“Well yeah, Dad.” She laughs, revealing Bernie’s daughter and not Dani, the businesswomen. Her mask has disappeared briefly.
“You know what, I think we need a broader opinion on this one,” Bernie says, re-directing his question. “Thoughts Ash, as it’s your music we’re talking about.”
“It depends on the song. You can ruin a melody if you over-complicate it.”
“Okay, so here’s the thing.” Bernie shuffles forward in his seat. “I have one of your ballads in mind, which I’m sure could become a classic with the right production behind it, i.e., me,” he smiles. “So, the idea of a full orchestra could be the ingredient we’re missing, don’t you think Calla?”
Oh shit. Is Bernie Hill asking me? Miss Nobody? “What do I think?” I ask, pointing my finger to my chest in shock. I was enjoying the closeness of Ash’s body to mine while being in complete awe of Bernie’s musical knowledge. Never did I think my opinion would be requested. “Surely this is something you should discuss with the band.” My wide eyes face Ash’s smiling face.
“Obviously but play along with me here. If you were me, what would you do.”
“Okaaay.” I clear my throat, playing for time. “Well, for one, an orchestra will always sound amazing as a backing track.”
“Go on,” Bernie says, an intense expression on his face, but Dani takes the chance to butt in when she leans across the table. “As long as they carry on looking this hot, they could release a nursery rhyme and get away with it. Trust me Dad, the majority of their fans won’t give a toss.”
He glances over his shoulder, “I wasn’t asking you, know it all.” Then he looks back to me. “Carry on Calla. If you were at one of their concerts, in the audience, what would you like to see or hear?”
“Um, oh okay… umm, speaking from my point of view, which is probably the band's ideal target market, I disagree with Dani. I would give a toss… actually.” I’ve already caught Dani’s disgruntled face staring at me, but it doesn’t stop me being honest. I would never lie just to become a people pleaser. “Also, for me, music is the most important part, not how the band look.”
“Good,” Bernie says as if he’s actually assessing my answer. “The elements Calla has described is the exact demographic you should aim at. I want women to desire you and know every word to your songs while their other halves want to be your best mates and worship your music. You can achieve both these things, do you see?”
All eyes are on Ash, but he looks away to focus on his fingertips which have found their way to my bare arms. He layers my skin with goosebumps as they gently brush back and forth. If I’m honest, it’s a little unexpected and completely distracting, but I’m sure he’s using this opportunity as a moment to contemplate. At least I think he is. My focus is torn between the tingling sensation of my skin and by Dani giving me dagger eyes right now.
I turn my attention back to Bernie, who is waiting for Ash’s answer with raised brows. “Come on, Ash; you must have thought about something similar. You have the resources at your disposal to do practically anything you want. As a songwriter, your opinion is key.”
Now, why do I get a feeling Ash is being tested this time?
“I want Koolum Law to have some edge so it could be a good way to go. Some of the most iconic bands use an orchestra.”
“And which bands are those,” Dani asks, boredom to her tone.
“Aerosmith can turn a mediocre love song into a rock masterpiece. U2 is another great example of rock meeting classic and even Oasis, but to be honest, I’m not sure we need a full orchestra. What if we were the band who gave you everything?”
Dani turns her nose up, “Not sure it will really work,” she snarls.
“You need to listen to the artist,” Bernie says in her direction. “Okay,” he squints, placing one finger over his mouth, “Go on, Ash.”
Ash smiles, “I’d go back in time. I’m thinking Electric Light Orchestra or Earth Wind and Fire. They both have legendary music, but the thing they have above many other musicians is everything. Every voice and every instrument are within their existing band. Each has a violin player, a saxophonist, a bass player and I think you could start with what we have. Maybe look within the band before you bring in outsiders. You said yourself you’re getting to know us, but you’ve yet to explore our full potential.”
I find myself butting in. “The guys are already musicians, which nowadays, is a notch above most boy bands who only have their voices to rely on. Did you know Ash can play not only the guitar but also the piano?”
“I did not,” Bernie answers while at the same time, I notice the gentle strokes of Ash’s hand to my skin stop abruptly. I feel him shift in his seat and look at me. “How did you know about the piano?”
“I remember you having lessons at school. You probably don’t know this, but I used to sit outside the music room and listen to you play at least once a week; sometimes twice if I didn’t have a netball match. It was the sweetest sound.”
We have, what I can only describe as another moment, and I’m sure the entire table is witness to it. While I follow the curve of Ash’s beautiful mouth, my eyes occasionally flicker towards his. I realise then, Ash’s focus is on me. We stop when one of our party clears their throat and we remember where we are. I realise it must have been Bernie because he says, “I wonder what other talents lie within this band.”
Brett saves us any further embarrassment. “Ten years oftrumpet lessons over here. I might be a little rusty, but I’m sure I could pick it up again.”
“Just drums and percussion mainly, but I like to play acoustic guitar too,” Tommy adds. Max says, “I played the violin for a little while, but I’ll tell you now, I was shit, which is why I gave it up.” His confession raises a laugh, and when we settle down, Max adds, “But I know someone who could join us if we were serious about this.”
Bernie leans over, offering a high five which I return. “Congratulations, Cal. You get full marks for your inside information; I’m impressed.” He looks around the table. “See what we achieved boys, just from pushing our goals a little higher. Calla and her friend here will be your audience in years to come. These will be the people who count. Calla said herself, she is your ideal target market, and this is what she wants from you. Always listen, and when you make it big, don’t forget who put you there.”
Angie chips in at this point, “And I’ll tell everyone how I used to go to school with a member of Koolum Law. I’m sure I can dine out on that for a while.” She raises a smile around the table.
“Where did those wise words come from?” Ash whispers, tickling my ear with his breath.
“Just what I think. Bernie asked for my true opinion and I gave it to him.”
