Millions for a Song

Millions for a Song is the story of Alex, a Quebec teenager and his rock band, The Nexxtep, made up of Alex and his friends: creative genius and lead guitarist Bruno, hot, feisty singer Melanie, and quiet-except-when drumming Jean-Francois. Alex and Melanie are close, very close, but friend-close not boyfriend/girlfriend close, despite the love/hate swings to their relationship.

One day, the friends cross paths with a true rock star whose chance remark will come back to haunt them. “Be careful. The music business is full of sharks.” But first, Alex and the others experience the joy of composing and playing their own songs, tracking down their first contract and gig, and achieving fame, high-school style. Yet Alex’s parents – teachers both - are far from happy that the band’s songs are written in English – and not in their mother tongue French…and that they are rock songs to boot. Alex’s dad declares rock passe, but Alex retorts: “My generation’s going to get it right.”

Then comes Tom Paradis who worms his way into their lives, promising big record deals if they take him on as their manager. They do, only to have him rob them of their songs. The theft comes to light during a rock concert they attend during which the featured rock band straight from Ireland announces that they’ll be playing, as a special treat for their Quebec audience, a song by Quebecer, Tom Paradis. And then proceeds to play Nexxtep’s song. That’s when Alex’s band has to learn to fight back. And win.

Andre Vanasse’s original GG short-listed novel is translated by GG Award-winner Susan Ouriou and will strike a chord with young adults, giving them a glimpse into the worlds of music and fame, exploring friendship’s many facets.