City of Sound

Renly's head was still throbbing, the hangover deeply irritating the surface of his brain. He felt as if a group of tiny people were traversing mountains and valleys up there. His memories of last night were nothing but fragmented pieces, impossible to piece together. Not that he wanted to remember—wasn't the point of drinking to forget reality and indulge in wild revelry?

The scenery outside the window was rapidly receding. Tall palm trees bathed in golden sunlight, people in floral shorts and flip-flops leisurely strolling along the wide streets, reminded Renly that this was Los Angeles, not New York.

"Renly, are you okay? Do you need us to stop for a coffee?" Andy's concerned voice came from beside him.

Renly waved his hand, declining the suggestion. He felt that if he drank coffee now, he would probably throw up immediately. His churning stomach was warning him.

"Renly, how about we stop for some breakfast, at least to settle your stomach a bit?" Andy asked again with concern.

Renly waved his hand again. He didn't even want to speak, let alone eat. The thought of putting anything in his stomach seemed too burdensome.

"Renly, are you sure you're okay? Do you know where we're heading?" Andy thought Renly's condition seemed quite serious.

Renly finally turned his head, gave Andy a weary glance, and said, "I don't want to talk right now. What I need most is for you to be quiet for a while. Haven't you picked up on my signals?" His helpless sarcasm made Andy's smile freeze, which actually amused Renly, making the corners of his mouth curl up. "We're on our way to the recording studio. Don't worry, I won't throw up in there."

Andy started to sweat.

How had things come to this? Renly found it all quite amusing.

If someone had told him a week ago that "Cleopatra" would not only make it to the Billboard charts but actually capture public attention and cause a minor sensation, and that he would be heading to a recording studio to record an official version of the song, he would have considered it the funniest joke since 2010.

But now, here they were, sitting in a car heading to Sound City.

Located on the west side of Universal Studios, Sound City was actually the name of a recording studio, representing the most glorious and beautiful music dreams of Los Angeles since the 1970s. Established in 1969 amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War, its humble origins were at odds with the flower-child and free-love ethos of the hippie movement. Even unknown singers back then didn't want to record their voices in that "dirty and dreadful" place.

However, as the 1970s progressed and legendary artists like Spirit and Neil Young recorded timeless classic albums there, Sound City began to gain more attention. The studio became home to numerous great names. Albums that solidified the unparalleled status of bands like Metallica, Elton John, and Nirvana were produced there.

This made Sound City one of the most renowned recording studios in Los Angeles, attracting countless fans to come and pay homage.

Yet, as the 21st century dawned, with the rapid evolution of music media and recording methods—Renly had recorded "Cleopatra" at home on his computer—the prestige of recording studios began to decline. Even Sound City, with its long-standing fame, was not immune to this trend.

Now, they were on their way to Sound City for Renly's first studio recording session.

For Renly, this was like an incredible magical journey. More than the job of recording a single, standing in Sound City's recording booth and completing the recording felt like following in the footsteps of those great musicians. That was the most amazing part. As for the single itself, Renly had no high hopes. Music, to him, was just one of many activities in his leisure life, like free climbing or surfing.

What would it feel like to record in the studio where "Nevermind" was made? To feel the music in the space where Kurt Cobain once roamed wildly? Moreover, to record music in a studio?

Now, Renly had the chance to experience it firsthand.

"Andy, how did you manage to book Sound City's studio in such a short time?" The turmoil in his stomach was gradually settling, and the swelling in his brain seemed to be easing under the warm California sun. As Sound City's building appeared in the distance, Renly couldn't help but get a bit excited and asked proactively.

Andy spread his hands. "It's not the hottest studio in town anymore."

"But it's still amazing!" Renly marveled. The time was really short—only a thirty-minute slot.

Andy shrugged, as if it was no big deal. As a top agent at Creative Artists Agency, such a feat was indeed within his capabilities.

The Sound City in front of them looked like an abandoned garage, with yellowed walls already peeling, rusted pipes with flies buzzing around, and a large parking lot with a dozen vintage cars but not a single person in sight. It was desolate and deserted, as if abandoned in a corner of the city.

The former prosperity and bustle had now all but faded away, leaving a sense of desolation. It was as if the echoes of flowers and cheers could still be heard, but there was nothing left in sight.

With just one look, Renly liked the place. Unfortunately, he hadn't brought his camera, so he took out his phone and captured this moment in the parking lot.

Renly and Andy pushed open the big red wooden door, and unlike the high-end and elegant studio they had imagined, the space inside had the vibe of a garage studio. Cigarette butts littered the floor, tables and chairs were piled up, the red sofa was covered in dust, outdated machines were scattered around, and there was even a mattress with exposed springs and cotton, with wires hanging from the walls. Then Renly saw a brown plush blanket hanging on the wall, seemingly out of place but fitting perfectly… The casual and messy style, even a bit shabby, immediately made one feel a sense of intimacy.

In the rapidly changing 21st century, such a backward, stubborn, and dilapidated space still exuded a pure and persistent love for music.

"This..." Andy was at a loss for words, "This is even messier than I imagined." Andy frowned, feeling he might have chosen the wrong studio.

At the end of the corridor, turning a corner, the view suddenly opened up. The walls were covered with platinum records, filling the entire space—a truly spectacular sight. Even Andy, an outsider to the music world, was impressed.

Andy reached the studio door, only to find that Renly hadn't followed. Turning around, he saw Renly with his hands behind his back, looking at the platinum records with great interest. "Renly, come on, we have an appointment."

"You go ahead. I'll catch up in a bit." To Renly, history was fascinating. Everyone wanted to be recorded in history, to become a special part of it. But more often than not, history was created unknowingly. When Nirvana recorded "Nevermind," they had no idea the album would profoundly impact the music industry for the next twenty years.

So, this wall in front of him bore witness not only to Sound City's glory but also to the weight of history.

What Renly didn't know was that Guns N' Roses had also recorded here, as had Nine Inch Nails. "Quite a few great artists have gathered here, haven't they?" A voice came from behind. Renly turned quickly and saw a few people standing there.

Renly realized the corridor was too narrow and he was blocking the way. "Sorry." He quickly stepped aside, allowing them to pass. They nodded at Renly and moved on.

However, the person who had first spoken to Renly stayed behind. "Recording here takes some guts."

Renly spread his hands. "Maybe I just want to soak up some greatness, hoping my record will do well."

His playful tone made the man laugh heartily. "Then I'll cross my fingers for you." After laughing, he pointed to the studio behind him. "Nowadays, young people prefer digital recording, relying on synthesizers and music software. Few appreciate the essence of traditional recording anymore. So, good luck to you."

"If it answers your question…" Renly shrugged, "I'm here to record a folk song today."

Compared to pop, electronic, and rap music, folk music didn't need electronic synthesis. Traditional recording was the best way to capture its essence.

Renly's jesting manner made the man smile again. "Then you must try the Neve 8028. It can deliver the purest melodies, unmatched by digital music. I hope your voice does it justice." He made no effort to hide his love for that machine. "Maybe I'll listen to your music then. Dave Grohl."

Seeing the broad hand extended, Renly shook it politely. "Renly Hall."

"Good luck with your recording today." Dave nodded and left with large strides.

Renly watched Dave's departing figure, lightly pressing his lips together—this was a good start. Dave Grohl, the drummer of Nirvana, founder of Foo Fighters, and an early inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Welcome to Sound City.