MWS

Growing up I always had a thing for music. It touched a part of the soul that would be seen as untouchable. Not everyone has the talent to be in the music industry and most people who do have that talent don't thrive because of the pressure of being in the spotlight even when you're not really in the spotlight. They crumble to the thought of being watched every second. But me? I love the spotlight. I love cameras, lights… production. Everything about the world of fame always intrigued me. Which is why when I heard that this music camp would not only teach you how to be an artist but it would also teach you how to be a star I immediately applied. Luckily for me my mom agreed because I didn’t ask her beforehand but that's besides the point. Not only did I apply but I got accepted which I wasn’t expecting because their acceptance rate was extremely low.

As I sat on the plane looking out the window as it took off I began to shake from excitement. “This is my time” I whispered as I watched myself fly farther and further away from my home. This was my shot and I knew I couldn’t throw it away. I had worked too hard for this opportunity and people were counting on me to give it my best. So that’s what I planned to do.

After a few minutes I got my computer out and began to work on the song I had put a pause on. I started tweaking the best and my vocals. I added background notes and bass where it needed to be and by the time the plane landed I was confident that my song would impress everyone.

“Hello welcome to MWTS glad you had a safe trip and I hope you're ready to learn!!! In the link below you will find your group color and your room number. Go to your group colors designated area. Your luggage will be handled. Outside of the airport will be your personal driver throughout this camp safe travels!” Read the text on my phone. I didn’t know how to feel about group work. Although I love the spotlight I don’t love working with people because most times we clash. Sighing, I clicked the link and searched for my name. “Naomi Room CW160 group color Burnt orange.” I whispered to myself as my eyes scanned the document. “Gracie, Nathan, Remedy,Jaxton,Noel,Harper,Asia, Tina, and Iesha are all in my group okay.” I said looking at my temporary phone as I walked to my designated driver.

“Hello Ms.Paper it is a pleasure to meet you. I'm Samuel and I will be your designated driver the whole time while you're here.” Samuel said as I entered the car. All I could do was nod because out of nowhere I felt anxious. It was as though I had just realized how much of a big deal this camp really was. “Most people get nervous this time around ,” Samuel said, looking at me through the rearview mirror. “Nervous? Nervous who? Never me, I’m not nervous,” I said as I aggressively shook my leg. “Pfft,” Samuel said but after that he was quiet.

Nobody said another word as if we were both lost in our own worlds. The only sound besides the car itself was the radio playing the new up and coming artist Ny Greene. Her newest song sunshine was playing quietly as if it didn’t hit top billboards all over the world in less then a week. “Floody with tears but let’s make them fluffy. My hearts a storm but let’s make it sunny,” She sang and all I could do was nod. How could someone describe my life in one sentence yet do it so perfectly. “We’re here,” Samuel said as he stopped the car in front of a big orange building. “Thanks Samuel.” I said as I exited the car and stood in front of the building. After taking three deep breaths I built up enough courage to go in there. “Tina, Iesha, Nathan, Harper-” I whispered to myself trying to remember everyone’s names.

Walking into the building felt like a fever dream. EVeryone was laughing and talking and chatting it up as though they knew each other and then there was me. I had never felt so small in my entire life. “A social experiment treat this as a social experiment.” I thought to myself asI took another deep breath. “Hi, I’m Naomi!” I said in a confident voice causing all the talking to stop and everyone to look at me. “Was that a mistake? It feels like that was a mistake,” I thought to myself as everyone stared at me in silence. I came here from Georgia.” I said in a less confident voice. More silence, then like god had heard my prayers someone stepped up: “Hi, I’m Iesha, I came here from Philly. Nice to meet you.” She said with a bright welcoming smile.

I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by how white her teeth were and how big and bright her brown eyes looked. She was a caramel complexion with fluffy looking vibrant pink hair down to her shoulders. Her style seemed to be bright and vibrant like her personality seemed to be. She was wearing cotton candy pink flare leggings, a cropped white tank top with a long white cardigan and white nikes.

“Hi, I’m Nathan, I’m here from Alabama,” Nathan said, stepping up to me and shaking my hand.

He was a short dude, around 5’5 with dark blue eyes and blonde hair with streaks of blue that made his eyes seem brighter. He was wearing a white polo shirt and some shorts with white loafers. Wasn’’t really much to look at which I was ok with because I didn’t come to this camp for love I came here for music. Most would say he didn't have the style of an artist which then I would agree.

“Hola mi nombre es Tina soy de España,” Another girl said stepping up. “Huh?” I said not expecting anything other then english. “Hi, my name is Tina and I coming fron spain. I wanted to see if you knew a little spanish.” Tina said after laughing. Her accent was so thick I could barely understand what she was trying to say but I smiled and nodded as my mom had taught me.

After everyone had introduced themselves, everyone divided back into their little groups leaving me in the middle not knowing where to go. That moment would be the make or break of my camp experience.

After looking around for another ten minutes I decided to go in the corner to look at all the music rewards that were on the wall, my safe option.

