unholyterror | Unsolicited Introductions

Continued from here

Of course, Jake had not warned Davy, or Jerry, or any of City Charms or anyone else that he was bringing people backstage. He could apologize later if there were problems with it. He did get caught up with Niko though and then had to rush to get ready and down to the venue. He pulls up on his chopped out motorcycle right behind the black car. He can see that security is talking to them and pulls the bike around the car.

"They're with me." Jake calls over the sound of both the car and the rumble of the motorcycle. He's obvious, even in the dimly lit parking lot. Not many people look like Jake. Tall, white streaks in his hair, fangs, and all the leather. The motorcycle was iconic too for the red and silver bats painted on the tank.

Security does give pause and then waves the black car to park in the lot. They could park relatively close to the door in the back, clear by the light and exit sign above it. Jake was throwing around his family ties right now which was fine. That was a big part of any entertainment career. It was all about who you knew and were associated with at the end of the day.

He pulled up on the other side of the car and got off the bike. Walking over to greet Dee, and he assumed his partner, while trying to push his unruly hair into some sort of controlled mess.

Current Mood: cheerful
Current Location: Jerry's Bar and Club
Current Music: "Mean Man" - W.A.S.P.

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Had he the ability, Dee would have literally leapt out of the car. He was that excited.

“Easy now, you’ve got a long night ahead.” Jay suggested half-heartedly. He couldn’t help but admire his partner’s passion. It was what attracted him to the younger man in the first place. He offered a quick kiss on the cheek, and then got out of the car.

Dee climbed out slowly, holding onto the door as he stood. Jay was already hoisting his chair out of the trunk.

“Jake, thank you again…” he offered a gentle wave. “This is Jay, my fiancé.”

“Jeremy Andrews, nice to meet you.” He nodded. They weren’t really in a place to shake hands. “And yes, thank you very much for the show.”

Jay unfolded the chair and pushed it around the side of the car for Dee.

“Are you good?” He whispered.
“I’m good.” Dee confirmed, sitting down.

Jay looked back up at Jake. “Who’s all playing tonight?”

Jake was ready to help if he was needed, at least for the door when they got to that point.

"City Charms." Jake confirmed. "Usually some of Skökorna and Dockorna are around. The Dockorna singer is in bed with the bar owner and the Skökorna singer is in bed with my cousin."

Jake had done some digging around and asking about bands between meeting Dee earlier and now. He had felt like and idiot earlier when he was so clueless about everything. He knew the other musicians were at the shows due to attachments to romantic attraction or friends. He couldn't be sure and had little filter about why people were around. First was to get to Davy and smooth out the scolding he was going to get for bringing random people backstage before the show.

Both of them were familiar with City Charms, both in its current and former lineup.

“I haven’t seen Skökorna or Dockorna play live… I’m not certain I would recognize them.” Dee confessed.

“Skökorna...” Jay pondered aloud. “their drummer and guitarist also play violin. I read it in an interview once. And I think their bassist plays the cello, but don’t quote me on that.”

Jay let Jake lead the way.

"I don't know I can either." Jake admitted. He knew the names but he'd only met a few of the musicians so far.

"I doubt the Skökorna drummer will be backstage. Davy wants to claw his eyes out all the time." Jake did know there was tension between Davy and Ivar. His brother had been sure to point that part out. "The bassist is friends with Syn, I think."

Jake was struggling to keep everyone straight in his mind. A crash course in a bunch of people and bands he didn't know was helpful but only so much. He led them to the back door and peered in. The hall was empty and he held it for Jay to push Dee inside. He knew the back of the bar pretty well since his brother and Davy were both good friends with Jerry, and Joey was his brother. The man was almost family at this point.

There was something so exciting about walking in the back door to a venue. Dee couldn't help but imagine a future where this was his life, where he'd be the one performing on stage. He unconsciously squeezed the bag of demo balls, each in their own little cube.

And then it became a conscious thought.

