He walked into the conference room with the information and said hello to a few familiar musicians. After waiting for a while, Li Xiuman led the team, including representatives and directors of several related departments such as planning, recording, and publicity.
All here.
“…Now that we are all here, let’s get started.
Li Xiuman sat in the main seat, adjusted his glasses and looked around, and got to the point without much delay: "Jingyuan's solo project has been proposed since the beginning of the year, and the preliminary work has been started very early.
Today’s production meeting is to complete the last few important parts of the solo plan that have not yet been finalized.”
"The most important thing is the planning of the album. I will personally act as the producer and coordinate the solo album currently named "Yuan", while Jingyuan will serve as the main producer, mainly responsible for all aspects of music, themes and concepts.
work, others including PDOGG and Kenzie will participate in the production of related songs."
As the first member of EXO to make a solo debut, and with Ji Kyung Yuan’s unique resources and popularity, his solo project is one of SM’s most important projects in the first half of next year, and it can be said that everyone in the company attaches great importance to it.
Most of the other idols have no say in the music library. Ji Kyung-won just looks at it and picks it at will. Even Lee Soo-man personally came out to take charge of all aspects of coordination.
After talking about today's theme, Li Xiuman looked at Chi Jingyuan, with a slightly serious expression under his squinted eyes: "Next... Jingyuan, let's talk about the parts related to the album songs."
"OK."
Chi Jingyuan did not have the usual smiling face in business, and his expression was very serious. He opened the information he carried with him: "This album takes youth and growth as the theme. Conceptually, it mainly shows and recalls love and self in the growing life."
The song selection of "In the Mood for Love", which is intertwined with emotions, is mainly fresh, light, romantic, and songs with a sentimental and nostalgic style. At the same time, it will not focus too much on dance, but more on melody and appeal.
"
The theme style and concept have actually been determined a long time ago, and everyone knows that all related preparations are based on this.
After Chi Jingyuan briefly described the theme of the album, he then got to the point: "This album will be in the form of a mini-album, and the title song is determined to be "Love Scenario" composed by myself..."
Hearing this name, the eyes of the surrounding staff, including music producers such as Lee Soo Man and Kang Hyo Shin, all lit up slightly.
They have all listened to the demo of "Love Scenario" many times. Whether from the perspective of musicians or the market, they all think that this is a very outstanding song in all aspects, and it is a song that throws away any concepts.
Even if the melody alone is catchy, this song is one of the important reasons why they are full of expectations and confidence in Ji Jingyuan's album.
"In addition to the title song, the album will also have five included songs, namely "Music Box", "Save Me", "I'm Fine", "DARARI"..."
"Six songs in total."
This is the result of Chi Jingyuan’s careful selection...
Because the company's music library is open to him, and he also has a lot of inventory himself, he has a lot of songs to choose from, and there are many that match the theme and style. He has been hesitating about which song to choose and which one to choose.
At first, when the title song was not decided, Chi Jingyuan was still hesitant about how to choose songs. He thought about choosing more songs so that the whole album would be high-quality songs, so he wanted to have ten of his favorite songs selected at first.
There are dozens of songs that cannot fit into a regular album, let alone a mini-album.
But after the breakup that day, as soon as the song "Love Scenario" came out, he immediately gave up the idea of making a big meal out of a big pot and decided to focus on this song...
An album does not need to be all divine songs, and there are not so many good songs to choose from that have not yet been released but will be popular as soon as you listen to them. The songs in the album must always be prioritized, and the main promotional resources after the release are all
They are all for the title song, and most casual listeners basically only listen to the title song. If the songs included are too good, it is actually a waste, and it will distract from the popularity of the title song.
Both Chi Jingyuan and the company are very satisfied with the title song "Love Scenario" and have high expectations. It is definitely a title song that can fully support the entire album.
Moreover, these included songs were carefully selected by Chi Jing. While they fit the theme and style, they are also of high quality and have their own characteristics. They can perfectly fulfill the task of including the songs.
After talking about the songs included, Chi Jingyuan paused and glanced at the marketing department: "There are also three other previously proposed songs, "You=I", "Answer" and "Rooftop Room" that have already been published.
Sound sources, or songs performed in concerts, these three songs will be included in different versions as gift songs."
Of these three songs, "You=I" is the song Chi Jingyuan wrote for his fans during his first concert, "Answer" is his solo song from his third tour this year, and "Rooftop Room" is a big hit song in 2015.
One, which has a deep meaning to him and his fans.
At first, he was thinking of including these songs in the album, but later he saw that there were too many songs and was ready to give up... But at this time, the company's marketing department gave suggestions and divided the album into several albums with different covers.
version, these three songs are re-recorded, and each version includes one song as a gift, which is called (CD only). The sound source is not released, and only those who have bought the album can listen to the songs, which is considered as a gift to fans.
A surprise and a gift.
...Similar to Twice's mini album "I'm gonna be a star"
This way no songs are wasted, it helps album sales, and it also makes fans happy... This is also SM's usual trick to boost sales.
