The next day it was going to be very busy for the band members. There was the first official talent audition that was held to prospect for their new recording studio to launch. Zach went through the latest stats for the band then a few job offers, appearance requests, and one major opportunity.

  “So no public appearance offers right now. We will be too busy scouting for talent scouting. What else you got?” Demetri prompted.

  “Deadland Studios’s executive producer contacted me hoping to negotiate an offer. They are in production of a movie called “Without Revenge” which is a horror action romance movie with a huge budget and several A list actors that have been casted to play major roles in the movie. They are searching for edgy popular music to put into the movie, as well as the soundtrack. They want to commission the band to do an exclusive original song for the movie. They were offering a good paycheck from what I understand.” Zach explained looking amused.

  “What are the terms?” Demetri asked.

  “Well, they will have full rights to the song. They want it to be the closing song that play during the end credits and during parts of the movie. They also specified that they are hoping Vezaias will be the vocalist.” Everyone glanced at Vezaias. He looked amused. “If you are interested the executive producer may want to meet with you to dictate what the song will be.” Zach explained further.

  “How much is the offer?” Demetri asked.

  “They are offering two million dollars.” Zach said.

  “Holy shit. For one song?” Maxwell said in surprise.

  “What do you guys think?” Demetri asked.

  “But we won't own the song?” Remington asked.

  “Nope, they get full rights. They are commissioning to purchase the entire song.” Zach said.

  “Sell one song that they want to make doesn't sound like a bad idea.” Alt said mildly.

  “Yeah we will be able to hear our music when we watch the movie. I say we go for it.” Maxwell said cheerfully.

  “I guess I'm okay with it.” Remington said. Everyone waited for Vezaias's answer.

  “I think we should hear them out on the song idea first. I don't wanna sing some shitty ass song.” Vezaias said amusingly.

  “I agree.” Demetri said.

  So it was settled, Zach would send out a request to meet about the song before they would accept the deal. The auditions would be held at an auditorium in the downtown area of the city so they would have a small stage to utilize while meeting with each candidate. Zach had paid for an online advertisement that would offer a chance to audition for an agency and a possible contract to play music. Full music groups were welcome as well as any single person who could play an instrument or sing. Each entry must submit one short 2 minute video of a sample of their talents. Zach then combed through the near 800 entries and chose 100 of the best entries to help weed out the ones who wouldn't make it. These 100 entries were sent an offer for a second live audition with the talent agency and a surprise judging panel to help choose the best entries for a possible contract. Everyone was encouraged to bring their instrument and several possible songs to audition with.

  “Just remember they are not here to win some ultimate prize. They are here to show us their talents and if we feel that they are good or could be popular in the industry with a bit of promotion then we have several contracts available depending on what you would like to offer these entries. The first is a record deal splitting the rights to the music, we would have partial rights for promotional purposes, while paying them a to be determined amount which we can negotiate on, we pay DigiMusic fees and take 50% of DigiMusic profit. The second offer is a record deal which offers free recording and we pay for the DigiMusic fees and take 25% as payment of their sales, but they will be responsible for self promoting, or paying us for promotions, and making profit on their own. We also have a ‘You pay’ option with 75% off recording fees. So they pay us for studio time then self promote after that, and pay their own DigiMusic fees.” Zach explained. Three tiers to offer the entries was on the table for the 100 entries. Up first were the full group entries. There were 28 different bands and 15 music groups, who all payed a variety of genres of music. All of them were decent but not all of them had their own original music to audition with and opted to play cover songs. Everyone took their own notes on the entries one by one as Zach had a sheet of paper ready with basic information on everyone to audition. The first entry they found interesting was an R&B group composed of three amazing vocalists who also write all their own material that everyone agreed were worth offering a contract too. Next was a Rap artist who also writes his own lyrics as well as composes his own rap beats. What was most impressive about this rap artist was he did not rap about silly things like being gangster or money or bitches, but he rapped about his own personal mental health issues and heart break. He immediately had the group captivated once he started his audition.

  “Entry number 20, Nate Benson. Hello Nate.” Zach greeted him.

