Every era has different individuals who define a before and after. Sometimes it's a group of people to break the rules, create new genres, and discover alternative approaches to music. For these and other reasons, such individuals are a starting point that increases the success rate for those who follow. Creating and reshaping a theme is like a journey to the heavens... the stars of music are exactly that—people who are making an impact socially and historically in the arts, through various singing styles and different ways of interpreting instruments. Now, the journey is also about technology and the human element, finding the balance between the two.
With technology comes polished vocal filters like "Auto-Tune," used to mask inaccuracies and mistakes (which allowed many who cannot sing to succeed). It has enabled many artists to produce recordings with more precise tuning or reach notes they otherwise couldn't. Auto-tune is also employed as an artistic tool to create interesting effects and sounds, from robotic tones to animal sounds or natural phenomena. It captures complex recordings that are challenging to integrate into a song.
The songs Billy wants for his Nike playlist are those that connect with people, using that brief, explosive technology—sounds that draw listeners in.
For now, a simple electronic track and a rock track will converge in two opposing styles, which is Billy's challenge. For this, he needs a lot of digital production; the sounds they are searching for are part of that.
-Let's begin the skydiving lessons. Over the next three months, you will endure complete despair, for those of you who thought training in this art would be easy, - remarked British Air Force Captain Frinch Wallace.
The contract stated it had to be strict, almost like a military program. For these and other reasons, it was considered a punishment. Billy's boss, Jerry Wrexler, was very meticulous, a man who arranged for all the misery French Wallace could bring down on the small rock band. The first lesson would be making them vomit without food in their stomachs. The military man's serious expression didn't change, but he was already planning an intense regimen involving some fresh cadets.
The three nodded but were interrupted by Sugar Egg's voice. -I came to watch and see what kind of lies these two are up to… not that it bothers you, Sergeant. -
-Very well, you may observe for the first day. These boys here will be the poster children, and we'll take them with the strictness required to jump out of an airplane, something that's not a game. We'll emphasize that in the exercises you'll take over the coming weeks, - commented Captain Frinch Wallace, observing from a distance. The spring heat and the base's humidity combined with the beach's warm breezes kept the cadets occupied in their gray uniforms, wide boots, and double-layered shirts.
Billy was both nervous and in awe as they walked through the facilities. The model who seemed ready to jump was doing a different type of training, he thought. Billy, observing how everything unfolded, recalled Jerry always saying that things never turned out the way he asked for them. On many occasions, it ended in punishment. Life never brings us the conclusions we desire or deem fitting.
While walking through the military base, they caught sight of a woman with long blonde hair—Kate Bosworth. Without a doubt, she was a striking beauty, daring enough to join the campaign. But Nike's proposal to include her in a two-year campaign was the perfect opportunity for her to leap into fame. She and her agent discussed it; it wasn't just skydiving—it was climbing, surfing, paragliding, and kayaking.
-She's one of your companions who will prepare for the jump... and right next to her is Sergeant Andder Bosnor, - said Captain Wallace with the seriousness that came with his role. Society functions in ironic ways, and this was one of them—how a brand managed to bypass all the usual regulations occasionally applied.
-I see... and now I have an unexpected question, - said Kate Bosworth, glancing at the others. To Jack Sauce, the beauty standing before him left him speechless, exactly his type—dark-haired, with pearly skin. Since his foray into music, he'd gained a permanent tan.
-Why are there two people? I thought one person would judge this adventure, but I suppose we have two now, - commented Kate Bosworth. She was dressed in a soldier's uniform, styled with the comfort of an actress. She even had her team, just like Billy, from chefs for her diet to a small music crew. After all, she had events to present in early June, and it was essential to keep up with her work activities.
Jack stepped ahead of Billy with his usual disregard, as their competitive nature always pitted them against each other. They both sought to maintain their rebellious attitudes. He turned his back with indifference.
- Well, we're a band. The invitation was open to all of you. There are five of us, and I'm Jack Sauce, the bassist, - the boy said with pride in his voice, a pride that constantly clashed with Billy's.
-Well, now you know, my dear, - Billy murmured, stepping out from behind him. -The great music star, Jack Sauce. I'm just the singer who has nothing to do with this.-
Billy's sarcasm was enough to twist Jack's expression with the usual annoyance.
-Alright, I'll take these young men to gather their belongings. I believe it's time the boys return from their daily practice. Wallace stated that we must continue with the course as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, he reminded them of the rules: no cell phones during training. Lights were out at 8 PM. Breakfast was at 6:30 AM, lunch at 12:30 PM, and dinner at 6:30 PM, without exception. They had to adapt, no ifs, ands, or buts. It was the kind of discipline they had to engrain in their heads.
Everything ended with a "sir"! "Yes, sir," "No, sir," "It hurts, sir,"... the piercing look from their commanding officer was enough to say it all.
***
The captains were waiting for the soldiers who were doing a practice reconnaissance of the base, four kilometers around, to know the escape routes, a basic military tactic, which was still an introductory exercise for the elite teams, from different learning methods.
-Gray, I calculate that it is ten o'clock in the morning, I think we should go back, I do not think that Captain Wallace's regiment will be easy, I hope at least to fall surrendered. - commented David, elite soldier, corporal.
-All right let's get our asses in gear. - responded Gray, who was considered the pseudo leader of the group and one of the figures who used to communicate with the superiors in case of finding any concern, for this and other things, he had the dominion of the team.
They hurried down, perhaps with all the equipment in their hands, and their quick way of carrying out their activities was clear the idea that their participation, was no surprise, and it was only ahead of time working with professionals would cause some embarrassment to the boy.
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