"Oh, Jake. Before we get separated tonight..." he reached into the bag and pulled out a cube, complete with cover art from one of his old classmates. "I want to make sure to give you a copy. I hope you enjoy it..."

The cube art had his stage name 'The Prophet' with photos of the both of them decked out in warpaint-like makeup and studded leather. It looked a little bit post-apocalyptic, but also a little bit glam. The ball had three tracks, listed as: "Savior," "Savior II," and "Savior II, Orchestral Mix"

Jake closed the door behind them and watched the halls. There were two people he wanted to avoid until they got to the dressing room. So far, so good.

"Is this your album?" Jake asked as he took it and then realized he didn't have much place to put it. He managed to shove it into his tight pocket and then motioned for them to start walking. He didn't want to get caught before he got them to the dressing room. The hall went two directions; straight which was marked 'Stage/Bar' and a side hall. Jake would take that side hall toward the two doors. One had a print out of the City Charms logo taped to it. The other room, tonight, was empty since no other bands were playing.

“Demo…” he answered, watching it get slipped into a pocket. Mentally, he crossed his fingers that it would be taken back out again. “Only three tracks, so not quite a complete album… but it does give a good idea of both the sound and visuals we are trying to create.”

“It really is better heard than explained.” Jay added, following Jake when they were motioned forward toward the dressing rooms.

"Good enough for a jukebox?" Jake had an idea. "Jerry usually fills half the box with local bands." He explained while they walked the hall. So far so good at not being intercepted.

The question was entirely unexpected, and both of them stared dumbly in shock for a second before replying.

“Yes… that would be incredible…”
“We paid for studio time, and to have it professionally mixed.”

It might not sound as good as the actual professionals, who undoubtedly had more time and better producers. But this wasn’t some half-assed home recording job. They weren’t wasting time on doing it cheap. Namely because Dee didn’t have time to waste.

Jake appreciated the way Jerry supported local music. Probably had to do with his brother being in a local band but it was still cool.

Honestly, most of the local band recordings wouldn't sound much different. None of them would be perfect, professional quality.

"We can ask Jerry if he comes around." Which he would later to check on tu3 band. Walking to the dressing room door, Jake just pushed it open without knocking and stepped inside far enough to hold the door.

Most of City Charms was inside. Syn, dressed and getting his hair teased out by a very tall, scantily dressed blonde. Sam on the couch napping and Joey in the midst of pulling on his pants for the stage. Someone was missing.

"Where's the princess?" Jake said it but most wouldn't know about or dare to call Davy that name.

"Sven's out front. You know where he is." Joey was shaking his head but amused all the same.

The tall blonde was the one that first noticed the unknown people and gave them a critical and suspicious look.

As they went down the hall, Jay had honestly expected to end up in the empty dressing room. He was actually surprised that Jake barged right in on City Charms, an expression still plainly visible on his face.

It was unlikely any of the band members would recognize them, except maybe a face in the crowd.

If so, Dee was the more memorable one, based on looks alone. Skinny jeans and layers of light scarves didn’t even attempt to hide his frame. And the chair made him stand out even if the rest didn’t.

In contrast, dressed in simple leather jacket, black shirt and leather pants, Jay practically blended into a crowd. He also looked a fair bit older than the one in the wheelchair - perhaps late thirties.

“Good evening.” Dee offered a shaky, but excited, wave.

Syn turned in his chair. "Who are the new people?"

He's feminine and thin, most of City Charms was tall and thin aside from Joey.

Jake realized he hadn't introduced anyone. "This is Dee and Jay."

Syn stood up and went to them. "I'm Syn, that's Joey."

Joey reached down from buttoning his pants to tickle thier drummer. Sam bolted up, crying out and slapping Joey.

Joey grinned. "And Sam who's always sleeping."

Sam scowled but relaxed when he saw the new people. Syn was laughing and reached over to pat the tall blonde on the bicep. Mikkel was so wary of strangers sometimes.

"This is my friend Mikkel from Denmark." Syn clarified.