  “Yo.” Nate said, he looked unusually happy.

  “You are a vocalist, specifically a rapper?” Zach asked.

  “For sure. I spit some hard lyrics, but I can vocalize in lots of genres.” Nate said into his microphone.

  “And you write your own lyrics, and compose your own music?” Demetri asked.

  “Yeah, I play the piano or keyboard, I have a synthesizer, I can also freestyle.” Nate said.

  “Okay what will you be auditioning with today?” Zach asked.

  “I'ma be honest with you, I had no idea I was about to be in front of y'all Nobodies today if you know what I mean by that so I'm about to ditch my initial audition plan and throw something different at you.” Nate said looking very thrilled.

  “Great, yes Nobody In Particular is hosting this audition today. We are all eager to hear what you got.” Zach said in amusement. “So the stage is all yours.” Nate nodded and turned to his laptop computer then began to build his beat while listening through headphones. He then played his track and readied himself looking serene with his eyes closed before jumpstarting the song with a music box tune and dramatic ambiance.

  ??I'm spitting bars with heart and soul,

  My dreams are big, and I'm makin' it real.

  The game's tough, but I'm feelin' bold,

  I'm gonna rise, and my story's been told.??

  ??I've got the grind, the hustle, and the drive,

  I'm chasin' fame, and I'm ready to thrive.

  The haters say no, but I'm sayin' yes,

  I'm gonna make it big, and I'll impress.??

  ??I'm spitting bars with heart and soul,

  My dreams are big, and I'm makin' it real.

  The game's tough, but I'm feelin' bold,

  I'm gonna rise, and my story's been told.??

  ??I'm pourin' out my feelings on the mic,

  My rhymes are raw, and they're stickin' like a trick.

  I've got the flow, the rhythm, and the beat,

  I'm gonna make it big, and the crowd's gonna eat.??

  ??I'm spitting bars with heart and soul,

  My dreams are big, and I'm makin' it real.

  The game's tough, but I'm feelin' bold,

  I'm gonna rise, and my story's been told.??

  ??So I'm keepin' on grindin', keepin' on pushin' hard,

  I'm gonna make it happen, and it'll be a work of art.

  What's my next move to get that record deal?

  The spotlight's waitin', and the stage is real??

  The group was stunned for a moment, suddenly Demetri was scribbling something furious on his paper. Nate stood now anxiously waiting for a critique from the judges. Vezaias looked very amused watching Demetri scribbling on his paper and decided to speak up since nobody else was speaking.

  “Bruh, I think I speak for all of us when I say, that shit was real as fuck. How long you been in this killin it like that?” Vezaias asked.

  “Since I was in the womb bro. Everyone be tellin me to give it up, get a real job, but this is what I wanna do. This is what I am passionate about. This is what I'm good at. So far nobody takes it seriously. I've been waiting my whole life for someone to just give me a chance, just tell me that yes this is possible. I won't give up until I get that answer.” Nate said. Demetri slammed his pen down now after he was finished scribbling on the paper, he handed it off to Alt to read, who then passed it to the next person and so on until everyone had seen it.

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  “What was this song called?” Demetri asked now looking very serious.

  “I suppose I will call it “The way I feel”.” Nate answered.

  “Is it a new song?” Demetri asked.

  “I just spit that freestyle.” Nate said with a grin.

  “Let's hear one more song if you got something prepared.” Demetri said.

  “I got you. I am going to do a song that hits hard though, I think Vee will understand where this song came from inside my mind. It's called “How could you leave us?”.” Nate said. He turned to the computer again and prepared the track. Nate began to play the piano as he began the lyrics.

  ??How could you leave us like that?

  We were waiting for you,

  but you just left.

  We needed you,

  and it feels like you're gone for good.

  I don't know what it's like to be addicted to pills,

  but I know what it's like to watch you struggle,

  and it's killing me.??

  ??Mom, you told me you loved me,

  but it feels like you're not here.

  I smell cigarettes,

  and it takes me back to those times with you.

  People say pain is a prison,

  and I feel trapped.

