SuperStar!

August 6, 2021 – Los Angeles, USA

Ethan woke up in his high-end apartment, feeling the weight of the big day ahead. Today was the day. As he stood up, he checked the time—"Shit, it's already 9:26 AM!" He rushed through his morning routine, getting ready as quickly as possible. After showering, he checked the time again, realizing he was almost late. He went to the cupboard and pulled out the clothes Rebecca had picked out for him. He trusted her fashion sense, as he had no clue what to wear.

Rebecca's choices were sleek and stylish: a black designer turtleneck, tailored burgundy trousers, a cropped leather jacket, and polished Chelsea boots. The outfit, all designer labels, cost about $15,000. As Ethan dressed, his phone rang. It was Bill.

"Hey Ethan, we're outside!" Bill said.

"I'm coming!" Ethan grabbed his things and left the apartment, heading toward the elevator. His apartment was on the 7th floor of a luxury building that cost him $6,000 per month, covered by the label as part of the album's production budget.

When Ethan reached the bottom floor, he saw two black Escalades parked outside. Bill stood by the first one. "Come on, we need to hurry. Your family's plane will be landing soon," Bill said.

Ethan frowned. "Why didn't I just take a flight instead of driving?" he muttered, still frustrated from the long ride.

"Well, you wanted to bring your car, even though you haven't used it since you got here," Bill said with a laugh.

Ethan sighed, feeling silly. "How was I supposed to know they'd dedicate a car to me?" he joked as he climbed into the car.

Rebecca, who was already inside, looked him up and down. "You look good. I've got style," she teased.

"Thanks, I guess," Ethan replied, settling in as the car began to move.

Rebecca, who had been busy coordinating everything, shifted to business mode. "Alright, we've got a packed day ahead. Jessica's already at the hotel, setting things up. Once we pick up Ethan's family, we'll get there by 10:30."

Ethan nodded, mentally preparing for the day ahead. He remembered July 15, 2021 at Universal Music Group Studios.

July 15, 2021 – Universal Music Group Studios

The team gathered for the final planning session before the album's release. Rebecca gave a quick update on the chart positions. "Shape of You is still holding strong at number one, even with the release of 'Stay' by Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber. But 'Sing' has dropped to 10th place, while 'What Do I Know?' has climbed to number 15."

Jessica nodded. "We need to focus on creating the best promotional strategy to ensure the album's success."

Bill asked, "How about another talk show appearance? The Jimmy Fallon one went really well."

Ethan agreed, remembering how the appearance had boosted his singles. "Yeah, that worked well for us."

Jessica quickly interjected. "No, we can't overexpose you. The media appearances will come after the album release, not before."

Ethan suggested, "How about ads? I've seen those for other artists' albums."

"That's already in the works," Jessica replied. "We've got the advertising covered."

Rebecca added, "Most of the promotion will happen after the album is out, but we need to make sure the build-up is perfect."

Then she suddenly had an idea. "I've got it!" she said, her eyes lighting up.

"What's your idea?" Bill asked, intrigued.

"Let's have a listening party!" Rebecca said with excitement.

"A listening party?" Ethan asked, unsure of what that would entail.

"Yeah," Jessica explained. "A listening party is an event where you invite fans and the media to hear the album before it's officially released. It builds excitement and helps generate buzz."

Rebecca suggested, "Let's go big—invite fans, the media, and if we can, some celebs. Go big or go home!"

Ethan agreed, excited at the idea of having his first-ever album release feel like a movie premiere. "Let's do it!"

Bill was already on board hearing the word party always did the trick for him. "Sounds like fun. Let's do it."

Present Day – In the Car

As the car headed toward the airport, Bill spoke about the label's commitment. "The headquarters really believes in you. They're sending executives down to make sure everything runs perfectly. They're putting a lot of trust in this event."

When they arrived at the airport parking lot, Bill turned to Ethan. "Stay in the car, Ethan. We don't want to cause a scene. I'll go grab your family."

Rebecca reminded him, "And once you get out, remember to greet the executives first, then the fans. Those two groups are key to your career right now."

Ethan nodded, preparing for the greeting. "Will do."

A few minutes later, the door opened, and Ethan's family—his dad Adam, his mom Emily, and his little sister Precious—walked in.

"Ethan, honey!" Emily exclaimed, rushing to hug him. Ethan laughed, feeling the warmth of his family's love and support. They had always been his number one supporters, and it felt grounding to have them with him on such a significant day.

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