Harmonizing Hearts (Darkest Symphony #1)

Prologue

I t’s always been said that if you do believe in yourself and work hard you’ll go places.

Not for me.

I’ve worked hard for my entire life after my parents died. It wasn’t easy to grow up alone and be moved in and out from a foster house to another. I’ve changed so many families that I lost count of them.

Fuck them!

I was a name on their list, an insignificant piece of shit – as one of them called me – good to be used as a punching bag whenever they needed to vent.

That was until Mac. My best friend and only point of reference I’ve ever had. With him I’ve learned what family meant and he taught me the values of life.

It wasn’t easy to get my custody but he fought for me until the judge eventually signed those papers.

September 19 th has been my rebirth, and I’ve dreamed bigger each day.

Until now.

Nervousness creeps in while we’re waiting backstage to be called. Tonight we’ll know if Darkest Symphony can aim to sign a contract with a label or if we should keep playing only for our small fan base.

“Jax,” Dexter's voice skirts me out of the fog of my thoughts.

I can see the reflection in the window I’m staring at and all my band is waiting for me. “I’m good,” I lie while I spin around to face them. “No matter how tonight goes, I’m so proud of each one of you.” I know they had the same feelings as mine. The tension around us is palpable and the more time passes the more we’re seeing our chances to get low. From a thousand candidates, we’re only sixty now, and emotions are playing hard. I’ve never had grand expectations. I’ve learned way too soon that the higher you fly, the more pain you feel.

Jillian is the first one to come to hug me. She’s the little sister of the group with a powerful voice and a shitty attitude but she’s the sweet part of our family. “The first round of drinks are on me.” She laughs, hiding her shaky voice.

“Dinner is on me.” I wrap my arms around her while the guys come closer for a family hug. No matter how bad our days are, if one of them needs a shoulder to cry on, I’m always there, and the same goes for them. I thank God every day to have put on my path these dickheads. Our bond is strong and they know they can count on me for whatever.

“Uhu, seems like the little doll is giving up.” One of the other candidates mocks us.

“Shut the fuck up,” I growl while Dex moves toward the group where the idiot talked. His bandmates move backward, leaving him alone. Yeah, wise choice.

“Or what, huh?” the guy faces Dex, bumping his chest against Dex’s.

I can see he’s ready to punch him and in another context I’d let him to, but not now and not here. “Dex,” I call him back while releasing Jill.

“Yeah, Dex, be a good puppy and …”

Grabbing his collar, I tug the fucker closer. My band shields me and the guy goes pale within a second. “Another word and you’ll forget your own name.”

“I… I was kidding.” He simpers while trying to free himself from my grip.

“I’m not,” I clip while pushing him back. He chickens out right away.

I’m about to say something but the buzz around us stop and the green light switches on. It’s the sign the show has begun.

Vocal Keys is the best way to spread your wings in the music world. The contest itself is easy as long you’re talented and know what to do. The selection, though, is stressful and can take days or even weeks. It’s our third week here, and we’ve seen so many fellow singers and bands be sent away.

After a few hours, Kevin, one of the staff moves into the backstage, and all of us peer at him. “1909, you’re next.”

Moving toward the stage, I let the guys go on first while mentally crossing all my fingers. In front of us the five biggest record labels are sat: Vincent Fiore and Sean Mel from Media Music, Frank Smith and Robert Synder from Zante Music Lite, Angel Montgomery and William Foster from Starlight Music Distribution, and lastly Mich Walker and Gloria Recchett for Universal Sonic Music.

My heart is pounding in my chest and I shake all my nervousness away. I’ll give all of myself as I’ve done in the last weeks. They have the list of our songs in front of them and we’re ready to play whatever they’ll ask us to.

“Good evening, guys. How are you tonight?” Sean Mel asks while opening our folder.

“We’re good and pumped.” I chuckle along with the band.

“That’s the spirit.” Synder nods while turning to chat with his colleague before taking a quick look at the folder too.

Gloria crosses her hands in front of her. “Darkest Symphony, what an interesting name. How did you come up with it?”

“Jillian, my favorite second voice,” I turn to Jillian and wink at her, “once said we all have a background and no matter how dark it was, we’ve found each other to create a perfect and balanced symphony and it popped up.”

