Another Meeting

As the sun rose on a new day, Arell reflected on the night before. After laying down his best song to date, Travis took Mike Dean and Metro into another studio room to work on tracks for Travis' upcoming album.

Arell stayed a bit longer, helping Swae with some beats before eventually calling it a night.

Today, however, promised to be eventful. The biggest highlight was the official registration of Infinity as a record label. After months of planning, today was the day that Infinity would become a legal entity.

Other than that, there were other important meetings lined up for the day. The first one was with Puma, to finalize their deal and officially sign the contract. Yesterday's meeting had allowed for a lot of progress to be made regarding the contract terms, and the eagerness to get the contract signed from both sides had helped a lot.

The Puma deal was significant. Not only did it provide financial backing, but it also meant increased exposure and credibility for their brand. The collaboration would expand their supply line and keep them on schedule for their second drop, which was planned to launch in about two weeks, assuming everything went smoothly.

The next meeting was unlike anything Arell expected to attend this soon, a sit-down with Atlantic Records. He had been of two minds about whether or not he wanted to sign a distribution deal, which Atlantic Records weren't offering, despite that fact, Geoffrey had insisted that he should attend the meeting, saying that the terms were too good to not entertain a conversation. Arell trusted Geoffrey's judgment, but he also knew that he needed to carefully consider any major decisions that could impact the future of the label.

The details of the proposed distribution deal were impressive, to say the least. Atlantic was willing to provide a substantial advance of around ten million dollars, as well as a generous revenue split that would heavily favor him. They also promised extensive promotion and marketing support, ensuring that Arell would have the best possible chance at success.

But there was a catch. Atlantic wanted exclusive rights for a period of five years, with an option to extend for an additional three years.

In addition to these meetings, there was another important appointment to set things up for a show scheduled for tomorrow.

After wrapping up the morning preparations, Arell and Geoffrey headed out to finalize the Puma deal. They had prepared extensively for this meeting, ensuring every detail was covered and every question anticipated.

The Puma representatives arrived on time, this time the meeting room full instead of a one-on-one, like they had with Petrick.

They discussed the terms, the expectations, and the potential for future collaborations. Arell and Geoffrey made sure to emphasize their vision for the brand, their commitment to quality, and their plans for growth.

The Puma team seemed impressed, nodding along, and asking insightful questions. After an hour of detailed discussion, it was time to sign the contract. Arell felt a surge of pride as he put pen to paper, officially sealing the deal. Geoffrey followed suit, and the Puma representatives added their signatures, making it all official.

"Congratulations, gentlemen," the lead representative said, shaking their hands. "We're excited to see where this partnership takes us."

"Thank you," Arell replied, his voice steady but full of excitement. "We won't let you down."

As they left the meeting room, Arell couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. "So, Atlantic Records, huh?" Arell said as he and Geoffrey got into the car.

Geoffrey nodded, a serious expression on his face. "Yeah, Atlantic Records. They're offering a lot of money for someone who's only released five songs so far."

Arell raised an eyebrow. "One of which made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 and is still there," he pointed out.

Geoffrey sighed. "That's true, but you've seen the contract length - possibly eight years, far too long and we both know our agreement is nothing besides a distribution deal."

Arell frowned. "So then why are we going to this meeting?"

Geoffrey glanced at him. "Because we're going to turn this into a distribution deal."

Arell's eyes widened. "You sure we need it?"

Geoffrey nodded. "I believe you could have major success independently, but if we truly want to explode and complete that quest in the time limit, we need the marketing reach of a label. Can you imagine trying to get a song into the top 50 of the Billboard on our own?"

Arell considered this. "It would be difficult, but I have that song with Travis, Thug, and Swae, remember?"

Geoffrey raised a hand. "And they all need to clear it for it to drop. And how exactly do you know that would be this year?"

Arell opened his mouth to argue, then closed it again. "You're right," he admitted. "I don't know for sure."

As they pulled up to the Atlantic Records building, Arell felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The towering structure loomed over them, a symbol of the massive corporate machine they were about to engage with.

"Well, here we are," Geoffrey said, giving Arell's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You ready for this?"

Arell took a deep breath and nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be."

They made their way inside, greeted by a sleek, modern lobby. The walls were adorned with platinum records and photos of legendary artists, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Cher, Coldplay…the list went on and on. Arell couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. This was a place where dreams were made—or broken.

A receptionist directed them to a conference room on the top floor, where a group of executives awaited them. Arell recognized some of the faces from industry articles and interviews that he had investigated, wanting to gain an understanding of who exactly he would be conversing with. Craig Kallman, the CEO, sat at the head of the table, flanked by Julie Greenwald and Mike Caren. Each of them carried an air of authority and experience.

"Well, well, if it isn't the up-and-coming duo," Craig Kallman said, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Welcome, gentlemen. We've been looking forward to this meeting. Let's get right to it, shall we?"

"Absolutely," Geoffrey replied, matching Kallman's energy. "We're excited to be here and discuss the possibilities."

