Idol Pursuits: Comeback: Idol Pursuits, #2

By Robert Rioux

In this rousing second installment of the Idol Pursuits series, the struggling-artist lifestyle is taking a toll on Heather's indie girl group. Faced with burgeoning expenses, a paucity of gig opportunities, misdirected social media rage, and confusing sexual identities, the reality of show business was nothing like what they hoped for. As Heather's rival group ascends to new heights of global popularity, she must contend with one humble reality. Outside of a few dedicated fans, her own group languishes in obscurity. With musicianship running high but money running low, the clock races toward midnight on their dreams.

 

After a brief moment in the national spotlight, an unorthodox young manager breathes new life into their prospects. Soon, they are competing in one of the biggest music competitions in the country. Can they challenge the status quo with a unique brand of K-Pop, or will a dire financial situation ultimately prove their downfall?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rioux Inc.
• Release date: Dec 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988856528

Robert Rioux

Upon graduating from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Robert Rioux spent two decades working in the Hollywood entertainment industry, rubbing shoulders with struggling dreamers and top-level achievers.  A year spent circumnavigating the globe ignited an intense admiration of the world's varied cultures. The lesson learned was that our shared commonalities far outweigh our perceived differences.  As a lifelong admirer of female singers, the author believes the girl group concept has been perfected in Korea. Nothing has the power to unite, inspire, and heal the human spirit quite like music does. Now married and living in Cascadia, Idol Pursuits marks the author's first attempt at trilogy form. 

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Robert Rioux

Idol Pursuits: Comeback

First published by Rioux Inc. 2023

Copyright © 2023 by Robert Rioux

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

Robert Rioux asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

Robert Rioux has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The opinions expressed are those of the characters and should not be confused with the author’s.

For more information contact: [e-mail]

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023951556

Second edition

ISBN: 979-8-9888565-2-8

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

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Publisher Logo

To the 7+1

for facing the world

with a smile and a song

Contents

Acknowledgement

1. SOMETHING STRANGELY DIFFERENT

2. FESTIVAL HIGH JINKS

3. STILL FALLS THE RAIN

4. UNFLAGGING DEVOTION

5. TUMBLE DRY

6. THE WAY YOU DO IT

7. THREE PITCHES AND A STRIKE

8. MORNING FINDS THE BREEZE

9. ALLIANCES OLD AND NEW

10. MAGICAL THINKING

11. SMART RABBITS

12. LIVING ON TULSA TIME

13. DANCING ON YOUR HEAD

14. OVERTURES

15. RUNNING HOT AND COLD

16. STARTLING NEWS

17. TOO MANY REVELATIONS

18. MEDIA DAY

19. READING CLOUDS

20. TECHNICOLOR CLOWN CANNON

21. CIRCLES ALL AROUND

22. A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES

23. ON THE BEACH

Afterword

Cast of Characters

Preview of Book Three

About the Author

Also by Robert Rioux

Acknowledgement

First and foremost, I wish to express gratitude to my wife who makes everything possible through abundant patience and a huge heart. Special thanks also to Dianne Bangle, Red Warner, and Barry Klusman for their tireless encouragement, and to muses throughout the ages for inspiring generations.

1

SOMETHING STRANGELY DIFFERENT

As she moved deeper into the forest, the enticing music receded into the background. The sound of damp leaves crushed under shoes gradually muffled the recorded aria until it was all Heather heard. Tendrils of moisture-laden air thickened and blanketed her in a chilling embrace. The gray-barked trees stood resolute like sentinels, identical in every respect and receding into the distance no matter which direction she turned. Disoriented, she was unsure of the way forward or back.

But she was no longer alone. At intervals, figures emerged from the gloom as she walked. Dressed in formless black clothes, their pale faces remained barely discernible as they stood motionless and disinterested. People she knew or once did. Never did they speak, nor did Heather dare approach.

Suddenly, a warm light. A splash of color against a monotone backdrop. It flickered in the distance, moving briskly amongst the trees. A magnificent sight. Heather watched as a girl her age passed yards ahead, robed in spotless white. Luxurious locks of impossibly long and abundantly curly hair trailed behind, suspended in the air like wispy clouds. Light emanated from the presence like a morning star after a cold winter night. The apparition moved effortlessly, gliding over rough terrain as rain on glass. Intrigued and eager to escape the macabre surroundings, Heather pursued the figure, moving ever deeper into the forest.

A tug at her shoulder.