“ARusta Malur, Denny Devington, Hayden Flow-” I said as I looked at all the plaques. “Legends right?” I heard a voice say coming from next to me. “Debatable,” I said, still looking at these amazing rewards. “What!? You're telling me that you don’t think some of these people should be up here?!” That person said in shock. “Yeah, Like Denny Devington. He wasn’t the first one to add country to rap music. Or Hayden Flow, He’s not the creator of underground rap. There’s so many more talented and more deserving artists who could’ve gotten these rewards.” I explained “Besides, it’s not like I’m saying they don’t deserve rewards. Don’t get me wrong, their music is amazing but this category doesn’t suit them-” I said, finally turning to the person talking to me.

To say I was shocked would be an understatement. That man who stood in front of me was the most attractive man I had ever seen. He had dreads down to his shoulders. Some of them were red but most of them were black. His eyebrows were arched perfectly and one of them was pierced with an eyebrow ring. His eyes were big and Hazel with a sparkle most people would lose. His lips were big, plump and moisturized. He was wearing a leather jacket with a black shirt to match. He had on black jeans and black Nike’s to match.

“Dallas,” He said in his deep calm voice as he extended his hand for me to shake. “Naomi, ” I said, shaking his hand and staring into his eyes. Now tell me more about these legends. Who would you put in their place? Dallas asked, leaning against the wall with a curious expression on his face. “Well Arusta can stay, she's the first one I know to combine Jazz and pop which is the category she was rewarded. I would take out all these subcategories for rap and choose one rapping icon. I think we should diversify the whole program and give different genres a chance and maybe people could be surprised.” I said, staring at Dallas to see what he thought of what I was saying. “So you want to change the whole program?” Dallas asked slowly, filling my mind with concern. “Well yes. They’re supposed to be acknowledging new artists and they can’t do that without acknowledging new genres” I said standing by what I said even though I was concerned.

All of a sudden we all got text unanimously and the door opened revealing the one and only Ny Greene. I felt like I could faint. “T-T-that’s Ny Greene!” I screamed grabbing Dallas’ wrist from excitement and also stability.

“Hi Kings, Queens and everything in betweens I’m Ny Greene the host of MWS the competition show.” Ny said as she stood in front of everyone.

“Competition show?” I heard people mutter as they exchanged confused glances on their side. “Yes! This isn’t an ordinary music camp. This is a competition where you have to compete for your spot until the very end. Only one of yall will win.” Ny greene continued to explain leaving people with horrified looks on their faces “I didn’t sign up for this,” People whispered. And that just made me realize that not everyone was ready to put in the work.

“The people you see around you are the people you will be competing with and over time against so get comfortable but don’t blur the lines. Also just because you're mostly going to be working with your group doesn’t mean we won’t mix and match sometimes to see who can collaborate with artists outside of their comfort zone. My advice, be prepared for anything. NyNy out!” She said as she exited leaving us all in shock. After a few moments of silence we got a text telling us to submit our songs and the top two would get eliminated.

“Brutal huh,” Dallas said once I looked back at him. “Not if you know your music is worthy.” Noel said standing beside Dallas, a little too close for my comfort. “I mean yeah but our competition is going to be voting us out and everyone here has a twist on all music genres.” Dallas said as he stepped to his side making more space between them. “Yeah he’s right, your ability to make a fire song could be through the roof but if people don’t like it then all your work is wasted.” I said, chipping into the conversation. “Well only wimps are scared. I for one know I’m making it onto the next round. Yall stay safe though.” Noel said walking away as her bright red hair swayed with her hips. “She already seems like a problem,” Dallas said as he rubbed his temples. “She’s gonna be her own downfall but other peoples stepping stool.” I said walking her laugh with a new group of people. “What do you mean by that?” Dallas asked. “She’s going to make enemies, a lot of them, but she’s also going to make for good competition and a good mentor to those who don’t really have confidence. She’s loud, she’s proud and people need that, that's where she’s gonna help people.” I said watching her red braids bounce as she talked. “You think she knows that?” Dallas asked and I just shook my head no. The people who do the most impact don’t know the impact that they are making.

“This is an amazing opportunity for networking and just our music in general. I'm so glad I was accepted! The fact that it's a challenge threw me off a little bit though, I’m not going to lie.” April said as we drank juice from our cups.

April was a petite girl with shoulder length brown hair, pale skin with a sprinkle of freckles on the bridge of her nose and her cheeks. Her eyes were almond shaped and a bright green color that paired well with her hair.

“Yeah that shocked me a bit too. Plus the first challenge being peer evaluations and the fact that if they don’t like your song you could get eliminated is kind of scary.” I said before taking another sip of my juice before I got overly nervous. “Ugh, peer evaluations, I’ve always hated those. But this time it’s scarier because if I don’t make it, all my money I saved for this is thrown down the drain-“ April began to say before a unanimous chime went off on everyone’s phones.

“Time for evaluation. You will be sent up here to decide your two least favorite songs out of all forty people. Be smart though because the two eliminated people will be able to give immunity pins to their favorite person.” The text read.

As I walked into the voting room everything became real. It wasn’t like it wasn’t real before but the thought of being eliminated during round one terrified me. I had faith in myself as an artist but I also knew that I did stuff a little different. My question was, would that come back to hunt me? Or would it give me an advantage