After the broadcast aired, I became quite famous.
Before appearing on the show, I was just one of those people you'd scroll past on the internet. Now, it feels like I've actually etched my existence into the public's consciousness, even if just a little.
I felt it most acutely through requests for autographs.
"I can sell this later if you get famous, right?"
To think I'd be signing autographs, the very thing rock stars leave in their wake...
Giving out an autograph for the first time in my life made me feel like I'd taken a genuine step toward my dream.
Of course, no one had actually stepped forward to join the band yet.
But that's fine.
I only need to fish out a few 'real deals.'
If seeing that performance didn't make your blood boil, you couldn't call yourself an artist.
And my prediction turned out to be spot on.
I received a call from that muscular, mixed-race drummer who had initially rejected me on campus.
"Hey, man. Let's give that band-thingy a shot."
"It's going to be tough."
"Players have always had a hard life. So, what exactly is this 'band' anyway?"
"A story about those who have nothing, coming to possess everything in the world."
At its core, Rock is the story of the underdog seizing everything this world has to offer.
The next day, I met the drummer, Yokishi.
"I saw what you did on TV, man. You're perfect on your own, so why are you trying to do more?"
He had stars etched into his eyes. Seeing a muscular Black man and hearing Japanese come out was such an imbalance.
But honestly, it's for the better. A band's chances of success increase when it's overflowing with unique personalities.
With a powerhouse of muscle holding down the center from behind, imagine how striking that visual would be. Besides, rock is a genre rooted in Gospel and Blues, music born from the Black community.
"I'm going to add talent upon talent."
"Oh... that sounds good to the ear. But there's a problem. This sounds like some sort of orchestra concept, but I'm barely scraping by as it is. I have a family to support."
"Practicing together in your spare time will be enough."
"Thanks for being considerate, man. Oh, and if we're doing popular music as a group, what are we doing about songwriting and lyrics?"
It was great to hear him express interest in the creative process.
Band members aren't just machines that play instruments on a stage. To become a great band, the members must have a hunger to dye the band in their own colors.
Even if that desire is strong enough to eventually break the band apart.
In real-world terms, Yokishi's playing style leaned toward heavy metal. While he lacked a certain oily, bluesy feel, he pursued powerful, technically precise polyrhythms. In short, he was a drummer who excelled at utilizing off-beats.
"I like this kind of rough style. What about you?"
"I'm omnivorous. My style is being able to execute every style to a certain degree, even if it's not perfect. If you put it nicely, it's versatile; if you put it harshly, I lack a bit of individual personality."
How long had it been since I'd talked music like this?
It was virtually the first time I'd talked music since coming to this world. We talked until the sun went down.
We even ignored the countless notifications and calls that were making my phone run hot. It seemed there were more than a few 'instrument-junkies' whose blood had started to boil. Now, I'd actually have to consider holding interviews.
I just wanted to start a band, and finally, I was in a position to form one.
.
.
.
.
Oh, and the bassist is a man with a head so bald it gleams. His presence is certainly unmistakable.
But Ai, why are you here at our first rehearsal..?
●Ai Hoshino●
- Is it okay if I come watch—? Ai hasn't learned how to show her [sincerity] on stage yet~☆ (˘︶˘).｡.:*
It's fine to send a text, but does it really count if you only send it after you've already arrived...?