Wake up, sleepy head. Heather opened her eyes to find Grace rousing her. You were out cold, she said.

I didn’t sleep much last night, Heather responded between yawns.

You’ve said that a lot lately. Everything okay?

Just some weird dreams.

Aren’t all dreams weird? Come on. Get your stuff. Mindy’ll be here soon. We’re leaving in five minutes.

* * *

The microphone-laden desk was barely large enough to fit all seven musicians if they squeezed together. Situated at the heart of the radio station, the live broadcast studio where they sat held a commanding view of its surroundings. Elevated a half-floor above the neighboring rooms and with windows on three sides, the setting instilled an importance that 19-year-old Heather Moon had rarely felt since forming her girl group nine months earlier. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves. The show’s theme music faded, and the host launched into his introduction.

Coming to you live from the campus of St. Ignatius University, you’re listening to KIGN-FM Los Angeles. I’m Sid Efron. With us tonight are the guests you’ve been buzzing about all week.

At Sid’s signal, Grace gave the one-two count. In unison, the girls presented their well-rehearsed greeting in Korean, complete with synchronized hand gestures. Annyeonghaseyo, Made in Heavenibnida.

For non-Korean speakers, this is Made in Heaven, a seven-member K-Pop girl group from…You’re all students here at SIU, right?

I used to be.

That’s Heather, our main singer, explained Grace, pointing out each member down the line. Sun-hee’s, our keyboardist slash lead singer who just transferred from UCLA. Erin’s our bassist and Information Science student. Vanessa is our Dance major. And I’m Grace, guitarist and main rapper, slumming it in the Business school.

Okay, and who else do we have?

On the other side of the table, there’s June, main visual, and our drummer in the corner is Mindy.

The invitation to their first-ever radio interview had come as a complete surprise. Independent-minded KIGN had long reached cult status in L.A. for breaking unsigned musical acts long before they were noticed by the mainstream industry. When station management learned of Made in Heaven’s ties to the university, there was fervent disagreement over whether to actively support them. On the plus side, the indie act was unsigned and reflected the diversity of the campus and the city at large. Detractors argued that K-Pop fell outside the station’s preferred rock format. Their quandary was solved via Sid’s globe-spanning, eclectic music show on Thursdays. Evening time slots at the station were blissfully unburdened with far fewer restrictions.

Sid’s interview prompted questions about the group’s formative days and subsequent misadventures as an independent K-Pop act struggling to make it in America. As host, he encouraged a lively and informal exchange. The group’s vibrant personalities took over. Erin proved a pleasant surprise. While not the most experienced musician or dancer among them, her charming and somewhat awkward cuteness found its true calling in moments like this. The result was a light-hearted discussion that kept the host in stitches, and the call terminal lit.

By agreement, Sid’s program accommodated two live vocal performances sung to a music track. The first was ‘Feel the Heat,’ which had generated 100,000 YouTube views in the month since airplay began on KIGN. Heather was disappointed with how their live rendition unfolded on air. Not only did they attempt an untested acoustic version, but the unfamiliar studio setting proved a distraction to the less experienced members. The harmonies were particularly disappointing to her ears.

Fortunately, Sid also played recorded music. He started a long set of K-Pop hits with Decalcomanie by Mamamoo, which eased tensions and soon had June, Mindy, and Sun-hee singing along. During these off-air intervals, members spoke freely. They grilled Sid on his peculiar radio show.

"How did we end up on a program called Mazel Tov Cocktail Hour? asked Grace.

Good question, responded Sid as he adjusted the volume on the in-studio speakers. "I started here years ago with a klezmer-themed show. It’s expanded a lot since then, but the old name stuck. I thought about renaming it Hallyu Doing? But current management has no sense of humor."

Be honest. Do you think we’re crazy for going indie? asked Heather.

I wish I could give you some good news, but it’s rough out there for musicians these days. Outside of orchestra unions, the middle class of the music world has all but vanished. Either you’re filthy rich or barely surviving. There’s not much in between.

Wasn’t streaming supposed to solve that problem? asked Grace.

Sid chuckled. Oh, you sweet summer child. How I wish to be young and optimistic again. No. Fact is, the only ones making money off streaming are big companies. Same as it ever was. It doesn’t help that audiences expect music for free now.

You make it sound hopeless, said Heather.

Listen, I’m an old radio guy. We’re all bitter and jaded. Don’t let that bring you down. I believe in what you’re doing. Really, I do. That’s why I got into radio in the first place. Just try to avoid the usual pitfalls. Okay? I see it all the time.

