Chapter 164: Capet Records

After talking to Donna Langley, Charles seemed to have forgotten about the music industry. Capet Pictures had to produce several films yearly, and releasing movie soundtracks was essential.

So, Charles directly established Capet Records to release movie soundtracks and sign artists to release their albums.

In his office in Burbank, Los Angeles, Charles was listening to the first album released this year by Rihanna, who's only 17.

"Missed out on 17-year-old Rihanna... Taylor Swift should still be in Nashville writing songs, waiting to release her first album!" Charles thought to himself as he leaned back in his chair, reflecting on his memory.

He also needed to find Lady Gaga and Katy Perry's whereabouts and slowly track them down, as he was somewhat familiar with their music.

Soon enough, Dona Williams knocked and entered the office. "Boss, there is indeed a company called Big Machine Records in Nashville, specializing in country music, although it's just a small company."

"Yes, that's it, buy it outright!" Charles said, switching off the music.

"But Big Machine Records was established only in September this year, with fewer than ten employees and a 16-year-old signed artist who loves country music and is very talented. But isn't it a bit too..." Dona Williams hesitated, feeling awkward to finish her sentence.

Too frivolous?

"I've heard the demo of that little girl, and she has immense potential. Send someone to acquire Big Machine Records to make it a label under Capet Music, dedicated to country music," Charles insisted, knowing he couldn't miss this opportunity since that little girl was Taylor Swift.

"Oh, Scott Borchetta, the owner of Big Machine Records, was previously in charge of Universal Records' Nashville division before leaving to create Big Machine and signing the little girl!"

"So what?" Charles asked in return.

"So, Scott Borchetta might not want to sell Big Machine Records," Dona replied.

Charles chuckled dismissively, "Dona, I'm only interested in that little girl inside Big Machine Records. If Scott Borchetta wants to sell his company, he can continue managing it afterward. If he doesn't want to sell, there will be another Small Machine, Good Machine, or Bad Machine Records in Nashville!"

This wasn't difficult. Taylor Swift hadn't released an album yet. Could a new independent record company compare to the Capet Records that Charles was establishing with a silver spoon? Financially? Manpower?

Even if Taylor Swift had recorded her album, that small company had no resources for advertising. Capet Records could directly distribute to various TV and radio stations and host various promotional activities.

Dona Williams understood; the boss had his eyes on the young artist signed by Big Machine Records.

"Alright, I'll quickly send someone to Nashville to acquire Big Machine Records then!" Since the boss said so, Big Machine Records wouldn't be able to run away.

After Dona left, Charles thought about Michael Jackson's 50% stake in Sony/ATV Music Publishing, a golden goose. Michael spent over $40 million of cash in the 80s to buy the ATV Music catalog, which had copyrights to over 250 Beatles songs - what a visionary!

But the decline of traditional records was undeniable. Charles had to look towards online music streaming services.

Warner Music Group had also IPOed on NASDAQ this year; in Hollywood, the only media group still seriously involved with records was Sony Entertainment.

Charles didn't plan to spend too much effort on Capet Records, mainly to provide firepower for his film and TV projects.

However, he couldn't afford to miss a phenomenon like Taylor Swift.

In the evening, Charles drove Britney Spears to the Capet estate in Beverly Hills.

Britney asked, "What's on your mind? You seem distracted tonight."

"Distracted?" Charles smirked. Did she mean it wasn't long enough?

"No, when does your contract with Sony's Jive Records end?"

"2007, but talks about renewing it are already underway. Why?" Britney replied.

Charles frowned and said, "Capet Records has just been officially launched. I want to sign a recording contract with you for three to four albums!"

Of course, Britney Spears, being America's pop princess, her recording contract wouldn't come cheap.

Capet Records was a young company, and signing an artist of her stature required significant signing fees.

"Sure, while I've had a good partnership with Jive since debut, I'd prefer to work with your company!" Britney's carefree reply was supported by her management team, which handled her decisions.

Charles nodded. With both Britney Spears and Taylor Swift, Capet Records' reputation would undoubtedly rise quickly!

"Rest assured, I'll give you a substantial signing contract that won't be less favorable than Jive's," Charles smiled, running his hand through the girl's blonde hair.

"Uh-huh, I trust you. You can discuss it directly with Ms. Capet. I believe in you!"

"Alright, let's get out of the car," Charles felt confident he could charm Britney so much that even her mom wouldn't recognize her.

"Want to go on a vacation to Colorado for Christmas? My mom bought a big ranch there, and we can go skiing!"

"Yeah, sounds good. Let's check it out."

Evelyn Capet had bought an expansive ranch in Colorado, complete with rivers, valleys, a ski resort, and forests, along with a grand mansion.

Purchased under the Capet Foundation's name as an investment, the ranch could support 3,500 cattle and 3,500 sheep, and offered hunting, skiing, and other recreational activities.

Costing almost $30 million, Charles had always wanted an opportunity to visit. Hunting, a healthy and beneficial activity, was a must-try!

*****

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