Page 6 of Love is a Drum Beat
“Keep his identity a secret. We could do a big reveal.” He glanced at Dax. “After some hair and clothing help, of course. Maybe contacts too.”
Dax bristled at that and opened his mouth to speak, but Mr. Snyder beat him to it. “Out of the question, Devlin. Dax’s identity is one of the great mysteries in music. We will not give up his anonymity.”
We?It was Dax’s life, and they talked like it was only a business decision.
Devlin leaned forward and rested his elbows on his desk. "Just think about all the publicity."
Mr. Snyder’s gaze hardened, and Dax was glad he wasn’t on the receiving end of that look. “This will not be another Noah Clarke debacle. You, Devlin, work for the label and will not reveal anything unless we tell you to. Do you understand me?”
Devlin sighed and nodded.
Mr. Snyder turned to Dax. “How is the new album coming?”
“It’s coming.”
“I’ve only received a handful of songs. We expected more by now.”
Dax only shrugged at that. The songs would be done when they were done, and the label would give him the extra time. They always did.
“Dax.” Mr. Snyder turned in his seat. “We need you to finish this album because once it’s done, we have a list a mile long of artists asking to do collaborations with you.”
“I choose my collaborations.” He always had. Because doing a collaboration meant letting someone else in on his secret.
Mr. Snyder sighed. “I know that. The label knows that. But collaborations are good for your brand.”
“My brand doesn’t need any help.” He wasn’t trying to be difficult, truly. But he had never known how to soften the words he used. They kind of just leapt out of him.
“Not even from Ben Evans?”
Dax’s brow furrowed. “Ben? No, if he wanted a collaboration, he’d just come to me.”
“That’s not how it works, Dax.Fatethinks their next album should include a song with you. I’m sure Ben was going to tell you.”
But then, he went to London to be there for Noah, and now he was in Ohio. “When will he be back in town?”
“One week.”
Dax nodded. “Okay. I’ll do it. But tell Ben it has to be a Piper Hayes song. I want her lyrics with my music.”
“I’m sure that can be arranged. Now, I’ve done my job. I’ll leave you two to talk interviews.” He pushed himself from the chair and left.
Devlin steepled his fingers and rested his chin on them. He looked way too young for this job, in his appearance and mannerisms.
“So, Dax, do you ever plan on revealing your identity?”
Dax grunted. “No.”
“Do you realize how big a star you could become if you did concerts?”
Dax shrugged. “I don’t care.”
“But—”
“Is that all you wanted to meet about today?” Dax cut him off.
Devlin sighed and leaned back. “No. Your album releases in two months. The artwork is done. All we’re waiting for are the songs. And you need to prepare for the press. I’ll email you the interview requests, and you can send me back your answers since you won’t appear for the interviews in person.” He didn’t look like he agreed with the decision, but Dax didn’t care what he thought.
“Are we done here?” Dax checked his watch. He’d hoped for an early end to the meeting so he could get home to Santa Monica in time for the afternoon Rockstars Anonymous meeting. He never said much in the meetings, but he liked to hear what was going on with his friends.