After taking a look at the notes on his profile, Chi Jingyuan added: "The song "Rooftop Room" will be re-arranged and made into a remix version and a lyric version, and will be included in the same album."
"Then there's the matter of the album version..."
Then he told it in detail.
Listening to what Chi Jingyuan said about the song, the staff around him also took note of it carefully. After seeing that he had almost finished talking about it, they began to ask questions on some key points.
"According to the original plan, this album will continue EXO's tradition and be released in Korean and Chinese versions at the same time. The title song will have re-written lyrics in Chinese...are we going to continue to find the mainland lyricists we worked with before?"
Facing the inquiry from a room manager, Chi Jingyuan thought for a moment, shook his head and said: "If the title song has Chinese lyrics... I will do it myself this time."
He has a very high level of Chinese. He is not just someone who can speak it but has a certain cultural background. There will definitely be no problem in writing lyrics... and he attaches great importance to the song "Love Scenario" and has a lot of ideas.
"According to the plan you gave us before, Jingyuan, and the plan we made after discussion, there are a total of four songs in this album that will be shot for MV..."
A representative from the record department also came over and said: "'I'm Fine' and 'Save Me' were performed by yourself with some backup dancers, but the MVs for the title songs 'Love Scenario' and 'Music Box' were set in
They all have scenes of interacting with women, and they all need to find a heroine to work with... Jingyuanxi, do you have a favorite goal? Are you planning to invite artists or..."
There are a total of six songs, four of which are going to be shot in music videos. This resource tilt makes other idols jealous when they see it.
"Hmm...what do you think?" Chi Jingyuan pondered for a moment after hearing this. Although the MV was mainly his idea, he really hadn't thought about this issue.
"Our idea is to select among the company's trainees... This is more convenient, and it is also a very good exposure opportunity for some children who are planning for the future."
"Then just choose a trainee. There is only about ten seconds of screen time. It would not be good to find a Taoist artist..."
Chi Jingyuan also followed suit, but he thought for a moment and added: "You don't have to limit yourself to trainees from our own company. If there are more suitable ones who fit the set image and stand out, you can use trainees from other companies."
You can also...remember to show it to me after you choose it."
"OK."
"Is the exact date of your solo debut confirmed now?"
"The current plan is to prepare for recording, dancing, etc. in December, and then go to the United States to shoot the MV and personal variety show in January next year, so the solo debut is tentatively scheduled for early February... The specifics will depend on the album preparation progress."
"In addition to the Korean and Chinese versions, will a Japanese version be released this time?"
"There will not be a Japanese version released for the time being. Neon's market aesthetic is very different from other places. We will wait until the album is released to investigate the preferences of local Neon fans and the popularity of the songs before selecting songs for Japanese lyrics and making the album...
But there is also a possibility that a single will be released first, let’s see when the time comes.”
"So……"
Immediately afterwards, staff from various departments stood up one after another to report on their work, from logo design, to pre-heating, publicity plans for scandals, live broadcast arrangements and debut showcases, all the way to the shooting plan for a debut solo variety show, and inviting guests.
As well as cooperating with TV stations and even preparations for personal concerts, including song selection and venue rental.
It can be said that SM has really regarded Ji Kyung-won's solo debut as the company's top priority, and has taken all aspects into consideration. It is even worse than Kim Taeyeon's solo debut in 2015, and every aspect has been considered.
Be more forceful.
"Let's go have a meal together."
The production meeting lasted for nearly an entire afternoon, and it came to an end just before dinner time. After it was over, Li Xiuman dragged Chi Jingyuan out of the conference room and asked as he walked: "...Jingyuan, your TV series is next month.
Is it broadcast on the 2nd?”
"right."
Chi Jingyuan nodded... Li Xiuman just took the initiative to ask him to go have a meal with him and talk about solo matters. Of course he would not refuse, but now he had to go to the music room to put things away.
"It's the same day as MAMA... After the broadcast, the next filming work should be very heavy. Your album will officially start production next month, plus various activities at the end of the year. Even if the company will coordinate the time with your crew,
But your task will probably be very arduous then."
"It's a little bit~ but it's not bad."
Hearing what he said, Chi Jingyuan also smiled bitterly, but soon his expression calmed down and he shrugged as if he didn't care much.
"So motivated?"
"Everyone is so serious, of course I can't lag behind... and recording shouldn't be difficult for me. If I'm too busy with other work, I can push it to January next year. The MV is also shot in January, so
There should be no problem."
In December, there are TV series, winter college, solo college, year-end activities, and various schedules are all packed together. However, facing the heavy workload that is about to be reached, Chi Jingyuan is very enthusiastic.
He had just finished the production meeting for his solo debut. At this time, his heart was really burning. The significance of his solo debut was extraordinary. Even though it was still in the preparation stage, it still made him realize that he had not experienced it for a long time. What he had experienced before EXO's debut.
That strong sense of excitement, as well as the tension and apprehension that arises spontaneously.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Before the group’s debut, the old days of practicing hard and making various preparations while worrying and looking forward to the future seem to have come back.
