valentine//l.h

01

july 15th, 2017.

"i love the light in your eyes and the dark in your heart" i sing quietly, jotting down lyrics in my notebook. i mess around with a few chords on the piano, trying to find a progression that fits with my idea.

i've been in the studio for a few days coming up with new ideas and trying to take a break from everything.

"valentine...." i sing out, playing a few chords with the lyrics i just came up with.

i'm the only person in the studio right now. which is a bizarre feeling because it's usually filled with artists and producers creating all sorts of things.

but today it's just me and my piano.

music has always been a big part of my life. i've loved it ever since i was 5 and playing songs on my mini piano. my mum often says i was singing soon after i started talking. music has had a huge influence on the person i am today.

this song doesn't feel right on the piano, it definitely feels much more upbeat compared to the acoustic, slow sound that i've been playing.

"i can take you out....oh...oh"

i stopped writing about a year ago after i went through a pretty major breakup. during that period of time i couldn't really do anything. it absolutely tore me apart. i'm not sure why i stopped because songwriting is one of my only ways of expressing my feelings.

"we can...kill some time...stay home. throw balloons....teddy bears and the..." i hum, slowly stopping as i hear someone behind me.

"i'm so sorry i didn't realise there was anyone in here." i hear a voice say.

i turn around to face the door. a tall, blonde man is stood there.

luke hemmings.

i recognise him immediately.

"oh no don't worry, i was about to leave anyways." i lie.

"i'm luke." he says awkwardly, walking over to me. i stand up, pushing the piano stool back. "i'm diana" i smile. he holds his hand out and i shake it.

"i love what you're writing." he says, returning the grin.

"oh thank you." i'm taken aback. "it was really nothing"

there's an awkward silence as he stares at the ground. i can hear nothing but so much at the same time.

he takes a deep breath before saying "my band and i have started writing a new album and i think your songwriting could help develop our new sound so much."

he pauses again, considering what he just said.

"would you be interested in coming along to rehearsals at some point to write with us?"

my breath stops. did he just ask what i think he just asked?

"i mean..." i smile. "i would love to."

"perfect." he says.

"do you want my number so you can give me the details?" i say after an awkward silence. "that would be great thank you." he smiles.

we exchange details, talking about last experiences with different artists and songwriters. even though it's just a casual conversation, he has a way of listening to every word i'm saying and really paying attention.

"let me walk you to your car." he says, taking his phone back with my number in it. he smiles widely.

"oh no don't worry about it." i say reluctantly, reaching for my notebook and pen.

"i insist" he giggles. his laugh fills the empty room. how could i turn this down?

"fine." i roll my eyes, laughing with him.

i follow him out the studio doors and down to the road to my car, still discussing music.

"i can"t wait to see what you bring to the bands new music." he smiles, stopping outside his car.

"i'll see you later." i reply, waking back to my car. he waves at me before getting in his car. as he drives off, i'm left wondering what just happened.

i laugh quietly to myself, taken aback by the conversations that just happened.

i'm genuinely excited to start working with him.