Julie Greenwald chimed in, her voice smooth and authoritative. "We've been following your progress, Arell, and we're impressed with what you've accomplished so far. Your song on the Billboard Hot one hundred is a testament to your talent and potential."

Arell nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thank you. It's been a long road, but we're just getting started."

Mike Caren leaned forward, his eyes locked on Arell's. "That's what we like to hear. We believe that with the right support and resources, you could take things to the next level. That's why we're here today."

Geoffrey cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the room. "Well, let's not beat around the bush. What exactly are you proposing?"

"Ah, Geoffrey, I've heard of your business expertise," Craig Kallman said with a smile, his eyes twinkling with a mix of respect and curiosity. "You want to get straight to the point, eh? I can appreciate that."

Geoffrey nodded, maintaining a relaxed posture but with an intensity in his eyes. "Time is valuable for all of us," he said smoothly.

Craig leaned back in his chair, interlacing his fingers. "We're offering a 360 deal for Arell over five years with an option for a three-year extension. We believe in his potential and want to support him across all facets of his career. We're prepared to offer ten million upfront, with another five million spread over the next five years. This comes with a generous revenue split and various incentives. We'd also like to acquire his catalogue."

Arell felt somewhat uneasy by the terms of the deal and almost frowned, but he quickly masked it, glancing at Geoffrey.

Geoffrey leaned forward slightly, mirroring Craig's earlier posture, signaling his engagement.

"That's a substantial offer," Geoffrey acknowledged, his tone neutral yet appreciative. "However, Arell's vision for his career includes maintaining a level of independence and creative control that a 360 deal might restrict. We're more inclined towards a distribution deal."

Craig's smile wavered slightly but returned quickly. "I understand your perspective. But a 360 deal allows us to invest more deeply in Arell's career, ensuring he has all the support he needs."

Geoffrey nodded thoughtfully, using a slight pause to create anticipation. "True, but Arell has already demonstrated his ability to generate significant buzz and achieve chart success independently. A distribution deal would leverage Atlantic's strengths while allowing him to retain the creative control that has been crucial to his success so far."

Julie Greenwald leaned in, her gaze sharp. "Geoffrey, you're proposing a distribution deal with terms that favor Arell. How do you envision the financials and support structure working in that scenario?"

Geoffrey maintained eye contact with Julie, his body language confident yet open. "We'd expect a substantial advance reflecting the belief in Arell's potential and a revenue split that incentivizes both parties. A 70/30 split in Arell's favor, with comprehensive marketing and promotional support from Atlantic. Additionally, Arell retains ownership of his catalogue. This structure aligns both parties' interests and leverages Atlantic's strengths without compromising Arell's creative vision."

Craig exchanged glances with Julie and Mike, a silent conversation passing between them. The atmosphere in the room grew tense, the stakes of the negotiation clear to everyone present. Craig leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, signaling openness but also a readiness to engage deeply. "Alright, Geoffrey. Your points are valid. We're willing to entertain a distribution deal, but we need to ensure our investment is well-protected and justified."

Geoffrey nodded, maintaining his calm demeanor. "Of course. Let's discuss the specifics of the financials and support structure. For the advance, we believe five million is a reasonable figure considering Arell's current trajectory and potential."

Julie Greenwald interjected, her voice firm. "Five million is substantial, but it reflects our confidence in Arell's talent. However, we need to discuss the revenue split. A 70/30 split heavily in Arell's favor means Atlantic assumes significant risk."

Geoffrey leaned back slightly, maintaining eye contact. "True, but Arell's proven ability to create buzz and achieve chart success mitigates much of that risk. The 70/30 split ensures he remains motivated and creatively invested. Additionally, with Atlantic's marketing and promotional support, we're confident in substantial returns."

Mike Caren spoke up, his tone thoughtful. "Let's dive into the specifics of the marketing and promotional support. What exactly are you expecting from us?"

Geoffrey smiled slightly, prepared for this question. "We're looking at a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes digital marketing, social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and strategic placements on streaming platforms. We need Atlantic's leverage to secure prominent spots on playlists, high-profile features in digital and print media, and major appearances on television and radio. This multifaceted approach ensures maximum exposure and engagement."

Craig nodded, considering Geoffrey's points. "We can certainly commit to a robust digital marketing strategy. Our partnerships with platforms like Spotify and Apple Music can secure prime playlist placements. We'll also invest in social media campaigns, leveraging our relationships with influencers and other artists to boost Arell's profile."

Julie added, "In terms of traditional media, we can arrange for appearances on major radio stations and television shows. We'll ensure Arell has a presence at significant industry events and award shows, maximizing his visibility."

Geoffrey leaned forward again, sensing an opportunity to solidify the terms. "That sounds like a solid start. We also need to ensure that the promotional budget is adequately funded. A minimum of one million dollars allocated specifically for marketing and promotion in the first year would be ideal."

Mike Caren raised an eyebrow. "One million dollars is a significant ask. We'll need to ensure that the return on investment is justifiable."

