iv. NEW ERA AWAITS.
January 3, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Los Angeles, California.

The California sun hung low, painting the Pacific coastline in shades of gold and pink. Sedona gripped the leather steering wheel of her 2017 Mercedes-Benz G Wagon. The warm ocean breeze whipped through her dark curls as she navigated the winding roads of the Pacific Coast Highway. Though the scenic views of cliffs and crashing waves were calming, her mind buzzed with anticipation and nerves.

After three months of blissful isolation in Jamaica, Sedona had returned to reality. The retreat had been more than just a vacation. It was a chance to recharge, reconnect, and immerse herself in the rhythms of the island. While there, she had written verses under the tropical sun, recorded demos in hidden studios, and let the music of the waves seep into her soul. But now, her time in paradise was behind her, and the industry was calling.

As the highway gave way to the urban sprawl of Los Angeles, Sedona parked at a small lot near Roc Nation's sleek headquarters. Inside, a black SUV waited to shuttle her to the office, an unnecessary gesture but one that made the day feel all the more official.

The conference room was as modern as she remembered: glass walls, polished steel accents, and a sweeping view of the city skyline. Around the long table sat her team—manager Monica, marketing leads, and A&Rs—all waiting for her. At the head of the table was Kendra Watts, Roc Nation's VP of Artist Development.

"Sedona!" Kendra exclaimed, rising to greet her with a warm hug. "Look at you, glowing! Jamaica clearly did you some good."

Sedona laughed, setting her bag on a chair. "It was exactly what I needed," She admitted. "But I'm ready to get back to work."

The meeting kicked off with updates. Kendra wasted no time diving into the plans for Sedona's highly anticipated sophomore album. "We've been listening to the demos you sent over," She said, gesturing to her tablet. "And let me just say... they're incredible. You've outdone yourself."

Sedona smiled modestly but said nothing. She'd spent countless nights in Jamaica weaving various musical influences into her R&B style, exploring deeper themes of love, identity, and freedom. It had been cathartic, but the real test was how the music would resonate beyond the studio.

The team played clips from her demos. One was a sultry reggae-tinged ballad that silenced the room, the kind of track that made you stop and feel. Another was an upbeat anthem with a slew groove, brimming with energy and empowerment.

"This is the sound," Kendra said, her voice filled with certainty. "It's fresh, it's global, and most importantly, it's you. This album is going to set you apart."

From there, the conversation shifted to logistics. "We're eyeing a late-summer release," Kendra said, clicking on a slide of a potential album cover mock-up. "Before that, we'll drop a couple of singles to build hype. Late Spring feels like the perfect time for the first one."

Sedona nodded, mentally calculating the timeline.

Another executive chimed in. "We should tie in her time in Jamaica. Maybe a mini-documentary? Fans love seeing the creative process. We can show how the island inspired her sound."

Sedona hesitated. She had loved her time in Jamaica, but it had been personal—almost sacred. The thought of packaging it into content for marketing made her uneasy. "I'm open to it," She said cautiously. "But it has to feel organic. I don't want it to seem... contrived."

The team nodded, taking notes. "We'll make sure it aligns with your vision," Kendra reassured her.

Talk of collaborations came next. Names like Burna Boy, Jorja Smith, and Daniel Caesar floated around the room, each sparking excitement in Sedona. Ideas for a world tour were thrown out, too—small, intimate venues that would showcase her artistry while maintaining a personal connection with her audience.

As the meeting wrapped up, Kendra leaned in closer to Sedona, her voice softer but resolute. "I know there's a lot riding on this. Sophomore albums are never easy, but you're ready. You've got something special here—something the world needs to hear. Trust that."

Walking out of the building hours later, Sedona felt the cool evening breeze against her skin. Her heels clicked softly on the pavement as she gazed up at the towering skyscrapers of Los Angeles. The road ahead was daunting, but she was ready.

Her sophomore album wasn't just a collection of songs; it was a reflection of her journey—her heart, her soul, and the freedom she had found. And soon, the world would hear it.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Four.
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Y'all can't tell me that I did not eat with this chapter like I'm cooking right now and making sure my audience is fed. Stay tuned because it's far from over.

Thoughts on the chapter! And what do you expect for the next one?

Stay tuned for the next chapter, & til next time!
- shea