Tyler spent the next few days consumed by thoughts of how to avoid being recognized in the upcoming music video. The excitement of his rising success was tainted by the constant fear of someone from his past connecting the dots. He knew he had to come up with a foolproof plan, something that would keep him hidden in plain sight.
Sitting in his small apartment, Tyler scrolled through images on his phone, looking for inspiration. Masks, shadows, creative camera angles—he considered everything. But each idea had its flaws. A mask could look suspicious, and shadows could only do so much. He needed something more, something that would blend with the vibe of the video while keeping him anonymous.
Then, it hit him. The concept of using abstract visuals—something that could showcase the essence of the track without actually showing his face. The video could focus on the symbolism of his lyrics, with fragmented shots of his hands, the back of his head, or even his silhouette, never revealing his full face. It would be artistic, mysterious, and most importantly, safe.
Satisfied with his plan, Tyler knew he needed to perfect the single before they moved forward with the video with Jax. There was still something missing, something that would take the song to the next level. He decided to head back to the studio and meet up with Kai, determined to make this track as polished as possible.
As he walked into the studio, Kai was already there, fiddling with some equipment. The moment Kai saw Tyler, he nodded in acknowledgment. "Alright let's get to it, just a few more tweaks left. Maybe some adlibs or a few layers to give it that final touch."
They ran the track again, Tyler's voice filling the room. As they listened, Kai pointed out a few spots where adlibs would fit perfectly. Tyler nodded, feeling the rhythm as he imagined the extra layers that would bring the song to life.
Tyler stepped into the booth, the mic feeling more comfortable in his hands this time. He closed his eyes, getting into the zone. As the beat dropped, he started throwing in adlibs, his voice weaving in and out of the main vocals. Each line was more intense, more personal, and Tyler could feel the energy shifting with every take.
".....She had a smile that could light up the block,
But I was too lost, trapped in that hustle and lock—whoo!
I'd watch her from the shadows, too guilty to speak—yeah!
Caught in a cycle, my conscience too weak..."
The adlibs added depth, making the track feel fuller, more dynamic. Tyler could feel the difference instantly, the song becoming something more than just words and beats—it was a piece of him.
When he finally stepped out of the booth, Kai was nodding, clearly impressed. "That's what I'm talkin' about, Ty. You put your soul in that. Now, one last thing—this track's gonna be yours, right? You need a tag."
Tyler frowned slightly. "A tag?"
"Yeah, man. Somethin' that lets people know this is you. Producers got their tags; artists need them too. It's like your signature, your brand. Every time someone hears it, they'll know who's behind the mic."
Tyler thought about it for a moment. A tag could be risky—it might make him more recognizable. But at the same time, it could solidify his identity in the music world without revealing his true self. He needed something subtle yet distinct, something that fitted his style without giving too much away.
Kai saw the hesitation on Tyler's face and leaned in. "Look, I know you're tryin' to stay low-key, but this is about building your brand. Find somethin' that works for you, somethin' that says 'Tyler' without sayin' too much."
After a moment of contemplation, Tyler nodded. "Alright. I'll come up with somethin'. But it's gotta be right—just a quick sound, a vibe."
Kai smiled. "That's the spirit. You'll find it. When you do, it'll stick, and people will remember it."
They spent the rest of the session perfecting the track, layering the adlibs, and adjusting the mix until it was exactly what Tyler had envisioned. Every beat, every word felt like a step closer to his dreams, even as the shadows of his past loomed ever closer.
As Tyler left the studio that night, his mind was buzzing with possibilities. He had a plan for the video, a nearly perfected track, and the beginnings of a brand that could set him apart.
Tyler couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, he was finally on the path to something real—something that could change everything.