ARTHUR

Performing on the streets was the most amazing thing to do for me. I had the freedom that I could not get at clubs, the energy from the people was so great, and it refreshed my soul in many ways. Even though I wasn’t making any money there and everyone thought I was wasting my time. This was my favorite place to be.

One day, while I was packing my stuff, a guy in his lates 40s came close to me. By his clothes and vibe, I got the impression that he was someone successful and important.

He approached me and asked “Do you have some time?”
“I have to keep on working, I need money” I said, with some sense of humor.
He took out of his wallet three 100 dollar bills, and gave them to me.
“I am not into prostitution, or anything like that”I said as I took the bills with me.
He immediately started laughing, but for me, this wasn’t a joke, this was a huge amount of money and was something unusual.
“I’m Arthur Benson” he said, as he extended his arm.
“Chris” I answered, shaking his hand.
“Is that your own record?” he asked.
“Yes, I wrote the lyrics and I made the beats,” I answered proudly.
“THE BEATS are going to make you a star, son” he said, while he touched my shoulder.
“I am head of Artist and Repertoire in Global records, you have a gift” he continued.
Global records was the company that made some of the biggest stars in the world. Of course, I knew what it was. I got a bit nervous and didn’t know what to answer.
“So do you want to grab a coffee?” he continued.
“Of course!” I said while I finished packing my stuff.

Mr. Benson asked me to bring everything that I had to his office, and so did I. The next day, I took with me all of my messy notes, lyrics from songs, the few demos that I had. I was so anxious, hoping my materials would meet his expectations. I was afraid of burning out my chance, but a voice and force inside of me kept saying “You are ready.”

When I came across his office, his secretary was already waiting for me. I was offered something to drink and waited. Once, I was inside the office, Arthur was waiting for me with another guy.
He shaked my hand and said “Hi Chris, how are you doing? Let me introduce you… Vincent Robins, president of the company.”
Vincent extended his hand and said “Pleasure to meet you. Hi”
“Hi, the pleasure is mine” I answered.
Arthur grabbed from his desk a folder with some papers and said “Here is the contract we offer to you. You can take it and read it. If you need some adjustments, just tell me.”
I was literally perplexed. I did not see that coming… I took the contract with me and said “Thank you, I will read it…”

Arthur was an angel sent by the Universe to light my way up. He was my mentor in this industry, he had such huge knowledge of the music business. Although he wasn’t an artist, he had a visionary way to understand what audiences wanted, to create trends and to maximize the creative ideas of lots of artists.