  You say you're proud of me,

  but I don't think you know me, not really.??

  ??I sit in my room,

  crying, feeling helpless.

  I scream into my pillow,

  hoping you'll come and get us,

  but you don't.

  There's a stranger watching us,

  taking notes,

  and it's just so wrong.??

  ??I don't understand, Mom.

  Don't you want to see us grow up?

  You're stuck on those pills,

  and it's like you're choosing them over us.

  I feel like you're gone,

  even though you're physically here.??

  ??I don't know how to process this.

  I have a picture of you,

  and it's painful to look at.

  I don't need a picture,

  I need you.

  We'll never have a real relationship now,

  and it's hard to accept

  that I lost something I never really had.

  You should've been there for my graduation,

  to tell me you love me and are proud.

  Instead, you left us waiting.??

  ??Where are you?

  It feels like those drugs have taken over.

  I was just a kid,

  I didn't understand what was happening.

  You were my world,

  and you just disappeared.

  I thought time would make it easier,

  but it just makes it harder.

  If you loved me, then why did you leave???

  ??Our last conversation,

  we talked about music,

  and you cried.

  You said it wasn't you,

  but it was too late.

  You took those pills,

  and they took you away.??

  ??I'm left here, grieving, wishing you'd stayed.

  Music is the only place

  I can go to feel like I'm talking to you.

  I wish you were here,

  but every time I think of you,

  I feel pain. I'm trying to understand,

  but it's hard.??

  ??You gave your life to those pills,

  and it's like you chose them over us.

  If you're watching,

  I don't know why you'd leave us like this.

  Tell me why did you leave us like that???

  Nate turned around and cried away from the microphone. Remington was struck and turned to look at Vezaias who was silently crying then he dropped his face into his hands and began to sob. Remington was quick to pull him into his arms and comfort him. Eventually Nate composed himself and turned to wait for the judges response. Vezaias was still sobbing into Remington's neck. Nate was patient.

  “I know that came from a very emotional place. Can you give us more context?” Demetri asked.

  “Yeah, you see when I was five and my sister was three we were put into foster care because my ma was addicted to pills and she ended up in and out of rehab, and she had ODed several times. She ended up in jail and that's when we were sent to a foster home. Well she was in and out of our lives, it was so unpredictable when she would be there or when she would ditch us, then about three years ago she finally left us for good. I remember the last time I talked to her, showed her the music I made about her and I guess she just couldn't deal with it. So I wrote this song after she died. I've just been so bitter and angry since then but my music, that is my biggest outlet. I hadn't planned on doing this song until I knew it was you that were the judges because I feel like y'all would understand. I've been to three other auditions and each of them turned me down and said my lyrics were too raw and they didn't believe they could sell my brand of music, or they wanted me to tone it down and write lyrics that weren't so real..” Nate explained.

  “We feel you believe me. Vee? I know you got words for this.” Demetri said delicately. Vezaias composed himself and wiped his eyes before he spoke.

  “I have never in my life been that shaken from a song like that. You legit just touched a part of my soul that not many people have the ability to reach. I don't want you to ever tone down that shit you got going on.” Vezaias said still very emotional.

  “Coming from you Vee, that's a huge honor. I think you and I really have a lot in common.” Nate said seriously.

  “Yeah bro for sure.” Vezaias agreed.

  “Alright, Nate I would like you to come by tomorrow to the studio so we can negotiate a record deal.” Zach spoke up.

  “A record deal? Like are you serious?” Nate was stunned.

  “Yeah according to the notes Dem wrote he wants to offer you at least a three record deal.” Zach said with satisfaction.

  “Really?!” Nate was overwhelmed and covered his mouth just as his sister ran out onto the stage and hugged him. They expelled a huge amount of celebration.

  “Thank you! Thank you so much!” Nate cheered.

  “No thank you for coming to audition.” Demetri smiled.

