Tyler’s head jerks back in sort of a sneering bark of a laugh, and then the reason for the cold shoulder becomes clear to me at once.
Tyler doesn’t like the fact that in addition to laying out the pros and cons of each record deal, I compared those to the pros and cons of staying indie with his next album, including an analysis of the potential monies to be earned.
Bottom line, if Evan has the same success as Core Deviance with his next album, he will make much more money over the long run. I merely pointed this out as a consideration for sustainability and long-term revenue.
Clearly, Tyler is against that, and I’m guessing it’s because he’s dazzled by the upfront money being offered and the low risk of taking one of the deals.
“She’s staying,” Evan says in a tone that brooks no argument.
“Fine,” Tyler says as he reaches out and nabs one of the documents on the table. I can see that Evan had printed everything I emailed to the both of them, and I clearly recognize the summary sheet of the deal from Phoenix. He waves it at Evan. “This is the one. You have to admit, it’s the best out of the three. Largest upfront payment and a slightly larger residual royalty on the back end. Coupled with their assurances you’ll have creative decision making in the album cover and merchandising, it’s clear they want you. They’re offering some serious incentives.”
Phoenix is absolutely making the best offer for all the reasons Tyler just summarized. But the money is up front to him, and the label makes it on the life of the music—which is forever. He doesn’t get much on the back end.
Evan’s head turns my way, and I’m frozen in place by the intensity of his stare. “What do you think I should do, Emma?”
Tyler makes a scoffing noise and turns his head to look at the window.
I swallow hard, and try to weasel out of answering. “Oh, I don’t know much about the music industry. We’re talking big money here, and my opinion shouldn’t play into this.”
“Exactly,” Tyler mutters, but Evan doesn’t look his way. His gaze stays focused on me.
“What are the things that are important to me?” Evan asks me, and he knows I know the answer to this because we talked about it on the trip to Miami.
“Control. Creativity. Autonomy. Quality,” I recite, trying to remember everything he told me when he was talking about the decision to leave Kickback and go solo and without a label.
The one thing that was not on his list was money.
It was never about the money to Evan, although he’s still very much a businessman. This is how he makes his living and he knows it’s a factor to weigh.
“All the things that are in jeopardy if I go with a label,” Evan says as his head turns toward Tyler, enunciating the words more forcefully by the time he makes eye contact with him. “You know I’m not comfortable going with a label, and yet you keep pushing it at me.”
Tyler leans forward and says, “I’m looking out for your business, Evan. You’re the artist. You get your head stuck in the music, and you aren’t considering the big picture. You need me to guide you on the correct path, and I’m telling you… Phoenix is the way to go.”
Evan gives an exhausted sigh as he rubs his hands over his face and slumps back onto the couch. “Let me think about it.”
“Man… this is your big break,” Tyler says as he stands up and looms over Evan. “It doesn’t get any better than this. You take this deal and you’re set for life.”
“I said let me think about it,” Evan barks at him as he launches off the couch, his voice thundering with anger that had apparently been on the verge of boiling over. It scares me so bad I come shooting out of my chair.
Tyler takes an automatic step back, then another. He puts his hands out and says in a soothing voice, “Okay… fine. We don’t need to give them an answer until after we meet with them during our California stops.”
Evan doesn’t look at Tyler but instead sort of jerks his head toward the doorway. His voice is resigned when he says, “I’ve heard what you said, Tyler. I get it and I’ll consider everything.”
“Okay, Evan,” Tyler says with conciliation. “I know you’ll think about it carefully. Just let me know if you want to hash anything else out. I can get one of the execs on the phone if you’ve got questions that won’t hold until we get to California.”
Evan nods, but he doesn’t say anything to keep the conversation going. Tyler takes his cue and lets himself out.
Turning to face me after the door closes, Evan lets out a gust of frustrated air that blows his long bangs up briefly before they flutter back down. “He drives me crazy with his shortsightedness.”
“He’s just giving you another perspective,” I say neutrally.