This is all the truth—
After "The Tonight Show" aired, the band's performance caused a sensation across North America. Although Anson's topic later took the lead and surged ahead, there's no doubt that the band's buzz remained high.
The most amazing and interesting part is that when singers go on talk shows to promote, it's usually all about the promotion. The show naturally wouldn't miss the chance to introduce the band, the song, with not only the host introducing them but also subtitles on the screen, ensuring maximum promotional impact.
However, this episode of "The Tonight Show" didn't do that.
No band, no song—everything remained a mystery.
And this became the very reason why the band's buzz stayed high—
Pure.
It wasn't for commercial promotion, nor was it to prepare for fame and fortune.
Naturally, the band caught the attention of record labels.
Some contacted Connor, while others reached out to Anson or Edgar. Whether it was industry giants like Universal Music Group or newly established independent labels, whether through phone calls or emails, different channels, different methods, and different conditions all painted a partial picture of the market landscape, revealing where they currently stood.
There were those who sincerely hoped to discover the band's talent, and there were opportunists looking to make a quick profit off them—such is the diverse landscape of the entertainment world.
Hence, Anson came to this conclusion.
Finally.
Anson smiled and quietly looked at Mike.
Dustin, on the other hand, was much more straightforward. He rolled his eyes dramatically. "So, do you want to say it, or should I?"
Mike was a bit helpless. "Sorry, Dustin is just impatient like that."
Anson didn't mind and shrugged lightly. "But you still chose to come negotiate with him, which means you've already mentally prepared yourself."
Mike froze for a moment.
Dustin laughed, "Haha, I knew I'd like this kid."
Mike shook his head helplessly and finally got straight to the point.
"Yes, you're right."
"We have market considerations, but Dustin believes that musically, we shouldn't miss out on you guys."
"Indeed, your performance is challenging people's existing understanding of music. Pop music is like that; people tend to like what they're familiar with, something that's easy to listen to. There's often a subconscious unfamiliarity or even resistance to new things, which is why record companies don't like innovation."
"When Queen recorded 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' and when The Beatles recorded the 'White Album,' EMI Records was utterly confused. They all thought the market wouldn't accept such avant-garde music."
"Musicians want to push their boundaries, but record companies want musicians to stay the same, to keep delivering the familiar stuff along a well-trodden path."
"So, you can imagine the internal debate at Warner Records over your music."
"But music is like that."
"Too old-fashioned, and it won't work; too avant-garde, and it won't work. Too conventional, and it won't work; too trendy, and it won't work. We're all trying to find a balance between pop and art."
"I believe, or rather Dustin believes, that you guys have found that balance."
"In fact, your performance on the streets of Manhattan gaining such long-lasting attention on the forums is the best proof of that. So, I think you deserve a chance, which is why we're here today..."
Suddenly, the conversation stopped.
Mike seemed a bit awkward.
Dustin glanced at Mike and shook his head lightly. "What's so hard to say? Anson just mentioned it, didn't he?"
"The contract might not be that great."
Mike coughed twice, his expression slightly helpless, but he still looked at Anson.
"Maybe the contract terms are a bit lacking, but if Dustin produces the album, as I just said, we will respect the band's musical style. We want to sign the unique band that you are. We won't change you; otherwise, there would be no point in signing this contract."
After pausing for a moment, Mike noticed that Anson hadn't spoken, just kept listening attentively, so he immediately understood and didn't hesitate this time.
"Warner Records can offer the band a contract of one million dollars per album, and we'll put it in writing that you will also be the producer, having creative control over the album to ensure it aligns with your vision."
One million dollars per album—what does this mean for each band member in the 2002 music market?
Honestly, Anson didn't know—
Even though he was a time traveler, his understanding of the music industry's inner workings was limited.
Anson remembered that in 2001, Mariah Carey left her previous label, Columbia Records, to sign with Virgin Records under EMI, with a deal of 20 million dollars per album.
Of course, that's not a fair comparison.
First, Mariah Carey is a diva, at the top 1% of the industry pyramid.
Second, even for Mariah Carey, Virgin Records' move was widely criticized as "foolish and wealthy" within the industry.
Third, a year after signing, Virgin Records realized it was a mistake and paid a $28 million termination fee to drop the deal.
Given this context, the contract Warner Records offered seemed fair—not groundbreaking, but decent for a new independent band.
Thinking it over carefully, it wasn't surprising.
In 2002, Universal Music Group was still the undisputed leader in the music market, with a global market share of up to 30%, leaving the other four major labels unable to effectively compete.
However, Warner Records had been slowly gaining ground, and by around 2006, they had accomplished the impossible, surpassing Universal Music Group to become the leader in global music market share, completely reshaping the world map.
From various pieces of information, it was clear that Warner Records had been quietly making moves and slowly laying out their plans. Anson and the band likely represented one of their attempts—
Even if there were concerns within the company, they still offered a one million dollar per album contract, which was both generous and risky.
Setting aside the value of the contract, Anson wasn't dazzled by the numbers. "So, what are the limitations?"
Mike lightly shook his head and smiled. "You're really not easily swayed, huh."
Anson smiled back. "I thought you'd already prepared yourself for that."
Dustin laughed outright, clearly enjoying the situation.
Mike took a deep breath. "We can only sign a three-album contract with the band, but we have the right of first refusal for the fourth album."
Anson slightly raised his chin. "I thought you guys usually signed five-album deals in one go. If there's no follow-up after the first album, the contract just sits there gathering dust, binding the band while ignoring them."
After all, without an album, the record company doesn't have to pay, but if the band hasn't completed the contract, they can't leave, so they're stuck in a dead-end deal with no future.
Such cases are all too common in the music industry.
So, Warner Records' three-album contract sounded much more reasonable.