13 Sentenced to Death

In the vast music market, it has never been so challenging to secure a foothold. By 2012, the band had experienced a gradual decline, with pop, hip-hop, and rhythm and blues dominating the industry, leaving little room for bands like theirs.

This shift was evident in the television show "The Voice" which debuted in April 2011. Many exceptionally talented solo artists had opted to participate, making it increasingly difficult for bands to thrive in the changing landscape. Consequently, many bands, including One Day King, were forced to explore solo careers.

Despite Tristan's management, the band struggled to impress record companies. They couldn't secure a record deal or even a chance to record a new album. Instead, they found themselves trapped in the world of commercial performances.

Commercial performances were far removed from the world of concerts. They involved performing at events like opening ceremonies, year-end conferences, birthday banquets, and weddings alongside clowns, magicians, circus acts, and puppet shows. While these performances offered quick income, they had nothing to do with music, albums, or dreams. It was an entirely different career track with a different focus and ultimate goal.

Moreover, income from commercial performances depended on quantity. To cover daily expenses and practice sessions, they had to participate in numerous performances, further reinforcing their dependency on this source of income. This cycle left them with little time to create new songs.

Gradually, the band found itself in another rut, and the dream's once-rosy glow began to dim. The uncertainty of the future and the pressures of reality felt like a slow, suffocating descent, no matter how hard they struggled.

Should they give up?

Should they persist?

They had no answers, and life continued in a fog, straying further from their original path.

To address their situation, the band members held a face-to-face conversation with Tristan, discussing future plans, development goals, and current challenges.

Maxim even issued an ultimatum: if they couldn't secure a record deal or at least an interview with a record company within three months, they'd terminate their management contract. The band's future would be in their hands, free from Tristan's influence.

The ultimatum worked.

Two months ago, things took a turn. Tristan secured a tour opportunity for the band— not commercial performances but a bar tour.

This tour contract encompassed thirty bars across the United States. While not formal concerts, it offered a platform for live performances, allowing the band to connect directly with audiences and gain exposure.

More importantly, Tristan arranged two interviews with record labels, one in New Orleans and one in Chicago. Representatives from these labels would attend the band's performances and evaluate their potential.

Excitement buzzed through the band as they embarked on the bar tour, clutching onto hope.

However, reality proved harsh. The bars they visited were far from what they had anticipated, lacking dedicated performance spaces. They resembled more of a "piano restaurant" than a proper venue, not much better than previous commercial performances. Even the audience and compensation were less impressive.

The payment for these performances was divided into cash and dinner provisions, with the latter used to lower the former's fee. It was clear that they were at the bottom rung of live performances.

The record company interview in Chicago went relatively well. After the show, they received compliments and praise, but the label needed more time for deliberation, offering no concrete answers.

The audition in New Orleans, however, was a no-show. The record company representatives didn't appear at all.

Their last hope was shattered.

Currently, they had five shows left to complete on the pub tour. Yet, Tristan had already abandoned them. He'd secretly taken the cash income from the remaining performances and disappeared. Their contract had been terminated prematurely.

This devastating revelation had occurred two days ago.

It felt like everything had come to an end. The band's struggle and perseverance seemed futile. Ronan, struck by the abandonment, fell ill with the flu and a high fever. He had spent two days in a daze and had finally succumbed. During their late performance, he had collapsed, leading them to their current predicament.

They had been abandoned by Tristan, and they were in dire financial straits.

As Cliff had questioned, should they continue with the remaining five shows? Even if they performed, they wouldn't earn any cash; they'd merely receive dinner. Without an audience, hope, or a clear objective, what was the point of performing?

Furthermore, they had to cover their own expenses while rushing to five different venues to perform. Considering Ronan's deteriorating health, did the band truly need to endure this?

This was the crux of Cliff and Maxim's argument tonight. Dreams and aspirations had to be temporarily set aside, as they now needed to focus on their livelihood, just as they had struggled to do over the past few years. But hope seemed elusive.

What was even more chilling was that Tristan's abandonment felt like a death sentence:

"You guys aren't worth it."