Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 74: Natural Talents]

"Nashville couldn't compare to this place; I knew that all too well, especially as a DJ." Diplo's eyes drifted toward two girls in tight club dresses passing by.

"You lived in Nashville?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah, I grew up in Miami but spent a few years studying in Nashville. After graduating high school, I went to the University of Florida." Diplo casually replied.

Ryan was surprised to learn he had graduated from Hendersonville High School as well, though he finished in '97. "What a small world," Diplo exclaimed, just as incredulous.

Having gone to the same school undoubtedly strengthened their connection, and Diplo led Ryan to a VIP lounge that was still empty.

"Hey, grab me a couple bottles of good liquor, not that watered-down stuff. Just put it on my tab," Diplo instructed.

"Jenny, come here! You've got nothing to do; come sit with us. This guy here is a real catch -- you should bring a couple of your friends too," he called out.

"Kevin, stop it. We're just going to sit down and chat; we won't interrupt his performance later."

Since Diplo had a steady gig there, he knew the staff well and quickly organized a table full of drinks, bringing over four or five club girls.

Ryan had only a casual interest in girls and drinking, but the club girls seemed drawn to him like moths to a flame.

"So, what do you think of the girls here? They can spot a real spender in seconds. Of course, if they can get a chance to show their faces in your music video, they'll be even more eager," Diplo raised his glass, his other hand playfully inching toward Jenny's dress.

That explained why the girls were so enthusiastic about Ryan.

In the conversation, Diplo mentioned his "collaboration project" with a big Hollywood production, although it was mostly just boasting. He also talked about forming a music group called Major Lazer halfway through the year, hinting at his ambition to try other music genres and even mentioned his record label.

"Schoolboy? Never heard of them. Sounds like a small-time label," Diplo chuckled, shaking his head.

When he heard about a one-year contract possibility, Diplo's eyes lit up, suggesting he could help Ryan start his own record label.

Ryan politely declined, explaining he had just signed a contract and wouldn't think about that for at least a year.

He did have a general goal, though. Based on his experiences with VEVO, it showed that artists inevitably got taken advantage of by record companies. Therefore, starting his own label felt like the right option for him -- a sublabel under a major record group like Big Machine or Schoolboy, allowing him to retain more control. This way, he wouldn't get exploited, and if it grew well, he could do the exploiting himself.

Ryan couldn't wrap his head around why Taylor had signed such a long contract; if he could sign her, he could focus purely on music and just count his money daily.

However, considering Taylor's parents, he figured it wouldn't be feasible, at least not in the near future.

Just then, a commotion erupted below them. Ryan and Diplo were unfazed, having seen their fair share of club drama. They caught a glimpse of two groups clashing and as the situation escalated, the bouncers led by several beefy security personnel rushed into the fray.

"I heard this bouncer used to be a crooked cop; he knows how to handle himself. We might see some action," Diplo noted, holding his drink.

Ryan turned his head and through the dim lights, he recognized a bald man trying to mediate between the groups. Yelling ensued, and minutes later, realizing negotiations were futile, the bald bouncer unleashed his minions to separate both sides.

It was no surprise that small skirmishes broke out, but the security quickly defused the tension. Soon enough, both sides were "invited" to leave, or more accurately, they were dragged out.

"Looks like something out of a movie, doesn't it?" Diplo tossed a chip into his mouth.

"Do you know that bouncer?" Ryan asked, realizing the bald man looked familiar.

Then it hit him -- this was the same guy who had made headlines for an altercation in Panama City involving a suspect. Who would have thought he'd end up in Miami working as a club bouncer?

"Not too well, but everyone around here calls him Berwick," Diplo replied, shaking his head.

"What about Mary? Mary Jane?" Ryan brought up another name.

"The most well-known broker in Orlando!" Jenny chimed in. Her recognition was clearly significant in Florida.

Despite Diplo's eagerness to introduce Ryan to club life, scheduling two girls for him after his performance and planning to show him around Miami the next day, Ryan declined all offers.

...

On the final night of his Miami gig, a call came in from Fizz in New York.

"Your standards are really high this time; I think the only one who fits is that sixteen-year-old model," Fizz sighed.

After receiving the call, she immediately started scouting for Ryan, but his criteria were tougher than ever, with everyone she sent him turning down.

Mary's suggestions were similarly unimpressive; they didn't even compare to Irina.

If it weren't for the potential gains, Fizz might have given up. She put all her hope in the sixteen-year-old "rising star."

"If she doesn't catch your eye, it's time to reach out to someone else," Fizz said.

Ryan had seen her photo and thought Fizz wasn't exaggerating. In the modeling world, that girl was stunning.

However, Ryan wasn't sure she could deliver what he needed; that required an in-person meeting.

"No problem. You can come to New York soon. But let me just say, don't get any funny ideas -- her mom specifically warned against letting her get mixed up in anything messy."

Was he that type of guy?

"Why wait?"

"Because she's currently in Los Angeles shooting for VOGUE," Fizz explained.

The fashion industry looked to VOGUE, and VOGUE looked to Anna Wintour. Ryan had shot for a VOGUE regional edition before but wasn't selected.

"Los Angeles? Well, I'm headed there soon anyway; let's meet up there," Ryan decided.

Just after Fizz hung up, she sent him an address.

...

"If you need anything, call me anytime, Ryan. You know, it's not easy for DJs in the U.S. We really need to try to carve out our own path, so collaborating is essential," Diplo said as he dropped Ryan off at the airport in Miami, still trying to foster their friendship.

"I will," Ryan nodded.

Should he really settle in Florida? He kept asking himself, with the first hurdle being... Trey!

Unable to find an answer, Ryan decided to push that question to the back of his mind.

...

Sitting alone in the waiting area was getting dull, so Ryan pulled out his phone and noticed that the Australian girl had posted another selfie, so he hit the like button.

Unexpectedly, within a minute, he received a message.

[Aren't you worried about Taylor getting jealous?]

[That was just company instructions,] he reminded her.

[Will you guys go on a date?]

[Of course.]

[Will you sleep together?]

[...]

[You're really into her!]

[If that's what we're saying, then I'm even more into you.]

The Australian girl went silent for a while.

[But the distance is too great.]

[But you'll eventually come to Hollywood.]

[I never said I plan to go to Hollywood; I'm studying drama, not film.]

[I know, Broadway, and all that.]

[Close enough.]

[Do you want to come see a show on Broadway this summer?] Ryan invited.

[No thanks.]

She was truly hard to deal with. Ryan decided to give up on her and reached out to another Elizabeth instead.

...

[Why have you been so distracted lately?] Ryan noticed her enthusiasm had noticeably declined, and her updates were less frequent.

[I've been busy these past few days,] Elizabeth Olsen eventually replied.

[Well, you still need to perform your main job, right?]

[Let me reiterate, I'm part-time. You didn't offer the full-time benefits, and you're hanging out with a major star -- why are you bothering me instead of asking her for help?]

Ryan realized -- Taylor getting jealous of Elizabeth Olsen wasn't the issue; it was Elizabeth Olsen who was getting jealous of Taylor.

*****

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