Free Heartland by Sara Walter Ellwood Page B

the studios in Nashville.”
    “That’s crazy.” Her father shook his head. “No one would come here to record. How about session musicians? What makes it possible for me to record here is that the music is produced for the most part in Nashville.”
    “What about the local guys? You’ve been using them for years,” Emily said, referring to a local band called Lawman. None of the men wanted the headache of fame, which her father had offered them--more than once over the years. The band made up of mostly local law enforcement was good enough to make it in Nashville. They played and sang on most of her father’s records and no one knew they weren’t professional session musicians.
    Emily didn’t understand why her dad was against the idea or his attachment to Midland Records. “And even if Lawman didn’t want the job, I bet we could find professional quality musicians right around here.”
    “We?” Gabe raised a brow. “What are you hinting at?”
    She took a deep breath and let it out. “I’ve been thinking about this idea since Dad told me about it, and I want in on the deal. Dad mentioned his concern about financing and startup costs. Well, I think I can definitely help with that. I’ve never spent a dime of the considerable trust funds both my grandfather and Dad set up for me. I think investing it into a promising company is the best thing I can do with the money.”
    “Wow.” Gabe sat back in his chair. “I didn’t see this coming. But aren’t you in the middle of recording your next album?”
    She rubbed her palms on her thighs. “I’ve asked Trish this morning to negotiate with Paul to get me out of my contract. Midland can release what I’ve done as an EP.”
    Gabe whistled. “You’re giving up the whole pop scene?”
    Her father looked as surprised by her announcement as Gabe did. “Are you thinking of switching back to country?”
    She smiled and shrugged. “I’m thinking of retiring from performing, but I don’t want to give up music. I could never do that. It’s too much a part of me. This scheme seems to be the perfect answer.”
    Dad rubbed his jaw like he did when considering something. “I am worried about the startup cost, but I’m also wondering where we’re going to get artists. My album released a month ago, and I know you finished up one,” he said and nodded toward Gabe. “Besides, I’m not sure breaking our contracts with Midland won’t end up costing us money in legal fees.”
    Gabe finished his lemonade and set the tumbler on the glass-topped coffee table. “I agree getting away from Midland isn’t going to be easy. But I’m not concerned Paul won’t let us go. As for artists, I have two in mind. The first I met at the Bluebird Café. Jared Wafford is a college kid who comes to Nashville on the weekends to play the bars hoping to catch the eye of a record producer. I asked him for a demo and can play it for you.” He sat back in his seat. “The second singer is Cara Alexander.”
    “I know her,” Emily said. “She co-wrote with me for my first pop record. Amazing talent--both as a songwriter and singer--but she’s struggled with hitting the charts and keeping a record company.”
    “If she’s a diva, I don’t think we should even consider her,” Dad said.
    With a shake of his head, Gabe leaned forward again. “Cara’s having trouble because she had a manager who steered her the wrong way. She’s from a small farm in Alabama and is as country as you or me. When I saw her at The Listening Room, she sang covers from some of the most famous ladies in the genre.” He grinned at Emily. “She even sang one of your early hits.”
    She laughed and folded her legs under her. “Let me guess. Leave Me a Rose . Cara loves that song. I know she wants to break into country. I say we consider her. She has some established fan base that might follow her over, especially if we help her find songs bridging the genres. Kinda what my last country album did, except