Press Attack

Brandon strode confidently through the glass doors of BMG headquarters with the remaining BMG executives trailing behind him. The moment he stepped outside, a wall of noise and light hit him. Dozens of reporters surged forward, their microphones thrust towards him like spears, camera flashes erupting in a dizzying strobe.

"What can you tell us about the arrests?"

"Is it true the entire A&R department was taken into custody?"

"How will this affect Blackstone Music Group's future?"

The questions came rapid-fire, overlapping and blending into a cacophony of curiosity and demand. Brandon raised his hands, a calm smile on his face as he gestured for quiet. The reporters, sensing a statement, fell into an expectant hush.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Brandon began, his voice clear and steady.

"Today marks a new chapter for Blackstone Music Group. We've uncovered and addressed issues within our organization, and we're committed to moving forward with integrity and transparency."

A reporter from the front shouted,

"What about the allegations of embezzlement, fraud, accepting bribery and sexual favors in exchange for contracts?"

Brandon nodded, acknowledging the question.

"They are all true."

The crowd of reporters gasped, a collective intake of breath that seemed to suck the air from the space around them. Camera flashes exploded in a frenzy, capturing Brandon's unflappable expression.

He chuckled, shaking his head in mock disbelief.

"You're surprised? Imagine the look on my face when I found out about the shenanigans that go on in this company, in this industry."

Brandon spread his arms wide, his grin infectious.

"This is my second day of ownership of Blackstone Music Group! Haha~"

His laughter, rich and genuine, rippled through the crowd. Some of the reporters couldn't help but crack smiles, caught off guard by his candor and charm.

"Look," Brandon continued, his tone becoming more serious but still tinged with warmth.

"I'm not here to sugarcoat things or play PR games. The music industry has had its fair share of scandals and corruption. But that ends now, at least for BMG."

He locked eyes with the reporter who had asked the question.

"We're cleaning house. I didn't invite the FBI for a social call. Those responsible are facing justice, and we're implementing strict new policies to ensure this never happens again even if it means losing damn near half the company."

A young female reporter then asked,

"What are your plans for the future of BMG? Why are you doing this? "

Brandon pointed to the female reporter who had asked about his plans, flashing her a charming smile.

"Excellent question, but I shan't bore you with the details or we'd be here for days. What I can share is that I vow to make BMG the example of how a label should be run— free of shady deals, exploitation, and treating consumers as if they were stupid or… deaf."

He paused, his expression growing more serious.

"We will be the frontier of resurrecting the art form of music. From this day forth, BMG will no longer market gimmicks for views, nor will we overwork our production team so tone-deaf acts can pass off as idols. We will show the world what real music is."

Brandon took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the crowd.

"As such, my first order as the new CEO of BMG is to announce that BMG will release every single one of our existing signed artists."

The crowd erupted into chaos. Reporters gasped and shouted questions over each other, their voices blending into a cacophony of disbelief. Camera flashes intensified, capturing the shock on everyone's faces.

From the corner of his eye, Brandon caught sight of Jessie, her eyes wide with disbelief.

She stood frozen, her lips parted in a silent gasp. Brandon could almost see the gears turning in her head as she processed the magnitude of his declaration.

Jessie's gaze locked onto Brandon, a mix of admiration and apprehension swirling in her eyes. Her heart raced, not just from the boldness of his declaration, but from the sheer charisma he exuded.

'He's actually doing it,' she thought, a flutter of excitement coursing through her.

'He's tearing it all down… But can he build something better?'

Isabella, BMG's Head of Marketing's, eyes darted between Brandon and the frenzied reporters, her mind racing to calculate the PR implications of this bombshell announcement.

For once, the seasoned Head of Marketing found herself at a loss for words in the face of Brandon's radical approach.

'This can't be happening,' she thought, her breath catching in her throat.

'We're going to be a label with no artists?!'

But even as panic threatened to overwhelm her, a small part of her couldn't help but be impressed by Brandon's audacity.

In stark contrast to the others, Andre's face lit up with unbridled excitement. His eyes sparkled with renewed passion, a grin spreading across his face as he absorbed Brandon's words.

The disillusioned producer felt a surge of hope coursing through him, reigniting the love for music he'd thought long extinguished.

'Finally,' he thought, barely able to contain himself. 'Someone who gets it. Real music, real talent. This is what I've been waiting for.'

Andre leaned in close to Brandon, his voice barely audible above the clamor of the press.

"Now this is what I'm talking about, boss. Let's make some real fucking music."

Brandon turned slightly, catching each of their gazes in turn.

He gave them a subtle nod and a grin, as if to say,

"Trust me— Plus, there's no looking back now."

Brandon turned back to address the press, "We're cooperating fully with the authorities. As for BMG's future, I can assure you it's brighter than ever. We're not just weathering this storm; we're using it as an opportunity to rebuild and revolutionize."

Another reporter voice piped up, "Are you worried about the company's reputation?"

"Our reputation will be built on the music we produce and the artists we nurture," Brandon replied, his eyes scanning the crowd. "And as the first step to clear the trash"

Behind him, the executives shifted nervously, their faces a mix of apprehension and awe at Brandon's composure. Jessie stepped forward, standing supportively at Brandon's side.

"Mr. Blackstone, how do you plan to fill the leadership vacuum left by these arrests?" a reporter called out.

Brandon's smile widened. "With fresh talent and innovative ideas. BMG is entering a new era, and I'm excited to lead the charge."