The initial interactions with Olivia Rodrigo and her family were decidedly different from those with the O'Connells. Where Billie and Finneas possessed an almost preternatural artistic intensity from the outset, Olivia, at twelve going on thirteen, was a bundle of bright, eager energy, her talent undeniable but still very much in its developmental stage. Her parents, supportive and enthusiastic, were keen for Olivia to explore her musical passions but also understandably protective.
Alex, with David's guidance on the parental communication front, approached the relationship with patience and a focus on mentorship. Echo Chamber wasn't looking to immediately sign Olivia and thrust her into the spotlight. Instead, Alex proposed a "developmental collaboration." He would work with her remotely, helping her refine her songwriting, explore production ideas, and essentially act as a musical mentor.
"Olivia, you've got incredible instincts," Alex said during one of their early Skype sessions, after she'd played him a new, emotionally charged piano ballad fragment. "The core melody there is fantastic. What if we tried to build the chorus a bit more, maybe explore a slightly different chord progression leading into it?"
He'd bring up a virtual piano on his screen-share, demonstrating possibilities, never dictating but always guiding. He'd reference elements from the [Maestro's Codex] for Olivia's known future hits, not by playing the songs themselves, but by isolating melodic or harmonic ideas he knew resonated with her style. "What if the bridge had a really soaring vocal line, something that really lets your voice fly?" he'd suggest, subtly steering her towards the kind of anthemic moments that would define her later work.
Olivia was a sponge. She absorbed his suggestions, experimented enthusiastically, and her songwriting rapidly matured. She was a natural performer, even over Skype, her passion evident. She wasn't as introspective or avant-garde as Billie, but her raw emotional honesty and knack for instantly catchy melodies were her clear strengths.
This period marked a new phase for Alex. With homeschooling in effect, he had more dedicated time for music. His mornings were often spent on his own material – perhaps laying down the tracks for what would become his versions of "Let Her Go" or "All of Me" – or managing the business aspects of Echo Chamber with his father. Afternoons were often dedicated to remote sessions: meticulously guiding Finneas on producing Billie's next few tracks (like "bellyache" or "hostage," steering them toward the sound of her dont smile at me EP), or these engaging, constructive songwriting sessions with Olivia.
Billie's "Ocean Eyes," meanwhile, continued its charmed ascent. It became an indie anthem, championed by influential music bloggers and discerning listeners. It wasn't a chart-topper in the vein of Alex's own hits, but it garnered immense critical acclaim and a devoted cult following. Major labels, seeing its unique impact, started making discreet overtures to the O'Connells, trying to woo Billie away from the fledgling Echo Chamber.
Finneas called Alex one afternoon, sounding a little stressed. "Hey Alex. So… a couple of A&R guys from [Major Label X] have been reaching out. Talking big money, big promises for Billie."
Alex felt a flicker of possessiveness, then suppressed it. "What do you guys think?" he asked calmly.
"We like working with you, man," Finneas said honestly. "You get us. You give us freedom. But, you know, our parents are listening to what these guys are saying. It's… a lot to consider."
Alex understood. Echo Chamber was new, largely built on his personal success. A major label offered established infrastructure, massive marketing budgets. "Finneas," Alex said, "Billie's art is unique. A major label might try to mold her into something she's not, chase trends. Echo Chamber is built around her vision. We believe in her for the long haul, not just for a quick hit. We can grow with her, ensure her artistic integrity is always protected. Talk it over with your parents, but that's our commitment."
The Codex offered a quiet reassurance: [Artist Retention Strategy: Emphasizing creative control and long-term vision aligns with O'Connell family priorities. High probability of continued loyalty.]
A few days later, Finneas called back. "We're sticking with Echo Chamber," he said, relief evident in his voice. "Mom and Dad agreed. Your approach, the focus on Billie's art, that means more than the big advances right now."
Alex let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Securing Billie, even against major label temptation, was a massive validation for Echo Chamber's philosophy.
Olivia, unaware of these higher-stakes industry machinations, continued to flourish under Alex's tutelage. They began co-writing more formally. Alex would send her instrumental beds, and she'd develop lyrics and melodies over them. Or she'd send him a piano-vocal demo, and he'd help her structure it, adding production ideas. Their first truly cohesive co-written song began to take shape – something raw, emotional, and undeniably catchy, with echoes of what would become "drivers license" .
Alex knew Olivia wasn't ready for a full release yet, but he saw the potential. He began considering a different strategy for her: perhaps an early EP, softer, more acoustic, to introduce her talent gently.
His own career continued its stellar trajectory. He released "Let Her Go" (Passenger), its poignant folk-pop resonating deeply and adding another facet to his artistic profile. The release was a defining moment not just for Vance, but for Echo Chamber Records as well. The label, still in its infancy, was beginning to punch far above its weight. A review from Indie Sonar described the track as "a masterclass in restraint — delicate, aching, and full of quiet power. Vance doesn't just cover the song; he inhabits it." Music journalists began referring to the "Echo Chamber sound" — a blend of raw emotion, minimalist production, and uncompromising authenticity. For many, "Let Her Go" was not just another cover; it was a statement of intent.
[ just go listen to it. No lyrics are needed for this one ]
Liam sat on the edge of his bunk, guitar beside him, laptop open to Alex Vance's new release. He hit play out of curiosity. Halfway through the track, he was leaning back against the cold wall, eyes closed. When it ended, he pressed play again. And again. He hadn't called his mother in weeks. That night, he did. He didn't say much—just that he missed her.
Martina, a painter between canvases and motivation, streamed Alex's track at 2 a.m. while washing brushes. She paused, wet bristles in hand, when the lyrics hit: "you only need the light when it's burning low..." It was like he knew. She put the brushes down, opened a fresh canvas, and painted something she didn't try to understand. She titled it "Gone."
Twelve-year-old Karthik heard the song through his cousin's phone speaker. He didn't understand all the English, but the melody stuck in his chest like something he was too young to name. He hummed it for days, even while studying for his exams. One day, he asked his cousin to teach him the chords. That summer, he learned how to play his first song.
Echo Chamber Records, despite its small roster, was becoming a seal of quality. "If it's on Echo Chamber," one influential blog wrote, "it's worth listening to. Alex Vance clearly has an incredible ear, not just for his own music, but for groundbreaking new talent."
The tides were shifting. Alex wasn't just recreating hits; he was building an ecosystem where new versions of those hits, and the artists who would make them famous, could thrive. He was mentoring his future collaborators, laying the groundwork for friendships and creative partnerships that would define a new musical era. The weight of his secret, his knowledge of the original timeline, was immense, but so was the thrill of seeing these budding melodies bloom under his guidance.
--------
hey hey! quick shoutout before I vanish into the next chapter draft — a huge thank you to all of you for the love and support you've been showing. seriously, it keeps me going more than you know 💛
special shoutout to my Pro Reader on Patreon — Gintoki Sakata! you absolute legend 🙌 your support means the world to me and helps fuel everything I'm building here.
and for the rest of you awesome folks — if you're enjoying the story and want to help keep it alive (and maybe get a few extras along the way), check out my Patreon:👉 patreon.com/hellothere2024that's what sustains fanfic authors like me — every bit of support makes a difference.
also, I'd love to hear what you think so far — drop a comment and tell me what's working, what hit you, what confused you, or who your favorite character is. seriously, I read them all.
thank you again, from the bottom of my writer's soul 🖋️you're awesome.