Billy finished the Quidditch match process, a lavish exercise in pure freedom. Without lingering, he was allowed to visit the studio as long as he didn't interrupt, but due to confidentiality, it was better to wait for another special occasion.
The scripts were kept in the private villa that the studio had reserved for Billy during the year of filming, where he could find some peace. Alongside him were Spencer, Connor, and Jack Sauce. They weren't just secluded for acting; they were also working on their fifth album, which had been in the works since the beginning of the year, titled Castles in the Sky, with no deep emotions attached. Billy slept until noon, as the location was secret and isolated from all civilization. Even electronic devices were of questionable use, as the power went out every night and sometimes in the mornings. It was just time for himself or with the guys, playing cards. They were prohibited from bringing family, girlfriends, or friends—it was all about making music until the album was completed. The first floor had an old studio that allowed them to record, and even now, Billy had many songs coming to mind, though he didn't feel like singing.
-I'm not making an album until I get a better role; it's that simple, - Billy remarked on the phone to Ahmet Ertegun. -It's a shame, I think a bit of motivation could land me the best role, you know, in film or television, and the album would be ready by next month. -
Ahmet sighed deeply, hating to deal with singers.
-It's not that simple, - he wanted to say.
-What a shame. I think I'm going blank—another great hit slipping away as I listen to your words, dear boss… but what can you do? These things always seem to happen, - Billy sighed into the phone, his mischievous smile betraying that he had spent a lot of time playing with people's emotions. During his free time, his guitar skills had been honed under the guidance of Jack Sauce and Spencer, practicing five hours a day. Even Spencer helped him with his piano practice.
-Look, Billy, what you're asking for requires a lot of work, - Ahmet commented.
-Well, making hits is exhausting too… How much did The Everflow sell? I think if you make a list of the money I've brought to the label, I deserve a bit of special treatment. Just send over some scripts, and that's it. I heard Universal would pay the contract buyout, - Billy replied.
The contract buyout was worth 25 million dollars, a price heavily criticized by Warner at the time, as they hadn't expected the kid to become so popular. At one point, the last album had earned a diamond certification in the United States, which alone meant it was one of the best-selling albums of the year.
-A complete game… By the way, send me an Italian teacher, I want to learn the language. Also, speaking your language, I want a movie aimed at teenage girls. If I can win over those teenage girls, the sales will skyrocket. Although I already have a solid fanbase, most of them are men. The data collected by Jerry shows that between the ages of 7 and 18, 70% are men, and between 18 and 33, 60% are men. If we can improve the age range and create some good starting points, we'll have a female market. I'd like to be part of a teen movie, and you know, win the hearts of my future fans, - Billy commented.
-I'll see what I can do. -
-Come on, Ahmet, business is business… What if my next album, boosted by the Harry Potter marketing, sells 40 million? We're talking about a movie that's released worldwide, with an average of 800 million at the box office—a global market… With recent sponsorships from Burberry, Vans, Bad Boy Carolina Herrera (perfumes), and Nike, I think it all depends on whether you can get me a great production… I've heard Disney is doing interviews, as a little birdie told me, - Billy said, surprised at how easily he could connect things.
-Ha, I should be a businessman; my ideas are majestic, - Billy thought, knowing that once he turned 18, he could make some good investments. He recognized Facebook, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft as the big four, and he knew how marvelous these companies were, even after the global crisis of 2026, when these companies managed to stay afloat.
***
Billy and the Music House in the Forgotten English Village. The first thing that came to his mind was how to make it all happen. For now, Billy focused on getting the band to fine-tune all the songs. The main tracks this time had an extra touch of playfulness, rebellion, and irreverence. Hits like Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars," Kings of Leon's "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody," Muse's "Starlight," The All-American Rejects' "Dirty Little Secret," Fall Out Boy's "Sugar, We're Going Down," Green Day's "Holiday," Weezer's "Beverly Hills," and Three Days Grace's "Animal I Have Become" were all part of the new album, and the singles were just as impressive.
From Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" to The Fray's "How to Save a Life," these songs were full of double meanings, which many people might misinterpret, but they were undeniably big hits.
-The next songs will be ready by the end of this month. It's up to you to keep up with the pace of this new album, - Billy told the band, who were sweating profusely after twelve hours of playing. Every song was practiced, all of the year's songs, and the band members could only describe this as slave labor. Yet, each member was top-notch, and the twin drummers were already being hailed as demons on stage.
-I wish he'd shut up, - muttered Jack Sauce, breathing heavily. The life of a rockstar was far more laborious than one might think.
-I heard that, Sauce! - Billy shouted from the other end of the hall, continuing his exercise routine. A routine that would be closely monitored by many eyes. Even while exercising, he had made a few adjustments.
-He's learning Italian and French. Maybe we'll have to play some songs in those languages. We already do it in Spanish, so it's not too late to try Italian and French… we haven't conquered the old continent yet, - commented Spencer.
-Drum-off, - said Huevo de Azúcar to Connor. There had always been a rivalry between them over who was the better drummer. Both performed different beats, and occasionally, Billy would do the same with Spencer on guitar and piano. Competing against his encyclopedic knowledge was almost like a prize in itself.
-He doesn't want to battle. My hands are full of calluses. Right now, Arizona is where I'd rather be, - Connor replied, showing his calloused, swollen hands, especially the thumb on his right hand, which had a small scrape between the joints.
***
-That's what the kid said, - remarked a strong voice. It was an old man with a powerful voice—Rob Pierce, senior agent at CAA.
- He mentioned it, and I have to say, he's one of the most rebellious people I've had the pleasure of listening to, but he's right. I've seen that now is the perfect time to tap into that kind of audience, - said Ahmet Ertegun.
-A multi-movie deal! I think if we make some arrangements, I can allow Billy to take the role, as long as he meets the acting requirements, - Rob commented, a hint of desperation and difficulty in his voice.
-Warner supports the idea, and so does Atlanta Records, along with his agents… just secure the role, and later, we'll see what happens, - replied Ahmet.
It was true, everyone already had a plan. The question was whether others were uncertain if this was the right path for Billy.
...