  Next up were several bands which the first few did not stand out as anything overly spectacular and most were cover bands but there was one band in particular who the group really liked. Entry number 27 which was an almost fully assembled rock band. As the curtain raised the judges observed this band in amusement at their strange presentation and sense of style. Some of the band members had mullets, one wore cowboy boots and all of them wore some form of cut off blue jeans which were ironically too short, with scruffy cut off flannel shirts and very ironic mustaches. They were ready to play their first song and the lead guitarist approached the microphone.

  “Bro! Nobody In Particular is the guest judge! I just need to say y'all are my idols! Shit if I would've known y'all were the judges I would have worn my dressy cut offs instead!” He said with a wide grin warranting a laugh from the panel of judges.

  “Nah, we don't require anything fancy. We just wanna hear some good music. Have you ever auditioned for anything before?” Demetri said amusingly.

  “Nope, we came here on a dare.” The lead said.

  “Who dared you?” Demetri was even more amused.

  “Our friends.” He answered

  “Well we can't wait to hear what you got.” Demetri said.

  “Sure but just so you know beforehand our lead singer is not very dedicated and he ditched us this morning to go to a casino and get some pussy, so we are going to improvise, just warning you because none of us are vocalists!” The lead said.

  “No big deal. Start whenever you are ready.” Demetri said.

  “Alright boys, give ‘em hell!” He turned to jumpstart the song. The song was very hardcore and completely original. The panel enjoyed the song very much even without a vocalist. The band also managed to fit in a solo for each band member to showcase their skills as individual musicians. They jammed out the song then finished with much enthusiasm.

  “You guys rock. It's unfortunate that your vocalist didn't make it but we are going to audition plenty of vocalists today. Would you be open to being permanently paired with a vocalist if we find someone suitable?” Demetri asked.

  “Yes of course!” The lead said enthusiastically.

  “Great. We will give you a call as soon as we find someone and I would really like you to come into the studio and see what happens. If it works out we can draw out a contract.” Demetri said.

  There were several more entries of bands but none that stood out tremendously. After that were lots of single entries, people who played instruments but were not a part of a band, as well as vocalists who were last. Everyone took notes on each entry all the way until the very end when the last entry, number 101, was Uzique. When it was his turn he wandered on the stage with a hood up, wearing headphones, with his hands shoved into his pockets while slouching. He looked aloof and unprepared as he approached the microphone.

  “Hello Uzique. We are eager to hear what you got. Please proceed whenever you are ready.” Demetri prompted him. Uzique didn't seem to acknowledge this at first but then he pulled his headphones off and hung them around his neck, pulled his hood down revealing his grassy green messy hair, stood up tall and began to sing. The song he sang was a power ballad with a very difficult vocal range. When he was finished he quickly slipped his headphones back on, pulled his hood back up and waited.

  “That was impressive.” Demetri said.

  “He has more range than you do.” Alt said.

  “I realize that.” Demetri said in amusement.

  “But should he go solo? He doesn't seem to have the social skills for that.” Zach highlighted.

  “He is definitely strange.” Maxwell said impulsively.

  “Hey don't fucking call him strange! I will beat you to death!” Vezaias snapped angrily.

  “Whoa, sorry! My bad!” Maxwell said quickly.

  “Does he have a preference in genre?” Remington cut through the tension.

  “So we have heard you sing one of our songs, and this power ballad but what kind of range do you have with singing other genres?” Demetri asked. Uzique was quiet for a long awkward moment but then pulled his headphones down and turned back to the microphone and stood up straight.

  “I know 5,289 songs across 11 genres of music.”

  “Wow. That's amazing.” Demetri said.

  “How does he know that many songs?” Remington asked.

  “More importantly, how does he know that he knows that many songs?” Maxwell said in amusement.

  “Is Jackie here with you?” Demetri asked. Jackie immediately rushed onto the stage.

  “I'm here!” Jackie said cheerfully.

  “Jackie we need to know more about Uzique so we can figure out how to best utilize his talents. Uzique, are you open to being paired with a group or are you more comfortable as a solo artist?” Demetri asked. Uzique only shrugged then reverted back to his odd behavior of slouching, with his headphones and hood up while looking very aloof.

  “Let's just get him into the studio tomorrow and work it out.” Demetri said. Everyone else agreed.