Like what? asked Mindy.

Don’t buy into this idea that a musician’s life is a non-stop party, for one thing. A free ticket to irresponsibility. That’s career death. On the other hand, you gotta know when to call it quits, too.

Their discussion was interrupted briefly by a scrawny young student in a well-worn Descendents t-shirt who popped in to arrange the transition to his follow-up show. After he left the room, Sid continued ruminating. There’s little sadder than seeing a 40-year-old still waiting for their first big break. I wanna shake the guy and say, ‘It ain’t gonna happen, fella.’ Do yourselves a favor and set an expiration date. If it ain’t clicking by then, move on and thank me later.

Heather paid rapt attention to Sid’s advice, absorbing it to the point where she grew annoyed when Aespa’s Next Level ended and the on-air interview resumed.

Their subsequent discussion touched upon the growing appeal of K-Pop worldwide. Heather attributed its rise to catchy melodies, positive lyrics, fun spirit, and a knack for the unexpected. Sid was receptive to her theory.

Look. I firmly believe that music has gotten sadder and angrier over time. K-Pop goes straight against that trend. That’s why people are responding, he said.

Are you calling us rebels? asked a sardonic Vanessa.

Don’t laugh. Everyone’s so preoccupied with being edgy and controversial these days that wholesome has become the new counter-culture.

Sid invited the group to sing their lesser-known first single, ‘Have No Fear.’ This song was a straightforward ballad, and its live performance went smoothly. Heather shared a mic with Sun-hee to allow their voices to blend like on the recording. The phone bank illuminated in response.

Afterward, a brief summary of the group’s future plans followed. And just like that, the hour was over. Sid introduced a top-of-the-segment news break, then shared some final thoughts off the air as he vacated his seat to the sounds of AOA’s ‘Confused.’ If you girls seriously want to make a go at this, you have to think like business people. He weathered the resulting groans bravely. Listen. That may go against everything that motivates you, but it’s the plain truth.

Doesn’t that drain the joy from the experience? asked Heather.

You gotta find balance. If singing in public is your only goal, there’s always open mic night at the coffee joint. A lot easier that way. Success on a bigger scale takes a lot of hard work and a ton of luck. You gotta kick the world in the head to get noticed anymore.

After leaving the station, Sid descended three flights of stairs to the building exit. The group members followed like puppies, eager to absorb more of his advice. Oh, and one more thing. A talented producer makes all the difference. Your stuff’s good, but it could be great with the right help.

Any suggestions?

Be careful. This town harbors two kinds of liars: those who used to be big and those who wanna be big. The first’ll try to push you down to stay relevant; the second’ll stab you in the back if they can get ahead. Neither is good news.

* * *

This place is amazing, said Heather to Grace as they absorbed their surroundings at the edge of a large tent. I feel like I’m in Korea again.

Gaecheon Grill was part of a new dining trend sweeping the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles. A staple of Seoul’s busy street food scene for over 60 years, pojangmacha, or pochas for short, had recently begun denting L.A.’s car-heavy culture. In typical pochas, diners sat on stools at makeshift tables under canopies. They’d be served inexpensive, tasty fare from early evening into late night. Dishes sold at these establishments were meant to accompany generous portions of beer and soju.

In response to a word-of-mouth tip, Grace and Heather secured an interview for a performance gig. They arrived on schedule during the gap between lunch and dinner. The Korean woman who greeted them showed them a place to sit until her husband was available. Nearby, a group of thirtysomething office workers shared plates of gimbap and dumplings. At the same time, three USC students self-cooked a tray of sliced meats on a tabletop grill. Otherwise, the restaurant remained empty.

That sweet chili sauce smells so good, said Grace.

Heather nodded, though her thoughts drifted elsewhere. What Sid said to us the other day had me thinking.

Which is?

Nobody takes us seriously.

Sid does. Steve, too.

Okay, other than a handful of people, what’ll it take to get noticed?

L.A. is filled with folks asking that same question.

At least when I was a trainee in Korea, I felt relevant in some small way. Here, I tell people I’m a singer, and they automatically assume I’m a waitress.

Well, you do work for a catering company.

Heather rolled her eyes. You know what I mean.

The rules are different here, but the odds go against us either way. You knew it wouldn’t be easy no matter what path we took.

How long do you think we have?

Grace didn’t answer but drew her eyebrows together.