“That’s kinda sweet.” Angel Montgomery looks at us, “You’re playing together for eight years now, isn’t it?” How does she know?

“Almost nine, ma’am.” I proudly smile. “They’re my family.”

“Highs and laws, love and war between siblings. That’s always something I adore.” She nods while flipping the pen over her fingers. “That says a lot.”

“You’ve always been a softie,” Synder teases Angel.

“Excuse me?” She turns toward him. “A family bond is stronger than your cold heart may ever understand and if that makes me a softie, then that’s okay.”

“Damn, Angel, your claws are pretty sharp today.” He keeps poking her.

Angel waves her hand to dissipate his words. “Can we go on?”

Synder is about to say something but holds back. The grip on his pen says more than his words do. I guess the two of them are not getting along and Angel having the last word annoys him. I like her.

“So far we chose the songs for you to play.” William Foster talks now, trying to get back to the reason we’re here. “Tonight I want you to play your best song we haven’t heard yet.”

Looking at the guys, I mutter our last song’s title. I love it and it’s exactly the best way for all of us to be heard. When the band starts to play, the first lyrics leave my mouth and I erase all the stress right away. Music has become my secret den. A refuge to escape reality. When Mac realized I love music, he made sure I started studying it. It’s not as easy as it may seem, especially when you’re not young. But during some classes I’ve met Charlie, our guitarist and Liam, the bassist’s king. The three of us bond instantly and the rest is story. Mac always used to say in the tough times you may find the light in someone you don’t know. And he is right. The drum beat leads me back to our performance while I smile and open my eyes.

Synder is the only one who pays attention to us and my heart sinks as he raises his hand forty seconds into the song. “I’ve heard enough, the auto-tune is too much; that covers everything.” The boo raises from the public.

“With all due respect, sir…” I begin but he closes our folder which means we’re not enough for him.

“They’re not using it.” Angel snaps. The public applauds and somehow it makes it less bitter. I thought no one was paying attention to our performance but it seems I was wrong.

“Of course they do.” He scoffs, looking at her. It seems the others have moved back and there are just the two of them in here.

“Are you for real, Robert?” Her voice reaches a higher pitch. “I’m not sure what game you are playing right now but you’re so wrong and make a fool of yourself.”

I drop the mic on the ground, stopping their argument. The buzz makes me cringe but I hate when someone thinks I’m using auto-tune. Not that I have something against who uses it, but it took me years of classes to have my intonation and no one can say otherwise. Nodding at the guys, they start playing and I carry my performance without the microphone. When the chorus hits the higher level and Jill joins me, I let my heart out, pouring all my anger into it. My eyes are focused on Synder even though in the corner of my eyes I can see all of them. Acting on impulse is not a wise thing especially in these moments but I couldn’t help myself.

When the song is over, I catch my breath and take up the microphone praying someone may say something but no one dares to.

The silence is defeating.

I fucked up big time.

It’s over.

“Apologize!” Angel says without even looking at Synder while writing something down.

He tsks and turns his chair toward her. “For what? Having an opinion?”

Angel closes the folder, hands one to William and gets up. “For being a dickhead!” The gasps in the public can be heard out loud. I’ve heard she speaks her mind no matter what and it’s intimidating to see her in action.

“That’s unbelievable.” He growls. “Okay, I was wrong but still it’s a no for me.”

“Now, that’s your opinion.” She peers at us while my heart slows its beats.

The seconds seem longer than I remember, and I’m silently blaming myself for having ruined a golden opportunity.

“I want to ask the production to remove you from the candidates,” Angel carries on.

“Nooo,” the echo from the public sinks deep into my heart.

“So partially you agree with me, they don’t have that...”

Angel laughs and cuts him off. “It’s a shame that you’re so blind to see their talent because I want them aboard.” The victorious grin on her face and the applause makes me feel lost.

William gets on the stage with a folder and gives it to me, “Congratulations.”

Am I dreaming?

The guys surround me while I open the folder with my shaky hands. SMD and our band name on it makes me hold my breath. “Thank you, for the opportunity,” I manage to say.

“See you at SMD’s office on Monday.” William shakes my hand and goes back to sit. Peering at him I don’t know what to do. When the realization hits, I hug my band while my gaze shifts to Angel and I mutter a thank you.