secure us a decent discount seeing how the owner is signed to Capitol Records too and he’s overseas for a year on an international world tour.
“We’re living the dream, baby.” Jay comes up behind Ash, throws her over his shoulder, and takes off racing around the large patio area in front of the infinity pool.
“Don’t you dare, Jamie Fleming,” she shrieks as my best mate moves closer to the water. “I’m warning you, there’ll be?—”
Whatever she’s about to say is cut off when Jay jumps into the water, fully clothed, holding her tight to his chest.
“This place is sick!” Ro comes bounding down the steps, sporting a giant grin. “We have a proper home gym, a games room, cinema room, and a fucking wine cellar! And get this.” Ro’s face glows like a little kid on Christmas morning as he materializes beside me at the railing.
I’ve been admiring the stunning view of the city laid out before us from our Hills hideaway, trying not to think of how close I am to the love of my life or wondering if any of the structures in the distance are UCLA. From my research, it’s less than a thirty-minute drive from here, traffic notwithstanding.
“All the bedrooms are en suite with massive rainforest showers, fireplaces and sitting rooms, huge walk-in wardrobes, and their own terrace with outdoor furniture,” my little brother rambles on, unaware of my inner turmoil.
To be so close to her and yet still so far is a killer.
“I swear the kitchen is the size of our entire house back home, and there’s a separate dining room and two huge living rooms. I just sent a video to the family group,” Ro adds, practically vibrating with glee.
Pulling him into a playful headlock, I mess up his hair. “Wait until you see the home recording studio.”
“What?” he yells, punching me in the gut as he wriggles free. “Are you kidding me? If you’re joking right now, Dil, I’ll fucking kill you.” He swipes hair back out of his eyes.
I chuckle, loving seeing my little brother so happy.
If he only knew how close I came to walking away from all of this for her.
What a dumbass move that would’ve been.
“I’m not joking. You do know who this house belongs to, right? Of course, there’s a recording studio.” I point at the outbuilding beside the guest house at the far right of the property. “It’s in there.”
He moves to run off, but I grab the back of his shirt. “Did you break the news to Ma about Christmas?”
He bobs his head before swatting my hand away. “She was actually fine with the plan, and the others are excited. They can’t wait to spend Christmas in L.A.”
Our first album is due to be handed in at the end of February, so there’s no way we can fly home for Christmas. The three-bed guesthouse made softening the blow easier. We talked to Con and Jay first. Con’s grandparents said they are too old to travel all this way, and Jay isn’t speaking to either of his parents right now, so neither of them had any issue with us offering the guest house to the O’Donoghues to come visit next month.
It’ll be nice to have them here. I know Ma is worried about us being so far away. Hopefully, seeing our setup and how we’ve surrounded ourselves with good people will help to put her mind at ease.
“Come on.” Ro tugs on my elbow. “Give me a tour of the recording studio unless you want to stay for the show.” He smirks as he jerks his head toward Jamie and Ash. My sister and best mate are now lip-locked and wrapped around one another, looking like they’re seconds away from christening the pool.
