127 Album

Lucas's engagement with the Electric Lady Studios had increasingly consumed his schedule, dedicating nearly the entirety of his day to the meticulous recording process. Tracks like "Someone You Loved," "Perfect," and "The Scientist" reached their final, polished versions, marking a significant milestone in his musical journey.

For Lucas, this marked a novel experience—immersing himself fully in the song production cycle was a fresh challenge. Yet, his approach remained unfalteringly efficient. He had arrived well-prepared, armed with drafts of the tracks, meticulously crafted according to his own musical vision and detailed notes.

The dedicated and skilled team at Electric Lady Studios noted the achievement of recording three significant songs in a single day as a notable success, a testament to both Lucas's preparation and the studio's professional environment.

Looking ahead, there was anticipation for the next day's session, where Lucas planned to delve into recording additional pieces from his repertoire, including the likes of "Wonderwall" and "Everglow."

The following morning, Lucas, accompanied by Samantha, returned to the studio, their routine now familiar yet filled with an air of expectancy. "I'm quite curious about the songs you'll record today," Samantha remarked casually as they made their way together, her tone light yet laced with genuine interest.

From her perspective, Lucas's previous day's recordings had not only been impressive but had profoundly resonated with her, cementing her status as not just a collaborator but also an ardent admirer of his work. Moreover, her feelings for Lucas had subtly evolved, veering towards the tender beginnings of a crush. Despite this, she maintained a composed exterior, acutely aware that any overt display of her burgeoning affection might risk revealing her feelings to Lucas.

Once again, Lucas entered the recording room, immersing himself in the familiar process of refining the music. As usual, he engaged deeply in discussions about the drafts of the tracks, fine-tuning each element to align with his vision of perfection. Today, he was set to record two particularly meaningful songs: "Wonderwall" and "Everglow."

As "Wonderwall" began to fill the room, Samantha was transported back to the night they first met, the melody echoing memories of Lucas's performance in the bar. This time, however, the song was enriched not just by the strumming of a guitar but by a meticulously fine-tuned backing track, elevating the music to a new level.

After several takes, the recording of "Wonderwall" was satisfactorily completed, and they transitioned to the next song, "Everglow." As Samantha listened, she realized that, much like "Someone You Loved," "Everglow" represented another of Lucas's fresh, heartfelt contributions to his repertoire.

Hours ticked by, marking the end of Lucas's recording session. In total, five songs had been laid down, cumulatively running for around 22 minutes. This duration was a significant achievement; according to The Recording Academy, an album needs to surpass fifteen minutes, and Lucas's collection comfortably met this criterion.

While in the UK, the definition of an album can also hinge on the number of tracks—it should contain more than four tracks or last more than 25 minutes. Although Lucas's total fell slightly short of the 25-minute mark, his project still qualified as an album under UK standards, as it comprised more than four tracks. This distinction underscored the successful outcome of their diligent studio efforts.

As the recording session came to a close, Lucas was engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions as he exchanged goodbyes with the studio staff. Despite the brief span of their acquaintance, merely two days, he had forged a meaningful connection with Alex and Jamie.

Discussing the nuances of the tracks with Alex or receiving a considerate gesture like a bottle of water from Jamie, Lucas felt genuinely appreciative of their support. It was the small acts of kindness and collaboration that had left a profound impact on him.

The sentiment was mutual. Alex and Jamie typically maintained professional detachment with the artists who passed through their studio, but Lucas broke that mold. It wasn't just his music that set him apart—though his songs were undeniably engaging and thought-provoking—it was his demeanor. In an industry where ego often followed fame, Lucas's humility and approachability stood out starkly. For Alex and Jamie, Lucas wouldn't just be another name in their studio's log; he would be remembered fondly.

After leaving the studio, Lucas and Samantha shared a moment of conversation, a brief interlude before parting ways. As Lucas walked away, Samantha lingered, watching his retreating figure, a mix of admiration and unspoken thoughts swirling within her.

***

Riding in the taxi, Lucas found himself lost in deep thought. With the recording of his songs successfully completed, his agent Vincent was now on the hunt for record labels to distribute his album.

Lucas had already shared the news with Vincent, who, in turn, promised to introduce the album to various record labels.

He had whimsically titled the album "Knight," a nod to his last name and the romanticized figure of the mounted warrior. While Lucas hadn't given much thought to the name initially, he appreciated the connotations it carried—echoes of gallantry like a "Knight in Shining Armor" or a noble guardian. Furthermore, he envisioned the album's cover featuring him holding a chess piece—the knight—symbolizing strategy and foresight.

However, Lucas soon let go of these reflections. Naming and conceptual thinking were not his strongest suits; he preferred to let the music speak for itself. So, he leaned back, allowing the calm of the taxi ride to wash over him, just as his phone broke the silence.

On the other end was a call from the production team of "Seven Kingdom," reminding him that filming would start in two days and urging him to prepare. Accustomed to such reminders, Lucas responded with brief affirmations before ending the conversation, his mind already shifting back to the quiet comfort of the moment.