Realizing her question was vague, Heather elaborated. Like Sid said, at some point, we either achieve success or admit it’s time to move on. When will we know?

I focus on the can, not the can’t, said Grace. Money’s our immediate hurdle.

How long can we hold on?

The more we make, the longer we survive. Winning the film festival prize would definitely help, but it won’t be a long-term solution.

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the restaurant’s owner. Introducing himself as Teddy Choi, he was a stocky man with a baby face. While his rapidly blinking eyes betrayed a high-strung personality, he appeared friendly enough and smiled throughout their conversation. After launching into a lengthy history of his restauranteur experience, he finally arrived at the point of their meeting.

When I took over this operation, the menu was bloated and bland. I simplified it and elevated the taste. The problem is people don’t know we exist. The competition’s killing us, even though we offer better food at fairer prices.

So, how can we help? asked Heather brightly.

I’m planning a promotional blitz for commuters at the nearby Western and Wilshire metro station. I want your group to perform there, like in Hongdae. Buy me time to hand out flyers and coupons. Are you game?

Upon leaving the restaurant with a handshake agreement, Heather and Grace giggled excitedly. Follow me, said Grace, grabbing Heather’s hand and towing her along.

Where are we going?

I want to show you something. In less than a minute of walking, they arrived at the metro station where Made in Heaven was set to perform. But that’s not what Grace had in mind. She pointed to the magnificent Art Deco landmark that stood directly across Wilshire Boulevard. The iconic blue-green building housed the Wiltern Theater. This former vaudeville house was now a premier Los Angeles area concert venue. In the gathering twilight, the theater’s ornate marquee lit up the surrounding streetscape with vibrant red, blue, and white neon. "That’s where the Soundscape Showdown is held each year, said Grace. Winning that will change everything for us. Record contract, studio time, TV…"

And don’t forget money, added Heather.

Right. But if you want us to play there, and I’m sure you do, we’re still missing one key ingredient.

Gigs.

"Exactly. I called to double-check. The Showdown organizers said they wouldn’t consider us without a built-in audience. And to do that, we need to start performing regularly in front of paying customers."

No more free park appearances, you mean?

And no sidewalk busking. The producers recommend at least ten good shows. The more, the better.

How do we get there? You saw what a hard time Arnie had booking us in clubs. Nobody knows where to fit us in. Including us.

It’s no doubt our biggest problem. And until we find an answer, we’ll never be taken seriously.

The following Wednesday, Made in Heaven stood stiff as statues in dance positions as they waited for their recorded music track to start. Tucked between the escalators and the bicycle cages, their performance space at the metro station was unusually tight. Thankfully, the onlookers who encircled them graciously made room when asked.

By agreement, the setlist was designed to attract maximum attention in the briefest amount of time. As Mr. Choi had requested the dance group only, there was no need to bring band instruments. Consisting of two songs, the music they chose was bright and cheerful.

They would close with ‘Feel the Heat,’ the nearest thing they had to a genuine hit. If that song was stylish and sexy, their opening number, ‘Spark,’ was more playful. At times, it reminded Heather of her favorite Crayon Pop song, Bing Bing. This was Vanessa’s first attempt at original choreography for the group. Though not especially innovative, her dance was energetic, upbeat, and, most importantly, fun. After relying on outside professional help for their previous work, Spark represented a substantial growth milestone.

The group’s breezy presentation grabbed the attention of tired office workers who would have otherwise rushed immediately home. The diversion gave Teddy’s staff ample time to distribute promotional materials and engage with potential customers.

Heather took heart in seeing their audience stay for both songs rather than scurry away once their curiosity was sated. This happened each time they were scheduled to perform, once every half hour over 90 minutes. The response overall to their act was enthusiastic and appreciative. They even received tips.

At night’s end, Mr. Choi offered the girls free meals in gratitude. The money they made helped cover a portion of their mounting bills. It would be three months before they’d secure another paying gig.

2

FESTIVAL HIGH JINKS

Throughout her freshman year at UCLA, Sun-hee repeatedly traveled between her campus and St. Ignatius University, an hour away by bus. So disruptive was this inconvenience that she simply gave in and transferred to SIU for her sophomore year. A partial music scholarship helped defray the cost difference.

While running preparatory errands at the registration office and bookstore one day, she decided to visit her new school’s Fine Arts Building. She wanted to check out the piano rooms and find her classroom for Photography 101. While perusing the department bulletin board, she found a posting that piqued her interest. A group of photography students had advertised for a musician collaborator. Intrigued, Sun-hee took the number and called it later that day.

