''Camila, you know it's been a long time coming.''
''We can't keep doing this, Shawn.'' I sob, aware that my heart is breaking as well as his. ''I really didn't want to lose you, but I don't want to keep playing these games with you. I'm tired of bu...
With some difficulty I manage to get into the studio, kicking the door with my foot, dragging my heavy suitcase behind me. My headphones fall to the floor amidst the small commotion and Mom picks them up for me, being careful not to trip over me in the process. We both burst out laughing at my clumsiness, until we settle inside the living room awaiting my work team.
A little happier about having fixed that whole weird situation with Shawn, I convinced my mom to take this quick trip to Los Angeles in the middle of the 24K Magic World Tour for the second time since it started. I have to take advantage of this great mood swing I'm experiencing to do good things for the next album, there's no time to waste. That's why, as soon as my dear friend and producer Frank arrives at the appointed time, I mention to him my intentions for today.
- I have a special request, and I hope you won't say no to me. - I beg with puppy dog eyes.
- What is it now? - He sighs, setting his suitcase down next to the sound board.
- A new song. - I smile innocently and I'm ready to see his panicked face.
- Camila... - He complains. He shakes his head not knowing how to approach this. - Why don't we stick to the original plan and then talk about this... new project?
- Promise? - I fold my arms, ready to negotiate.
- Yes, now get into the booth. - He mumbles at me.
I can't help but laugh at his hostility, he should be used to my overflowing creativity by now. If it's a good day I tend to let my imagination run wild, if it's a bad day I just sit back and ramble and write whatever comes to my heart. We'll see what happens today...
***
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- I'm just lookin' for some real friends... - I hold a high note at the end but I don't like the sound of it. - Can we try it again? Please.
Frank gives me a thumbs up letting me know he agrees and I clear my throat before singing the verse as I imagine it. I listen to it a couple of times in my headphones and I'm still not entirely convinced.
- Again, Frank. - With all the patience in the world, my producer rewinds the track.
- Do you want to hear it with the lead vocals?
- Yes, please.
I let Frank do his job and play back what we have so far, overlaying my lead vocal and the backgrounds we are recording. I lean back in the booth window that separates us looking at the floor as I try to identify where there are gaps in the song that need to be filled with more ad-libs (or improvised lines).
