HLM – Chapter 1044 Delivering a Gift

After receiving Reddy’s call, Wang Bo smiled. The character of these four people turned out to be much better than he had expected.

The Sunset Band’s rise to fame came from their eight songs, but only Wang Bo knew that these eight songs were possible thanks to the stimulation provided by the “Heart of the Bar.” No one else knew—not even Reddy and the other three.

So, after their contract with him ended, even if the four left Sunset Town immediately, he would have no objections.

However, if they ever ran out of creative energy elsewhere and tried to return to the Volcano Bar, they could forget about it.

The next day at work, Ryan called him, saying there was something he wanted to discuss.

Wang Bo knew what they wanted to talk about and readily agreed, inviting them to his office. Monday was busy, and he couldn’t leave anyway.

This time, Schneider came with a gift: a CD titled Deus-Ex-Machina, the first CD independently produced by ACT Records, featuring Australian experimental musician Paul Schützer.

This CD had established ACT Records’ new direction: innovative contemporary music. Within a year, the British electronic band Muslimgauze signed with them, further strengthening the company’s experimental yet mainstream diversity.

Schneider’s gift carried special significance. After some polite exchanges with Wang Bo, he explained the CD and told him that ACT had the ability to integrate various musical styles and possessed many talented, innovative musicians.

He said, “Our primary criterion for selecting musicians is their music itself, usually judging from their LPs, CDs, or demo tapes. Most of these come through recommendations or recordings sent to us.”

“The Sunset Band was an exception. We discovered their voices online, and honestly, we were deeply moved. Their voices are explosive, true ‘steam-powered’ vocals. After a meeting, we decided to bring them on to redevelop this album.”

The Roaring Voice (the album) had never been registered with any company, and the copyright belonged to the four members. At the time, no one anticipated it would become so popular. Ryan and Reddy had granted the album copyright to Sunset Town to thank Wang Bo for his help in the recording process.

Schneider wanted to re-release the album. He said, “With all due respect, Mayor, The Roaring Voice is a great album, but the production quality isn’t very good.”

“In our view, producing an album is an interactive process between the studio and the musicians. It acts like a catalyst, fully unleashing the musicians’ creativity and artistic inspiration into the final product. Even if the musicians aren’t the central element, they are a very important one.”

Wang Bo glanced at him and said, “All that sounds very poetic, and I enjoyed hearing it. But the last part—doesn’t it sound a bit too mystical?”

Schneider laughed. “Mayor, I know you might be skeptical—thinking I’m just saying this to obtain the album rights and sell it for profit.”

“How about this: if we are lucky enough to sign the Sunset Band and re-record The Roaring Voice, after the album is released, all revenue beyond our production and operating costs will go to you. How you distribute it is entirely up to you.”

“Furthermore, if you’re worried about us inflating production and operating costs, I can sign a contract limiting those costs to no more than 15% of sales revenue. How does that sound?”

Wang Bo said, “Alright, I apologize for my earlier suspicions. It seems you really care about these four guys. Honestly, I’m satisfied with the sincerity you’ve shown.”

Schneider looked at him earnestly. “We are capitalists, but we’re not vampires. From ACT’s founding, we knew that only sincere cooperation with music creators could achieve a win-win.”

“I spoke with Ryan, Reddy, Tutu, and Budman last night. They were satisfied with our terms. Their only hesitation was whether to leave Sunset Town. These four feel that Sunset Town is their hometown, and they cannot betray it.”

Ryan nodded, his eyes honest. “Yes, boss. We really love Sunset Town.”

Wang Bo laughed heartily. “I understand, and I’m glad you feel that way. I always worried you might think Sunset Town was holding you back. As for joining ACT Records, I suggest consulting a professional manager first. If it’s a good choice, then join them!”

Reddy said, “Boss, we’ve looked into it. ACT is indeed a good choice. Sony, Warner, Universal, and Rolling Stone are bigger, but how could they possibly take interest in small players like us and negotiate patiently?”

Since the four had made their choice, Wang Bo decided to respect it and not interfere.

These four were adults. Reddy was impulsive but listened to Ryan, who was rational. If Ryan thought ACT was worth joining, then it probably was.

So, Wang Bo stood up and shook hands with each of them. “This is what you deserve, guys. I know how much you’ve sacrificed for your music, and now you finally have a chance to soar. I sincerely thank you and will never stop you.”

“Also, Sunset Town will always be your hometown. Creativity requires inspiration, and I think the Volcano Bar is a good place for it. If you ever need it, there will always be space for you there.”

This was his greatest help—teaching them to fish, not just giving them a fish.

Ryan misunderstood, thinking Wang Bo wanted them to perform often. He laughed, “Don’t worry, boss. As long as we’re in New Zealand, we’ll return to Sunset Town each month. The Volcano Bar is our home turf!”

Wang Bo didn’t explain. All good things must come to an end, and it was time to find new stars for the bar.

Finally, as they were leaving, Schroder said, “Mayor Wang, you are the most sincere superior and friend I’ve ever met. Ryan and the others praised you last night, and I didn’t believe it at first—but now, I do.”

“I’m not just flattering you. In fact, during our negotiations, Ryan asked me to give you a gift that was originally intended for them.”

Wang Bo’s curiosity was piqued. “What gift?”

Ryan smiled. “Boss, it’s something both you and Sunset Town will absolutely love.”