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The Music We Make

Meeting the Band

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. This was what I was good at, I reminded myself; this is what I was the best at. No one could tell me otherwise, not even a new band that I had never worked with before.

Every time I start a new job I feel like this; my stomach was in knots and my hands felt clammy. I knew that I was good at my job and that I would be able to produce an awesome record, but meeting new people was just not my thing. In the past I’d worked with bands who treated me like shit, who were pretentious, and overbearing. But I had also worked with musicians who were wonderful, who would hear my perspective and ideas, and have become my friends. I just hated the anticipation of not knowing how my newest band will be.
I had been working for Warner Bros. Records for a few years as a sound engineer. I worked with some wonderful guys who have taught me a lot about the process and I know that from my schooling and their help, I am pretty damn good at what I do. Though I’m not the lead producer now, I eventually see myself becoming one someday when I have more experience.

Fred and Mudrock were awesome and always made me feel better when I got nervous about a new band coming in. I loved when I got the chance to work with the both of them; they were fantastic at their jobs and so fun to work with. I had worked with other engineers for other records, and though I love what I do, it makes a huge different when you have fun with who you work with.

I was the first one in the studio, which was normal. I made coffee, made sure we had some food for the band, and got everything ready for the day. I kept myself busy to keep my mind off of my nerves. I was so focused that I didn’t even hear Fred and Mudrock come into the studio.

“Hey, Rosemary,” Fred said and I almost rolled my eyes at his use of my full name. “Nervous?”

I chuckled, “How could you tell?”

Mudrock laughed, “This studio has never been so damn clean! You’ve been busy.”

I slumped down into a chair then, feeling myself relax now that they were here. “You know how I get when a new group comes in.” I rolled my eyes at myself.

Fred sat next to me, “Do worry, Rosie. Avenged Sevenfold is a really awesome group of young guys. Mudrock and I produced their last album too and we loved working with them. They’re really talented and fun to work with.”

“Thanks,” I said. “Hopefully they don’t mind that I’m joining the team this time.”

“Once they hear your work, I’m sure they’ll be happy,” Mudrock said. This was a huge compliment coming from the man.

A moment later, five young, really good looking men came through the studio doors, obviously excited to be here. They were heavily tattooed and a few of them were pretty muscular. I swallowed heavily, my nerves increasing as I looked at the really gorgeous men.

“Hey, motherfuckers!” the tallest one yelled. He immediately hugged Fred, then Mudrock, laughing the entire time.

“Hey, Jimmy,” Fred said with a laugh as they hugged. He then proceeded to shake hands with the rest of the band. Brian, Matt, Johnny, and Zack were the other guys. I put their names in my memory.

“Guys, this is Rosie,” Mudrock said, pointing to me. “She’s going to help us produce this time. She really kicks ass at her job.” I appreciated him adding the last part. I could tell I was being scrutinized a little bit, at least by two of the guys. Matt and Brian, I think.

“A whole lotta Rose-ay!!” Jimmy yelled, singing the line to the ACDC song. He gave me a hug right after, making me laugh. “I’m Jimmy!” he said as he squeezed me tight.

“Hey, Jimmy,” I said quietly, giggling again in nerves.

When Jimmy let me go, Zack put out his hand to introduce himself. Then Johnny, then Matt, and lastly Brian. He was slow to shake my hand, as if he seemed unsure of me, which made me even more nervous than before.

“I’ll be leading the producing,” Mudrock stated, even though we already knew this. “Fred will be working with Matt, Johnny, and Jimmy for the most part. Rosie will work with Zack and Brian. She’s got a real talent for engineering the guitar parts, so I figured this would be best.”

Zack nodded, but Brian looked stoic and kind of pissed off. The rest of the guys didn’t seem to care, which was good, but then again, they didn’t have to work with the new girl.

We all sat at the table in the kitchen area. We discussed the record, what the band’s goals were, and how they wanted it to sound. They already had a lot of the songs written and demos ready, which was such a relief. I hated when bands came in with their music half-assed. It made the process so much more difficult, especially for the typical musician.
This was one of the most important days of the recording process because it allowed us producers to really know the band and what their vision was. Fred and Mudrock had more experience with these guys, so as they laughed and chatted about the record and their lives, I felt like the odd one out. And I couldn’t help but notice how Brian was practically glaring at me the entire meeting.

“We are sort of taking a new direction,” Matt said. “I don’t want to scream anymore.”

“Are you having trouble screaming now?” Fred asked.

“It’s not that I can’t do it, I just think we are ready to change it up. The band, and myself, are ready for me to sing. The songs we have written already are a lot different than the past, but they are more complex and gritty. This is the direction we want to go in,” Matt explained. The band nodded and agreed.

“I think that’s awesome,” I piped in. “Your last two records were amazing, truly. I think your fans will be shocked and exited to hear you sing more. I think it’s a smart decision.”

Brian rolled his eyes at me and said, “We’re not necessarily doing this just because it’s a good business decision. Musically this is what we think is best for the band and it’s what we want to do.”

“I know, I’m sorry. I just meant-“

“Don’t worry about it, Rosie. We knew what you meant,” Matt said with a smile. Then he glared at Brian.

After we talked for about an hour, Mudrock invited the band back into the recording area to show them the studio. They had recorded their last record with Hopeless Records with Fred and Mudrock, but not with Warner Bros. Maybe that’s why Brian seemed so apprehensive, which I understood, but I don’t know why he was so intent with being rude to me.

I went over to the area I normally record and watched as Fred talked with the guys and showed them what we had to offer. He then asked me to show them some things, so I took the time to go over some of the software we use and the soundboard, knowing that it was slightly more advanced from where they had recorded before. The guys seemed to appreciate it for the most part.

“Well, shit,” Fred said, “I’m excited for this. Ready for 9am tomorrow, guys?”

“Yeah, can’t wait,” Matt said. “We’ll be on time, I promise.” When he said this, he glared at Johnny, who held up his hands and grinned.

“OK. Bright and early get ready to fucking rock,” Mudrock said, grin on his face.

The guys left then, and my nerves melted away. I felt better already since that part was over. I knew that I may have to convince Brian that I was good at my job. I knew that I would have to come in tomorrow and totally kick ass. And I knew that I could do it.

Notes

This is just an introduction to the characters and story, so hopefully you'll like it and see where it goes! :)

Comments

@Nicole
I had some ideas in mind but nothing’s on paper yet. I am actually working on something else now... :)

@Ghost-On-A-Sea-Of-Wine
thanks! <3

J.J. J.J.
4/3/19

Loved loved loved this story! Are you still thinking of a sequel???

Nicole Nicole
3/16/19

Sorry I disappeared on ya, there. But I just caught up and finished this today. Cute ending. :)

@overneaththepathofmisery
Thanks <3

J.J. J.J.
12/23/18

So. Frickin. Sweet. <3 <3 <3