Page 99 of My Three Billionaire Rockstars

Julian blinks. “You just had that ready?”

“Yes, because unlike some people, I’ve thought before speaking.”

He puts a hand over his heart. “Cruel.”

I ignore him again. “Artist identity means recurring things people recognize. Tone, visuals, little habits, phrases, behind-the-scenes details, what they care about, what kind of room they belong in. Process means studio clips, writing sessions, gear choices, set list scribbles, actual creative work. Community means the town, the compound, collaborations, local places, small moments that make this feel lived in.”

Gabe’s watching me now like I’ve started speaking a second language he didn’t know he understood. “And your ratio?”

“Sixty, thirty, ten.”

Xander speaks before Gabe can. “Meaning?”

“Sixty percent artist and music. Thirty percent process and atmosphere. Ten percent direct promotion. Maximum.” I pick up my fork again, then set it back down because now I’m fully in it. “If you’re constantly asking people to pre-save, stream, buy tickets, watch the trailer, read the statement, you’ll train them to tune out. People should feel like they’re getting access, not being sold to every five minutes.”

Julian lets out a whistle. “You really do know this stuff.”

I shrug. “I studied it. I just don’t usually get to use it on anything bigger than diner specials and church bake sales.”

“That’s a waste,” Gabe says.

I glance at him, but he’s not being flattering. He sounds irritated on my behalf, which is strange.

I look away first.

“Anyway,” I say, because that feels safer, “you also need one artist to break first.”

Gabe nods. “A flagship.”

“Exactly. But not just your biggest name. The clearest story.”

Julian lifts a brow. “What’s the difference?”

“The biggest name gets attention,” I say. “The clearest story gets loyalty.”

That quiets the room. I keep going.

“If your first breakout artist’s complicated, inconsistent, or hard to explain, people won’t know what Redemption Records actually is. Your first real push needs to answer that question fast. Are you artist-first? Raw and disruptive? Prestige? Reinvention? Intimate? Dangerous? You don’t get to be all of it at once unless you want to look confused.”

Gabe leans back, considering. “So, the first artist defines the label.”

“The first successful one does, yes.”

“And if that artist underperforms?”

“Then people assume the label doesn’t know who it is.”

Julian mutters, “Jeez.”

“I know,” I say. “Almost like this matters.”

Xander’s mouth twitches faintly.

I point at Gabe. “And one more thing.”

His brows lift. “There’s more?”

“There’s a lot more. You’re welcome.”