As the singer approached, Dee straightened up. Not necessarily wanting to be looked down upon, he braced himself and carefully stood to shake a hand. The group seemed fairly light-hearted, so he felt no qualms about replying, “Charmed. Pun very much intended.”

He was steady enough on his feet, at least for now.

“Dee Ferguson. Also known as the Prophet.”

Jay followed suit, introducing himself as well. “Jeremy Andrews. Performing as the Mystic.”

“We’re fans of yours… and aspiring musicians ourselves.” Dee added, grinning. “With how much the band has improved since you took the mic… it would be an honor to… well, learn what we can.”

Syn shook Dee's hand and knew that look. They all spent time with Davy's mom when she had flare ups. Though Syn had no idea why this person needed a wheelchair, he did know that way of bracing and standing. Syn motioned toward the couch beside Sam who was now sitting up and throwing picks and drumsticks at Joey while he tried to finish dressing.

Syn hadn't heard of either of them yet but he was so busy with his own band recording right now that he isn't surprised.

"Most of it is Davy." Syn admitted. "He's been training his voice since he was a little kid."

Joey laughed and came over once Sam stopped. "He's a taskmaster when you're trying to learn something."

They both adored their guitarist but he was focused and wouldn't back down. Mikkel finally came over and sat on the far side of Sam, mostly in the drummer's lap. He's just watching and listening right now while he starts brushing Sam's long hair.

Once the chair was at least moved out of the doorway, they both headed over to the couch. Jay subtly offered an arm, but as excited as he was, Dee didn’t notice. Thankfully, he didn’t seem to need it either.

As Mikkel plopped himself practically in the drummer’s lap, Jay raised an eyebrow in Dee’s direction.

When in Rome, they say.

Jay wrapped his arms around his partner, and all too smoothly sat down with him in his lap. Clearly, not for the first time.

“Taskmaster… Sounds a little bit like you in a recording session.” Jay nudged.

“It would be easier if we had a full lineup committed to the music for the long term…” Dee lamented. “Not just for a session or two.”

Jake saw everyone getting comfortable and asked, "Do you want drinks? or food?"

Of course Joey wanted drinks and Mikkel and Sam were asking for appetizers. It was still almost an hour before they would be playing so there was plenty of time.

"He doesn't look like a grouchy little princess." Joey was laughing and sat down on the coffee table in front of the couch while Syn kept messing with his hair.

Mikkel finally felt safe while close to someone he trusted. Sam was another one who wasn't always ok with strangers, though much quieter than the Dane.

"There are a few at the apartments that don't have bands either." Mikkel mentioned. The voice that came out had a heavy Danish accent and sound more boyish than the extremely feminine looks. Mikkel wasn't sure if any of them would be interested but surely all those musicians at the apartments had to know some people who could play and needed a band.

If food and drinks were being offered, they’d happily join in.

Dee turned toward Mikkel. “Do you know what instruments they play? We’re looking for a drummer and bassist…”

“And a second guitarist.” Jay added. “Preferably lead.”

Jay recorded most of the guitar parts, but if they were going to perform live, they needed someone else. He couldn’t play that and the violin at the same time.

“…It would be hard to play both guitar and violin at the same time.” Dee snickered softly. “Though I’d love to see you try one day.”

“They’re going to need to offer a lot more drinks before I think that’s a good idea.”

Jake is happy to take drink and food orders, partially to go and harass Jerry.

Mikkel shrugged. "I don't know all of them. My brother played drums before."

Mikkel played bass, drums and guitar but he didn't think he played it well enough to be in a band, nor did he want to be in a band. The Dane started giggling.

"My cousin can do both. He plays harp and guitar at the same time." Mikkel had seen Rik do a lot of crazy things on stage but the Harp Guitar stuck with him because of the sounds.

"Joey probably ordered an entire bottle of tequila." Sam accused.

"I didn't." Joey protested like a teenager. "Davy will have my head if I get drunk before we go on."

That got Jay’s attention. He’d only seen video of such a feat, never in person. but he could easily imagine the range of tones that created.

