Page 2 of Sustain

“But we have a contract. We can’t break it except for an act of God or something like that. We’re committed.” I’m sympathetic, but it doesn’t change the facts. “I’m sorry, but we’ve got to do this festival. But I promise, you can take the first flight out when the concert is over. I won’t make you do press or meet and greets afterward, okay?”

He’s silent again, but I know he understands the deal. He’s got a clear head about these things.

Usually.

Finally, he lets out a long breath. “Alright. Deal. I’ll be there.”

“I’ll make a note that it’s under protest.”

“Thanks, Mac,” he says, coming around to his normal self. “And thanks for not making fun of me.”

“Never.”

“See you tomorrow.”

Such is the life of a rock ‘n roll band manager. Putting out fires where there aren’t any and looking for hidden infernos about to erupt. And Murderous Crows are known for throwing me curveballs every so often, like today.

Yay, me.

two

. . .

The Optimist

Ian

“So let me get this straight, Blackmore wants to consolidate artist management under one department?” I ask.

Eliza, the new Vice President of Blackmore Records nods. “With streaming revenues down and overhead high, yeah. They had Stratford come in and do an audit last month.”

I wince. The fact that Blackmore used one of the most vicious consulting firms can only mean one thing: bloodletting.

“The board wants a 15% cut in operating costs. No exceptions for high-earners either, apparently.” She gives me a pointed look. “Your whole team is on the chopping block, Ian.”

My jaw tightens. We busted our asses to build the artist recruitment program from the ground up. And now the fucking bean counters want it dismantled?

I scrub a hand over my face. “So if I say no...”

“Your position gets eliminated. Same severance as the others.” Her gaze softens with sympathy. “I’m sorry. I know I’m putting you in an impossible spot. But I fought to have them offer you Chaos Fuel rather than just cut you loose.”

The band’s reputation flashes through my mind. Chaos is right. But unemployment is even less appealing.

The cold reality settles in my gut. My tidy world is about to transform into complete mayhem.

Band management was never really on my radar, but I’ve been involved in this industry in one way or another for a long enough time to know the ins and outs of it all. Hell, I bet I could run my own label if I wanted to.

My goal used to be keeping life somewhat predictable for my daughters back when we all called LA home. But after my ex-wife Brianna decided to return to England with the girls, my priorities shifted. We're originally from England but lived as dual citizens in LA after getting married. Trips back and forth between houses were the norm for us.

I'll admit I was pretty devastated when they left, the distance fucking hurt. It still does. But with my constant work travel as a talent scout, having them closer to my ex Brianna’s family support system made sense. So I made the sacrifice.

They're still in the house we bought as a family near my hometown across the pond. And with my girls now an ocean away, I've embraced letting a little more chaos into my American life with my job being what it is.

Or was...

But Chaos Fuel? The band that can’t seem to make headway on the charts, can’t keep a bassist, and apparently can’t keep a manager either, is suddenly about to become my next project. They’re not exactly known as being easy to deal with.

I guess beggars can’t be choosers.

---