Nestled on the western side of Universal Studios is the Sound City, a name that signifies the golden and most glorious dreams of music in Los Angeles since the 1970s.
Established in 1969 against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Sound City had a humble beginning that clashed with the hippie movement of the time, which celebrated the beauty of flowers and freedom. Even then, unknown singers were reluctant to record their voices in such a "dirty and terrible" place.
But as the 1970s unfolded, things began to change.
Legendary artists like Spirit and Neil Young recorded timeless classic albums here, bringing Sound City into the limelight and gaining increasing attention.
Gradually, more and more great names chose to record their albums in this studio. Bands like Metallica, Elton John, and Nirvana all recorded albums that solidified their esteemed status here.
This catapulted Sound City to become the most renowned recording studio in Los Angeles, attracting countless followers who flocked there to pay homage.
Even to this day.
In the 1990s, the music industry reached its peak, with recording technology evolving rapidly from tapes to CDs and then to digital audio sources entering the testing phase at the dawn of the new century. In just ten years, the world underwent drastic changes, causing Sound City's recording equipment to slowly fall behind the times.
Under the pressure from newer, more advanced, and trendy recording studios, coupled with the booming music industries in cities like Atlanta, New York, and Seattle, Sound City in Los Angeles gradually became synonymous with the "old era."
Times were changing.
Some histories become more classic and vivid as time polishes them; others quietly fade away in the long river of time.
Sound City belongs to the latter.
The recording studio that once gave birth to the classic "Nevermind" is now just an empty shell, with no one caring or paying attention, its symbolic meaning outweighing its actual value.
But—
Why is Anson here?
Harry stared intently at Sound City, a crazy thought popping into his mind:
Could it be?
Could it really be?
Anson. Connor. Sound City.
As these keywords connected, Harry couldn't help but shiver, a surge of shock and awe raging in his mind like a giant bell, causing ripples that made his body tremble uncontrollably.
So.
While all of Hollywood was heatedly discussing "Spider-Man" and the history-making record-breaking frenzy, and while all of North America was closely following the epic clash between "Spider-Man" and "Star Wars: Episode I," the protagonist at the storm's center was quietly hiding away in a hidden paradise… recording an album?
No… Could it be?
No wonder they turned all of Los Angeles upside down and still couldn't find any trace of Anson. No wonder Anson didn't hide his whereabouts yet still vanished from right under their noses.
Anson, truly living up to his name!
While everyone's attention was still on the movies, he had already taken the next step. The opportunity to appear on "The Tonight Show" not only bore fruit for "Spider-Man," but also opened doors for his band.
After television, movies, and fashion, Anson continues to move toward music.
Wow.
Wow!
Once the thought was planted, Harry couldn't stop shivering. This wasn't just an exclusive story; it was a whole new revelation.
Suddenly, Harry straightened up, and details in his memory finally resurfaced—
Earlier, Chris handed Anson a small bag. If it was for a change of clothes, that made sense, and all the details lined up.
Glancing around, Harry had a bold guess to confirm:
Perhaps, to focus entirely on recording the album, Anson also realized the disruption from the media and the public's attention, so instead of going home, he rented a temporary place near Sound City. Here, he and Connor and the other band members could fully immerse themselves in music.
Is that possible?
If it's Anson, it's entirely possible!
But the key point is, has Anson's band signed with a record label? Is Anson recording music now? Is it a single or a full album? Is Anson planning a tour next, or is this just for fun?
Thoughts were surging.
Harry couldn't hold back any longer. He opened the car door and immediately got busy.
Don't let Harry's past blunders in front of Anson fool you—he's actually a very capable paparazzo. Otherwise, he wouldn't have managed to get close to Anson multiple times, which isn't an opportunity that comes easily—
Even if Harry never wanted it.
In no time, Harry managed to find out that his guess was correct.
As expected, Anson had rented a large apartment near Sound City, where he, Lily, Connor, Miles, and the other band members were all staying.
They were fully immersed in their work.
From what it looks like, they've completely isolated themselves from the outside world, fully devoted to creating music from scratch, sparking inspiration not just for one or two songs, but likely aiming to produce a full album.
An album!
To outsiders, music creation often seems to require a spark of inspiration, and that is true; but the reality may be a bit different. If you just sit around waiting for inspiration, it might take two or three years to produce an album.
When musicians need to create an album, they often isolate themselves for a month or three, completely immersing themselves in music, searching for inspiration and sparks, and completing the creative process.
Sometimes, a piece of work is indeed born from a fleeting moment of inspiration, with a certain randomness to it; but more often, it's the result of carefully planned work.
Of course, it's also crucial that the creator has accumulated enough experience and material before this period of intense focus. Without that, even locking oneself in a room without food or drink wouldn't yield any inspiration.
From all signs, it seems that Anson and his band are currently engaged in this very process.
And most likely, they're working on a full album, not just a couple of songs, but a full-fledged band album!
No wonder the paparazzi and reporters have been digging all over Los Angeles and still couldn't find Anson—they were looking in entirely the wrong direction.
Once the whole story became clear, Harry was utterly thrilled—
Exclusive. Exclusive!
Whether it's Anson's whereabouts or the fact that he's preparing to release an album, it's all exclusive news.
Harry was now considering which media outlet he should sell this exclusive to.
"Entertainment Weekly"? "US Weekly"? "People"? Or "Vanity Fair"?
From past experience, "Entertainment Weekly" is usually the most willing to pay top dollar, but this news is worth even more. Should he auction it off publicly and sell it to the highest bidder?
He could inform five, six, or seven media outlets and then see what they offer.
Huh?
As his thoughts raced, Harry noticed two unfamiliar figures at the entrance of Sound City. His paparazzi instincts kicked in immediately.
It seems like something's about to develop further!