“Unfortunately, that wouldn’t quite work the same way with the violin. The bow would most certainly get in the way.”

And no, he never mastered any stupid human tricks, like playing with his feet. He was classically trained, from a young age.

“If I gave you some copies of my demo… would you mind sharing it with the ones who are looking for work?” Dee asked. It would be easier than trying to describe and define their sound.

"I've seen him play the harp guitar with a bow on stage." Mikkel didn't think they were stupid human tricks. Like many he thought what Rik did was crazy and magical. It was family though and that meant biased.

"You could see who's out in the bar for the show." Syn suggested. At least one of them was going to have to go out there and collect Davy at this rate anyway.

“With a bow? Live?” Jay asked, most certainly intrigued. “That, I need to see.“

With Mikkel being from Denmark, the chance this was an artist he actually could see live might be slim, but he asked anyway.

“Would he happen to be playing any upcoming shows in the LA area?”

Dee, meanwhile, nodded in Syn’s direction. Tonight was all about introductions. And hopefully, getting recording balls into the hands of as many fellow musicians as possible.

“… who should we be looking for?”

"My cousin plays ten instruments and can sing." Mikkel was boasting on Rik's behalf because he knew his cousin never would. He deserved it.

Mikkel looked to Syn for the question and the other blonde shrugged before replying. "I don't know anyone else's schedule. Maybe ask Tom?"

Mikkel nodded. They could easily find out from Tom or Robert. They kept track of all of that.

"Rekker's out there." Mikkel mentioned because the ginger had brought him down to the venue.

"Isn't Missy a promoter or a manager or something?" Joey asked the others.

"Did she come down with them?" Syn asked now that he was finally happy with his hair. No one really knew and it showed that they were young and didn't keep track of these things as much as Dee did. None of them realized what this kind of name dropping might do to others either. While they were all chatting, Jake came back with the usual bar fare, wings and loaded fries, as well as a bottle of tequila and a pitcher of beer with glasses.

This was very much worthy of bragging, Jay would agree with Mikkel wholeheartedly. “I doubt I’ll find myself in Denmark anytime soon, so now you’re just teasing me. Which ones?”

Dee was paying closer attention to the names of those who were here, or perhaps would be here. Before the night was over, he needed to find someone named Tom. And also someone named Missy. Possibly someone by the name of Rekker too. (That wasn’t the same Rekker in the assault case, was it? Probably not.) If Jake or one of the others didn’t introduce him, at least he could mention Joey or Syn.

Getting your foot in the door was hard. And most doors, Dee had learned the hard way, are very, very heavy.

Edited Date: 2023-10-19 05:04 pm (UTC)

Mikkel had to stop and think what all Rik could play. "Rik's in LA." That was the first thing out of his mouth. " Um.. piano, harp, guitar, bass, drums, violin, cello... um flute.. harp guitar.. pan flute.. I think Vars was teaching him the Hardanger. And he's starting the saxophone."

Mikkel had to really think and he had forgotten to count. That list sounded right though. Syn butted in a little excited. "Saxophone is fun to play."

Syn wasn't very good yet but he was taking lessons. Sam was looking around and to his band members. "Is Davy ready?"

Joey shrugged and Syn rolled his eyes. "If Sven has lured him off again I'm kicking his Swedish ass."

Mikkel started to giggle because the idea of Syn, who was very thin, taking on Sven and all his muscles was funny.

Well, if Rik and Vars was local, then that was another couple of introductions that would need to be made.

"A hardanger fiddle?" Jay asked, completely captivated. "I've always wanted to learn that. I wasn't aware there was anyone in the state who taught it."

Dee took a wing from the offered plate.

Neither of them had ever played the saxophone. Or anything like it. When you combined playing with blowing, it had nothing to do with an instrument... Dee was primarily a singer, but was a fairly decent pianist. He could write for far more insturments than he could play. Jay's primary love was and will always be the violin. But give him a guitar and he could easily hold his own.