"But when it comes to you I'm never good enough/when I don't care/I can play 'em like a ken doll/won't wash my hair/then make 'em bounce like a basketball/but you make me wanna act like a girl/paint my nails and wear high heels/yes, you make me so nervous/and I just can't hold your hand/you make me glow.." Morgana's voice faltered, she stopped singing and sighed through the microphone "sorry" she murmured an apology through the glass to her manager.
Gwen smiled reassuringly and lent forward to push a button, her suit jacket crinkling slightly as she spoke "What's wrong Morgana? You sounded great."
Morgana was used to Gwen's compliments by now, her face remained in a frown "it just doesn't sound right" it sounded so futile but she was a musician and needed her music to sound perfect. She turned to the musician's behind her and mouthed 'sorry', they nodded in understanding and relaxed. "It's the song, it just isn't me. I'm grateful that I was allowed to use it as a cover but I just don't think it works."
Gwen nodded, she understood Morgana's need for the perfect album but they were weeks behind their schedule. After scrapping 4 different songs, 5 including this cover, they would be left with a meek three songs in the album. "I think we should go to talk to your father" Morgana rolled her eyes, she knew Gwen was right but that didn't mean she had to like it. She jumped off the stool and left the recording studio, when outside she picked up her bag and jacket, as well as slipping her shoes on quickly. She preferred to perform without shoes (if it was possible), it kept her feeling grounded. Her father would not approve of her relaxed clothing, a baggy top and leggings but she wouldn't let that dampen her already sour mood.
Gwen came out of the sound booth, a practical messenger bag on her shoulder and a large leather diary in her hands. She offered Morgana a warming smile "we just need to talk to Uther about the progress were making and your upcoming tour" Morgana nodded, she was sure that Gwen was hiding something from her but let the thought slide.
Morgana knocked on the door loudly and opened it before waiting for a reply, Uther was sat behind his large desk talking to a blonde haired man, who was sat adjacent to her. His head shot and the blonde haired man turned to look at the woman who had rudely entered the room rudely. She groaned at the sight of her brother Arthur and her father "sorry to interrupt" she said quickly not wanting to piss either of them off.
"Morgana" Uther smiled, he gestured to the chair next to Arthur. Morgana walked into the room and Gwen followed, Arthur's eyes lit up at the sight of Gwen. Morgana rolled her eyes, her brother was such an idiot and rubbish at hiding his feelings (which he always denied when asked). Uther acknowledged Gwen "I take it you're here to talk about the upcoming tour and the progress of the album." Gwen simply nodded and sat herself down on the other side of Morgana.
"Firstly, let's talk about your progress." Uther lent back in the chair and brought his hands together on the desk top.
Gwen cleared her throat and opened the diary, not wanting to forget anything in front of Uther "We have three complete songs, each of which have been recorded, they are named and the production for video's can start soon."
She paused and looked at Morgana to fill in any blanks, she beamed. Describing the music and the messages was where she shone, as a musician she was creative and had no trouble justifying her work , especially why she thought it would appeal to audiences. "The opening song 'awoken' is a simple track, piano mostly, with guitar and drums coming in for the chorus. It's a description of being awoken with new ideals, different visions on the world and life. 'Dagger' is the beauty of violence, specifically a dagger that was given as a present and how the dagger sparks thoughts in her head. The song itself is slow-rock and the newest song 'impersonation' is about how a girl impersonates her superior to protect her and meets her love again."
Uther let out a small 'hmm' as he processed the information, Arthur smiled reassuringly at Morgana and voiced his own opinions "I was working in the studio with Gwen the other night, applying the final touches to the songs" Morgana sent Gwen a questioning look, who blushed and ducked her head "each are well written and expertly performed, the compositions differ but contain a similar light feeling. I believe they are perfect for the new album."
Morgana smiled and put her hand on Arthur's arm in a thankful gesture. Arthur had always been supportive of her music, unlike Uther who was focused only on the image of the company. Uther spoke in his normal formal tone "I am more concerned with the slow progress, you are weeks behind schedule and have scraped how many songsā¦"he paused "four?"
"Five" Morgana interjected quickly, saving Gwen the embarrassment of saying it.
He continued "five songs. You promised me eleven original songs and three covers on this album, you are five weeks in and have three songs."
"It has been slow progressā¦" Gwen started, Uther waved his hand rudely at her and she stopped quickly.
Morgana was ready to defend herself when Arthur jumped in "Father, with everything that's has gone on of recent, I believe that deserves some leniency."
Uther was visually annoyed with the slow progress, he looked at Morgana sternly "We'll have to push the release date back but that can't be helped now." Morgana exhaled in relief "Now let's talk about the upcoming tour."
Gwen and Arthur both looked down, avoiding something as Uther lent forward waiting for one of them to explain something. Morgana gaped at them waiting for them to reveal whatever they were hiding from her, the both expertly avoided her gaze "what is it?" she asked her voice calm "tell me."
Gwen looked up clearly dreading whatever she had to say, Arthur looked at her with a reassuring smile and spoke loudly "Well your concerts are always huge events and very popular, they sell out very quickly. With everything that has been going on, we've made the executive decision to have you combine tours with another act."
"What?" she almost shouted, jumping out of her seat and standing above the others.
"This is for your safety, it will be good publicity for you." Arthur said nervously, Morgana bit down any hasty comments and sat herself back down.
She took a deep breath "Who will the other act be?" she was hoping it would be someone good, most of the people signed by 'Camelot Records' were but the odd idiots got through.
Uther took charge "The Dragonlords" Morgana tried to hide her smile, she would never admit it but they were one of her favourite bands. She enjoyed listening to their music, the compositions were always defined and performed excellently. "You have a week before the tour starts, I trust you'll keep writing"
She should have expected it, they were one of the most successful acts (excluding herself) who were signed with her father's company. The band consisted of five people: Lance, Gwaine, Percival, Freya and Merlin. The band had formed when they were still in school and the group moved to London to get signed, after five years at Camelot records they were in the process of releasing their fourth album. Freya, the only girl played the piano and often did duets or backing vocals. Percival was the drummer, Lance the bassist and Gwaine the guitarist. Merlin had the lead role in the band, providing the band with a beautiful voice as well as guitar and piano in certain songs. He had been positioned as the front man in the band, with much success due to his good looks.
Morgana nodded at her father, giddy with the image of sharing a tour bus with 'the Dragonlords' Uther waved his hands in a gesture to say that the meeting was over. They all stood up robotically and left in silence.
"One Week?" she sighed loudly, leaning against the wall "they'll be expecting a new song"
Gwen nodded and avoided Arthur's gaze "You'll have to meet the band tonight" Morgana smiled and Gwen bit back a small laugh "I've arranged an informal meeting tonight at a local club."
Arthur glared at the women, Morgana registered this and articulated "I don't know if I'm ready to go out yet but I would be happy for them to come to my apartment, I can get some bar staff. You can explain and pass on the address, apologise for the inconvenience and leave the rest to me."
Gwen was nodding along to her words, she opened the diary and started to jot down some notes. Arthur's phone buzzed, he read the message and slid it back into his pocket "Leon's outside waiting for you."
Morgana nodded and made her way out of the building, smiling the whole way.