Under the spotlight

Imagine the feelings of a person who has been trekking alone in the desert for a month, and suddenly sees an oasis. What's even more important is that there are other people in the oasis. After a month of solitude, besides muttering to oneself, they finally find someone to talk to. This is how Hugo felt at this moment.

He once ran away from home for his music dream, a separation of ten years; he once traveled around and performed in various places to pursue his dream, a decade of hardship; he once worked hard and improved himself relentlessly for his dream, a decade of dedication... Ten years of time, in Hugo's life, who was currently only twenty-five years old, occupied a large part. Before the time travel, Death or Glory fought hard for ten years and finally won the opportunity to perform at the Midi Rock Music Festival. They were also nominated for the Best Rock Live Band of the Year. This was their moment of glory. Regardless of whether they would ultimately win the award, this was a turning point for the band.

But at this turning point, Yuguo traveled through time and became "Hugo Lancaster", an actor standing on the stage of the Golden Raspberry Awards. Just think about Hugo's tearful acceptance of the Golden Raspberry Award at that time. It was because Hugo mistakenly thought it was the award for Best Rock Live Band of the Year, but unfortunately, it was a big misunderstanding.

And now, Hugo had finally gained recognition from Rolling Stone and Spin. They recognized Hugo's creative ability and his performance skills. This sense of gratitude hit hard in Hugo's chest, making his nose sour, his eyes red, and he was so excited that he couldn't even utter a word. He could only keep flipping through the newspapers and magazines in front of him, using this action to conceal his agitation. The black printed words gradually blur in his sight, obscured by mist, but Hugo was still unwilling to stop. He kept flipping through the newspapers and magazines in front of him, one after another.

The review from the Los Angeles Times was not from Nicholas Allum, because it was a music review written by another professional journalist. It says, "Perfect melody, perfect lyrics, perfect performance. Hugo Lancaster delivered a perfect performance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show", showcasing his impressive talent beyond acting."

The Los Angeles Times was delighted with this because after Nicholas' interview with Hugo, the former wrote a lengthy report on Hugo's musical talent. However, at that time, public opinion was still skeptical. After all, geniuses like Barbara Streisand don't often appear, let alone Hugo, who couldn't be considered an outstanding actor, let alone his musical abilities.

But now, Hugo had delivered such a brilliant performance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, giving a direct counterattack to all the doubts and allowing people to clearly see Hugo's dazzling musical talent, which is even more radiant than his acting skills.

The review from the professional music magazine Billboard focused on another aspect. It said, "Oh my God, Jesus Christ, my lord... Hugo Lancaster delivered a performance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" that left people speechless. What's even more amazing is that within just seven steps, Lancaster composed this astonishing song "Sunburn". Do you know what seven steps mean? It means it's just the distance from the entrance of McDonald's to the counter to place an order! And Lancaster created a song, an unparalleled and amazing song! It's terrifying!"

The New York Times exclaimed, "Hugo Lancaster, who made a strong comeback with "Scent of a Woman" and "A Few Good Men", once again showcased his unbelievable creative talent to everyone. When a handsome man meets a guitar, and he even composes a song on the spot, not to mention Oprah Winfrey, I believe no woman can resist his charm. The humming of the song "Sunburn" shattered the hearts of 11.5 million women."

Apart from these authoritative magazines, the two most professional publications in the Hollywood industry, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, were comprehensive magazines and naturally wouldn't miss this astonishing and hot topic.

The report from Variety continued its usual serious style. "Hugo Lancaster composed a miracle on five guitar strings in just seven steps. This song called "Sunburn" is fresh, melancholic, clear, melodic, and moving enough to capture people's attention. In addition to his progress in acting, Lancaster seems to continue to advance tirelessly."

The commentary from The Hollywood Reporter carried a playful tone. "Record company bosses, music agents, opportunities to make money, opportunities to win awards have emerged once again. Hugo Lancaster is waiting for his first record contract, and how many people among the 23 million viewers are waiting to purchase this single called "Sunburn"? Count me in."

