Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 194: Thirst for Talent

George had been Stanley's old friend for many years and was a frequent visitor to Pioneer Village. Whenever Stanley found promising talent, he would invite George to check them out. After Renly's performance of "Cleopatra" last year, Stanley had wanted George to come to Pioneer Village, but Renly had been busy traveling and couldn't make it.

Thinking of this, Stanley had a sudden inspiration, "Renly has released two singles before, you might have heard of them, 'Cleopatra' and 'Ophelia.' Besides these, Renly has performed many songs in the bar, which have been well-received. By the way, that song 'Charlie Boy' that David mentioned last time, that was also written by Renly."

Stanley was beating around the bush, and George frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the answer. However, as the conversation progressed, his thoughts began to churn, and finally, he looked directly at Renly, as if his previous surprise and annoyance had vanished. "You wrote 'Charlie Boy' as well?"

"Charlie Boy" was a song Renly had written a long time ago, themed around the Vietnam War. "Charlie Boy" was what the American soldiers called the Viet Cong. The lyrics urged soldiers not to blindly trust the government's call to arms for a war that was a bottomless pit. The song called for peace and opposed war. This song was well-known in Pioneer Village.

Although Stanley's words contained limited information, it was enough for George. The titles "Cleopatra" and "Ophelia" were related to Shakespeare and history, while "Charlie Boy" connected with history, culture, and society. Coupled with Renly's performance of "Los Angeles" just now, it was clear to George that Renly had a profound cultural background and creative source.

As George had judged, not everyone could write such ballads—Renly clearly had that ability.

Even though he asked questions, George didn't wait for Renly's answers. He continued, "Whether it's 'Charlie Boy' or 'Los Angeles,' these are songs that won't be hot in the market. To the public, these songs lack popular elements and catchy hooks, and they deviate from mainstream tastes. If it were the era of folk music, these songs might be Woodstock favorites, but now it's the 21st century. Only true music lovers, those who take the time to listen, can appreciate the depth of these melodies and lyrics."

George's words were still aggressive, but as he delved into the professional field, his passion, urgency, and focus also became evident.

From the beginning, his discussions revolved around music, with other trivial matters never entering his scope. It was clear that he was an exceptionally pure professional musician, the kind who would disregard everything for music. In his world, there was only music, making him seemingly ignorant of worldly matters, which was why he clashed with Renly so directly.

In fact, Renly was the same. Whether it was the "The Pacific" crew or the "Buried" crew, he was always fully immersed in the world of acting, with other trivial matters holding no significance.

"This is exactly the kind of music I want to make," George finally revealed his purpose, his bright eyes filled with undeniable determination. "You know, we should make an album entirely based on history and literature, like a bard. From the overture to the finale, incorporating life's insights and upheavals, restoring the essence of music—expressing the most genuine and complex emotions in the human heart."

Seeing George's bright, sincere, and urgent eyes, that pure dedication was admirable. "Are you sure? Such an album might not be something any record company would want to produce or release." Renly's words softened a bit, as he always had a soft spot for those who dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to their profession and dreams. Stanley was like that, Heather was like that, and even Ed, whom he had just met, was like that. Because he himself was like that.

"You're right," George admitted frankly, "but what's the point of making an album just to cater to the market? There are many talented young producers who can create amazing pop tracks with electronic equipment—that's also a talent. But how many are willing to sit down, slowly polish the quality of their music, and truly find its soul? I want to make such an album again. Some might think Bob Dylan is outdated, but I firmly believe that classics are timeless, appreciated in any era."

Renly couldn't argue with that.

True classics not only withstand the test of time but also the scrutiny of generations, like Michael Jackson or The Beatles. Their music never fades; instead, it becomes more enchanting with time.

"This is an impossible task," Renly smiled, wondering if thirty years from now, he would be like George, holding onto outdated ideas, stubbornly pursuing an "absurd" dream, and gradually falling behind the times.

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Seeing Renly's smile, Stanley finally breathed a sigh of relief. The tense atmosphere had eased and was heading in a positive direction, which was a good sign. "If it were easy, it wouldn't be challenging, would it?"

George gave Stanley an approving nod and continued, "I hope you can create the entire album—not just hope, I insist you do all the creation, entirely according to your ideas. I'll be the helmsman, offering some guidance and suggesting details. The final album should allow people to glimpse a part of your mind, like reading an epic novel. It might seem boring, simple, or confusing, but it will reflect the essence of the soul."

Renly had to admit that during this brief conversation, his initial mistaken impression of George changed. That dedication and madness were even more resolute than his pursuit of acting. People often say that those who persist in their dreams, work seriously, and dedicate themselves fully are the most attractive. George was now showing Renly his "charm."

"As for the record companies and distribution issues...leave those boring problems to me, okay?" George's disdainful expression made Renly chuckle—record companies and distribution issues being labeled as such must be unique among music producers.

Through these words, Renly truly felt George's depth and professionalism. George was clearly not a simple character.

"But the problem is, I don't have enough time, nor do I have enough creations." Renly's words made Stanley almost jump with excitement, his heart racing—was his persistence finally about to pay off? "I'm an actor, and I have a series of jobs to do next. Acting is my primary job."

Renly didn't elaborate. Apart from his upcoming work schedule, there was the imminent Telluride Film Festival and the subsequent New York Film Festival, leaving him with no time in the short term.

"Ridiculous!" George bluntly dismissed Renly's actor identity with a sneer, though he didn't directly criticize this time. "If you insist on wasting your life on meaningless things, that's your choice. Time isn't the issue. We can make this album slowly. How many songs do you have on your current list? I mean, with both melody and lyrics."

Renly was speechless at George's bluntness, his smile tinged with helplessness, but he didn't argue. "I'm not sure. I don't keep a record of my creations."

This was the truth. Many of Renly's creations were scattered and never properly recorded. The singles "Cleopatra" and "Ophelia" had been recorded by chance, with other songs never documented.

George looked at Renly in disbelief, his expression one of pained frustration. Stanley couldn't help but chuckle—George was finally experiencing the frustration he had felt over the past year, a bit of schadenfreude.

"No record of your creations?" George felt his heart bleeding. For instance, the "Los Angeles" song earlier, although a simple ballad, such moments of inspiration were invaluable. Losing them would be a great loss for the audience. "Young man, please promise me, okay? Get into the habit of recording everything, even just a fragment of inspiration. Often, life's insights are the source of music, creating the best bridge of resonance with people and the greatest charm of music."

Renly shrugged, noncommittal.

George sighed deeply, controlling his frustration. "Then can you at least list the songs you remember? Preferably with the sheet music and lyrics, and then give them to me, okay?"

"I'll try." Renly responded noncommittally. Seeing George and Stanley's exasperated expressions, he had to explain, "I'm leaving for the Telluride Film Festival the day after tomorrow." Their disappointed looks prompted Renly to point to the figure by the bar. "I think Ed is pretty good, don't you think?"