Love Me Till It Hurts
Forming the new band (part 1)
The weekend is going briskly and the day of auditioning for our new band finally arrives. Matt left us the keys of the rehearsal room where we will welcome the musicians. It's at the image of any self-respecting rock band, which is : an absolute mess. Old vinyls, torn posters and empty beer bottles stand alongside in a big shambles. Ellie and I decided to do a bit of cleaning and storage to give a picture a little more professional to all this. Once finished, I readjust my hair that I curled this morning, dust off my Led Zeppelin tank-top, while my friend rearranges her dress.
Around 2 p.m, someone knocks on the door of the room. We then open to two young women, both with a bass on their backs. After a brief presentations, we do enter the first. Her name is Camille, she's 22, and is in medical school with the aim of becoming a veterinarian. At first glance, she seems very nice and makes us feel good. She wears a t-shirt with the artwork of a Metallica album that I love, "The Black Album". Ellie and I sit down in front of her as she plugs her bass into the amp we provide. I quickly take the floor to lighten the mood because I feel her somewhat stressed.
- Well first of all we thank you for responding to our announcement. As you know, we are trying to reform a group. Ellie and I are both guitarists and I also sing.
- So, well, we have no constraints to impose on you for the audition, just show us what you can do.
- Alright...
She thinks a few moments and then starts. From the first notes, I recognize "The Call Of Ktulu" from Metallica. A choice that doesn't surprise me because of her shirt. We can say that she's doing pretty well, because it's a title that requires great dexterity. Ellie and I exchange a look of satisfaction and move the head to the rhythm of the bass. Once the song is over, Camille looks at us, but when she see our happy faces, she understands quickly that we liked it.
- Wow! It was awesome ! How long have you been playing bass?
- About four years old, but I started playing guitar when I was 12 years old.
- I want to say that ... that's nifty!
- Thank you !
We're still talking for a few minutes about our musical influences, why we're forming this band and the investment that will be made in the days to come. She seems quite up to try the adventure and sees this as a good opportunity to rub shoulders with real rock stars. She leaves us her number so that we can contact her quickly to keep her informed of our choice, whether the answer is positive or negative.
After Camille, the second young woman enters the room. She plays relatively well, but doesn't really match what we are looking for.
The afternoon ends without us realizing it. It is 7:30 p.m and we still have a drummer to meet. His name is Hugo, and I recognize him soon enough because he attended the same high school as us. Ellie gives me a nudge when he arrives. He tried to go out with me several times but I always reject id advance him because he's not really my type. All I hope is that his presence here is not interested.
- Uh ... Good evening ... You pass the auditions for the drums I guess since you didn't bring a bass guitar ...
I clear my throat. The situation makes me feel uncomfortable.
- Exact...
He blushed, embarrassing me even more.
- I didn't know you were playing drums.
- Well, we never really talked so...
He scores a point. I have never made an effort to know more about him before. It must be said that I was busier running after Alexis at that time. Wanting to dispel the embarrassment, Ellie invites him to sit behind the drums and improvise what if he feel like it. My doubts quickly quickly give rise to a certainty when he begins to "play". It's just inaudible. No sense of rhythm, no restraint when he hits the cymbals, creating a real cacophony. I stop him then quickly to preserve our eardrums.
- Hugo ... I'm sorry but ... It's not going to be possible ...
- Yes, I know this sentence in your mouth ...
- I didn't want to offend ... You ...
He has already left the room, obviously very disappointed. Ellie lets out a nervous laugh.
- Well that's done!
- Ellie stop! He looked devastated!
- You're not ashamed to have this effect on those poor boys!
She manages to get me a smile. I rub my eyes tired, forgetting at the same time that I am makeup, smearing my mascara well enough.
- Hugo comes back! She's much uglier than she's looks!
We escape a nervous laugh and turn off the lights of the room before returning home while debriefing on the day. A lot of the musicians we saw have potential. We still have three appointments for tomorrow, then we will have to decide who will join us.
