I sit in the comfortable chair, surrounded by my bandmates and then Jill lean closer, “You’re late.”
“I’m here now,” I chuckle while taking my jacket off.
In front of me there are plenty of journalists— of the most important music and gossip magazines— that look at all of us, curiosity evident in his eyes. This interview is not just about me, even though I have something to ask; it’s about the bond we share and the music we create together.
“Thank you all for joining me today,” I say, a smile spreading across my face. “I have some exciting news to share, and I couldn’t imagine doing it without these talented individuals by my side.” I pause, making sure I have everyone’s attention, “Do you have any questions for us?”
The hands start riding and I point to the blond girl in front of us, her attention shifting between each of us. “Hi, Elaine Groover over here fromVoices in Sync Magazine,what’s been happening in your world, and how do your bandmates play a role in it?”
I take a moment to gather my thoughts, feeling a surge of gratitude for these incredible musicians standing beside me. “Firstly, I’m thrilled to announce that our upcoming concert has sold out in just twenty-four hours. It’s a testament to the dedication and passion of this entire band. Without Jillian, Dex, Liam, and Charlie, none of this would be possible. Their talent and commitment shine through every note we play.”
Jill grins, her eyes sparkling. “We’re a team, Jax. We push each other to reach new heights, and it’s an honor to share the stage with you.” Her gaze shifts to the journalists. “Truth is, Jax is the one — the first one, who really believed in us and pushes us to do more and improve our skills. He’s not just our lead singer but a father who has always been there for us. And the only one to bring us ice cream to cheer us up. Our journey until here, before SMD, has been a learning process and we’re ready to conquer the world one lyric at a time.”
Dex nods, a humble smile on his face. “Yeah, the energy we bring to our performances is electrifying. It’s a privilege to be a part of something so special. We’re a family and maybe that’s what makes us different.”
“And as Jax always says, let’s not forget about the fans. They’re the reason our concerts sell out. Their support drives us to keep creating and pushing the boundaries of our music.” Liam chimes in, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
Charlie leans in, his voice resonating with passion. “Exactly. This journey is about more than just success. It’s about connecting with people, sharing our stories through music, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.”
The man on the sidelines waves his hand and I nod at him. “Hi, Mark Gallagher fromE-MAG. That’s incredible. The bond you all share is evident. Is there more to the story?”
I nod, a sense of excitement coursing through me. “Absolutely. In addition to our sold-out concert, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been given the incredible opportunity to join the esteemed songwriter list here at SMD. And this is where my bandmates play an integral role. Their support and musical expertise have helped shape the songs for our upcoming album.”
Liam nods in agreement. “This album is going to be something special. Each song has a unique story, and it’s a testament to the love and dedication we have for our craft, isn’t it Jillian?”
Jill grins proudly. “We’ve been pouring our hearts into this album, exploring new sounds and pushing ourselves creatively. It’s an honor to collaborate with Jax and contribute to the songwriting process.”
“Yeah, we’re always challenging each other to bring our best. We’ve grown so much as a band, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear the music we’ve created.” Dex adds, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
Charlie leans back, a satisfied smile on his face. “It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re excited to share it with the world. This album is a reflection of our growth as artists and the incredible bond we share as a band and it’ll be the first of a long success.”
The next journalist is the dickhead who spread the rumors about me cheating on Emma. She laughed so hard since we were in our baby moon. I pick him. “Val Travis fromElle Magazine,” he says and stands up, “I’d like to shift to something more personal. How do you cope with the rumors about you and Emma?”
“As you said, there are only rumors.” I chuckle. “I want to clarify that there is and never will be another woman in my life. Emma is the only goddess that exists on this earth.”
“But the pictures don't lie. We all saw them.” He carries on.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but the girl in that picture you’re talking about is one of our fan page admins and biggest fan we’ve ever had. There’s nothing between us. In that picture, there’s nothing other than a hug even if the speculation gets bigger.” I pause and drink a gulp of water, “I want to announce publicly that if anyone continues to carry on the rumors, you will be sued by me and SMD. My priorities in this period are my soon to be wife Emma — we’re organizing our wedding and Angel Montgomery will make sure everything runs smoothly — and our babies.”
“If I can add something else,” Jill giggles, “being myself close to Emma and Jax, I can assure you nothing can break the bond between them. Hearty eyes and all.”
“So please stop sharing that stupid fake news. Emma needs to relax and enjoy her pregnancy,” Dex’s voice booms in the room. I know Dex will love to punch Mr. Fucking Travis, and I’ll do too but the last thing we need is to get in trouble.
Dex chooses a journalist, and she stands up. “Christine Parker forMusic and Notes.Talking about rumors, is that true that SMD will take part in next year's edition of Vocal Keys only if Synder won't sit at the table?”
“I can’t confirm nor deny.” I shrug. “I’m pretty sure Angel Montgomery will announce it if she’ll take part in it but it depends on her schedule and not on who's in the jury.”
The conversation shifts to more personal topics, including my upcoming wedding and the news of Emma’s pregnancy. The camaraderie between us shines through as we share stories, laughs, and heartfelt moments.
The journalists marvel at our unity, our friendship, and the love we have for our music and each other. As the conference comes to an end, I can’t help but feel grateful for these crazy people who have become my extended family. I step out of the bustling conference room, the energy from the conference still coursing through my veins. The warmth of success and anticipation fills the air, but there’s a tinge of sadness too. As I glance around, I see Liam, Charlie, and Dex waiting for me, their smiles matching my own.
“Great job in there, Jax!” Liam exclaims, clapping me on the back. “You nailed it!”
“Yeah, man! The fans are going to go crazy when they hear about the sold-out concert and the new album.” Charlie grins.
Dex nods, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “The wedding and the baby news were chef's kiss.”
I chuckle, feeling a mixture of joy and longing. Since the news of the triplets, all of them try to be present for Emma. Especially Dex. He was the first to buy their first toys. “Thanks, guys. It’s an incredible time in my life, that’s for sure.”