I took to the stage.
Well,aboveit.
I went to college and became proficient in backstage infrastructure. Lighting draws you in close, building an intimate connection between the audience and the artists. But above all, it can blow you away with huge, dynamic movements that match the music’s strength and emotion.
Lighting, for me, is vibrant, electric, and showy.
I love nothing more than creating bold graphic patterns by painting the air with color to match a band’s intensity and vibe.
My journey started as a stagehand and led me to lighting and production. Eventually, I scored an apprenticeship under one of the best lighting directors in the industry—John “The Illuminator” Parker. The guy is a legend. He taught me everything, including stage design, lighting techniques, and a hundred tricks of the trade like syncing light cues perfectly to audio pulses. You name it, I learned it. That’s why I’m so damn good at what I do, and why the music industry across the States keeps calling me back.
I’ve just wrapped a tour with The Living Dead, and technically, I was meant to be heading home for a break to see Kiera and Gran before signing up for another long haul.
But when opportunity knocks, and all that...
I know Kiera will understand.
At least, I hope she does.
My stomach tightens just thinking about leaving her again.
I want so much more for her.
Crappy background music fills the dimly lit hall as I try to figure out where the hell I’m going. I know I’ve been here before, but it was a while ago, and when you’ve been in so many massive stadiums, all the corridors blur together.
Glancing up, I note a door marked ‘Stage Crew.’ This will be my home for the next two nights. So much so, I won’t even bother getting a hotel room. I’ll be here early before the show and way late after the show ends anyway, so I may as well find a couch and surf on it. No point wasting good money if I don’t need to.
Opening the door, I step inside. The room is small, but there’s at least a working refrigerator and a microwave. Shrugging, I throw my backpack over by the sofa and move to the refrigerator, the door squeaking as I pull it open. I smirk when I see an array of flavored waters, both natural and spring.
With a deep sigh, I shake my head. “Do these women think we’re hippies or something? We’re men. And men want beer. Real alcohol. Not fucking water,” I mutter, grabbing a berry-flavored bottle in defeat and taking a long gulp.
There’s a hint of bitterness alongside sweetness, which is a contrast I wasn’t expecting. And, I’ve got to admit, it’s… refreshing. As the cooling liquid slides down my throat, I raise my brows in surprise and feel my lips twitch into a reluctant smile.
‘Don’t judge a book, Kaden.’Kiera’s voice echoes in my head in that soft, ever-wise tone of hers.
Pulling my cell from my pocket, I dial home.
“Hey, Kades! What’s up? How are you settling in?” Kiera answers, bright as ever.
“Just arrived. About to go suss out what I need to do. Thought I’d check in, see how you and Gran are coping without me.”
She snorts. “We’re always better without you…” Then she giggles, and I smile.
“Yeah, yeah, I don’t believe that for a second.”
“You’re right. Do you know how excited I’d be if I could be there with you? You know how much I loveLuminous. Those girls kick serious ass.”
“I know. And I wish it were different, but you need to focus on staying well and getting rest.”
“Screw that… I want to party like a rock star.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Do you wanna speak to Gran?”
“Nah. Just a quick call to say hi and let you know I’m here. I’ll call again later today or tomorrow, depending on my schedule. Say hi to Gran for me?”
“Will do. Love you, talk later. Have fun, but not too much.”
“Love you too.”
