Page 1 of Harmonizing Hearts

It’s always been said that if you do believe in yourself and work hard you’ll go places.

Not for me.

I’ve worked hard for my entire life after my parents died. It wasn’t easy to grow up alone and be moved in and out from a foster house to another. I’ve changed so many families that I lost count of them.

Fuck them!

I was a name on their list, an insignificant piece of shit – as one of them called me – good to be used as a punching bag whenever they needed to vent.

That was until Mac. My best friend and only point of reference I’ve ever had. With him I’ve learned what family meant and he taught me the values of life.

It wasn’t easy to get my custody but he fought for me until the judge eventually signed those papers.

September 19thhas been my rebirth, and I’ve dreamed bigger each day.

Until now.

Nervousness creeps in while we’re waiting backstage to be called. Tonight we’ll know if Darkest Symphony can aim to sign a contract with a label or if we should keep playing only for our small fan base.

“Jax,” Dexter's voice skirts me out of the fog of my thoughts.

I can see the reflection in the window I’m staring at and all my band is waiting for me. “I’m good,” I lie while I spin around to face them. “No matter how tonight goes, I’m so proud of each one of you.” I know they had the same feelings as mine. The tension around us is palpable and the more time passes the more we’re seeing our chances to get low. From a thousand candidates, we’re only sixty now, and emotions are playing hard. I’ve never had grand expectations. I’ve learned way too soon that the higher you fly, the more pain you feel.

Jillian is the first one to come to hug me. She’s the little sister of the group with a powerful voice and a shitty attitude but she’s the sweet part of our family. “The first round of drinks are on me.” She laughs, hiding her shaky voice.

“Dinner is on me.” I wrap my arms around her while the guys come closer for a family hug. No matter how bad our days are, if one of them needs a shoulder to cry on, I’m always there, and the same goes for them. I thank God every day to have put on my path these dickheads. Our bond is strong and they know they can count on me for whatever.

“Uhu, seems like the little doll is giving up.” One of the other candidates mocks us.

“Shut the fuck up,” I growl while Dex moves toward the group where the idiot talked. His bandmates move backward, leaving him alone.Yeah, wise choice.

“Or what, huh?” the guy faces Dex, bumping his chest against Dex’s.

I can see he’s ready to punch him and in another context I’d let him to, but not now and not here. “Dex,” I call him back while releasing Jill.

“Yeah, Dex, be a good puppy and …”

Grabbing his collar, I tug the fucker closer. My band shields me and the guy goes pale within a second. “Another word and you’ll forget your own name.”

“I… I was kidding.” He simpers while trying to free himself from my grip.

“I’m not,” I clip while pushing him back. He chickens out right away.

I’m about to say something but the buzz around us stop and the green light switches on. It’s the sign the show has begun.

Vocal Keys is the best way to spread your wings in the music world. The contest itself is easy as long you’re talented and know what to do. The selection, though, is stressful and can take days or even weeks. It’s our third week here, and we’ve seen so many fellow singers and bands be sent away.

After a few hours, Kevin, one of the staff moves into the backstage, and all of us peer at him. “1909, you’re next.”

Moving toward the stage, I let the guys go on first while mentally crossing all my fingers. In front of us the five biggest record labels are sat: Vincent Fiore and Sean Mel from Media Music, Frank Smith and Robert Synder from Zante Music Lite, Angel Montgomery and William Foster from Starlight Music Distribution, and lastly Mich Walker and Gloria Recchett for Universal Sonic Music.

My heart is pounding in my chest and I shake all my nervousness away. I’ll give all of myself as I’ve done in the last weeks. They have the list of our songs in front of them and we’re ready to play whatever they’ll ask us to.

“Good evening, guys. How are you tonight?” Sean Mel asks while opening our folder.

“We’re good and pumped.” I chuckle along with the band.

“That’s the spirit.” Synder nods while turning to chat with his colleague before taking a quick look at the folder too.

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