Geoffrey nodded. "Agreed. The initial investment in marketing and promotion will set the stage for Arell's long-term success. With strategic planning and execution, the returns will more than justify the expenditure. Arell's existing fan base and social media presence provide a strong foundation to build on."

Craig exchanged another glance with Julie and Mike, then leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Alright, Geoffrey. We're willing to commit to a distribution deal with a five million dollar advance and a 70/30 revenue split. We'll also allocate one point five million dollars for marketing and promotion in the first year, ensuring comprehensive support across digital, social, and traditional media. And Arell retains ownership of his catalogue."

Geoffrey smiled, sensing victory. "That sounds like a fair deal, Craig. We're excited to partner with Atlantic Records and take Arell's career to the next level."

Craig extended his hand across the table. "Then we have a deal."

Arell shook Craig's hand, feeling a rush of relief. "Thank you. I'm looking forward to what we can achieve together."

As the formalities concluded, the conversation turned to specifics. Julie Greenwald took the lead. "To ensure Arell's success, we'll be assigning a dedicated team to manage various aspects of his career. This includes digital marketing specialists, public relations experts, and event coordinators."

Mike Caren chimed in, "We have a few key events coming up that we'd like Arell to attend. The SXSW Music Festival in Austin is next week, and it's a fantastic platform for exposure. Following that, the Billboard Music Awards in May would be another excellent opportunity for visibility."

Geoffrey nodded, already thinking ahead. "That's great. We've actually planned to shoot a music video to promote Arell's deal with Puma. We were thinking of doing it right here in this building, incorporating Atlantic personnel and this very room to announce the partnership."

Craig's eyes lit up with interest. "That sounds like a brilliant idea. It would add a personal touch and underscore our support for Arell. We can have our media team assist with the production to ensure its top-notch."

Julie added, "We've heard about the Puma deal. Word travels fast in this industry. It's a significant move and will definitely generate buzz."

Geoffrey smiled. "Indeed. The video will tie everything together nicely."

Craig leaned forward, "We've also devised a specific marketing plan for Arell." He handed Geoffrey a document. "Take a look and let us know your thoughts."

Geoffrey and Arell reviewed the document together. Arell read aloud, "Relationships with influential media personalities, strategic social media campaigns, appearances on high-profile talk shows, collaborations with top-tier artists… This all sounds comprehensive."

Julie nodded. "We intend to place Arell in strategic relationships with media personalities to raise buzz. We've already lined up potential collaborations and appearances that will ensure his name stays in the spotlight."

Craig continued, "Additionally, we're planning a series of exclusive listening parties in key cities to generate grassroots buzz."

Mike Caren added, "We're thinking outside the box for some creative campaigns as well. Imagine a pop-up event in Times Square where Arell performs a surprise set, or a viral social media challenge tied to one of his songs. We want to create moments that people will talk about."

Geoffrey nodded, impressed. "Those are some ambitious plans. The Times Square event, in particular, sounds like a potential game-changer. We're on board with pushing boundaries."

Craig smiled. "We're all about creating memorable experiences. With the right combination of planning and creative execution, we believe Arell can reach new heights. Let's get the paperwork finalized and start rolling out these initiatives."

As the executives walked out for a quick break, Arell and Geoffrey were left alone in the conference room. The weight of the negotiation hung in the air, and Geoffrey could sense Arell's unease. He turned to Arell, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Arell, are you alright?" Geoffrey asked, his voice soft but serious.

Arell sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I mean, it all sounds good. But I'm not sure about this whole 'relationship' stuff. I don't want to date random people just to be famous."

Geoffrey nodded understandingly. "I get where you're coming from. But don't worry, you won't have to do much besides being seen publicly with them. It's more about creating a buzz and keeping your name in the conversation. I'll make sure you don't get forced into anything you don't want to do."

Arell looked relieved but still had a hint of doubt in his eyes. "Okay, I trust you on that. But there's something else. Why didn't you mention Infinity during the discussion?"

Geoffrey leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I didn't bring up Infinity because right now, our priority is securing a deal that benefits you as an artist. If we started talking about Infinity as a label, it could complicate things. Atlantic might see it as competition or a potential conflict of interest. For now, we need to focus on establishing your individual success. Once you're solidified as an artist, we'll have more leverage to bring Infinity into the conversation."

Arell nodded slowly, processing Geoffrey's explanation. "That makes sense."

Geoffrey placed a reassuring hand on Arell's shoulder. "By building your profile and establishing a strong relationship with Atlantic, we're laying the groundwork for Infinity's future. We'll get there, step by step."

Arell smiled, feeling more reassured. "Thanks, Geoffrey."

Just then, the executives returned to the room, ready to finalize the deal. Craig Kallman took his seat, looking expectantly at Geoffrey and Arell.

"Shall we continue?" Craig asked, his tone indicating he was eager to wrap things up.

Geoffrey nodded, his confidence back in full force. "Let's do it."