The students needed an original piano piece to accompany an immersive multimedia art exhibition they planned to present in the fall semester. The requirements were simple. Sun-hee figured she could compose something reasonably quickly.

We have a small budget, said Sue, the student who had answered the phone. How much do you charge?

No money, Sun-hee answered.

We’d feel better paying you something. Free work tends to be neglected.

I didn’t mean free exactly. I was hoping you could return a favor with a favor.

Sue paused for a moment. Okay, what exactly did you have in mind?

* * *

Later that week, Sun-hee arrived at the SIU campus in anticipation of band rehearsal. She knew Steve Shepard, their video director, planned to drop by with an update on the film festival but was surprised to see him sitting outside. He was in the shaded courtyard of the Fine Arts Building, immersed in a video call with his girlfriend, Casey. Their conversation was heated.

Sun-hee could not enter the practice room without being spotted and didn’t want to interrupt what seemed like a serious discussion. Plus, she was admittedly a wee bit curious. Quietly, she found a concealed spot on the far side of the curved stairwell from where Steve sat. It was near enough to hear what the couple was saying but distant enough to avoid easy detection.

I’m not going, Steve, Casey stated firmly.

Did my hearing just fail me? That can’t be right, Steve responded.

Don’t play the drama queen again. I’m not going to your festival. You’ll just have to deal with it.

We’ve planned this for weeks. Why wait until now to tell me?

Something came up, and I don’t want to miss it. You don’t need me, anyway.

What do you mean I don’t need you? You’re my girlfriend.

Like it isn’t obvious you just want some arm candy. It’s a three-and-a-half-minute movie that I had nothing to do with.

That’s on you. I left the script supervisor spot open specifically for you.

Supervise what script? It’s a damn dance!

That’s just a title. I needed someone to do continuity. You said it stimulates your brain cells.

Well, Darrell Stempton is visiting from Geneva to give a lecture this weekend at USC.

Who’s Darrell Stinton?

Stempton. A noted mathematician. That’s the problem. You won’t take the time to inquire about my interests, but I’m supposed to drop whatever I’m doing for yours. Well, not this time. He’s presenting a new method for computing spectral measures of infinite-dimensional normal operators, and I want to be there.

Steve guffawed. Infinite…normal…specters! Well, why didn’t you say so? Better get in line now. That’ll sure sell out fast.

Let me translate it into simpleton for you. It’s bleeding-edge math stuff.

I was joking. You don’t have to be so demeaning.

Casey sighed audibly. I’m sorry. That was rude. It’s—

Why can’t you watch the lecture on video? I was counting on you.

By attending in person, I could make connections that advance my career.

Winning this prize could be the biggest break of mine, and now you spring this on me? For networking?

You’re seriously comparing a student film to research that could positively impact diverse fields of science?

What’s wrong with you? You used to be my biggest supporter. We used to dream of attending Cannes together. The Academy Awards.

I have bigger dreams these days, Steve. Anyway, I’m sure you could get that Korean…whore of yours to keep you company.

Sun-hee knew intuitively they were referring to Heather. So shocking was this utterance that she almost revealed her position with a squeal.

Oh, so that’s it, responded Steve. You’re jealous. She’s not a whore, as you so crudely put it. She’s a cast member. But I want you there too.

Don’t play dumb, Steve. I’ve seen the way you look at her. And we both know the rumors.

What rumors? She doesn’t even date.

Ha! That’s not what I’ve heard. Besides, I know exactly what to expect. You’ll be running around frantically stomping out fires all day, getting hugely upset at each tiny problem. By the end, you’ll be too tired for anything but sleep. The entire time, we’ll have said ten words to each other. No thanks. I’m done.

What does ‘I’m done’ mean?

I don’t know. Let’s talk afterward. I need time to think.

The intriguing call ended there. Sun-hee listened as Steve closed his laptop with a deep sigh and entered the practice room. To be safe, she gave it a good five minutes before going in herself.

* * *

Everybody ready? Grace double-checked her Tribeca to ensure that all the occupants were securely seated.

How did the two tallest get of us relegated to the rear? Mindy asked, referring to herself and June, who were squished together in the far back. These seats are for kids.

If you lived closer, I’d have picked you up sooner, responded Grace. It’s first come, first served.

The day of the film festival had finally arrived. Winning the music video prize was one of the primary goals identified at the group’s founding. Along with the Soundscape Showdown, targeted for later in the year, the film festival