RBCT Chapter 27 No Authorization for Sale
Chapter 27 No Authorization for Sale
Following the address on the business card, Zeke and Herbert went together to a dance studio in Manhattan, where they could hear the sounds of synchronized dance steps and upbeat disco music coming from afar.
Pushing open the door, a short, stylishly dressed man with an air of confidence immediately greeted him with a warm smile: "Oh, you must be Zeke! What a handsome young man, we've been waiting for you!"
This man was Jacques Morali, a French-Moroccan, whose English, spoken with a French accent, had a slightly strange intonation, but it did not diminish his enthusiasm in the slightest.
He strode forward, put his arm around Qike's shoulder with an intimate touch, and looked at him with admiration, as if they were old friends who had known each other for many years, rather than meeting for the first time.
"I am Jacques Morali, you can call me Jacques. What a coincidence, I'm from Casablanca, Morocco, I guess it's fate."
"Jacques... My name is Zic Rossi."
Zik was made a little uncomfortable by Jacques's sudden closeness and subconsciously tried to pull away, but Jacques held him tightly by the shoulder, so he could only smile awkwardly.
Herbert stepped forward at the opportune moment, handing over his business card: "Mr. Morali, hello, I am Herbert Cohen, Zeke's lawyer. We are here today mainly to discuss the copyright issue of the song 'YMCA' with you, hoping to obtain your authorization so that the Sirens can continue to perform and promote the song."
Upon hearing the word "license," Jacques' smile vanished instantly, and he said crisply, "Sorry, I don't sell licenses."
One sentence made Zeke panic instantly, and his heart sank.
If he doesn't sell the license, then his deal with Amanda can't be completed, and the stopped check will not only be unable to be cashed, but may even have to be returned.
His tuition fees, his legal fees, and his plans to escape the gang—wouldn't all of that be wasted? He opened his mouth, wanting to try again, but didn't know what to say.
Just as Zyke was at a loss, Jacques suddenly laughed, patted Zyke on the back, and his tone returned to its previous enthusiasm, even with a hint of slyness:
"Don't be nervous, Zeke, good lad. I really love this song. The reason I'm not selling the license is because I want to buy it and have my band, which I'm currently forming, sing it. You know what? We're totally on the same page! I've seen The Sirens perform, they were fantastic, but this song is more suitable for my band."
He put his arm around Zeke's shoulder and, without a word, led him deeper into the rehearsal room: "Come with me, I'll show you my secret weapon, I guarantee you'll be amazed!"
Qi Ke was filled with doubt as Ya Ke pulled him forward.
Upon entering the core area of the rehearsal room, Zeke froze on the spot, his eyes wide open, cursing inwardly: "Fuck, the Apocalypse cheat is really messing with me!"
In the rehearsal room, several men dressed in bizarre costumes were dancing to the melody: one was dressed in cowboy clothes and a cowboy hat, one was dressed in a police uniform and stood tall, and another was dressed in Native American clothing with ornaments on his body and a feather in his hand. In addition, there were people dressed in military uniforms and construction worker clothes. Their costumes were exaggerated and distinctive. They were exactly the original singers of "YMCA" that Zeke saw in the Apocalypse!
Zik realized: Jacques might actually be the real author of "YMCA," but before he could release the song, he "copied" it using the Apocalypse cheat.
It's no wonder that Jacques admires him so much and says that they are on the same page. The core of this song is in line with Jacques' creative philosophy.
Seeing Zick's shocked expression, Jacques smiled smugly and began to talk at length about his experience in America and his initial motivation for forming the band:
"You know what, Zeke? I was able to come to America thanks to a competition organized by 20th Century Fox. The contest was to write a slogan for Fox, and the prizes were a free plane ticket to America, a short-term opportunity to study and work in Hollywood, and a small bonus."
"I was in Morocco at the time, and life was very difficult. When I saw this competition, I submitted my work on a whim, and I never expected to win! It was through this competition that I got my first US visa and officially settled in New York. Later, I gradually got involved in music and became a disco producer and songwriter, which led to the idea of forming Village People."
It's a typical American Dream inspirational story of "a poor boy winning the opportunity to come to America with a slogan and making a name for himself in the music industry." In his heart, Zeke didn't really believe it. This guy's clothes and demeanor didn't seem like those of a poor boy like him.
But he didn't expose it; he just listened silently, occasionally nodding in agreement.
Jacques, oblivious to Zick's thoughts, continued to immerse himself in his memories, his tone tinged with excitement: "After arriving in America, I often went to Les Mouches, a gay nightclub in Greenwich Village. Once, I attended a costume party there, and looking around, I was deeply attracted by the absurd masculinity and male stereotypes depicted by the people at the party."
It suddenly occurred to me: why not form a band of singers, each playing a different gay fantasy character? That way, we'd be completely different from other bands and definitely stand out!
So this band's image is all about fulfilling gay men's sexual fantasies? How...unique.
Zik felt speechless, while Jacques continued his rambling.
"At the club, I spotted bartender Felipe Ross immediately. He was dancing in Native American costume with bells on his boots. His dance was so captivating that I immediately invited him to join, and he became the first member of the band."
"It sounds like a makeshift operation. Do you have to be so proud of yourself?" Looking at this group of gay men who all had beards, looked strong, and had overflowing male hormones, Zeke looked uncomfortable.
"Next, I hired Victor Willis, a veteran Broadway actor. I had seen him on stage in the musical 'The Wizard,' and he was very talented. Victor not only sang and wrote lyrics for the band, but he also played the roles of a policeman and a naval commander. It was he who suggested that I bring in Alexander Briley to play a uniformed soldier, forming a trio."
Jacques pointed to the group in the rehearsal room, beaming, "Because all three of them live in the Greenwich Village area, I decided to name my new band Village People. When our first album was released, these guys were still training, and they're still honing their dance moves and vocals."
Next year, we'll release our second album, and they'll officially debut on stage. I'm confident these guys will dominate the disco scene, but they just need a hit single like "YMCA" to make a name for themselves.
"What do you think, Zeke?"
Qi Ke felt a little uneasy. These people were the original authors and singers of "YMCA." Selling the song to them might be the most suitable choice and would be more in line with his own interests.
If we let them perform it, the song will definitely be a hit, and the better it sells, the higher the royalties he can get.
But then he thought again and felt a little reluctant. The generous revenue-sharing agreement with the Sirens was an extra condition that Herbert had worked hard to secure for him. If he gave up that deal, he would never get those extra profits again.
What troubled him even more was that things had reached a stalemate: if he didn't sell the song to Jacques, Jacques would refuse to sell the license, and "YMCA" would become a completely useless song, and he wouldn't get a penny; but if he sold it to Jacques, he would have to give up the deal with the Sirens, losing a considerable amount of revenue and risking breach of contract.