In the midst of this acclaim, Hugo's vision became blurred, but he didn't want tears to ruin this moment of happiness. So, his smile finally blossomed completely, expressing his inner joy in the most direct way. Tears silently streamed down his cheeks, falling into his heart.

Although Hugo had not released an album yet, let alone entered the fiercely competitive battle for record sales, which was a battlefield no less than the North American film market, he still felt his heart filled with warmth. Because this praise proved that Hugo's perseverance was not in vain, and the ten years he spent pursuing glory until death were not wasted time. Regardless of whether Hugo would have the opportunity to release an album in the future or whether his albums would sell well, his musical talent had been recognized, and that was the greatest comfort to Hugo.

"So, when do you plan to release an album?" Troy, standing beside him, says with a smile, deliberately ignoring the tears in Hugo's eyes. He knew that it might be a personal matter deep within Hugo's heart, and he didn't want others to know.

Hugo's smile bloomed fully as he put down The Hollywood Reporter in his hand. "I haven't planned it. Releasing an album is not that simple." Hugo experienced ten years in the underground rock scene, so he knew that many talented musicians in the underground rock circle may never have their breakthrough day. And even if they do release an album successfully, it doesn't necessarily guarantee success.

Musical talent is one thing, while the record market is another.

To succeed in the record market, musical talent is one of the factors but not an absolute requirement. Sales appeal is the key. Of course, it is most ideal for a singer with outstanding talent to combine it with appropriate marketing methods and reach the pinnacle of the world. Examples include The Beatles and Michael Jackson, where their talent overshadowed all other market tactics, and people's focus remained on their innate gifts.

This was particularly evident in the 1990s when talent was an essential selling point. Singing divas like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston had unimaginable sales power, and their excellent vocals became the highlight of their albums.

However, after entering the 21st century, the blueprint changed. The era of singing divas gradually faded, and market-oriented selling points took over. Lady Gaga's success was a representative example. It was not to say that Lady Gaga lacked talent, but the selling point overshadowed her talent and became the focus of attention.

Of course, during the era of fierce competition in the music market in the 1990s, there were countless talented individuals, but only a handful could truly make a name for themselves. Having talent doesn't equate to having sales, that's the reality.

Hugo had a clear understanding of this. He wouldn't indulge in the fantasy of selling millions of albums overnight. His ten years in the underground rock scene had made him well aware of reality. Having dreams is one thing, daydreaming is another.

"Oh, come on, at least you should release "Sunburn" as a single. I really want to have it," Troy seems surprised. He had assumed that Hugo already had plans to release an album. The Oprah Winfrey Show was just one of the trial performances. "Not only me, many of my friends have expressed their willingness to buy your single. It's true."

Troy's emphasis made Hugo chuckle, "Of course, of course, if there's an opportunity to release an album, I'd be willing. It's my dream." Every time someone mentioned releasing an album to Hugo before, he lacked confidence. But today, these words unexpectedly slipped out, indicating that Hugo had gradually accumulated confidence through continuous practice and performance. "But you know, the record market is not that simple, and record companies don't have so much money to squander."

"Believe me, if they miss out on you, it'll be the loss of the record companies," Troy asserted. "I think you should ask Joseph. Who knows, the phone call asking if you're willing to release an album might have already burned through the phone line by now." Troy looked at Hugo's incredulous smile and added, "Don't believe me? Just watch TV. This program has been replayed so many times, and it continues to air because of the enthusiastic feedback from the viewers."

Tears on Hugo's face had already turned into a smile. "That would be perfect. Nothing could be better. I've been waiting for the day to enter the recording studio."

At this moment, Hugo realized that his mindset had changed. If a record company was willing to release an album for him now, he would genuinely agree. It was not only for his own musical dream but also to fulfill the dream of Death or Glory that hadn't even begun. Thinking about it, Hugo couldn't help but mutter, "If only the members of Death or Glory were here now."

Unfortunately, it was a hopeless dream.