"I'm actually looking forward to what Jingyuan will look like standing alone on the stage..."
Li Xiuman chuckled, squinting his eyes, and seemed to be remembering the past in his eyes: "When I first saw you in the company, I had already imagined this scene?"
"Qingjia, does the teacher think so far ahead?"
"Of course, as soon as I saw you, I knew that you were born to eat this bowl of rice... My vision is definitely not wrong!" Li Xiuman adjusted his glasses reservedly, and suddenly remembered something, and talked about a person who had just been in a meeting.
Topics that have not yet been discussed: "By the way, Jingyuan, have you decided what to call your solo album?"
"Um?"
Chi Jingyuan blinked when he heard this: "Not yet...Does the company have any suggestions?"
His album is currently named "Yuan", but it is a bit too ordinary. It will definitely be changed in the future... But Chi Jingyuan hasn't thought about it yet and has no inspiration.
"The record department gave me some opinions, and I also thought about a few..." Opening the briefcase, Li Xiuman took out a document and handed it over: "I planned to talk about it at the meeting tomorrow, but it doesn't matter now.
Already."
"Well……"
Chi Jingyuan took the information and immediately glanced at it curiously.
"Light" "Light" "24" "Source" "soul of the light" "City Lights" "EmP.athy" "love senario" "senario" "In the Mood for Love" "Y:9.uan4"...
The company provided quite a lot of suggestions, in Korean, English and even Chinese, mixed with various symbols, which dazzled him.
"I'll take a closer look when I go back and think about it." After a brief glance, Chi Jingyuan put it in his bag without looking at it.
There’s no need to worry about the album name right now, it’s not critical… If not, you can just use the same name as the title song.
"Teacher Li Xiuman, I'm going to put things away first."
When the elevator arrived, he said hello to the smiling Li Xiuman. Chi Jingyuan said goodbye for the time being and took the elevator to the floor of his music room.
After putting all kinds of information and documents away, Chi Jingyuan had just locked the door and was about to go find Li Xiuman for dinner when his cell phone suddenly vibrated in his pocket and a call came in.
I took it out and saw that it was from Mingjing Nan.
"Miss me?"
"Well, hehe, I want to! ...Yuan-chan, what are you doing?" The familiar soft voice of my little girlfriend came from the receiver.
"I just finished the meeting. The album production meeting has been going on from noon until now. I'm exhausted..." Chi Jingyuan answered the call directly and walked towards the elevator while talking on the phone. No one else was there.
He couldn't help but complain casually.
"It turned out to be a meeting, I said..."
"Huh? Did you just call me?" Hearing this, Chi Jingyuan was stunned. He took out his phone and took a look at it. Then he saw several missed call notifications, two of which were from Mingjing Nanno.
When I called, there was also a text message inquiring.
Chi Jingyuan asked in a curious tone: "What's wrong? What's the matter?"
"...It's nothing." Najing Nan paused for a second on the phone, wiped it out unnaturally, and then asked about something else: "Were you having a solo meeting just now?"
"Yes."
"Then are you going to the crew to film tomorrow?"
"No, the crew is currently filming Dongxu brother and his friends' scenes. I will not return to the crew until after the concert ends on the 28th."
At this time, Chi Jingyuan seemed to realize what his little girlfriend meant, "Are you okay tomorrow?"
"Well... we will go to the company for a meeting tomorrow morning, and then we will practice for the year-end stage. There will be nothing to do after this afternoon..."
Ming Jingnan talked about tomorrow's arrangements in a scratchy voice, and there seemed to be small hints in and out of her words. After she finished speaking, she was silent for a second, suppressing the anxiety in her heart, and asked with the last expectation: "
Well, Yuan-chan, are you... free tomorrow?"
"Not necessarily. Although I don't have to go to the set, I still have a few production meetings to attend and preparations for the concert."
Chi Jingyuan told the truth...the solo album cannot be settled in one afternoon. There will be several production meetings to attend and rehearsals for the concert on the 25th.
Although...he deliberately omitted part of it.
"That's it..." Mina's voice in the receiver tried to remain calm, but Chi Jingyuan still keenly felt the deep loss contained in it.
"Hmm...Okay, I won't tell you anything now that I'm in the elevator. Teacher Li Xiuman is still waiting for me downstairs to have dinner with me."
"Okay, then Yuan-chan, go quickly, don't let Li Xiuman...teacher wait for too long...Mua~bye."
After hanging up the phone, Chi Jingyuan faced the slowly opening elevator door and the empty elevator but did not go in directly. He stood in front of the door, his ears echoed with the words of his little girlfriend on the phone who was obviously in a gloomy mood but was holding on to his tenderness.
His tone made him shake his head slightly for a moment.
He allowed the elevator door in front of him to close slowly but did not go in. He thought for a while, stood aside and called Park Zhenying.
Teacher Lee Soo Man, it doesn't matter if you wait a little longer...it's better to confirm again.